ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY OPTIONS
CUISINE READERS TOUR

Whilst it’s been ensured that you don’t miss any of the key sights (or sites), there are an endless choice of other things that you can do outside of the programmed activities. There is plenty of free time scheduled so you can choose how you use this time. The days will be warm, so undoubtedly, you’ll want to make the most of some pool time or perhaps a visit to the spa for an Ayurvedic massage? Of course, you might want some shopping time too and there’s plenty of time for that.

Detailed in this section is information about Additional Activities you may like to plan for. Some of these do not need to be pre-booked whilst others do need to be pre-booked and Sarah will help with this. Any additional costs (as noted) will be added to your final balance invoice.

At the bottom of the page is a list of great Reading and other Resources which may come in handy as you plan your adventure.

Please complete the Additional Activities Booking Form to confirm your spot for pre-arranged activities.

DELHI

Delhi is India’s capital city and almost the antithesis to Mumbai. Whilst Mumbai is built up with skyscrapers hugging the coastline, Delhi is spread out, low rise, green and flat. But don’t be fooled, Delhi is a HUGE city with a population of 33 million people! Home to many diplomatic missions, Delhi feels quite international. Its architecture is a mix of (very) old and new with fabulous examples of architects like Lutyens next to very modern buildings. Delhi’s climate is a lot more extreme than the south – cold winters and very hot summers are experienced here.

Whilst we are in Delhi, already included in the itinerary are:

A visit to the Qutb Complex and Humayun's Tomb
A fabulous dinner tracing the history of New Delhi
Old Delhi Spice Market tour, wedding bazaar and visit to Jama Masjid – enjoy a bicycle rickshaw ride down Chandhi Chowk, the sights of Old Delhi, followed by the sensory overload of the backstreets of Old Delhi.
Dinner at Indian Accent

DELHI ACTIVITIES THAT DO NOT NEED TO BE PRE-BOOKED

This is for your information and to help you plan your time.

Visit India Gate – Ironically Delhi, the India Gate is an imposing triumphal arch commemorating the Indian soldiers killed in the First World War. Located on Kartavya Path (Rajpath or King’s Path), a ceremonial boulevard that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan through Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk and India Gate, National War Memorial to the National Stadium. The avenue is lined on both sides by huge lawns, canals and rows of trees. It is considered to be one of the most important roads in India, it is where the annual Republic Day Parade takes place on 26 January. Free entry.
Visit Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan, is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. It is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on 30 January 1948. Free entry.
Visit Lodhi Gardens – a city park spread over 90 acres containing Mohammed Shah's Tomb, the Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi, the Shisha Gumbad and the Bara Gumbad, architectural works of the 15th century by Lodis - who ruled parts of northern India and Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of modern-day Pakistan, from 1451 to 1526. The site is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Lodi Gardens is popular for exercise and walking enthusiasts. The gardens are situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb and is a popular spot for morning walks for the Delhites. Free entry.
Visit Jantar Mantar – "Jantar Mantar" means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. The site is one of five built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, from 1723 onwards (there is another one in Jaipur). The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets. Some of these purposes nowadays would be classified as astronomy. ₹200 per person entry fee. Pay at entry.
Visit the Lotus Temple – a Baháʼí House of Worship that was dedicated in December 1986. Notable for its lotus-like shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all Bahá’í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification. The building is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides, with nine doors opening onto a central hall with a height of slightly over 34 meters and a capacity of 1,300 people. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards. Free entry.
Visit the Red Fort – an historic fort in the Old Delhi neighbourhood that historically served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12th May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Originally red and white, its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. The fort represents the peak in Mughal architecture under Shah Jahan and combines Persianate palace architecture with Indian traditions. ₹600 per person entry fee. Pay at entry.
Visit Akshadarm - Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple, and spiritual-cultural campus in Delhi, close to the border with Noida. Also referred to as Akshardham Temple or Akshardham Delhi, the complex displays millennia of traditional and modern Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. Free entry.
Visit Lodhi Art District – Lodhi Colony was the last housing estate built by the British, which bears a rich history in Delhi’s timeline for its iconic architecture. Since 2015, 50 renowned street artists from across the world have been invited by St+Art India Foundation to create the Lodhi Art District making it India’s first art district. Free entry.

