Flavours of India

Visit traditional food stalls that developed in the folds of the culture of Old Delhi. At each stop you will learn about the history, traditions and culture behind the ‘house specialties’ that have been passed down through the generations. The experience will end at Karim’s, a well known Mughlai eatery or a veg restaurant in Old Delhi depending in what you’d prefer.

In complete contrast to the new city, the old city is a labyrinthine maze of lanes overhung by a tangled mass of electric wires. Within this chaos lies a semblance of order – each lane in this area is dedicated to a particular item, rather like a department store. There are lanes selling bangles, grocers, items used in weddings, silverware, clothes, spices and shoes. Sharing the same space are vendors with carts selling a variety of items, street side dentists, natural healers and cobblers. The old city has space for all professions. You will explore the old city in cycle rickshaws and will also walk along some of the more interesting alleys.

Explore New Delhi, an area within Delhi built as the seat of the British Indian government in the early twentieth century. Much of the design was by architect Edwins Lutyens, and thus it is referred to as Lutyens’ Delhi, who invented his own order of classical architecture. There are grand buildings, such as Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly known as Viceroy’s House), as well as the Lutyens Bungalow Zone, a green area of residential buildings that has the most expensive real estate in India and possibly the world. You’ll also see Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.

Spend an evening with a local noble family and learn the basics of Indian cooking. You’ll get to try your hand at baking your own roti (Indian bread). Your hosts will share favourite recipes and teaching your about how to use various spices. Once the meal is ready you’ll sit down and enjoy it together.

The sprawling City Palace is a blend of predominately Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Within the complex are several museums including an interesting textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal collection. You’ll get to see the ceremonial rooms and private quarters which are usually off limits to the public. Then take a walk in the old city of Jaipur, where you’ll see artists at work. During the walk you’ll get to discover some of the characteristic flavours of Jaipur. Visit a few markets and learn about Rajasthan’s culinary evolution and use of spices.

Go on a walking tour through the backstreets of the ancient town of Amber and visit Amber Fort with its majestic ramparts. You’ll also see the Jagmandir, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali.

Food for the kings – biryani has been an integral part of Indian cuisine from the palaces of the sultans to the small back alleys in the most remote villages. This tour explores the many regional and subtle foreign influences that make this dish so special. Weave your way through Hyderabad’s many biryani hubs and see the huge handis of fragrant rice and secret combinations of meat and spices that beguile the senses. End the day with a traditional meal of biryani at a local family’s home.

Visit the Old City and enter through, the Char Minar, the decorative gateway built in 1591 and referred to as the Oriental ‘Arc de Triomphe’. Walk around the four palaces of the Chowmahalla Complex. Hear the stories about the seven Nizams of Hyderabad whose  decisions shaped the history and culture of this region. Hyderabad’s charms lie beyond the monuments as you’ll discover as you wander through the historic Lad Bazaar and  discover the many art and crafts that still thrive today.

Take some time to explore the Heritage Zone, which with its varied architectural styles highlights Cochin’s history of being occupied by various foreign rulers. In this area is St Francis’ Church, first established by the Portuguese in the 1500s. This is one of the earliest European churches in the country. Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his body was taken to Portugal 14 years later. You will also visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral which was built in the late 19th century and has impressive murals on its ceiling. Your walking tour ends at the Chinese Fishing Nets, which were first erected between 1350 and 1450 indicating trading ties with China.

Head to Mattancherry for a visit to the Dutch Palace and Jewish synagogue. The area is a jumble of antique and spice shops, and souvenir shops leading to the synagogue, the oldest in India. It is a fun area to wander at leisure. Meet your guide later and head back to your hotel together, stopping along the way on Bazaar Street, famous for its spices.

When it comes to lunch, popping out for a sandwich is just not how they do it in Mumbai. The dabbawalas are a 5,000 strong group who deliver 200,000 lunch boxes every day to offices around the city. Every morning the dabbawalas call on homes to pick up dabbas, or lunch boxes, filled with home cooked food prepared for office workers. All the boxes look identical but a very well organised and precise system ensures they all end up at the correct desk. You’ll visit Churchgate Station to see this amazing process in action.

The Gateway of India, was built in 1924 to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, in the style of a Roman arch with architectural Hindu and Muslim motifs. Whilst serving as an arrival point from the west, its also where the British departed India in 1947. Explore the Kala Ghoda area’s Gothic and art deco buildings and wander the food stalls, cafes and galleries while watching cricket played out on the narrow streets. Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a huge Victorian Gothic station where thousands of people create an electric atmosphere.

Visit the Mani Bhavan museum, dedicated to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. Housed in a private residence that was used by Gandhi during his visits to Mumbai, the collection follows the key events in his life and includes some of his personal items and photographs.