Culinary Tour of India

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Chennai

On this private culinary tour, explore the flavors of three of India’s most gastronomically intriguing regions—the tandoori and naan of the north, the seafood and coconut milk dishes of the west, and the dosas and stews of the south—while staying in the most luxurious hotels and enjoying private touring of the cultural highlights of each destination.

Begin in Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. One morning, visit a local market, followed by a private cooking lesson. Also walk through a fragrant spice market, and, if desired, sample snacks at a street stall (your guide will suggest the best and safest places). During private cultural touring with your expert local guide, experience the best of Old and New Delhi: ride a rickshaw through bustling markets and bazaars overflowing with bangles and saris; browse fashionable districts filled with galleries and boutiques selling beautiful Indian crafts and decorative items; tour historic attractions and UNESCO sites such as the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar and Jama Masjid; and visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, Crafts Museum or other specialty museums. Other options include personalized shopping tours, visiting the Lodhi Gardens and more.

Continue to Udaipur, a beautiful city built around lakes and hills. One day, Artisans of Leisure will arrange an insider culinary experience at the home of a prestigious local family. During private cultural touring, enjoy a private cruise on Lake Pichola, tour the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari Garden, see decorative arts highlights, walk through whitewashed backstreets, browse local bazaars, and visit local studios specializing in miniature paintings and folk art. Another day, take a private excursion to see interesting local temples and enjoy a memorable lunch in an 18th-century palace with amazing views. During leisure time, enjoy the luxurious facilities at the lavish Udaivilas resort.

Next, visit exciting Mumbai (Bombay), the economic capital of India and the home of the Bollywood film industry. Rise early one morning to see fishing boats hauling in their catch, and watch the city come alive at the fish auction and wholesale vegetable markets. Enjoy a private cooking lesson of Parsi, Goan or seafood dishes. Also, help a Mumbai dabbawala (delivery man) sort and deliver tiffin lunches to office workers. During private cultural touring, explore the lively food and art scene, walk along the waterfront, visit the most interesting neighborhoods to browse boutiques or stop in cafes, visit Crawford Market, tour top cultural attractions such as Prince of Wales Museum and UNESCO-listed Victorian architecture, walk through bazaars dedicated to flowers and jewelry, tour contemporary art galleries or see Dhobi Ghat, a famous open-air laundry. Also take a private boat ride to Elephant Island and the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO-listed site of rock-cut Hindu cave temples. Artisans of Leisure can also make reservations at Mumbai’s top restaurants or tickets for Bollywood shows.

End in Chennai (Madras), the seaside capital of Tamil Nadu. Visit a local market with an expert culinary guide, and learn about the history and culture surrounding south Indian cuisine. Select ingredients, and learn about Indian herbs and spices such as cardamom, coriander, turmeric and ginger. During a private cooking lesson, learn to make several typical south Indian dishes, such as dosas and coconut chutney. During private cultural touring, learn about the history of Chennai, and see beautiful colonial architecture. One day, take a private excursion to two of the most important and impressive temple complexes in southern India: Kanchipuram, a major Hindu pilgrimage site with more than 100 active temples, and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), a UNESCO World Heritage Site of amazing rock-cut sculptures and temples created in the seventh and eighth centuries.

This tour can be customized based on individual culinary interests.