DELHI SHOPPING
RECOMMENDATIONS

Central Cottage Industries Emporium – the large terracotta/clay coloured building across the street from the hotel. It’s a large, long-standing store carrying traditional handicrafts & handlooms by Indian artisans. Government run. No bartering.
Tibetan Market – directly out the front gate of the hotel. Turn left. No more than 50 metres and you hit the Tibetan Market selling costume jewellery and home décor. Barter your heart out!
Gujarati Market (Janpath Market) – a little further on (Sarah will give you directions) offering decorative pillows, bed covers, light shades. Barter your heart out!
Connaught Place – A little further still. A collection of more notable shops and international brands. No bartering.
Khan Market – a lovely shopping precinct with a wide range of boutiques and shops. Check out Good Earth and Faqir Chand Bookstore. Some of Sarah’s favourites!
Sabyasachi – Stunning high end Indian womenswear and jewellery. Worth a visit but only do so if you want to spend some serious money!
Nature Morte – Contemporary Art Gallery. Exhibitions change regularly

DELHI ACTIVITIES THAT NEED TO
BE PRE-BOOKED

Please select the activities you wish to add to your itinerary on the Additional Activities Booking Form.

THE IMPERIAL SPA

INDIAN DANCE CLASS

THE IMPERIAL SPA

Enjoy the spa at The Imperial, one of the best in Delhi which offers a range of treatments. More information can be found here.

INDIAN DANCE CLASS

This experience will give you the chance to attend a two-hour Indian dance class. During the class, you’ll be introduced to Bollywood, Bhangra and Dandiya Raas dance styles. Under the guidance of a professional instructor, you’ll be able to discover the meaning behind Indian dances and learn some of the basic steps and moves. You’ll have the opportunity to dance to Bollywood music. At the end of the class, you’ll receive a video of your performance and take a return ride to your hotel. It’s REALLY fun! ₹3,500 per person – approximately NZ$70 plus tip (recommended ₹500 per person). This must be pre-booked but payment is made in cash at the end of the class. Transport is additional and can be organised for you (approximately NZ$50 per car)

AGRA

Agra is famous for one thing – the Taj Mahal. You won’t be disappointed. Pack the tissues…it’s quite overwhelming. Some useful background reading can be found here.

Whilst we are in Agra, already included in the itinerary are:

Guided visit to Agra Red Fort - Completed in 1573, the Fort, it has a rick history. Most notably, Shah Jahan, responsible for the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned here. It’s a fascinating story.
Guided visit to Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, otherwise known as the “Baby Taj”
Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) for your first up-close views of the Taj Mahal
Guided visit to the Taj Mahal
Guided visit to Fatehpur Sikri

No additional activity suggestions for Agra (there won’t be much time).

JAIPUR

Jaipur is the heart of Rajasthan and is bursting with energy and colour. The centre of Jaipur is a bustling old walled city. Jaipur became known as “The Pink City” when, in 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had most of the buildings painted pink—the colour of hospitality—in preparation for a visit by Britain's Queen Victoria. Today, the city is known for its bazaars, forts, temples, palaces, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Whilst we are in Jaipur, already included in the itinerary are:

A visit to the Amber Fort
A visit to the Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell
A Jaipur Street Food tour
An early morning Jaipur tour
A cooking class at a local Haveli

JAIPUR ACTIVITIES THAT DO NOT NEED TO BE PRE-BOOKED

This is for your information and to help you plan your time.

Visit the Hawa Mahal - Built from red and pink sandstone, it is on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur, and extends to the Zenana, or women's chambers. It was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. Its five-floor exterior is akin to a honeycomb with its 953 small windows called Jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. The original intent of the lattice design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen. This architectural feature also allowed cool air from the Venturi effect to pass through, thus making the whole area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer. ₹200 per person entry fee. Pay at entry.
Visit the City Palace - A royal residence and former administrative headquarters of the rulers of the Jaipur State. The royal family still live here. ₹700 per person entry fee. Pay at entry.
Visit the Jantar Mantar - The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The monument was completed in 1734. It features the world's largest stone sundial, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is near City Palace and Hawa Mahal. Extremely impressive. ₹200 per person entry fee. Pay at entry.
Love architecture? Take a tuk tuk and go and see a fabulous example of art deco architecture – the Raj Mandir Cinema. Free.
Visit Albert Hall Museum – the state museum of Jaipur and well worth a visit. The museum has a rich collection of artifacts including paintings, jewelery, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, and works in crystal. ₹300 per person entry fee. Pay at entry.

