Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Bijaipur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Goa
Day 01: Hello and welcome to India! Dive into the vibrant chaos of Delhi, brimming with historical sites, museums, and lively bazaars. Join us at 6 pm for a crucial welcome meeting before embarking on a delicious North Indian cuisine adventure. Indulge in a diverse thali feast at a local restaurant, followed by a stroll to savor Delhi’s finest kulfi falooda at a hidden gem eatery. Your memorable food journey awaits!
Day 02: Explore Old Delhi’s vibrant food scene with a street food breakfast featuring deep-fried kachori, potato curry, jalebi, and paratha flatbread. Don’t miss the renowned chai wallah’s milky tea. Visit Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque, then ride a rickshaw to Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest markets. Explore spice warehouses, taste parathas at Gali Paranthe Wali, and enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a Sikh temple. Consider opting for a home-cooked dinner with a local family for an authentic experience and a glimpse into daily life in Delhi.
Day 03: Hop on a local train to Agra, renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal and rich Mughal heritage. Explore the Agra Fort’s intricate architecture, then enjoy a Mughlai cooking demo featuring dishes like malai ki sabzi and onion paratha. Afterward, visit the Taj Mahal, savoring the changing scenes from day to evening. Consider a chaat crawl for a diverse taste of this savory snack from roadside stalls, promising a flavorful adventure.
Day 04: Leave Agra behind and head to Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City.’ Designed by royalty, Jaipur captivates with its pink buildings and lively bazaars. Take a rickshaw ride to the iconic Hawa Mahal, capture some photos, and explore an open-air food court for local delights like thali, pav bhaji, masala dosa, and sweet treats. In the evening, experience the glitz of a Bollywood blockbuster at Raj Mandir Cinema, featuring action, romance, drama, and music. Your leader can offer dinner suggestions as well.
Day 05: Explore the Amber Fort in the old capital of Amber, perched on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. Marvel at the Sheesh Mahal’s mesmerizing mirror-covered walls. Indulge in a local favorite, kachori, a deep-fried bread stuffed with veggies and lentils. For a sweet treat, savor mawa kachori – fried and sugar-coated, filled with dried fruit and milk solids. Join a hands-on cooking class for plant-based Rajasthani dishes, such as fragrant ker sangri made with dried berries and beans. Enjoy your creations in the serene garden of your hosts.
Day 06: Escape the city and head to a historic stay in the Vindhyanchal Hills of south-central Rajasthan. Experience rural life, and culinary traditions, and savor lunch at a local restaurant. Stay for two nights at Castle Bijaipur, a 16th-century heritage hotel with colonial and Mughal architecture, nestled within the original fortified walls. Relax by the pool or in the gardens and immerse yourself in the renowned Mewar hospitality.
Day 07: Embark on a jeep adventure through vibrant farming communities, surrounded by fields of diverse crops. Explore India’s rich agricultural region, featuring wheat, corn, lentils, spices like turmeric and cumin, and more. Return to your heritage stay and join the estate’s chef for a hands-on Rajasthani cooking experience. Enjoy a memorable lunch on the palace grounds with your small group, savoring the flavors of the day’s harvest.
Day 08: Explore Udaipur, renowned for its Hindu and Jain temples. Experience the unique Jain cuisine, strictly vegetarian and avoiding root vegetables due to spiritual beliefs. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a breathtaking view of the city’s central lakes at sunset.
Day 09: Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes,’ encircles Lake Pichola with captivating temples, opulent palaces, and charming merchant homes. Explore its narrow streets filled with Rajasthani goods and visit the expansive City Palace, a treasure trove of vibrant murals, antiques, and royal artifacts. Enjoy the rest of the day for your discoveries.
Day 10: Start your day by exploring a local market, and gathering fresh ingredients for a traditional north Indian thali cooking class in Udaipur. Learn to prepare a delicious vegetarian thali with rice, dahl, vegetables, roti, papad, curd, chutney, and a sweet dish. After cooking, savor your creation for lunch. Later, transfer to the Abu Road train station and board an overnight train to Mumbai, departing in the late evening and arriving the next day after midday.
Day 11: Arrive in Mumbai after your overnight train, reaching your hotel by mid-afternoon. Known as Bombay until its name change in 1995, Mumbai is India’s commercial capital and largest city. Some would say that Mumbai is also the food capital of India. This is the heart of Marathi cuisine, but you’ll also find huge culinary diversity that celebrates regional cuisines from across the country. In the late afternoon, wander down Marine Drive to Chowpatty Beach. Enjoy the sunset and snack on bhel puri (tangy puffed rice and vegetable chaat), pav bhaji, and other renowned Mumbai street foods.
Day 12: Explore Mumbai’s highlights, starting with the historic Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry. Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Crawford Markets before enjoying Parsi cuisine for lunch. Take a post-meal stroll to the Gateway of India and explore the Colaba street market. The evening is yours for culinary adventures, with options ranging from high tea at the Taj Hotel to budget-friendly local eateries. Follow your group leader’s recommendations for a memorable night out!
Day 13: Fly from Mumbai to Goa for a leisurely escape. Embrace the laid-back pace of Goa, infused with Portuguese charm, pristine beaches, cultural richness, and delectable cuisine. Explore lush spice farms, discovering the cultivation, harvesting, and preparation of aromatic spices used in Goan dishes and Ayurvedic practices. Conclude your visit with a delightful lunch at the spice farm, immersing yourself in Goa’s unique flavors before heading back to the vibrant coastal state.
Day 14: Explore Old Goa’s historic streets by the Mandovi River, once a bustling spice trade hub. Discover ancient churches, visit the local market, and unwind this afternoon. Join a Malvani cuisine cooking class to master coastal dishes from Maharashtra and Goa, followed by a delightful dinner.
Day 15: Your Indian food adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time in Goa, exploring more of the city, we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time (subject to availability).