India - The Culinary Journey

Itinerary

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• Day 1 - Arrival in Delhi

  Arrive in Delhi where you will be met by our representative who will escort you to the luxurious five-star Park Hotel for an overnight stay.
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  On arrival at the Delhi International Airport, go through the Customs and Immigration procedures. After clearing with customs, you will be met by our representative and escorted to The Park New Delhi for check in. This is a five star hotel overlooking the historic 18th century observatory Jantar Mantar.

• Day 2 - Delhi

  Begin the day in Delhi with a tour of the city, highlighting the Red Fort (a Unesco World Heritage Site), Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque) and Raj Ghat (a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi). You will then be whisked away on a Cycle Rickshaw ride to the world famous Spice Market, following your walk through the Spice Market, you will have lunch at “Karims” in the Old City. Return to your hotel to enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L)
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  After breakfast please meet with your guide for a tour of Delhi. We will begin with a driving tour past the Shah Jehan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone (The Red Fort) which is a World Heritage Site dating back from the peak of Mughal power. This red sandstone building is one of the most important building complexes in India. We continue on to the Jama Masjid – India’s largest mosque dating back to 1650, our driving tour will also take us past Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, where an eternal flame burns in his honor. You will disembark at the Red Fort and be whisked away on a Cycle Rickshaw for a thrilling ride to the Spice Market in Old Delhi. As you wander through the market observing the giant jars of chutney, lentils, rice and mounds of spices it is not hard to imagine what it was like years ago in one of the oldest wholesale spice markets in the world. After walking through the Spice Market we will have lunch at “Karims” in the Old City. This modest roadside dhaba (eatery) is a landmark serving the most authentic Mughlai fare in the city. Haji Zahiruddin (grandfather of the present owner) comes from a family whose bloodline extends back to the chefs who honed their culinary wizardry in the nearby Red Fort for the Mughal emperor until the British rule in 1897, returning to set up shop after exile in 1911. We will return to the hotel after lunch where you will have the afternoon and evening to enjoy at your leisure. (B, L)

• Day 3 - Delhi

  After breakfast we will visit Humayun’s Tomb, followed by a visit to Raisina Hill, one of the most colonial parts of New Delhi and where many of India’s most prominent government buildings are housed. From there we will visit The Bahá'í House of Worship. The evening promises an unforgettable dinning experience at The Spice Route restaurant (Rated top ten in the world by Condé Nast Traveler). Return to hotel. (B, D)
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  We begin by visiting Humayun’s Tomb (a Unesco World Heritage Site) the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent, built in 1570 and an inspiration for the Taj Mahaul. From here we travel to the colonial area of New Delhi known as Raisina Hill. We will drive past the Viceroy's House ( Rashtrapati Bhawan) and Lutyen's magnum opus; the India Gate. From here we will drive to The Bahá'í House of Worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flower like shape. Since its inauguration in 1986, it has become one of the most visited edifices in the world! This evening, we will dine at The Spice Route restaurant, this renowned restaurant is located in the Imperial Hotel. Prior to dinner we will have a short introduction on the restaurant (heralded as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler)! Designed by Rajeev Sethi, the celebrated cultural czar of India, this stunning decor takes you on a fantasy tour through the Orient. The Spice Route boasts a menu that ensnares the taste buds of a seasoned food connoisseur and has been designed to reflect the journey of the spice trade. Return to your hotel. (B, D)

