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TripCompanion / Taste of India

Taste of India

$3140

per person

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 regional Indian specialties 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.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Elephanta Caves, Humayun’s Tomb, Jaipur, Qutab Minar, Taj Mahal, Victoria Terminus

12 Days, 11 Nights: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai  ✦  Customizable Private Tour

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
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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


Tour Plan
Hotels
Dates & Prices

12 Days and 11 Nights
Culinary Tour
Deals
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 Talk, Cooking Demo and Market Visit, City Tour

    Start the day with breakfast and a food talk by a local food expert for a road map to the diverse Indian food culture and history. 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 local vegetable market, then return to hotel for a cooking demonstration and lunch.
    Afternoon, city tour of New Delhi. Qutab Minar - the world’s tallest brick tower, Humayun’s Tomb - one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments.
    Enjoy an evening dinner at a Haveli (mansion) with classical dance performance.
    • 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.  Lunch  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.

    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 | Tour of Old Delhi, Cooking Demo at Local Family

    After breakfast, tour of OLD DELHI: Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Experience one of the oldest and busy bazaars, Chandni Chowk. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
    Visit a spice market (Khari Bowli) to savor the fragrant scents of cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and many other spices. Continue for our food tasting at Parantha Wali Gali (Fried Bread Street) and legendary food hall Haldiram (since 1982).
    End this evening with a cooking demonstration and dinner at the home of a local family. Enjoy the home cooking of butter chicken, Dal, vegetable and Roti.
    • 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.  Food Tasting    Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

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

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

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

    4

    Delhi – Jaipur | Rajasthani Cuisine Food Talk

    After breakfast, drive to Jaipur.

    •  

    Today’s lesson is about Rajasthani cuisine which reflects the art of cooking in a desert climate and the influence of the Rajput class of society. In the afternoon, visit Diggi Palace for your food talk about preparing Rajasthani delicacies 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

    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 | Jaipur | Royal Fort and Palaces, Rajasthani Cultural Village

    Today is about exploring the many palaces that represents the finest of India royalty.
    Visit the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput construction, perched on a hillside overlooking the dusty plains, regal palaces, sleepy villages, and stone carved temples below.  Reaching its summit on a jeep (or request an elephant ride during reservation), we enjoy a tour of the fort's well-preserved interior grounds including Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) with its interior embellished with reflective glass tiles.
    Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), it’s high screen wall allowed the women of the royal household to observe street life without being seen. Continue to City Palace, an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City with a series of temples, pavilions, gardens and palaces.
    We end today at a Rajasthani Culture Village, Chokhi Dhani. Enjoy the evening with traditional performances by dancers and acrobats, visiting snack stalls, viewing paintings, costumes and a tasty Rajasthani thali 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

    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, Mughlai Cuisine

    After breakfast, drive to Agra.
    Explore legendary Taj Mahal, it's described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. It is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
    This evening, our food talk is about Mughlai cuisine which varies from mild to spicy dishes with a distinctive aroma from the ground and whole spices. Followed by a Mughlai 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

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

    7

    Agra - Lucknow | Antique Jewelry Exhibition, Awadhi Cooking Demo

    After an early breakfast, drive to Lucknow (7 hour drive). Famed for its refined culture, classical Kathak dance, spicy cuisine and embroidery, Lucknow is a historic city intricately linked to the "beginning of the end" of the British Raj.
    Afternoon, visit the house of an artifact collector to see the collection of antique jewelry.
    This evening’s lesson is on Awadhi cuisine. This cuisine is greatly influenced by Mughal cooking techniques with similarities to Middle East and Central Asia cuisine. End the evening with 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 | Lucknow | City Tour, Awadhi Cuisine

    Early morning dairy farm visit and see how fresh produce and milk from the local farms are prepared for delivery. Enjoy a morning masala tea at a local tea vendor.
    After breakfast join your local guide to visit the highlights of Lucknow, including the British Residency - a famous historical landmark offering a fascinating historical glimpse into the first stages of the fall of the British Raj, Bara Imambara - a magnificent mosque and palace complex including 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!
    This afternoon, see the art behind the traditional Lucknowi embroidery and zardozi work (Chikankari) guided by an expert and including a demonstration.
    This evening enjoy local Awadhi food dinner at a local restaurant.
    • 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 | Street Food Talk, Mumbai Cuisine

    Breakfast at hotel. Later transfer to Lucknow airport and fly to Mumbai. Arrive at Mumbai airport with assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
    Late afternoon food talk on Mumbai food and local street food. We tour Chaupati beach, a famous beach and popular place for street food for both local and tourists. We end the day with Mumbai style cuisine for 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

    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 | Elephanta Island, City Tour, Parsi Cooking Demo

    After breakfast, cruise across the Mumbai Harbor to explore the amazing Elephanta Island and its famous caves, with carvings and sculptures dating back to 550 A.D.
    Afternoon visit to Mumbai city. Gateway of India - a monument that commemorates the landing of King George V and Queen Mary, Crawford Market, the Prince of Wales Museum and Victoria Terminus, Hanging Gardens, Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s home and Museum.
    This evening, visit a Parsi home.Tonight’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. 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

    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. 

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

     
    11

    Mumbai | High Tea

    Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a leisurely morning.
    Later this afternoon transfer to the legendary Taj Mahal Hotel. Enjoy high-tea at Sea Lounge following English tradition. 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
     

    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 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
    Overview
    Hotels
    Dates & Prices

    Hotel Information

    DestinationHotelsRating
    Delhi★★★★
    Jaipur★★★★
    Agra★★★★★
    Lucknow★★★★
    Mumbai★★★★
     Hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of reservation. 
    Overview
    Tour Plan
    Dates & Prices

    Dates & PricingPRIVATE JOURNEYS

    YearTour Dates4 Persons* 6-8 Persons*10-12 Persons*
    2020Jan 10 – Mar 30$3,910$3,640$3,425
    2020Apr 1 - Sep 15$3,635$3,360$3,140
    2020Oct 1 – Dec 20$4,185$3,895$3,665
     

    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 $300 per person is required upon booking and full payment to be made 90 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 Expenses
    • ‣ Visa Fee
    • ‣ Gratuity
    • ‣ Personal Expenses
     
    Overview
    Tour Plan
    Hotels