Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Goa - Mumbai
10 Nights / 11 Days
Join Chand Sahrawat on a culinary tour to India during the Diwali festival in October 2024. Chand is a major influencer in the Auckland food scene, working with her husband, chef Sid Sahrawat and together own 3 iconic restaurants in Auckland – Cassia, Kol and Sid at the French Cafe.
It is going to be a fascinating and vibrant adventure, offering a blend of festive celebrations and incredible culinary experiences. We will savor the diverse flavors of India and immerse in the cultural richness and joyous celebrations that characterize this auspicious festival. Diwali is perhaps the best time to be in India where the entire country comes alive with lights, decorations and festivities.
This itinerary offers a great contrast between the Rajput era forts and palaces of Rajasthan, modern and old Delhi and the Mughal influence in Agra. Followed by the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and serene Goa. Throughout this journey, you will discover the essence of Indian culinary traditions, from the aromatic spices of North India to the coastal flavors of the South.
Your gastronomic adventure begins in Delhi, for street food delicacies and the cuisine of the North-West frontiers. In Agra we enjoy the delectable Mughlai cuisine of the rich flavors of the aromatic biryanis, kebabs, and decadent desserts. while enjoying the city's culinary heritage influenced by the Mughal era.
In Jaipur, savor the traditional Rajasthani cuisine of the Rajput’s and Maharaja’s known for its spicy flavors. And then transition to the coastal paradise of Goa, immersing yourself in a fusion of Portuguese and Konkan flavors. Mumbai is the grand finale with culinary experiences just as diverse as is the city. Fine dine at the best restaurant in India, enjoy street food and the iconic Irani food that Mumbai is so famous for.
Guests will experience Indian hospitality at its best in 5-star luxury hotels at all destinations. We have chosen ITC Hotels at all locations as they lead the culinary landscape in India. The culinary experiences, Diwali celebrations and Chand’s knowledge of Indian cuisine and her enthusiasm to showcase Indian culture to Kiwi’s will make this a memorable tour.
On this tour we are supporting a local NGO called Phool. They collect millions of sacred flowers offered in the temples of India and upcycle these flowers into the worlds first certified, handcrafted incense products. By joining us on this tour you are helping us help more than 300 women from marginalized communities.
On arrival at Delhi airport, we will be met by our local representative for transfer to our hotel. After checking in, take a few hours to rest and unwind from the long flight. That evening we will go to Akshardham which is arguably one of the best temples in India. The start of our culinary journey is at an are internationally acclaimed Indian restaurant in our hotel. Bukhara, famous for the Mughlai cuisine, is frequented by A-list celebrities and dignitaries from all over the world.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will go sightseeing. The contrast between Old Delhi and New Delhi, both with its distinct characteristics, history, and vibe is fascinating. For dinner we will enjoy a special culinary experience at Haveli Dharampura, a UNESCO Awarded Heritage Haveli in Old Delhi. We will enjoy the flavourful recreations of tangy and tasty street food of Chandni Chowk at the comfort of your table. Take in the breath-taking view of Old Delhi, participate in a session of kite flying and enjoy sundowners of cocktails and wines on the roof top while watching the sunset.
After an early breakfast we will check out from our hotel and embark on a 90- minute train ride to Agra. Our local representative will meet us at the train station and take us to Taj Mahal, one of the modern Seven wonders of the World. For lunch we will go to Sheros Café – an establishment run by victims of acid attacks. There is no price on the menu, but we will be generous with our offering to them. At dinner tonight we will replicate the luxurious ways of the Mughal Emperors. We will recreate the ambience and hospitality that was once the privilege of the Mughal’s in the courtyard of our hotel. The taste and flavours of the food are as authentic as it can get.
After breakfast we set off on a road trip to Jaipur. It is a 5-hour drive, but on the way, we will have a few stops to break the journey and take in some local sights such as one of the oldest stepwells that dates to the 8th century and is 13 floors deep. And Fatehpur Sikri, a historical complex that was commissioned by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century We will stop for lunch at Umaid Palace for a farm-to-table lunch experience. This resort is well known for its organically grown produce, and the food is cooked using ancestral cooking methods such as traditional woodfire ovens. Our first dinner in Jaipur is at 1135 AD, one of the best restaurants in Jaipur. It is situated in the Amber Fort, which was built in 1592. We will enjoy authentic Rajasthani food in an open-air courtyard under the star-studded night sky.
After breakfast we will leave for an excursion to Amber Fort, the same place where we had dinner last night. But this time we will ride an Elephant to ascent the fort. Later in the afternoon we visit the City Palace – the royal residence for the Maharaja of Jaipur. And for dinner we have planned a special culinary experience in our hotel to celebrate Diwali, the biggest festival in India. Think earthen lamps, decoration lights, Diwali puja and fireworks.
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the airport for our flight to Goa. After 5 days of royalty, we will enjoy the sun and sand of Goa at our hotel, the ITC Grand Resort and Spa Goa. Our next 3 days in Goa are a perfect break before we reach the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and then head back home. The golden sands of Goa are warm and inviting and the water is always just right for a swim.
There is no itinerary in Goa. We will have a lot of time for rest and relaxation by the beach or poolside or enjoy a spa at our Resort. We can dine at one of the beach shacks, we will visit a friend’s home to learn how to cook Goan food, learn how to make Feni (Goan liquor made from cashews). We will visit a spice plantation and have a meal at the spice farm. We can also go sightseeing to marvel at the many Portuguese inspired churches and monuments.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Mumbai. Or arrival, the day is at leisure in the hotel or transport can be arranged for shopping at a nearby mall. Dinner will be one of the highlights of this trip. We will dine at Masque, included in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2021 and The Best Restaurant in India in 2023. We will be treated to a sensory experience like no other with their 10-course fine dining degustation menu that marries tradition and innovation.
After breakfast we will head to South Mumbai to see the Gateway of India, Hanging Gardens, Marine Drive, etc. Lunch is at Mirchi and Mime, a trendy dining restaurant serving modern-Indian cuisine, first of its kind in India, served exclusively by speech & hearing-impaired service staff. After lunch there is an option to indulge in some retail therapy in an upmarket shopping mall. Dinner is at a casual dining restaurant offering a wide selection of eclectic vegetarian food. The distinctive and innovative regional cuisine, based on traditional recipes from Indian homes and flavours of street foods, is cooked with fresh ingredients and served in a simple home style. On the way back to our hotel we can stop for a farewell drink or two at a rooftop bar of one of the swankiest hotels in Mumbai.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight back to NZ. Alternatively talk to us about extending your tour to spend some more nights in Mumbai, see some wildlife or stay at one of the stunning Tea Estates in Darjeeling.
12 days
13 days
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