After sightseeing enjoy the walk in Old Delhi to see the various road side cuisine with our expert. Late proceed for lunch at famous Karim’s restaurant. Karim’s known for its delicious Mughlai food all over the world. The restaurant has a bit of history behind it. The owners' great grandfather was the chef in the Mughal emperor’s royal kitchen... The recipes, therefore, have been passed on from those times. It’s a popular restaurant which has found mention in the best travel journals.
Mughlai cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines, influenced by the imperial kitchens of Mughal Empire. Mughlai cuisine consists of the dishes that were prepared in the kitchens of the royal Mughal Emperors. Indian cuisine is predominantly influenced by the cooking style practiced during the Mughal era. Mughlai food is quite spicy and has a very unique aroma. On eating Mughlai food, one can get a feel of the ground spices. The spices used in the preparation of Mughlai food are easily accessible.
The rich preparation of Mughlai food consisting of flavoured sauces and butter based curries is so tempting that food lovers are bound to crave for more and more food. Mughlai food offers an amazingly delicious variety of food ranging from hot spicy shorba or soup to ginger based roasted meats to kulfi with rose petals sprinkled on it. Even, the names of the Mughlai food are so attractive that a person gets tempted to try out different dishes.
After lunch, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. Designed and built by the British architect Edwin Lutyens and his friend Sir Herbert Baker, the new capital was formally inaugurated in 1931. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, The five-storied tower with a 14.4 metre base that tapers up to two and a half metres at the top is visible for a long distance around. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner & overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 03: DELHI – AMRITSAR (SWARNA SHTBDI {12029} 07h20 / 13h45)
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Morning in time transfer to the railway station to board the train for Amritsar.
Amritsar (also called Ambarsar) is a city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab, not far from the border with Pakistan. At the center of its walled old town is the gilded Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), considered the holiest gurdwara, or religious complex, of the Sikh religion. It’s at the end of a causeway, surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar lake, where pilgrims bathe. Amritsar is also famous for the variety of the food which is famous around the world. Sikhs are known for their hospitality & kindness. Her you can experience the lavish food with awesome experiences.
Arrive & transfer to the hotel. Lunch will be at the hotel.
Late afternoon visit the lanes of Wadi and Papad to witness techniques in making. Wadi is dried spicy lentil dumplings preserved and used in cooking while Papad is a thin, crisp Indian preparation sometimes described as a cracker or flatbread and often served as a complement to a main dish. Later we will walk through the food lane covering the famous Bharava da Dhaba for its Paranthas (another form of Indian flat bread usually stuffed or cooked in layers with clarified butter), Phoola wala chowk famous for its Samosas (an Indian spicy Tiffin snack – same texture as that of pastry), Sujan Singh Lassi Wala for their delicious heavy butter and pade wali lassi (popular and traditional Punjabi yogurt based refreshment drink of India and Pakistan). End the day’s tour at Kesar da Dhaba, one of the oldest Dhabas (1916) where the lentil is cooked and served after being stirred in Desi Ghee (country side clarified butter) for 12 hours.
Dinner at Stars & Bars Restaurant
Overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 04: AMRITSAR
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Morning you will visit Harmandir Sahib (abode of God), popularly known as Golden temple that houses the holiest literature (the Sri Guru Granth Sahib) worshipped by the Sikhs. The building is crowned with a dome shaped like an inverted lotus. With the first light of dawn, the reflection of the temple in the tank gives an ethereal atmosphere to the complex. As the sun shifts, the temple presents myriad views, each magnificent and captivating. The temple building has four entrances instead of the usual single entry. This is symbolic of the openness of Sikhism and indicates that followers of all faiths are allowed inside. The walls within are decorated with carved wooden panels and elaborate inlay work in silver and gold.
Here we will witness the largest community kitchen in the world; you are free to try your hand in rolling chapattis or serving free food to the devotees.
Lunch will be at Yellow Chilly restaurant.
Late afternoon drive to border station of Atari and the Wagah check post between India and Pakistan to see the flag lowering ceremony on Wagah Border. This is the only overland opening between the two countries, which continue to have hostile relations ever since independence in 1947. Witness the unique parade, change of guards and retreat of troops at sundown. The drill, choreographed with aggressive posturing and sabre-rattling, draws loud cheers from spectators on both sides.
Tonight dinner is at a local restaurant Crystal Chowk. This 60 year old family run restaurant serves delicious Punjabi food.
Witness the night ceremony at Golden Temple
Overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 05: AMRITSAR – DELHI (AMRITSAR SHTBDI {12014} 05h00 / 11h15) / AGRA (205 KMS)
Cold Breakfast (Tea / Coffee / Cookies) will be at the hotel. In time transfer to the railway station to board the train for Delhi. We will provide packed breakfast.
Arrive at the Delhi railway station & early lunch will be at the local restaurant.
The city of Taj Mahal, a poem in white marble built in the 16th century by the emperor Shahjahan as a monument of love. Agra was once the capital of the Mughals and the relics of the glory are scattered all over the city. From the Taj Mahal to the massive Agra Fort, the delicately carved Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, Agra is a must on any programme.
Arrive & check in to the hotel.
Dinner & overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 06: AGRA
It is said that the best time to visit the Taj Mahal is by sun rise. Early morning a Horse drawn Carriages will take you from the nearest parking for a sunrise tour of the incomparable Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays). This poignant Mughal mausoleum was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned gray overnight. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding.
You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture and to later assemble with the whole group for a photograph with the Taj as a backdrop.
