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TripCompanion / Taste of India

Taste of India

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$4430

Prepare yourself for a sizzling adventure on this Culinary-Travel tour. Food is an amazing and delicious pathway to understanding a culture and what better way than to discover the fine art of cooking Indian meals and savor the fragrant scents of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and other colorful spices firsthand.

See the magnificent Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaipur City Palace, and Elephanta Caves. Taste regional Indian cuisines from Rajasthani, Mughal, Awadhi, and Parsi. Each of these exotic cuisines reflects their home climate, history, and religion.

12 Days, 11 Nights: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TOUR

A mesmerizing view of the Taj Mahal at sunset

Impressive Architecture from a Glorified Past

Famous for its many historical monuments and the architectural skill involved, each historical monument possesses great history with its own specific identity. From its many past rulers, it has resulted in the numerous forts, palaces, and fine architecture. Many royal palaces and forts are awarded as UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

Discover New Destinations with
Delicious Food Tastings

North Indian cuisine is very famous for its collection of snacks and finger foods. As you travel into various cities, you’ll get to sample the unique flavors behind each culture. Unlike other parts of the country, the food is less spicy here, allowing the unique blend of spices to be better appreciated.

Food Tasting at Agra
mainfoodindia-1

The Influence From Food Culture

Discover the delightful taste of traditional cuisine and learn where some of the food is locally sourced, sold and prepared. Get personal insights from our local food guides and chefs, whilst exploring top tourist destinations that will have you experiencing the culture of India firsthand.

 

Your Journey

12 Days and 11 Nights
Culinary Tour
India
Leisure Tour
The Ultimate Cultural Experience
    1

    Meet Up at Delhi (DEL) | Arrival & Transfer

    Upon arriving at Delhi airport, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the hotel for the remainder of the day.
    2

    Delhi | Food Talks, Spice Market

    Start the day with breakfast and a food talk by a local food guide expert. Every state of India has its own gastronomic secrets, distinct flavors, traditional recipes, and cooking styles. Since Delhi is the capital, people from all over India come here for work and inject their home cooking styles into the Delhi food scene.
    Visit a spice market to savor the fragrant scents of cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and many other spices. Then enjoy an evening dinner at a Haveli (mansion) with classic dance performance and more food talk
    • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast     Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

    LOCAL SPICE MARKET EXPERIENCE
    The sounds, crowds, materials, artisans and fine stories are combined in one place giving the feel of the country. 

    FRESH MILK DELIVERIES
    In Delhi, see how fresh produce and milk from the local farms are prepared and produced for delivery.

    STREET FOOD IN DELHI
    Sample some of the most delicious street food to soak in the real flavors of the city. Sink your teeth into these local delicacies.

    3

    Delhi | Humayun Tomb , Qutab Minar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk Rickshaw Ride, Cooking Demo

    As we travel through both Old and New Delhi, don’t forget to photograph Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House), Parliament House and India Gate to your album.
    Let’s tour Humayun’s Tomb - one of the best preserved Mughal monuments and best example of Mughal architecture in India, Qutab Minar - the world’s tallest brick tower, and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Experience a busy & bustling local bazaar on a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, followed by an evening cooking demonstration with dinner (butter chicken, Yummy!)
    • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast     Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

    HUMAYUN'S TOMB 
    A fusion of Persian and Mughal architecture that inspired the magnificent Taj Mahal.

    DELHI CITY CAPITAL
    Capital of at least 8 civilizations, each with a trail of monuments.

    TANDOORI CHICKEN & BIRYANI RICE 
    Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices,  roasted in a cylindrical clay oven. 

    4

    Delhi – Jaipur | Rajasthani Cuisine Food Talk

    Today’s lesson is on Rajasthani cuisine which reflects the art of cooking in a desert climate and the influence of the Rajput class of society. After breakfast, we'll check out and drive to Jaipur. Then dinner at Durbar Hall in Diggi Palace with more food talk about preparing Rajasthani delicacies.
    • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

    DIGGI PALACE
    Heritage hotels in India assure a stay filled with richness and aura of the past. 

