Dates: February 2011
Cost : £4290.00 per person
Limited Availability
Welcome to our exclusive gourmet tour of India, full of culinary events to whet your appetite and introduce you to the real taste of India. Explore the mysticism and grandeur of India’s most famous cities – Delhi, Jaipur and Agra - combined with a blend of authentic and exotic fusion cuisine.
These two weeks will give you a fantastic insight into Gourmet India and the heritage and culture of Northern India that shapes the unique culinary aspects of this mystical country.
On this tour Atul Kochhar (chef patron of Michelin star Benares restaurant in Mayfair - London) journeys with you to India and shares his passion of Indian cooking in the local kitchens of Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi. Join Atul as he hosts his masterclass and culinary evenings in hand-picked destinations of India to create the finest cuisine from the local produce.
Each masterclass and culinary evening gives you an opportunity to learn from Atul about Indian cooking and the secrets behind Atul’s fusion cuisine. This tour is for discerning travellers who would like to explore culinary and cultural of Northern India and learn more about Indian cooking and discover the secrets behind the great food created by Atul Kochhar.
About Atul Kochhar
Atul is considered one of the London's top celebrity Michelin starred chefs, revered for his masterful use of spicing in creating some of the finest modern British dishes with a unique innovative Indian twist.
Atul has established himself as a regular on our TV screens, coming to prominence on the successful BBC series "The Great British Menu" where he competed against a host of other renowned chefs. He is now a permanent fixture on the likes of Saturday Kitchen and Market Kitchen, where he regularly showcases his most extravagant recipes.
Atul has not only built a London restaurant of great repute, achieving a coveted Michelin star, but also opened a fine dining establishment in Wickham surrounded by vineyards, forged a burgeoing media profile, penned two cookbooks, whilst simultaneously creating a global reputation that is synonymous with all that is luxurious and elegant.
Despite the rigors of running a first-class restaurant and abundant media appearances, the inspired chef never misses a chance to return to his homeland to research new recipes and spices from all corners of the country, inspiring his delicately spiced, eye catching food, creating a luscious fusion of east and west.
Itinerary:
Day 1: 27th February 2010 - Overnight flight to Jaipur
Today you meet your tour leader at the London Heathrow airport to board our overnight flight to Jaipur to start the unique journey to the magical India.
Day 2: 28th February - Arrive Jaipur
On arrival in India, you will be transferred to the hotel. The remainder of this first day is yours to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. This evening, enjoy a true welcome to culinary India with a traditional evening dinner in Chokhi Dhani Village - a rustic village resort offering an insight to the rural Rajasthani life and offering authentic Rajasthani cuisine at its best. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 3: 1st March - In Jaipur
Your culinary tour of India starts today. This morning after breakfast, we visit the hilltop Amer Fort- ascending on this majestic fort on an elephant back or if you prefer take a jeep ride. In the afternoon, a culinary treat awaits you as you visit the sumptuous Surabhi restaurant- a heritage restaurant located in a 300 year old. regal palace. See first hand a culinary demonstration of Rajasthani cuisine followed by lunch. While you are here you can visit the Turban Museum or the local astrologer before departing for an afternoon city tour of Jaipur.
Explore the City Palace, the state of the art Observatory and the stunning Palace of Winds. A special culinary evening awaits you as you meet our special celebrity chef Atul Kochhar, for the first of his special introductions to fusion cuisine- the unique opportunity to observe Atul create an Indian meal in his own unique style! Relax today at your hotel in Jaipur.
Day 4: 2nd March - Jaipur to Delhi
Early morning we depart Jaipur for a scenic drive to the colourful and bustling city of Delhi, a rich and historic city on the banks of the River Yamuna. On arrival in Delhi, enjoy lunch at the famous Bukhara restaurant- internationally acclaimed as one of the best restaurants in Asia. This afternoon is yours to explore the surroundings at your own pace. This evening we meet again for a masterclass with our our celebrity chef, Atul Kochhar. You can learn from Atul the art of Indian cooking and mixing the exotic spices. Join in and prepare a dish under the expertise and attention of Atul Kochhar.
Day 5: 3rd March - In Delhi
Today, witness the ancient charm of Old Delhi on a guided tour. Visit the historic Red Fort, an elegant citadel in red sandstone, built as an octagon and surrounded by a 9 meter deep moat. Then travel with a twist, a rickshaw ride through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk. Whilst in Old Delhi, take a unique opportunity to lunch at the famous Karim’s restaurant - a family run restaurant renowned for its curries and kebabs. Later, see the Raj Ghat - a memorial to Gandhi.
