A Taste of India

Delhi

After breakfast, join a friend of Sodha Travel for a rickshaw tour in Chandni Chowk. This is not your standard guidebook tour! Witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, spice markets, and the fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line the historical alleys.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) built the walled city of Delhi on the banks of holy River Yamuna.  It had a magnificent palace known as Red Fort, impressive mansions, enchanting bazaars, elegant shrines, royal gardens and fountains at every corner to romance ones' senses.  The Emperor’s beloved daughter Jahanara designed a major street called Chandni Chowk in front of Red Fort, with a canal running down the center and pools at major intersections reflecting the moonlight.  During the British regime, the street underwent major changes and since then this area has witnessed some of the most important events in Indian history. Today these splendid ruins and tales of valor are a testimony of the evolution of the times. Chandni Chowk truly reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India. 

While on the tour, stop at Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market operating since the 17th century.  Here you will have the opportunity to view the whole process: from the loading, carrying and unloading of the huge sacks of produce, to watching the busy shop keepers bargain with customers. You’ll also meet a spice seller to hear him talk about how he mixes the spices for retailing. The street is congested with shops on both sides selling spices, nuts, and herbs.

From here, make a quick visit to some of Old Delhi’s best known eateries including the Paranthe Wali Gali (lane of parathas) which has been in operation at Chandni Chowk since the 1870s. Visit Giani’s Kulfi Faluda, Natraj Dahi Bhalla, Akbar Pakwaan and Chole Kulche, as well as many hidden gems only known to locals.

Drive through New Delhi, passing India Gate, President’s Palace, Parliament, and other government buildings built in the first quarter of the 20th century by two famous English architects, Sir Herbert Baker and Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Your welcome dinner will be at the award-winning Indian Accent restaurant. Indian food has been seeing a trend towards modernity and chefs are exploring options of creating modern dishes with indigenous products. Tonight, experience a special meal where celebrity chef Manish Mehrotra will rustle up an array of dishes that are his own interpretations of modern Indian food that marries global ingredients and techniques with Indian traditions. Overnight in Delhi.

Delhi/Agra

Today you have a day at leisure or you may board the express train to Agra. Upon arrival, visit the majestic Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 22,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Continue to the Agra Fort,  a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves, and terrace pavilions.

Enjoy lunch with a local family and then return to Delhi by vehicle.

Optional evening cooking lesson and dinner. Located in the chic and modern Hauz Khas community, your host has a delightful house with a beautiful terrace garden.  Enjoy your interactive session followed by a cooking class and dinner. From having a simple meal with the family to a hands-on cooking lesson which is easy to reproduce at home, this is a great way to experience local life in Delhi. A market visit is also included. A feast for the senses, this experience is known for providing a window into the culinary and cultural heritage of India. Overnight.

Hyderabad

A typical Hyderabadi will spend hours debating the best place to have a cup of Irani tea. The cuisine of Hyderabad is a result of its history of over four centuries and the involvement with food is more than just to satisfy a basic need; in fact, the right to good food is often taken for granted by the people of this city. On a walk through the busy vegetable markets and by-lanes of the old city, you will get a glimpse into the food ethos of this region. End at a city monument where we will have a special stall set up serving the typical breakfast of this region. Watch crisp dosas and pesarattus being cooked in front of you and try tasting the local favorite snack - the chilly fritter! You will also meet a local expert who will explain the Islamic food practices and how they have played a role in the evolution of the Indian cuisine.

Afternoon visit to the Golconda Fort, one of greatest fortresses in medieval India. Evening talk and demo of the skillful art of slow cooking, Nawabi cuisine. The art of 'Dum' or slow cooking (the process by which an item gets cooked in its own juices) is reputed to have originated from the 'Nawabs of Awadh', the rulers of the Northern Provinces of India during the 18th century. Overnight in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad - Kochi

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kochi. Cochin, also known as Kochi, is one of the principal seaports of India and a growing center of international trade and information technology. The region has Arab, Dutch, French, Portuguese, and Chinese influences. 

In the evening, visit the home of a local family. Nimmy and Paul have been involved in 'At Home' hospitality for more than twelve years. Nimmy was also a professional cookery instructor for more than twenty years. They belong to a Syrian-Christian community in Kerala and in keeping with the tradition of their families,  they enjoy having guests and serving good food. Nimmy conducts cookery classes and teaches guests the nuances of traditional Kerala recipes. She is also a food consultant to writers, chefs, and magazines. Nimmy, Paul, and their son Joseph reside in Kochi. Return to your hotel and overnight.

Kochi - Alleppey

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (1 hour) and board your private overnight houseboat. Spend the afternoon leisurely cruising the beautiful and enchanting Keralan backwaters. The kettuvallam or ‘boat with knots’ is held together with coir knots only - not a single nail is used during the construction. Lunch and dinner are prepared on board by your private chef using locally sourced ingredients. Overnight on the houseboat.