    Fried Dessert, Jalebis
    A tasty treat! Deep fried and then soaked in sugar syrup.

    5

    Jaipur | Amber Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Stepwell, Rajasthani Cultural Village

    Today is about exploring the many palaces that represents the finest of India royalty. Continue to Sheesh Mahal, "Palace of Mirrors" which takes its name from the reflective glass tiles that embellish the interior. And then to Hawa Mahal, a palace so named because it was essentially a high screen wall built so the women of the royal household could observe street festivals while remaining unseen from the outside. City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture.
    We spend the evening at Chokhi Dhani to enjoy traditional performances of dancers & acrobats, snack stalls, paintings, costumes and tasty Rajasthani thali cuisine at this Rajasthani Culture Village.
    • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast   Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

    ROYAL PALACES OF THE PAST
    Glimpse into the past to see the fine architecture that past royals resided in.

    Amer Fort USA to India Tour

    AMBER FORT
    Historic 16-century site that overlooks the picturesque Maota Lake in Jaipur.

    HAWA MAHAL (WIND PALACE) 
    Lattice windows for royal ladies to observe street life without being seen.

    6

    Jaipur – Agra | Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Food Talk

    Today’s lesson is on Mughlai cuisine which varies from mild to spicy dishes with a distinctive aroma from the ground and whole spices. We'll make our way to Agra for a tour of some of India's finest architectures.
    Explore legendary Taj Mahal as it's described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. Agra Fort boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls. Then size down to Itmad-ud-Daula tomb which has often been regarded as the inspiration for the Tāj Mahal.
    • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

    AGRA FORT
    UNESCO World Heritage Site, a representative of the Mughal architectural tradition. 

    TAJ MAHAL
    A love poem composed of stone. Many hail it as the most beautiful building on the planet.

    ITMAD-UD-DAULA TOMB
    Often described as a "jewel box", and regarded as the inspiration for the Tāj Mahal.

    7

    Agra - Lucknow | Awadhi Cooking Demo

    Today’s lesson is on Awadhi cuisine. This cuisine is greatly influenced by Mughal cooking techniques with similarities to Middle East and Central Asia cuisine. We will be driving to Lucknow. Famed for its refined culture, classical dance and spicy cuisine, Lucknow is a historic city intricately linked to the "beginning of the end" of the British Raj. Then end the evening for an Awadhi cuisine cooking demonstration and dinner.
    Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

    AWADHI CUISINE
    Vegetarian-friendly dishes with exotic spices, herbs and garnished with dry fruits.

    LIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATION
    Discover the fine art of Indian cuisine and reinvigorate your taste buds with live demonstrations by professional chefs.

    CULTURE OF LUCKNOW
    A multicultural city, courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and more.

     
    8

    Lucknow | City Tour, Awadhi Cuisine Food Talk

    Join your local guide to visit the highlights of Lucknow, including the British Residency, Bara Imambara and the labyrinthine pathways of the Bhul Bhulaiya. Explore the bustling Aminabad Market, which is justly famous for jewelry as well as its many pickle shops! Enjoy a local Awadhi food talk followed by dinner.
    • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast     Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

    BARA IMAMBARA 
    A gigantic Islamic tomb with an unusual labyrinth of corridors making a visit here particularly special for travelers.

    BRITISH RESIDENCY
    Several buildings in a common precinct, this historical site features the ruins of a refuge for British citizens during the Revolt of 1857.

    9

    Lucknow - Mumbai | Food Talk

    Today’s lesson is Parsi cuisine. Parsi (Persian) food came to India during the Arab invasion of 636–651 AD and is popular in Mumbai and Pakistan. Relax this morning and then fly to Mumbai today. We will end today with Mumbai style cuisine (including street food and more) for dinner and more food talk.
    • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast     Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

    PANIPURI
    A common street snack that's round, fried and hollow bursting with flavor inside.

