Foods of India Tour

OVERVIEW OF YOUR INDIA TOUR

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore and rediscover the culinary wealth of India on your gourmet tour of India. North India is known for its Mughlai cuisine, a creation of the chefs of the Mughal emperors. Known for its rich curries and heady aroma of spices, Mughlai cuisine has in store both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes for you. Up towards the North, the Kashmiri cuisine is known for its traditional feast or Waazwan, where many different meat dishes are prepared and served on a white sheet. The Kashmiris are very proud of their culinary skills.

Because of India’s long coastline, seafood is quite popular with India’s culinary experts. Different states in India have different recipes of preparing and cooking varieties of seafood. Different species of fish, crabs, shrimp, mussels and prawns are fried, baked, pickled, salted and preserved to make delicious dishes having a unique taste of their own.

Staple food items include various kinds of Indian flatbread, naan, chappatis, rotis, puris eaten along with vegetables, meat dishes, chutneys and pickles. In the South and East of the country, rice is the staple dish eaten at most meals along with pulses and yogurt.

South India is known for steamed and fried pancakes called idlis and dosas, made from ground rice flour and pulses. The Macchhi Bhat (Fish Curry and Rice) in West Bengal is stuck with the identification of Bengali community whether Brahmins or Non-Brahmins. Specially the Dal-Bati and Dal-Bafle of Rajasthan; Zarda (sweet rice) and Kabab Tikkas in Muslim cuisine; Dhokla and Khamand (sour snack item) of Gujarati cuisine; Five types of rice made in Tamil Nadu cuisine.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive at Delhi airport by flight TBA. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day at leisure
(No transportation envisaged)

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2 - IN DELHI

In the morning, proceed for the full day of sightseeing in Delhi. In Old Delhi drive past the historic Red Fort (photo stop from outside) – Shah Jehan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone. Very near the Fort is the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India’s largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan.

Go for an interesting rickshaw ride through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, you will also find many delicious cuisines on your way in Old Delhi is a part of the food tour of India. Tasting the Parathas at the Parathe Wali Gali, mouthwatering sweet dishes like jalebi in shops that are more than 140 years old. Fluids to accompany these dishes will be the world-famous Lassi and the genuine Chai of the Delhi streets. (Food is on a direct payment basis)

Afternoon guided sightseeing of New Delhi & drive past India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to President House, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings. Visit the Qutub Minar, a Tower of Victory that was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. You will observe the earliest examples of domes and arches in India and see the fusion of Hindu carving skills with Muslim technology and design.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 3 - DELHI TO LUCKNOW

After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi airport to board a flight to Lucknow.

The Nawabs of Lucknow (Awadhi) traced their origins from Persia and epitomized all that was magnificent, refined, and cosmopolitan in 18th/19th century India, representing the finest blend of Persian aesthetics, and Indian cultural values, Flavored by a remarkable French influence and a refined court cuisine, hence the city came known to be known as the “Paris of the East”. Awadhi Cuisine reached the heights of excellence as the Nawabs were not only gracious hosts but also extremely fond of good, tasty, and nutritious food. The art of slow cooking was perfected in Awadh.

You will be met on arrival at Lucknow airport and transferred to your hotel.

Later, in the evening we will take you to ‘Chowk’ the oldest marketplace of Lucknow to shop for the unique crafts of this Nawabi City. We walk in the by-lane of Chowk called “Gol Darwaza‟ – a place that was once a seat of numerous „Kothas‟ (a small entertainment studio where nautch girls performed in the evenings) now is a marketplace that is known to house the best of handicrafts and Chikan work. A heritage walk here will showcase the culture of this fabled city and take you into the bygone era. After a walk down this lane take a street cuisine walk down the lane adjacent to Akbari Gate. Tasting the best of meat dishes from the Awadhi menu from the places, where they originated from and have still been able to thrive on their own in the era of MacDonald‟s and KFC. You will experience the concept of food loyalty and the real taste of the original Tundey Kebabs, Kaleji Kebab, Raheem’s Nihari and Mobeen’s Pasanda Kebabs and finally sweeten the mouth with the Silver foiled Malai Gilori at Radhey’s. End this meal with local “Paan” Betel leaf with areca nut. Paan is chewed as a palate cleanser and a breath freshener. It is offered to guests and visitors as a sign of hospitality and at the beginning of social events. It has a symbolic value at ceremonies and cultural events in India. (Food is on a direct payment basis)

