Indian cuisine is an example of an unparalleled assortment of diverse ingredients, spicy flavors, pungent taste and tangy appeal which draws attention of every food enthusiast from various destinations across the globe. The country is an excellent destination to explore sundry scrumptious culinary styles with a different in style in spices in every corner. With lip smacking taste and aroma, it won’t be wrong to conclude that it has created a niche of its own which is appreciated and applauded by people across borders. The food industry of the country has been a steady witness to unlimited changes in the bygone eras which resulted today into considerable growth in the industry which increases the scope of culinary tours in India remarkably.
So here’s the itinerary for an elaborate culinary tour
Day 01: Arrive at Delhi
The beautiful and exotic culinary tour of India commences from the National Capital of the country, Delhi. On arrival at the airport our representative will receive you and escort you to the hotel booked. After checking in you can relax the rest of the day and stay at hotel for the night.
Day 02: Old Delhi Delight
The tour begins on the second day by visiting the amazing places of Old Delhi which has been a part of the rich heritage of the country. The destinations to be visited include Chadni Chowk, Red Fort. For the food lovers exploring the spice market named as Khari Baoli is a pure delight. Lunch can be enjoyed at paranthe wali gali which is famous for the lip smacking Delhi street food. The restaurant here welcomes the visitors with welcome drinks along with mouth watering starters. The main course here includes paranthas, lentils, curries, vegetables, pickles and salads. The main attraction here is the paranthas with diverse stuffing’s prepared with special spices. The next destination is a home stay where one can enjoy tips and tricks of Indian cooking and the style of making the dishes that amalgamates with the lifestyle. In the cook learning season you can get to know the various kinds of breads and its making popular in the country. The tour ends for the day after the session by coming back to hotel for night stay.
Day 03: Delhi to Dharamshala
The next day begins by having a filling breakfast at the hotel and then catching a flight to Dharamshala. Once reaching there, the first stop would be the villa booked where you can relax and enjoy the climate. The nearby popular tourist destination Mcleodganj can be visited for some sightseeing. Lunch can be enjoyed at the hotel. After lunch a stroll to the nearby monastery and the local market can be enjoying. Late in the evening return back to hotel to attend the cooking class organized by the Head Chef and assistant cooks of the hotel. Here one can learn about the simple Indian meals and staple foods of the country. Enjoy cocktail and delicious dinner at the hotel followed by night stay.
Day 04: Visit Kangra Valley
Day four of the tour begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel after which it’s a little over an hour drive to Kangra Valley at distance of 30.5kms. Once arrival, enjoy the famous sightseeing spots like the Jain Temple and the Fort. Lunch for the day would be arranged at a local residence where you will enjoy some Pahari food or Himalayan cooking. Enjoy dishes like Kaapa, Kafuli, Lasu, Dham, Mittha, Sidu, Babru, Chana Madra, Kadoo Ka khatta, Chh Ghost,Mash dal, Patande etc. It’s truly entertaining to speak to the locals and learn about their food and lifestyle and learn more about their spices and ways of cooking. Return back hotel and enjoy the relaxing time followed by cocktail dinner and night stay at the hotel.
Day 05: Dharamshala to Amritsar By Road
The day begins by having breakfast at the hotel and proceeding towards Amritsar. This is a 4 to 5 hours drive covering 205kms via NH20 and NH15. Before entering city enjoy a delicious lunch at a boutique hotel and then move forward to Amritsar for sightseeing. Enjoy the ever popular Golden Temple built in 1604, which is considered as a pious shrine irrespective of religion and caste. After visiting the temple enjoy food at a local restaurant serving authentic Punjabi Cuisine. Tandoori dishes and spicy cuisine along with best dairy products are a specialty here. Retire at the hotel for the night.