    MUMBAI (BOMBAY) HARBOR 
    Enjoy views of the iconic Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Hotel

    MUMBAI MANGO MARKET
    India is the worlds largest producer of mangoes, with hundreds of varieties.

    10

    Mumbai | Cooking Demo

    Enjoy breakfast at the hotel while this morning is free to relax and enjoy the hotel or explore this bustling city on your own. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a Parsi cooking demonstration followed by dinner.
    • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Cooking Demo & Dinner

    PARSI FOOD
    Parsi Cuisine refers to the traditional cuisine of the Parsis of India and Pakistan. 

     
    11

    Mumbai | Elephanta Island, City Tour, High Tea

    After breakfast, cruise across the harbor to explore the amazing Elephanta Island and its famous caves, with carvings and sculptures dating back to 550 A.D. Then spend the remaining half day for a city tour exploring the city highlights, starting with the Gateway of India, a monument that commemorates the landing of King George V and Queen Mary.
    Later this afternoon, follow English tradition to partake in high tea to remember the British colonization of India for a century. Experience old colonial charm and an elaborate buffet spread of classic English delicacies and local Indian favorites complemented with fine teas and coffee.
    • Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast    Have fun on one of our travel tours with everything include lunches that are prepared and convenient for you. We take the stress away from our guests and allow your more time to really enjoy themselves.   High Tea
     

    ELEPHANTA ISLAND
    Marvel at the intricate 550 AD cave temples in Mumbai Harbor.

    GATEWAY OF INDIA
    Gateway of India is India's most valued structure, which was built in 1924. 

    VICTORIA TERMINUS
    A historic railway station and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    12

    Mumbai | End of Tour

    Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel then the tour comes to an end. Please inform us of your international or India domestic flight schedule in order to schedule your airport transfer to Mumbai (BOM) airport.
    Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast

    Hotel Information

    DestinationHotelsRating
    Delhi★★★★
    Jaipur★★★★
    Agra★★★★★
    Lucknow★★★★
    Mumbai★★★★
     Hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of reservation. 

    Dates & Pricing

    PRIVATE JOURNEYS
    YearTour Dates2 Persons* 4 Persons*6-10 Persons*
    2018Sept 1 - Dec 15$4,950$4,805$4,430
    2019Jan 10 – Apr 30$4,950$4,805$4,430
    2019Sept 1 - Dec 15$5,200$5,045$4,660
    2020Jan 10 – Apr 30$5,200$5,045$4,660
     

    Price Details

    • ‣ Daily departures except for Sundays.
    • ‣ Tour does not operate during the Diwali holiday
    • ‣ Prices are in USD and are inclusive of all applicable taxes but do not include airfare.
    • ‣ Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply during applicable major holidays. Special rates for single travelers or larger groups are available on request - please inquire.

    Deposit

    • ‣ A deposit of $500 per person is required upon booking and full payment to be made 70 days prior to departure date.
    • ‣ Domestic Airfare - Lucknow to Mumbai Airfare from: US$44 (Exact fare varies depending on actual booking date)

    Flight Add-On

    • ‣ We work with all major airlines for the best routes and competitive pricing.
    • ‣ The nearest airport for starting the tour is DEL (Indira Gandhi International, Delhi).
    • ‣ The nearest airport for ending the tour is BOM (Chhatrapati Shivaji International, Mumbai).
    • ‣ Contact us for more detail and pricing.

    Inclusions

    • ‣ Airport Transfers, Meet and Greet
    • ‣ Hotel Accommodations
    • ‣ Daily Breakfast and Selected Meals (See tour plan for details)
    • ‣ English-speaking Local Guide
    • ‣ Entrance Fees to Monuments & Attractions per Itinerary

    Exclusions

    • ‣ Air Fare
    • ‣ Travel Insurance
    • ‣ Medical Expense
    • ‣ Visa Fee
    • ‣ Gratuity
    • ‣ Personal Expense