• Day 4 - Delhi / Agra

  We will have an early morning transfer to the New Delhi Train station for departure to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra will visit the Agra Fort an important 16th century Mughal monument and Unesco World Heritage Site. Transfer to your luxury hotel for check in. In the afternoon we will visit the majestic Tal Mahal (Unesco World Heritage Site) and learn about the greatest love story ever told. Following our tour we will learn the art of Tandoori cooking at Peshawri. You will enjoy a lavish spread of Tandoori delicacies paired with an exclusive selection of wines from this award winning restaurant. (B, D)
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  We will have an early morning, transfer to the New Delhi Train Station where we will board a train to Agra. Our train will depart Delhi at 6:15 am and arrive in Agra at 8:15 am (via the Shatabdi Express). Upon arrival at the Agra train station we will proceed to visit the Agra Fort (Unesco World Heritage Site) an important 16th century Mughal monument, bearing witness to a civilization which has disappeared. Behind its forbidding red sandstone battlements lie palaces that tell the story of the Moghul Empire. After we complete the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. In the afternoon, we will visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. On the death of his beloved wife, Emperor Shah Jahan built her this memorial. Sir Edwin Arnold conveys the meaning of the tribute as "Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones." After learning how love transcends time we will learn how to lovingly prepare the Tandoori Cuisine of the North West Frontier in India with a hands on cooking experience at Peshawri. You will be enthralled with this premier restaurant's ambience, reminiscent of the rustic experience of dining in tents under a starry sky in the desert. Peshwari brings an award winning menu to Agra, featuring delicacies cooked in the clay tandoor. You will enjoy a lavish spread of delicious kebabs (vegetarian choices available) complimented with a choice of Indian breads and the inimitable Dal Bukhara. Your culinary choices will be paired with an exclusive collection of wines or other beverages. (B, D)

• Day 5 - Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur

  Depart for Jaipur, the largest and capital city of Rajasthan (also known as the pink city). As we journey towards Jaipur we will stop en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri (A World Heritage Site) that is also referred to as the “City of Victory”. This complex of monuments includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. We continue on our journey to the oasis of The Bagh, Bharatur where we will have a wonderful lunch offering a variety of cuisines including the unique regional cuisine of Braj. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L)
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  After a pleasant breakfast we will depart for Jaipur. This is the largest and capital city of Rajasthan, which is also popularly known as the Pink City. As we journey towards Jaipur, we will stop en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri (A World Heritage Site) also referred to as the City of Victory and described as an epic poem in sandstone. Built by the Emperor Akbar the Great, the city was completed in 1569 and deserted 14 years later because its water supply failed. This complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. We continue on our journey to the oasis of The Bagh, Bharatur where we will have a wonderful lunch offering a variety of cuisines including the unique regional cuisine of Braj. This is a luxury heritage resort over two hundred years old, set amid twelve acres of lush greenery, flowering plants and over fifty species of diverse flora. We are continuing on to Jaipur where you will check into the ITC Rajputana hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L) 240 K (149 miles) / 7 hour drive

• Day 6 - Jaipur

  Today we will journey seven miles north of Jaipur to the Amber Fort, which is set in the picturesque Aravalli Hills. This magnificent palace is often referred to as “The Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan”, as the rough red sand stone exterior bellies the magnificence found within. We will have lunch at Niro’s, a Jaipur institution, enjoy a late afternoon Elephant Safari followed by dinner. (B,L,D)
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  Jaipur is one of the finest planned cities in India, located in the semi-desert lands of Rajasthan. Once the capital of the royalty; now, it is the capital city of Rajasthan. Today we will journey seven miles north of Jaipur to the Amber Fort (pronounced Amer) the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachwahas of Amber, before the capital was shifted to the present day Jaipur. The Amber Fort is set in the picturesque Aravalli Hills. The Amber Fort is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592, out of red sand stone and white marble, its rustic forbidding exterior belies the inner paradise found within. This beautiful jewel box is a fusion of art and architecture, but built to defend from warring enemies. This magnificent palace is often referred to as “The Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan” and is a place that will awaken your visual senses like no other! We will have lunch at Niro’s, established in 1949 and one of the most popular restaurants in Jaipur. In the late afternoon, we will enjoy a majestic Elephant Safari (under the direction of a skilled trainer), with dinner following. (B,L,D)