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 4 - LUCKNOW - AGRA

After breakfast proceed on the city tour, in which you will drive past Sadat Ali Tomb, “Chatar Manzil‟ – a part of this palace was built by a French architect, Claude Martin (as this palace has restricted entry, we can see it from outside from within the car) we enter the gateway of world’s most unique architecture, ‘Asifi Imambara’. This monument was built as a relief measure for a devastating famine, to employ the subjects of the state by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula’. This is the world’s biggest hall that is devoid of any pillar support, wood, iron beams or concrete walls. Salute the “Nawab” (Prince) lying in peace inside and proceed to see his noble work. Also, see the ‘Rumi Darwaza’ or the Turkish Gate and the Asfi Mosque. Later, visit the Husainabad Complex – The Clock Tower is the highest Clock Tower in Asia and in some ways superior to its counterpart, ‘Big Ben’. Today the clock stands motionless but has witnessed all times, the good, the bad
and the ugly. Now enter the Babylon of East, The Husainabad Imambara – known for its beauty and pieces of décor. This was built in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah and is still considered to be a sacred address by the natives. The beautiful chandeliers, silver seats, sandalwood décor and calligraphy on the walls all are so creative.

Later, start your drive towards Agra, upon arrival check-in at the hotel which will be followed by an overnight stay.

DAY 5 - AGRA

You will drive to visit the famous Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance stands on the banks of river Yamuna. The architecture is considered the finest specimen of the Mughal style of architecture. The architecture is highly inspired by different styles of architecture, which include Persian, Indian and Turkish. Taj Mahal architecture is truly splendid and one of its kind in the world. The design & layout of Taj Mahal never fails to enrapture architects, engineers, historians as well as common man. Afternoon, you will be exploring and enjoying the visit to the local market to taste some of the famous food of Agra in which you can try Bedai with Aloo Sabzi, Parathas, Bhalla, Dalmoth, Tandoori Chicken, Petha, Jalebi etc. Later, you will be visiting Agra Fort which is among the finest examples of the fusion architecture that has dominated the Mogul period. The assimilation of these different styles has given the buildings within the fort a distinctive look. To name a few, for example, the Jahangir Palace built by Akbar is the most magnificent blend of Persian and local style whereas Divan-e-Aam mixes subtleness of Turkish exteriors with the complex pattern of Persian architecture. Babur stayed in the fort in the palace of Ibrahim.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 6 - AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – JAIPUR

After breakfast start your drive towards Jaipur, you will stop at Fatehpur Sikri for a brief period. Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The city boasts of some of the magnificent monuments of the medieval period. Akbar, the great Mughal Emperor, made it the capital but was later abandoned due to scarcity of water. The buildings at Fatehpur Sikri present a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Some of the attractions at Fatehpur Sikri are the Panch Mahal, the Buland Darwaza and the Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti.

Later, continue driving towards Jaipur. Jaipur is also known as Pink City and the capital of Rajasthan. Famous travel destinations are well known for mesmerizing historic sites, magnificent monuments, spacious parks, chaotic streets, and spicy eateries on every corner.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 7 - JAIPUR

After breakfast, you will explore the massive Amber Fort. This morning you will drive 11 km in the outskirts of the city to visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Hall of Victory or Jai Mahal and Jagmandir. It has halls of Public and Private Audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces which are marvellous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. The Temple of Amba (Mother Goddess), the patron deity of the Royal family is at the entrance to the palace.

Thereafter, you will drive towards one of the most famous local restaurants in Jaipur known as Laxmi Misthan Bhandar, where you will have multiple options to enjoy some of the most famous cuisines such as Dal and Pyaaz Kachori, Rajasthani thali, Dal Bati Churma, and Kulfi. (Food is on a direct payment basis) Then you will be visiting the City Palace – the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles which houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes with ornate handles. It has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia, and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin, and Sanskrit. Also visit the Jantar Mantar – an astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century, which is remarkable for its accuracy even at the present times. Stop at the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) to take pictures. Time permitting visit the cottage industry specializing in hand-woven carpets & textiles. Witness how silk carpets are handmade.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaipur.

DAY 8 - JAIPUR - PUSHKAR

On day 08, after you have your breakfast, begin driving towards Pushkar.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy the city tour including Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Temple – one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva. The next visit is Dargah of Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi saint.

Stay overnight at the hotel in Pushkar.

DAY 9 - PUSHKAR - UDAIPUR

After breakfast, it is time to head toward your next destination, Udaipur.

On reaching Udaipur, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 10 - IN UDAIPUR

On day 10 after breakfast at the hotel, you will leave for the sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Begin your day with a visit to the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Jag Mandir, and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari.

