The International Culinary Travel Association defines culinary travel as the “pursuit of unique and memorable culinary experiences of all kinds.” According to a 2006 study from the Travel Industry Association, one in ten leisure travelers reported that food or drink was a major factor in choosing their destinations. Vacations built around food and drink are a perfect way to immerse yourself in a country. After all, you can read books, but the best way to get a first hand taste of the history and ethos of a people is to learn the different methods and ingredients used in their cuisine.
The cuisine in India varies from region to region and is the unique result of its climate, agriculture, relative wealth and history. Food and drink are the creative expression of a nation, a way to explore its culture and its way of being. India is no exception. For people who love food and cooking, India’s vast landscape is a source of infinite variety and eye opening flavors.
WHERE TO START?
This vacation is not just about fanning the kitchen flames or feasting on the art you create. It is about bringing together the finest ingredients of hospitality and culinary skill into one package to create an unforgettable stay. India welcomes food vacationers with a wide variety of tours. Each different and magnificent in their own regard, but one that caught my whimsy was the seven day extravaganza that takes you from Delhi to Agra, onwards to Jaipur and then returns to Delhi.
DAY ONE- ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arriving don’t be surprised that you will be received by the tour’s representative and transferred to your hotel. Check in, relax and enjoy a brief commentary on Indian cookery. An evening trip to the local market will expose you to the exotic smells of spices. Return to the hotel and enjoy an ethnic meal and sleep to a full belly.
DAY TWO-DELHI
On the second day, you will explore exotic Delhi – a city of mysterious eternity, whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past. Don’t to be outdone, the city’s present, pulsates vibrantly. Some must see attractions that will fill your day include the Qutab Minar Complex (the world’s tallest free standing brick minaret), Jantar Mantar, and Purana Quila. After lunch at a local bazaar, look forward to a visit to religious sites like the Laxmi Narayan Temple. This is the largest mosque in Asia represented as a majestic monument in red sandstone. Next, return to the hotel for a cooking demonstration of a typical Indian dinner by the chief chef in the hotel kitchen. After learning the art of cooking and delicately mixing the right spices in the correct quantities, you will devour mouthfuls of your creation.
DAY THREE- DELHI & AGRA
Along the morning drive to Agra, the tour group will visit the tomb of Akbar at Sikandra. Stop for lunch at a highway restaurant before checking into your next hotel. Listen to a lecture on the Mughlai tradition of Indian cookery, a specialty of Agra and then spend the rest of the day on your own wandering through the city streets. Come back to the hotel at your leisure for dinner and enjoy savory curries and chutneys before your overnight stay.
DAY FOUR- AGRA
Agra boasts some of the most splendid monuments in the world. Today is a full day tour covering the Taj Mahal- a poem of love, written in white marble. After visiting the Red Fort, you will have an opportunity to check out the wide variety of handicrafts, carpets and leather items made my traditional craftsmen as you head to Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb. Its designs overshadow that of the Taj, leading to more discussion as you go to back the hotel for dinner and spend another glorious night in this locale.
DAY FIVE- AGRA & JAIPUR
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Jaipur and enroute visit the red sandstone of Fatehpur Sikri, an old deserted town of the Mughal Dynasty. Also visit more attractions, such as Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, and Buland Darwaza before checking into a Jaipur hotel. Try a bit of everything by ordering a Rajasthani thali for lunch and then tour the rest of the “pink city.” Enjoy a perfect blend of Rajashthani and Mughal architecture as you visit the courtyards and gardens of the City Palace and shop at the bazaar. Go back to your hotel for dinner and give yourself time to absorb today’s sights and sounds before going to bed.
DAY SIX- JAIPUR
Jaipur is officially located in the desert lands of Rajasthan and provides the opportunity to be among the Rajputs and the Royal Family. Its rich heritage, colourful culture, exciting desert safaris, shining sand-dunes, amazing variety lush forests and varied wildlife will provide the best scenic route for your drive to the Amber Fort, where you can enjoy an elephant ride.
Later, return to Jaipur to visit the Turban Museum and eat at a Jaipur themed restaurant. Here, only a small portion of the Indian menu will be served to you. The rest of the dishes and breads will be prepared at your table and served right from the frying pans. The chef will address more traditional ways of cooking, while describing the different curry powders that are used. After relishing your dinner, roam the streets of the city and perhaps buy pink clothing and pink jewelry.
DAY SEVEN – JAIPUR & DELHI DEPARTURE
Your last day of culinary pleasures will include your drive back to Delhi to catch your flight or train to your onward destination. The day will entail lingering at various locations for tasty tidbits and drinks.
As the seven day event indicates, cuisine is one of the benchmarks that identify every South Asian. Spices used and cooking techniques vary from one region to another, resulting in distinct flavors and aromas. Food allows us to experience diverse religions, cultures, languages and ways of life with each bite.
India also plays host to allow tourists to visit private homes and witness the cooking of authentic households. Or go straight to events held by world renowned chefs, who will offer tips and gems of wisdom from their years of expertise Book a culinary tour to your Indian destination of your choice by consulting with your travel agent. The experts will ensure your culinary adventure, which may include cooking classes is designed to suit you. For some demonstration is mandatory, while others are participatory. From beginner to advanced, request your preference when booking.
If dhal and roti is all that you are familiar with, expand your horizons. East, west, north or south – the Indian kitchen is a place of sanctity and surprising simplicity. All we ask you to bring is a sense of curiosity; the chefs will supply the magic and the mantras. . Simply put, if food is an adventure then a culinary tour of India is an adventure of a lifetime that is not to be missed. Just imagine.