A culinary adventure through India

Delhi

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Welcome to the capital city of India! Today, you'll be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel. You’ll be here for two nights, so take a moment to relax and unwind. 

Your foodie adventure begins with a short stroll to local restaurant Saravanaa Bhawan for dinner. Your first taste of south Indian flavours will be a delicious vegetarian meal.

Delhi

Day 2: Sample street food on the 'lane of parathas'

After breakfast, venture out to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib - a Sikh temple with a golden palace and the world's largest community kitchen. You’ll follow this up with a visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial built in honour of Mahatma Gandhi, and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. 

A stroll through the Chandni Chowk market district will reveal storefronts bearing colourful silks and fragrant spices. This is where you will find your lunch spot: Gali Paranthe Wali or the ‘lane of parathas’. Paratha, a type of Indian flatbread, has been popular here since the 1870s and features a variety of fillings to try. Next you'll explore the spice warehouses of Khari Baoli and meet a local seller.

In the evening, enjoy Mughlai cuisine at the world-renowned restaurant, Moti Mahal.

Delhi - Agra

Day 3: Get a taste for Mughlai cuisine in Agra

Today, travel onwards to the city of Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. Agra’s local delicacy is petha, a sweet made from the humble ash gourd vegetable. For spice-lovers, Agra is also home to the bedai - crisp stuffed puris served with tangy, toothsome potato curry and a generous serving of thick curd. 

After dining at a recommended lunch spot, you are free to explore the city. Opt to visit a local jewel carpet handicraft factory to learn about their collection of handmade, embroidered jewel carpets.

Agra was the capital of the Mughals, so it’s only right that you’ll spend the evening sampling Mughlai cuisine at the Salt Cafe and Restaurant.

Agra - Jaipur

Day 4: Get hands-on with a cooking class in Jaipur

Rise early and head straight out to witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll discover more about the craftsmanship of this iconic building by visiting a marble inlay workshop.

Waving Agra goodbye, you’ll make for the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. This unique city is known for its royal history, architecture and culture, and has a lot of gems to discover - the beautiful Amber Fort, the charismatic City Palace, and an array of intricately-detailed handicrafts. In the evening, you’ll be invited to attend an experiential cooking lesson followed by dinner.

Jaipur

Day 5: Explore the Amber Fort & Palace of the Winds

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Jaipur by visiting the Amber Fort to admire its immense craftsmanship and unique architectural design. It’s then on to the Hawa Mahal, ‘the Palace of the Winds’, built of red and pink sandstone. It is thought that the women of the royal harem used its many casements to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.

For lunch, you’ll head to Lakshmi Misthan Bhandar Hotel for a hearty vegetarian meal. Visit its accompanying sweet shop to find sugary treats, namkeens (savoury snacks), and chat (a traditional Rajasthani delicacy).

Take the afternoon at your own pace to stroll the markets and soak in the colourful energy of the city. When you’re hungry, a traditional vegetarian Rajasthani thali awaits at the Chokhi Dhani village resort. Here you’ll experience an all-singing, all-dancing puppet show.

Jaipur - Cochin

Day 6: Experience Keralan cuisine in Cochin

Heading out from Jaipur, today you’ll fly to Cochin and have the afternoon to relax and explore a new destination. You’ll get an introduction to Keralan cuisine, its preparation methods, and how it’s distinct from cuisines of other regions in India.

Later in the afternoon, sit down to enjoy a performance of kathakali, the pantomimic dance drama. A combination of facial expressions and body movements brings out the thoughts and emotions of each character. 

In the evening, you'll have time to explore the market and stroll the streets of this small city before dining at local restaurant, Fusion Bay. Here you’ll find authentic, traditional Keralan cuisine to enjoy.

Cochin

Day 7: Take a historical tour of Cochin

Take the morning to explore the historical heart of Fort Kochi. A tour will help showcase the blend of colonial architecture, including the Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St Francis Church - the oldest church in India. 

Pause to explore the spice market. The old spice shops are sadly all gone but it is still fascinating to browse these narrow lanes, dotted with antique shops.

Next you'll have a chance to learn about sadhya - a vegetarian wedding feast, served as lunch for the day at a local restaurant. The food is served on banana leaves and is eaten by hand.

After lunch, you’ll have some time to relax and venture out at your own pace. Head back in time for a 'cooking with spice' demonstration followed by a sumptuous dinner.

Cochin - Alleppey

Day 8: Feel like a local at a historic homestay

Depart Cochin and check into your Keralan hotel on the outskirts of Alleppey. Nelpura Heritage Homestay is a 150-year-old heritage house located on Kerala's serene backwaters, popularly known as Kuttanad. It serves traditional homely food in its main dining hall, but you could also opt to join the family for an authentic dinner experience. The heritage home also features a kitchenette where you can prepare your own teas and coffees at leisure.

Spend the rest of the day at your own pace - it's your last full day in India, so enjoy it! With help from your local expert, pick from an array of suggested optional activities such as a village tour by bike, a canoe cruise, cooking classes, and more.

Alleppey - Cochin

Day 9: Goodbye India!

It's time to say goodbye to India. After breakfast, you'll head back to the airport for your return flight home.