After visiting all these attractions, you can visit Bada Bazaar and Mochiwada Bazaar to explore traditional Rajasthani products and try some authentic food. Stroll the lanes with the oldest food shop in the city of lakes, and taste a variety of royal snacks dhokla, kachori, namkeens, White feeni, and Ghevar. You can try a sip of a cup of masala chai (tea), and also taste rabid kulfi and a different variety of mouth fresheners (Paan). (Food is on a direct payment basis) Later, you will be enjoying a common boat ride at Lake Pichola in the evening with a fantastic sunset view.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 11 - UDAIPUR TO MUMBAI

Morning after breakfast start your drive towards Udaipur airport to board your flight for Mumbai.

Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, you will get a transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

DAY 12 - IN MUMBAI

After breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Mumbai first we visit Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, a two-century-old Temple that fulfils the desires of the worshipers. The city of Mumbai is a mute witness to places of worship & historical interest, which are not only popular but also of archaeological importance. The temple then was a small structure housing the black stone idol of Shree Siddhivinayak, which was two and a half feet wide. The outstanding feature of this deity is the tilt of the trunk to the right side. The idol has four hands (Chaturbhuj), which contains a lotus in the upper right, a small axe in the upper left, holy beads in the lower right and a bowl full of Modaks (a delicacy which is a perennial favourite with Shree Siddhivinayak). Flanking the deity on both sides are Riddhi & Siddhi, goddesses signifying sanctity, fulfilment, prosperity, and riches. Etched on the forehead of the deity is an eye, which resembles the third eye of Lord Shiva.

Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. Easily, one of the top art and history museums in India, it has a captivating Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. This Grade I Heritage Building also bagged the ‘2010 UNESCO Asia – Pacific Heritage Award’ for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Designed by the celebrated British architect, George Wittet, the museum boasts vast rare collections, including impressive Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, Indian miniature paintings, terracotta figurines from the Indus Valley, porcelain, and some vicious-looking weaponry. Visit the Gateway of India, erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V’s visit to this colony in 1911. Drive past the Afghan Church, Secretariat of Maharashtra Government and along the Marine Drive which is fondly known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’, visit Chowpatty, Kamala Nehru Park and Mani Bhawan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai.
In local cuisine in Mumbai, you can try some local dishes such as Vada-Pau, Missile-Pau, Sevpuri, Ragda-Pattice, Bombay Sandwich etc. You can also try Masala Tea, Lassi, Chaach, Badam Milk etc. from the available options to refresh yourself. In sweets, you can opt for different types of Modak, Shrikhand, Motichur Laddu etc. from the available options. (Food is on a direct payment basis)

Later, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 13 - MUMBAI - GOA

Morning after breakfast start your drive towards Mumbai airport to board your flight for Goa.

Upon arrival at Goa airport, you will get a transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

DAY 14 - GOA

After breakfast, we will do a half-day city tour of Panjim & Old Goa Churches.

Panjim city tours would take you to some of Goa’s most fascinating beaches and sacred shrines. The day starts with the palm-fringed beach of Dona Paula features prominently in tours of Panaji. The beach is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy during Portuguese rule. The beach has come to be known as a favourite shooting destination for Bollywood movies. It is also a popular hub for various water sports. Then visit the famous Miramar beach located very close to the Panaji town. As such the beach remains overcrowded most of the time, with locals and tourists indulging in a multitude of activities. From the beach, one can have a nice view of the Aguada fort across the river Mondovi. Proceed to Old Goa and visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus church is dedicated to Infant Jesus. An epitome of Baroque architecture, this church has been declared a World Heritage Monument. Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. On ‘Exposition,’ held once a decade, St. Francis Xavier’s body is displayed to the public. Later visit one of the largest churches in Asia; the Se Cathedral was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria since the Portuguese led by Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa on St. Catherine’s Day (November 25) in 1510. The church contains the Golden Bell used during the infamous Goa Inquisition.
Thereafter, we will take you to one of the famous restaurants in Goa to enjoy Goan Seafood Cuisine in which you can try Fish, Squids, Prawns, Crabs, Lobsters, Mussels, Oysters, Shellfish, Pomfret, Shark, Tuna, Red Snapper, Sea Bass, Barracuda, Jumbo Tiger Prawns, Black Snapper from the available options there (On a direct payment basis). Also, visit the Archaeological Museum in the abandoned Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. The 8 galleries of the Archaeological Museum in Old Goa display portraits and sculptures from the prehistoric to the late medieval period.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 15 - GOA

The day is at leisure to explore the beaches. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 16 - GOA - DELHI

After breakfast you will get a departure transfer to Goa airport to board your flight for Delhi, which will further connect your flight for onward destination.

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