14 DAYS ~ FROM £1,997
This delicious culinary tour highlights the aromatic cuisine of North India, complimented with visits to some of the world’s finest Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort. Culture and Cuisine are finely attuned in India – none more so than in Lucknow with its sumptuous Awadhi cuisine, under the patronage of the cultured Nawabs. In Agra explore the Mughlai cuisine – varied Kormas, Masalas and Tandoori. Finally stay in the grand Fort at Pachewargarh the home of the Rathore family, with talks, demonstrations on local cooking, visits and real hands on lessons in the kitchen.
Delhi • Lucknow • Agra • Jaipur • Pachewargarh • Pushkar • Delhi
Day 1. To Delhi
Fly from Heathrow to Delhi on direct British Airways flight. Late evening arrival. Stay at the Manor Hotel for two nights.
Day 2. Delhi
Late morning sightseeing of Delhi, including a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling Chandni Chowk to the Jama Masjid.
Day 3. To Lucknow
Fly to Lucknow, with remainder of day at leisure. Evening introductory cooking demonstration at the hotel on the fabled Awadhi cuisine - the Chef’s were the highest paid members of the Nawabs Court - it took at least 10 years to be considered a ‘Chef’ and at least 20 to be a ‘Master’. Three nights stay at the Taj Residency.
Day 4. Lucknow
Demonstration of the world famous Dum Pukht cuisine at the Institute of Hotel Management. The most delectable food was cooked in the Dum Pukht style - dishes are slow cooked in a container with the lid sealed – usually with dough to retain every last ounce of flavour and aroma. The programme demonstrates the specially designed Carte du Jour of Awadhi cuisine and is followed by lunch at the Institute’s restaurant.
Day 5. Lucknow
Morning city tour of Lucknow including the Residency with its poignant memories of the Indian Mutiny (known in India as the Indian Uprising) Visit the amazing Mango Tree with a reputed 300 varieties grafted onto one main tree. Late afternoon meet with Lucknow’s Royal family at the Palace. Before a sumptuous dinner with the family, watch the highly skilled chefs prepare the meal, and learn about the techniques used in this creative cuisine. The Nawabs will be dressed in their traditional attire of Sherwani, Churidar, Dupalli Topi with Chadi (walking stick).
Day 6. To Agra
Morning train to Agra. Remainder of the day at leisure. Stay at Sheraton Hotel for two nights.
Day 7. Agra
Sunrise visit to the breathtaking Taj Mahal, an unsurpassed expression of love. Morning talk on Mughlai dishes followed by a demonstration by a Masterchef on favourite dishes of the Mughal Emperors. Afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal and impressive Red Fort. In the evening dinner will echo the dishes discussed during the day.
Day 8. To Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast drive to Fatehpur Sikri the magnificent deserted capital city of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Then on, via Jaipur, to the Chokhi Dhani for a traditional Rajasthani welcome and dinner. Overnight stay at Samode Haveli.
Day 9. To Pachewargarh
Morning elephant ride to the imposing Amber Fort and city tour of Jaipur including the City Museum and Palace of the Winds. Afternoon drive to Pachewargarh Fort. Three nights at Pachewargarh Fort.
Day 10. Pachewargarh
Explore the surroundings of this old principality of the Rathore clan. A member of the family will talk on various customs and culture of the region - followed by a traditional dinner.
Day 11. Pachewargarh
Help cook a Rajasthani breakfast this morning. Simple dishes will be demonstrated in the kitchen. Later visit a nearby village, where traditional cooking techniques will be shown. Return to the hotel kitchen and cook local dishes for your dinner. After dining relax listening to local folk music.
Day 12. Pushkar
After breakfast drive to Pushkar. Afternoon visit to Pushkar Lake - wander the Bathing Ghats and ancient Temples. Pushkar is a sacred Hindu site and home to the only Temple dedicated to Brahma. Overnight at Pushkar Palace Hotel.
Day 13. To Delhi
Morning visit to Ajmer Sheriff visiting the ancient Holy shrine of Shiekh Salim Ud Din Chisti. Afternoon train journey to Delhi by Shatabadi Express, dinner on board train. Transfer to International airport on arrival in Delhi.
Day 14. To London
Early morning departure on direct British Airways flight for same day arrival in London.
If you wish to travel from any other country outside UK please contact us and we will give you the cost of the holiday without international flights relevant to your travel dates.
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