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Cuisines of North India

"Indian Food" is the blanket term given to the wide variety of cuisines the Indian subcontinent offers the world. While the indulgent and rich flavours of North India are drastically different from the mellow flavours of the south, the complication starts in trying to differentiate two cuisines of the same region. 

Would you believe it that North India as a region has 5 distinct types of cuisines. There is Mughlai, Punjabi, Awadhi, Rajasthani and Kashmiri cuisines. It is like a Kaleidoscope… all individual bits make one beautiful and colourful picture. The different spices, flavours, aromas, textures and cooking techniques are every foodie’s paradise and a sensory overload. If you want to know more about this amazing culinary region of India, click here. 

On this journey we dine under the stars and stay in luxury tents. We will dine in a palace, volunteer in the world’s largest free kitchen and enjoy the contrast of street food, fine dining and home cooking. We have carefully selected eateries to give you a taste of all 5 cuisines of this region and a culinary experience that will appeal to all senses. 

The tour starts in Delhi where you can savor iconic street food in the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk. This will prepare you for the sensory overload you are about to experience for the next 10 days. The next morning board a train to Amritsar, the home of Punjabi food. Volunteer in the kitchen of the Golden Temple which feeds more than 50,000 people daily! Enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson of simple Punjabi food to wow your friends back home.

Next stop is in Manvar for an unforgettable desert experience in luxury air-conditioned tents. Then head to Jodhpur, famous for its 15th century fort that still stands strong. Meet a custodian of the Royal recipes handed down generations and enjoy a cooking lesson at a local home of authentic Rajasthani cuisine. The final destination is back to Delhi for the grand finale of a seated fine dining experience to reflect on the diverse flavours encountered throughout the tour.

Your Culinary Experiences on this Tour

Destination
Highlights
DelhiBukhara, Dum Pukht, Chandni Chowk, Chor Bizarre, Masala Library
AmritsarLangar at Golden Temple, Amritsari street food, cooking lesson
ManvarDesert experience
JodhpurRajasthani cuisine, cooking lesson

Your Accommodation on this Tour

Destination
No of Nights
Hotel
Delhi4 nightsITC Maurya
Amritsar2 NightsTaj Swarna
Manvar2 NightManvar Luxury camp
Jodhpur2 NightUmaid Bhawan Palace

Includes

  • 10 nights’ accommodation on breakfast basis in above 5-star luxury hotels and luxury camp
  • 10 dinners, 2 lunches and some exquisite culinary experiences as per itinerary.
  • Air-Conditioned coach for sightseeing and transfers at all locations
  • English speaking guide at all locations
  • All requisite airport transfers with personal assistance
  • Air-Conditioned Chair Car train fare from Delhi to Amritsar
  • Entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary.

Excludes

  • Tax @ 5% towards GST in India
  • International airfare
  • Domestic flights from Amritsar to Jodhpur and Jodhpur to Delhi (approx. USD $250 at current airfares but will be charged at actual cost at time of booking).
  • Tips and any personal expenses
  • Anything which is NOT mentioned under Inclusions.
  • Govt tax GST @ 5% will be extra applicable on total billing amount.
Delhi
Amritsar
Jodhpur
Manvar
Delhi

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrive in Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport, we will be met by our local representative for transfer to the 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 culinary scene in Delhi is an absolute delight. Dining experiences range from traditional hole-in-the-wall eateries, street food to fine dining restaurants, satisfying every palate.

Dinner is at Bukhara, a restaurant in our hotel where the flavours of the rugged Northwest Frontier of India come alive at this award-winning restaurant which serves authentic Mughlai cuisine. 

Day 02 Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, we will step out to see the contrast between Old Delhi and New Delhi, both with its distinct characteristics, history, and vibe. 

While we are out and about taking in the sights of Delhi, for lunch you can feast on flavourful recreations of tangy and tasty street food of Chandni Chowk. For dinner we head back to our hotel at Dum Pukht – the iconic restaurant serving Awadhi cuisine

Day 03 Delhi – Amritsar by superfast train Shatabdi Express

After an early breakfast, we will be transferred to the railway station for our journey to Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh Religion. A train journey in India is a must do. Whilst we will be in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach, the sights and sounds of the railway stations and the scenery is not to be missed.

Later afternoon we will visit the Wagah border – at the India – Pakistan border. For dinner you will enjoy Amritsari cuisine at a Dhaba (a roadside eatery) for an authentic local experience. 

Day 04 Amritsar

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Jallianwala Bagh - a landmark infamous for a massacre by a British General in 1919 where more than 1000 innocent Indians were killed. 

Later in the day we visit the Golden Temple, the worship place of the Sikh community. It has the world’s largest free kitchen, feeding almost 50,000 daily. We can take a tour of the kitchen as well as volunteer a few hours of our time to prepare food for the day. Lunch is “Langar” at the temple. 

In the evening, we have a hands-on cooking lesson of simple Punjabi food which we also enjoy for dinner.