After the visit of the Taj Mahal visit return to your hotel for buffet breakfast.
Later leave for an Indian cooking experience, we invite you to experience, explore and relish the culinary and cultural heritage of the city of Taj Mahal, Agra along with a delicious meal. The home cooked meal will be prepared by you and your instructor together during the class and feel free to chat with him to get a glimpse of contemporary India in urban cities
Leave for the visit of Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions.
Enjoy Photo Tour of Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh - The Moonlight Garden. It is believed to be designed by Shah Jahan to view the Taj at night under moonlight far away from the maddening crowd and is also one the best places from which you can view the great mausoleum. The forestry plantations and agricultural fields provide a green forecourt to Taj Mahal and its reflection in Yamuna.
Dinner will be at the hotel.
Overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 07: AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR (260 KMS)
After breakfast, proceed Jaipur for an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri.
En route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander around with its buildings in near perfect condition.
En route you will stop at a Charming Haveli in Bharatpur for lunch.
Continue for Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur check-in at hotel
Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Dinner & overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 08: JAIPUR
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.
An elephant / jeep will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
On your return to city visit Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.
After the sightseeing return back to your hotel for lunch
In the afternoon, proceed for an Indian Curry cooking demonstration followed by lunch at Shahpura House.
You will discover the secrets of the royal kitchen where there will be a special cooking demonstration of a meal that was cooked and is still being prepared for the present day “maharajas”.
Late afternoon explore the colourful bazaars of Jaipur. Jaipur is famous for silver jewellery, semi-precious stones & carpets. After the shopping don not forget to visit LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar) in Johri Bazaar for some evening snacks.
Your dinner tonight will be at the ethnic village, Chokhi Dhani, for a traditional Rajasthani cuisine thali dinner.
Rajasthani cuisine is perhaps the most sensitive among Indian cuisines. Rajasthan cooking in general has its own unique flavour where the simplest and the most basic of ingredients go into the preparation of most dishes. Perhaps due to general scarcity of water, cooking is done with minimum use of water, instead milk, buttermilk and clarified butter is used.
Non-availability of vegetables like tomatoes has led to the usage of dried mango powder while asafoetida is used instead of onion and garlic. Gram flour is a major ingredient and is used to make some of the delicacies like khatta, gatte ki sabzi, pakodi; powdered lentils are used for mangodi, papad; bajra and corn is used all over the state for preparations of rabdi, khichdi and rotis. Various chutneys are made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic.
After dinner return back to your hotel.
Overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 09: JAIPUR – JODHPUR (335 Kms / 06 Hrs)
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Morning you will leave for Jodhpur.
Lunch will be en route at the restaurant.
Arrive & check in to the hotel.
Jodhpur is a city in the Thar Desert of the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan. Its 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort is a former palace that’s now a museum, displaying weapons, paintings and elaborates royal palanquins (sedan chairs). Set on a rocky outcrop, the fort overlooks the walled city, where many buildings are painted the city’s iconic shade of blue.
Evening will be at leisure.
Later transfer to the hotel “Pal Haveli” to enjoy the excellent Thali Dinner at the terrace of the hotel with magnificent view.
Thali Dinner consists of various variety of meal which is very beautifully decorated.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 10: JODHPUR – RANKAPUR – UDAIPUR (290 Kms / 06 Hrs)
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Morning you will leave for the visit of Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswanth Thada.
Mehrangarh Fort located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet (125 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expensive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort.
There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these still attract much attention.
The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.
Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph located in Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II,[1] and serves as the burial ground for the rulers of Marwar.[2]
The mausoleum is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These sheets are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when illuminated by the sun.
Early lunch will be at Jodhpur.
After the lunch you will leave for Ranakpur. Where you will visit the magnificent Jain Temples (Audio Guide) as guides are not allowed inside the temple for explanations
After the visit you will leave for Udaipur. Arrive & check in to the hotel.
Dinner & overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 11: UDAIPUR
After buffet breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur City, also known as the City of Sunrise
First on your sightseeing tour you will proceed for a tour of the City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Pichola. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows. The marble throne in the coronation rooms was last used during the time Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-30) and nearby is the Sun Window installed by Maharaja Bhim Singh (1778-1828). This is the divine symbol of the house of Mewar, which traces its lineage to the Surya Vansha, descendants of the Sun. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit the Crystal Gallery and the hall of public audiences, the private chambers of the royal ladies at the palace and Sahelion-ki-Badi.
After the city tour visit the Gangaur Ghat from where you will start walking through the narrow lanes of Udaipur to reach your lunch stop – Savage Garden Restaurant. This restaurant serves excellent Mediterranean Food.
Later proceed for a boat cruise on Lake Pichola to visit Jag Mandir Palace (this will be a sharing boat), which covers almost four acres and is noted for its marble pavilion and an imposing dome. You’ll see people doing their laundry on the shores of the lake against the backdrop of the massive City Palace and the old city.
Tonight, learn to cook with Udaipur’s Aristocracy - An inspirational experience will lead you to work with fresh produce, cooking authentic Mewari food with housewives from former Udaipur Aristocracy who have zealously guarded their recipes for many generations.
Return to your hotel after dinner.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 12: UDAIPUR – DELHI (BY FLIGHT: 6E 747 at 14h05 / 15h35)
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Morning will be at leisure.
Early lunch will be at the local restaurant.
In time transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi
Arrive & transfer to the hotel or free for shopping for sometimes. You will be transferred to the hotel near the airport for wash & change room along with Dinner.
Transfer to the airport to board your flight back home.