Day06: In Amritsar
Today the schedule comprises more of learning and less sightseeing. The morning however is for leisure so one can enjoy the local markets and purchase local goods and spices. Around lunchtime the tour begins for the day by visiting a local resident’s house for an intensive cooking class followed by lunch. The host is an expert chef in leading hotel industry and he will guide on cooking techniques and tips. You can learn to make tadka with versatile spices, (a must in every Indian recipe) and a full course meal. There will be dedicated hours to learn how to make naans and chapattis. Once lunch and classes are finished its time to visit the famous Wagah border and learn about the place. Enjoy the Retreat Ceremony here and return to hotel for dinner and night stay.
Day 07: Amritsar to Delhi by Flight/ Delhi to Jaipur by road
Today the day begins by proceeding towards airport post breakfast. At airport board the flight for Delhi and on arrival have lunch and get prepared for a drive to Jaipur which is based at a distance of 270kms. On arrival check in a hotel and relax. At night have dinner at the hotel premises followed by night stay.
Day 08: Jaipur Sightseeing
The eight day of the tour fully is dedicated for sightseeing at Jaipur. Enjoy the heritage palaces like Amber Fort and City Palace, Museum, Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal and have lunch at the popular eateries here. Enjoy the famous local dishes like dal bati churma, Laal Maas, Piyaz Kachori and Ghewar in the popular eateries here. Later check in the hotel in the evening for dinner and night stay.
Day 09: Jaipur to Agra by Road
The next day of the tour is scheduled for travelling to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Post breakfast take a drive to Agra at a distance of 240kms through Agra Bikaner Road. On the way enjoy the historical site of Fatehpur Sikri. Having lunch at a local restaurant, leave for Agra and reach there by evening. Here check in the hotel for a relaxing evening followed by dinner and night stay.
Day 10: Taj Mahal Tour
The day begins with an early morning visit to the Heritage site Taj Mahal. Return back to the hotel after visit and have breakfast and prepare for a sightseeing tour in Agra. Popular tourist destinations like Agra Red fort and Itmad ud Dulah can be visited during this time. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then there are cooking classes from expert chefs of Agra sharing knowledge on the historical and traditional cuisines of the country. The day ends by retiring to hotel for night stay.
Day 11: Agra to Lucknow by Train
The next day begins by visiting the railway station for a journey to Lucknow by train. On arrival check in the hotel and enjoy the lunch there. Afternoon time is free for relaxation. In the evening get prepared for a visit at the local market and learn about the tradition and lifestyle of the people based here. Return hotel for dinner and night stay.
Day 12: Lucknow
This day is dedicated for Lucknow tour. Lucknow came into prominence as the city of Nawabs which was famous for their interest in all forms of art including dance, music, and drama and not to forget specialized culinary skills. Visit the popular destinations like Bada Imambara, Jama Masjid and the museums based here. Lunch can be enjoyed at a local restaurant. One should try the Kebabs, Rogun Jush and Lucjnowi Biriyani here. Enjoy the famous street food here too in the evening. Return hotel for the night stay.
Day 13: Lucknow to Kolkata by Flight
The day begins by travelling to airport for the Kolkata flight. Once reaching there, check in the hotel and freshen up. Once done enjoy a leisure evening and dinner in an authentic Bengali restaurant enjoying Bengali cuisine.
Day 14: Kolkata
Kolkata city tour is scheduled for the day. Enjoy the city, the colorful markets and its authentic street food that taste awesome with hot cup of tea. Enjoy ferrie ride on the Hoogly River and have lunch in any Bengali restaurant. One can visit Victoria Memorial and Babughat in the evening and have dinner at the Bhajo Hari Manna an authentic Bengali food corner and come back for night stay at hotel
Day 15: Kolkata
Today half a day is dedicated for sightseeing in places like St Paul Cathedral, Mother Teresa house, High Court, Marble Palace, Park Street, Nicco Park etc. Enjoy Bengali food and night at hotel
Day 16: Departure
Today is the last day of the tour, so pack and collect all memories of the tour for a safe journey back home.