Day 05 Amritsar - Jodhpur by flight

After breakfast check out from our hotel to go to the airport for our flight to Jodhpur.  

On arrival at the Jodhpur airport we will take a 3 hour road trip to Manvar Desert Camp. Enjoy 3 days of silence in luxury, air-conditioned tents in the Thar desert.

Day 06 Manvar

Manvar is an ideal base to explore Indian desert life, culture, wildlife, and landscape of breathtaking beauty of the Thar desert. 

Dinner for the two nights is authentic Rajasthani cuisine. A romantic dinner under the stars can be arranged for a memorable experience. 

Day 07 Manvar – Jodhpur

After breakfast we say goodbye to our desert camp and drive to Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan. On the way we will visit the Osain Temples that date back to the 8th century.

On arrival in Jodhpur, check in to Umaid Bhawan Palace. Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, and a symbol of new Jodhpur. Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family it is currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence.

Dinner tonight is at the fine dining restaurant in our hotel of dishes made from recipes of the royal kitchen. 

Day 08 Jodhpur

Jodhpur, often referred to as the "Blue City" due to the blue-painted houses, offers a blend of history, culture, and architectural marvels. It is the. 

After breakfast we will go on a guided tour of the Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s largest and most gorgeous forts built in the 15th century.

After dining in the palace yesterday, we will visit a local home for a cooking lesson. 

Day 09 Jodhpur – Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi. The rest of the day s at leisure. 

Dinner tonight is the last of the 5 North Indian cuisines – Kashmiri Cuisine at Chor Bizarre.

Day 10 Delhi

The day is at leisure to do your own thing. Transport can be arranged for shopping at a nearby mall or visiting any monuments of interest.

Dinner is perhaps the best possible climax to our tour. Our table is reserved at an internationally acclaimed Indian restaurant in Delhi, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra for a fine dining experience.

Day 11 Departure to NZ or onward destination

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 visit Mumbai, relax in Goa, visit a Riger sanctuary, or stay at one of the stunning Tea Estates in Darjeeling.

schedule
Tour Length 10Nights / 11Days
sun
Best Season Oct - Feb
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    Delhi
    Agra
    Jaipur
    Udaipur
    Delhi
    Delhi
    Agra
    Jaipur
    Udaipur
    Delhi

    Tour Plan

    Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)

    Upon arrival at Delhi international airport, our company representative will meet & assist you with traditional welcome and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day free & easy for own activities. Evening proceed for Dinner at Masala Library Restaurant ( www.masalalibrary.co.in) Masala library by Jiggs Kalra a magnum opus of the Czar of Indian Cuisine & tastemaker. The culinary offerings at Masala Library endevour’s to offer its patrons a never before under taken gastronomic voyage capturing the grandeur of centuries old traditions and the long last essence of one of the oldest known gastronomic tradition in the world. The main focus is to revive the traditional recipes specially KABAB & CURRIES. After dinner return to hotel(Meal Include – Dinner) Overnight at Delhi hotel

    Day 02 Delhi – Full Day Tour with Culinary experiences

    Post breakfast; proceed for a full day guided tour in Delhi starting from Old Delhi visiting drive pass Raj Ghat, visit Jama Maszid, drivepass through Red Fort & Chandni Chowk market and later enjoy an authentic old Delhi street food and taste (if guest like).

    After old Delhi tour; procced for lunch at a famous Old Delhi Indian restaurant called "Chor Bizarre" (www.chorbizarre.com/del) Chor Bizarre is the complete eating out experience, great décor, distinct ambience, wonderous cocktails, superlative food, charming old world service.  Every city in India have its own special ‘Chor Bazar’ which translate as ‘thieves market’. All kind of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners). This brings an inspiration and to celebrate the eclecticism of India.



    Later proceed to visit India Gate, drive pass through Parliament Street & President house and visit Qutab Minar. 

    After sightseeing; In evening, you will take a cooking class session at chef Harpal Singh Sokhi at home with dinner. He is celebrity chef from India. Also known as “Energy Chef of India” is now a “Dancing Chef Of India”.  Hailing from North India, which, like the rest of India is rich in culture and cuisine, Chef Harpal is a music lover and is fluent in English and five Indian languages, namely Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya and Telugu. He graduated from the catering school at Bhubaneshwar, a capital of Orissa. He spent his initial years in learning different international cuisines but later realised that his interest lay in unearthing the authentic regional Indian food.

    (Meal Include – Breakfast & Lunch)

    Overnight at Delhi hotel.

    Day 03 Delhi – Agra (By train Gatiman Express at 0810/0950 hrs) Half day Tour

    Early breakfast; check-out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi- Nizamuddin railway station to board the train to Agra; the city of Taj Mahal. 

    Upon arrival at Agra Railway station; Meet & assistance by company representative & transfer to hotel for check-in. After lunch proceed for a half day guided tour in Agra visiting Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Post tour; spend some time in shopping the world’s best Marble products and the famous James & Jewelry.  