• Day 7 - Jaipur

  We will greet the day with one of the most stunning sights in the city of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). From here we proceed to the City Palace (the former royal residence), Following our tour of the City Palace we will journey to the exquisite Samode Haveli Hotel, an intimate heritage hotel hidden in the folds of the busy Jaipur streets. Here we will have the pleasure of participating in a culinary class and learning from one of their prominent chefs. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening at your leisure. (B,L,D)
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  This morning we greet the day with one of the most stunning sights in the city of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). This iconic Jaipur landmark was built in 1799 by the Poet King Sawai Pratap Singh. There are 953 sandstone windows through which the wind (or hawa) flows. This five story building overlooking the bazar is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture. From here we proceed to the City Palace (the former royal residence). Within this imposing complex is the Mubarak Mahal palace, which at one time was the palace of welcome, the building is now a museum housing a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes (including exquisite pashmina shawls) and an armory. Following our tour of the City Palace, we will make our way through the Pink City to the exquisite Samode Haveli Hotel. This is an intimate heritage hotel hidden deep in the folds of the busy streets of old Jaipur. This two hundred year-old mansion has ornately carved archways, exotic murals and the original mosaics. We will have the pleasure of participating in a culinary class and learning from one of their prominent chefs. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening at your leisure. (B,L,D)

• Day 8 - Jaipur / Rohet Garh

  Early departure for our drive to Rohet Garh. After check in we will be served a lovely lunch. Please enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure. (B, L)
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  Early departure for our drive to a haven of peace and tranquility, the Rohet Garth Heritage Hotel and ancestral home since 1622 AD, where we will be their honored guest. After check in, you will enjoy a lovely lunch featuring traditional Rajasthani cuisine. You will have the afternoon and evening to explore this breathtaking oasis. (B, L)

• Day 9 - Rohet Garh

  Enjoy a half day Village Safari in the rural area of western Rajasthan. Following the safari we will experience the majesty of a Royal Picnic. Return to your hotel to enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L)
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  Following a beautiful breakfast, we will enjoy a half day Village Safari in a remote rural area of western Rajasthan. You will have the rare privilege of being welcomed into the villager’s homes and have the opportunity to meet with the “Bishnois” (premier ecologist of the world) who have protected nature for more than five hundred years and are responsible for the survival of the Black Buck Antelope. Following our safari, we will be treated to a Royal Picnic Lunch, stepping back in time to experience the indulgence of a bygone era. We will be returning to the hotel to enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L)

• Day 10 - Rohet Garh

  Explore the area on Camel Safari followed by lunch. A Culinary Workshop is planned for the evening focusing on traditional Indian cuisine. (B,L,D)
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  Enjoy an exotic Camel Safari exploring this beautiful area, with its numerous lakes and abundant wildlife that includes two hundred species of birds. Following our safari, we will enjoy a wonderful lunch. In the evening, we will experience a unique Culinary Workshop learning to create an array of delectable dishes featuring recipes created by the owner's mother and featured in her cookbooks. (B,L,D)

• Day 11 - Rohet Garh / Udaipur

  We will depart for Udaipur stopping to visit the temples at Ranakpur. Check into the “Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace hotel”, built in 1911 and converted into a hotel in the 1960‘s. In the afternoon enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, D)
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  Depart for Udaipur, stopping en route to visit the famous temples at Ranakpur, the most magnificent Jain temples in India. Check into the “Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace hotel”, built in 1911 and converted into a hotel in the 1960‘s. This spectacular palace has hosted various heads of state, Kings, Princes and governor generals. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola (subject to water and weather conditions). Spend the evening at your leisure. (B, D)

• Day 12 - Udaipur / Delhi

  After a half day city tour that will include the City Palace, Garden of the Maids of Honor and an excavated lake from the 17th century you will be transferred to the airport for departure to Delhi where you will meet your connecting flight home. (B)
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  Today we will have a half-day city tour to the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, which is now a museum. It consists of several flawlessly integrated palaces, which overlook the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Visit Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honor) the scene of royal parties for centuries. Drive around Fateh Sagar Lake, excavated in the late 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh and past the Kala Mandir (Puppet Museum) and the Cenotaph of Maharana Pratap, ending with the Jagdish temple. Transferring to the airport for your return flight to Delhi where you will connect with your flight home. (B)