This evening, enjoy a culinary evening with our celebrity chef, Atul Kochhar- who blends authentic flavours and his expertise to create the finest fusion cuisine for you. Learn the secrets of combining the spices and blending the flavours to prepare the finest dishes. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 6: 4th March - In Delhi
This morning compare and contrast the sites of New Delhi - exploring the ancient Qutab Minar a 12th century Tower of Victory; the Tomb of Humavun, a white marble and red sandstone garden tomb; India Gate and the Parliament House. This afternoon, lunch at a North Indian speciality restaurant. In the evening, our Michelin star celebrity chef will share his secrets of finest cooking. As you have already sampled the authentic cuisine at the speciality restaurants in Jaipur and Delhi, you might want to find out the secret behind a good curry or your favourite kebab! Join in and prepare a dish under the expertise and attention of Atul Kochhar. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 7: 5th March - Delhi to Lucknow
Early morning, you continue your culinary journey and its off to the ancient city of Lucknow. On arrival in Lucknow, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to freshen up. Later in the afternoon you’ll have time to discover this famous city of Nawabs, famous for its kebabs and chikan embroidery. Don’t forget to sample the mouth watering makkan maila, tundey kebabs and kakori kebabs, traditional Indian cuisine handed down generation to generation.
Evening, add more flavour to your day as we hold a special kebab night with our special celebrity chef, Atul Kochhar. Get hands on experience in creating the mouth-watering kebab under the expertise and attention of Atul Kochhar. Overnight in Lucknow
Day 8: 6th March - In Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and the centre for Urdu poetry. This morning, enjoy an insight to the architectural highlights of the 18th century- Bara Imambara with a visit to the largest vaulted chamber in the world. You’ll also visit the Rumi Darwaza, a colossal, ornate gate which is a replica of the one in Istanbul. This afternoon, tempt your taste buds with a demonstration of traditional ‘Awadhi Cuisine’. This evening experience another culinary treat with our celebrity Chef Atul Kochhar who’ll share his fusion version of Lucknowi cuisine.
Day 9: 7th March - Lucknow to Varanasi
Early morning we take a relaxing train journey to Varanasi arriving in Varanasi, early afternoon. On arrival, we transfer to your hotel. Varanasi is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus. Its one of the world’s oldest living cities, and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years. This afternoon is yours to explore on your own and experience local life and traditional cuisine first hand. Early evening, join our celebrity chef for a cocktail and an informal chat- a good time to share your experiences and ask for few culinary tips.
Day 10: 8th March - In Varanasi
Today visit Sarnath the place where the Buddha turned the Wheel of Law and delivered his first sermon attaining enlightenment. Afternoon, lunch at the hotel. Late afternoon, at leisure or you may wish to explore the ancient city at your own pace. Another special evening with our celebrity chef, Atul Kochhar in the special city of Benares (Varanasi) as Atul whets your appetite with some more Indian fusion dishes and farewell drinks. You may like to ask Atul the story behind his famous restaurant Benares in London.
Day 11: 9th March - Varanasi to Khajuraho
Early in the morning, we visit the ghats of the holy Ganges. We take a special sunrise boat ride passing through various bathing ghats and the burning ghat. Then its off to the airport for our flight to Khajuraho. After a transfer to your hotel, we visit the fine sculptures in the world famous erotic temples of Khajuraho, known for the depiction of the Kamasutra.Originally 85 spectacular temples, carved with the roughest of tools, all within the span of a hundred years; today, 22 temples survive. We will visit the East, West and South group of temples. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 12: 10th March - Khajuraho to Agra
Today after a relaxed breakfast, we drive to Orchha to see Jehangir Mahal. Here you will have a pure vegetarian lunch, which you may be surprised to learn doesn’t just consist of salads and tofu. Following lunch we drive to Jhansi to travel by train to infamous Agra. On arrival in Agra, we transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Agra.
Day 13: 11th March - In Agra
Early morning you witness the masterpiece in marble, a sunrise visit to the world famous Taj Mahal , one of the seven wonders of the world – a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire. Then its on to a guided visit to Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-dula. The city is also famous for its carpets, soapstone, gold thread embroidery and leather goods so enjoy the rest of the day to shop and sample local cuisine.
Day 14: 12th March - Agra to Delhi
Today we drive to Delhi . On the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri., an exquisite heritage city build by Akbar the Great in 1569. This afternoon in Delhi you are free to explore on your own and enjoy all that Delhi has to offer. This evening, we bid farewell to our culinary tour as we enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by Indian Odyssey at an Indian speciality restaurant.
Day 15: 13th March - Depart Delhi
This day we end our memorable gourmet & culture tour as we transfer to the airport in time to board our return flight. Take home- recipes, memories and flavours of India.
Included:
- Culinary evenings and masterclasses by celebrity chef Atul Kochhar as per itinerary
- International return economy flights
- Accommodation on twin share basis
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- Seven lunch meals
- Domestic travel in air-conditioned coach
- Sightseeing as indicated with services of experienced English speaking guides
- Train journeys in air conditioned cabin
- Internal flight as per itinerary
- Services of tour leader for entire tour