    In night enjoy the dinner at Bellevue Restaurant in hotel Amar Vilas (www.oberoihotels.com/amarvilas) Bellevue offers an unforgettable dining experience. It is well known that Mughal Emperors were patrons of lavish foods. At here chef tried to capture Mughal’s passion for international flavours. You will find Italian Classics reinvented with an Asian twist that reflects the gout de terrior ot the spirit and nature of the South and South East Asian Regions.

     (Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)

    Overnight at Agra hotel

    Day 04 Agra- Jaipur (245 kms/ 04-05 hrs drive)

    Post breakfast; drive to Jaipur; the capital city of Rajasthan State and known as the “Pink City. Upon arrival Jaipur; check-in to the hotel and relax. 

    In Evening procced to visit Chokhi Dhani Village; Chokhi Dhani is a popular and remarkable attraction of Jaipur. It is an ethnic village resort offering you all type of entertainment options including dance, music, food and accommodations in royal styles. We can enjoy the activities at Chokhi Dhani include magic shows, puppet shows, Rajasthani dance, Rajasthani folk music, future tellers, acrobatics on a bamboo and luck predicting parrots. There are also interesting activities and adventures that will keep you completely engaged, like camel ride, elephant ride and horse ride and boating. Later take the Rajasthani dinner at the most sumptuous at Royal Rajasthani dining hall where we can enjoy delicious Rajasthani cuisines with cultural performances by bhopa and bhopan (Rajasthani songs & Music) 

    (Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner)

    Remark: After visit Chokhi Dhani village; if guest not like Rajasthani food than we can arrange the dinner on finest restaurant in Jaipur (Restaurant Peshawar in hotel ITC Rajputana – On direct payment basis/ similar )   

    Overnight at Jaipur Hotel

    Day 05 Jaipur – Full day tour

    Post breakfast; leave for an excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy the Elephant ride to ascend the Amber fort. After visiting Amber fort, visit to a traditional Rajasthani Handicraft & handloom factory to see the craftsmen performing.

    Afternoon enjoy the lunch at a famous Jaipur restaurant Swapna Bhawan in Hotel Raj Palace (www.rajpalace.com) Formal receptions remained the local activity of country life during the British period. Hence the Thakur Sahib made Swapna Mahal imitating the great houses of the British and French nability. This hall is completely titled out with European furniture, Chandliers, Mirrors and Crockery Collection. The Food is serve in Royal Thali (is a big plate made of silver , gold or other metal). 

    Later procced visit to City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory. Before returning your hotel; a short stop in front Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) for photo shoot. 

    After relaxing; In evening, we will proceed for dinner at Restaurant Rajput Room in hotel Taj Ram Bagh Palace; Here first we will explore Ram Bagh Palace and later enjoy the dinner. They special prepared the Rajasthani Thali and serve. 

    (Meal Include – Breakfast)

    Overnight at Jaipur hotel

    Day 06 Jaipur - Udaipur (By Flight)

    Early breakfast; on time transfer to Jaipur airport to board the flight to Udaipur; city of lakes. Upon arrived Udaipur; meet & assistance by company representative and transfer to hotel for check-in / or Proceed direct half day guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur. (Check-in time is 02 PM- Subject to early check-in facility if room are available) 

    visiting City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings built in the year 1725. Also visit Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) and Jagdish Temple; the Indo-Aryan Temple and visit Old city of Udaipur.

    Later in evening procced for a cooking class demo on Rajasthani cuisine at chef home and enjoy the dinner with variety of foods which is prepared by chef.

    Chef : Mr. Vimal Dhar 

    One of India’s most renowned Young Chef, CHEF VIMAL DHAR is a highly experienced Chef with a passion for perfecting culinary specialties. With an impressive list of achievements to his credit, this astute and result oriented professional has been featured among INDIA’S TOP CHEF in the book MY LAST SUPPER by Melanie Dunea. The soft-spoken Chef Vimal Dhar also holds the distinction of having been featured in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA magazine by Mr. Stan Sessor and in the DISCOVERY CHANNEL by Anthony Bourdain. Also featured on TRAVEL & LIVING CHANNEL.

     

    CHEF VIMAL DHAR is featured among 50 Chefs handpicked globally by celebrity photographer Melanie Dunea for her latest coffee table book MY LAST SUPPER. For this book, the Dunea travelled the world to short list (based on surveys and extensive research) the 50 best names in the culinary world and interviewed each one of them herself.

     (Meal Include – Breakfast)  

    Overnight at Udaipur hotel

    Day 07 Udaipur – Delhi (By flight 9W-823at 1300/1410 hrs)

    Post breakfast; On time transfer to Udaipur airport to board the flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, New Delhi airport; meet & assistance by company representative and transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the time is free for leisure and relax. In evening proceed for dinner at Indian Accent Restaurant. After dinner return to hotel 

    (Meal Include – Breakfast & Dinner) 

    Overnight at Udaipur hotel 

    Day 08 Delhi (By flight) & Departure

    Post breakfast; On time transfer to Delhi International airport to board the flight to onward journey. 

    (Meal Include – Breakfast)

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