Fabulous Photo Locations:

Patrika Gate (about 20 minutes drive south of the Hawa Mahal)
City Palace (behind the Hawa Mahal)

JAIPUR SHOPPING
RECOMMENDATIONS

PDKF Store – City Palace – Rajasthani styles created by local women of the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls in rural Rajasthan
The Palace Atelier – City Palace – A fabulous Museum Store
Idli - Thierry Journo – “I do love India”…Thierry, a Frenchman, has been based in India for 15 years. Gorgeous designs.
Anokhi – started to revitalise the age old skills of block printing. Now a well-known chain based in Jaipur. Their flagship store has a great café for lunch too.
FabIndia – a much-loved chain of clothing and homewares all over India. Extremely well priced for great quality. FabIndia works with over 55,000 rural producers.
Kaushalam – Gorgeous one-of-kind, handpainted teapots, trays. glassware etc
Ratan – Blockprinted clothing, bedspreads and homewares.
Ecru – Interiors, Apparel, Gifts. Gorgeous. A lot cheaper instore than online.
Khanoom – Stunning hand-painted bowls, plates etc - Golcha Gardens Agra Road, Transport Nagar, Jaipur. Studio store open daily 11am-5pm
Jaipur Modern – Design store with Indian and Contemporary fashion, jewellery etc as well as a great restaurant.
Amrapali – Stunning Indian jewels both (very) precious and the best quality costume jewellery. If you are looking for a Indian jewellery souvenir to take home, it’s well worth a visit. The costume jewellery brand is called “Tribe by Amrapali” and it is stunning.
Heritage Textiles and Handicrafts – Great for custom tailoring, pashminas etc - Gangapole Road, 10, opposite Mahar House, Jaipur
Ridhi Sidhi Textiles – large wholesale showroom with clothing, homewares, pjs, sun umbrellas and a lot more – not to be missed! No website. Worth visiting early on in case you want something made. One of Sarah’s favourites
Explore the Bazaars - Where to start…just don’t get lost! Probably the best place to start is Bapu Bazaar. Sarah can point you in the right direction. Take a read of this for more information.

JAIPUR FOOD & COFFEE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Johri (amazing vegetarian food), 3950, MSB Ka Rasta, Johri Bazar, Ghat Darwaza
Opera, F-7 Ramesh Marg, C-Scheme (Italian)
Meeraki Kitchen, 27, Madrampura, Opposite Pillar 88, Civil Lines
Home Café, B 64, Shanti Nagar Rd, Shanthi Nagar B, Gujar Ki Thadi, Shanthi Nagar, Mansarovar
Kothi Café, 28, Civil Lines Rd, Shivaji Nagar, Civil Lines
Anokhi Cafe , 2nd floor, KK Square, Prithviraj Rd, Panch Batti, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar
Kafeville, Subhash Marg, Plot No. D51, nr. Ahinsa Circle, Panch Batti, C Scheme, Ashok Nagar
Wind View Café (great chai), directly across the street from the Hawa Mahal
Curious Life Coffee, several outlets in C-Scheme
More here

JAIPUR ACTIVITIES THAT NEED TO
BE PRE-BOOKED

Please select the activities you wish to add to your itinerary on the Additional Activities Booking Form.

INDIAN EMBROIDERY CLASS

Transform a plain piece of cloth into a beautiful work of art with the technique of embroidery! In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of embroidery by becoming familiar with a range of basic stitches such as the star, fern, running, cross, chain, running threaded, and French knot, among others. Not only that, but you will also discover the art of embellishing with beads, mirrors, sequins, coils, and more. By the end of the class, you'll have created a stunning hooped embroidery sampler that can be proudly displayed in your home or given as a thoughtful gift. All necessary materials will be provided, but you're welcome to bring your own if you have a specific vision in mind. NZ$80 per person. Class is approximately three hours long. Must be booked in advance.

BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP

Visiting a nearby village, this “Print your own Product” workshop is your perfect introduction to the art of hand block printing. You’ll learn everything that you need to know to craft your own hand printed tote-bag, scarf bandana or rug. The day begins with walking Bagru’s fabled “Fields of Colour”. Here countless yards of hand printed fabric are each day left to dry in the Rajasthan sun. Next multi-generational team of artisans and educators will explain the tools and techniques of the block print process. Finally you can choose a product to print. You’ll have the time, tools, advice and encouragement needed for you to craft your own masterpiece. This one-day introduction workshop includes:

English speaking workshop leader.
Cup of masala chai on arrival.
Tour of the “Fields of Colour”
Visits to traditional block carving, dying and printing workshops.
Introduction to block printing tools and techniques.
Use of a wide selection of printing blocks and inks.
Choice of tote bag, scarf, bandana, or 2x3 rug for you to print.
Traditional home cooked Rajasthani lunch or Thali at a local restaurant.

NZ$165 per person. Workshop is approximately five hours long plus travel time. Must be booked in advance.

ELEPHANT RESCUE SANCTUARY VISIT

How about lunch with Elephants? There are many elephant “sanctuaries” in India, but sadly, many elephants are not treated as they should be. I have spent a long time searching for a sanctuary that genuinely cares about these incredible creatures. You’ll spend time with some rescued elephants, feed them, learn about them, walk with them, but there’s no rides or painting. Then you’ll enjoy an unforgettable lunch! Only in India! NZ$250 per person. Must be booked in advance.

LUNCH AT VILLA PALLADIO

An Italian Indian oasis! The beating heart of Villa Palladio is found in its kitchens. From the early morning to evening’s night our chefs are busy in preparing a menu of exquisite dishes informed by well chosen ingredients and seasonal rhythms. The bounty of their produce is locally grown: gathered fresh in their own organic gardens or delivered daily by local farmers. The Villa Palladio menu offers a range of classic dishes inspired by the logic and alchemy of Italian cooking. Dining at Villa Palladio is as much about appetite as it is about imagination and their philosophy will always remain true … The food must be good! NZ$250 per person. Must be booked in advance.

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Deep in Rajasthan, which in Hindi means 'Land of the Kings', is Ranthambore National Park, a former royal hunting ground, which now supports a population of around 80 Royal Bengal Tigers. Only accessible with licensed operators, a jeep safari takes you deep into the National Park to spot not only tigers but monkey, gazelle, leopard, sloth, deer, hyena and more. It means an early start, but absolutely worth it and a whole lot of fun!

Whilst we are in Ranthambore National Park, already included in the itinerary are:

An early open-air jeep safari with nature guide spotter and drive
A stunning terrace dinner at our accommodation

READING AND RESOURCES

If you are keen to read up a bit ahead of time, some great books are:

City of Djinns, by William Dalrymple – absolutely fascinating read about the history of Delhi over a thousand years (highly recommended) – he has also authored White Mughals, The Age of Kali, In Xanadu and Kohinoor (Sarah has copies of all if you wish to loan)
Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts – a seriously big read about an Australian who got wound up in the Mumbai underworld. Pretty incredible story
The Shortest History of India, by John Zubrzycki – just that!
Holy Cow, by Sarah MacDonald – light and easy read about life in Delhi
The Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese – tells the story of an Indian Malayali family living in southwest India, in the Kerala state, with the narrative spanning three generations, from 1900 to the 1970s.
Sophia, by Anita Anand - The enthralling story of an extraordinary woman and her part in the defining moments of recent British Indian history

Great Articles:

A recent Cuisine article written by Sarah - https://www.cuisine.co.nz/to-india-with-love/
Fabulous article on Rajasthan - https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/asia/132108122/a-destination-so-intense-travellers-get-a-world-of-experiences-in-a-week?cid=app-iPhone

A great read from Conde Nast Traveller India - https://www.cntraveller.in/story/the-75-best-experiences-in-india/
And another from Vogue India - https://www.vogue.in/content/things-to-do-in-jaipur-on-your-all-girls-trip-plus-where-to-eat-stay-and-shop
Two articles by British journalist, Rosanna Falconer:
- Country Life UK - https://www.countrylife.co.uk/travel/jaipur-rosanna-falconers-unbeatable-guide-to-indias-most-intoxicating-city-265576
- Cabana Magazine - https://cabanamagazine.com/blogs/travel/a-weekend-in-jaipur
Preparing for your trip: https://www.andbeyond.com/magazine/pack-like-a-pro-for-india/

An awesome Podcast:

“Empire” Podcast: A fascinating look at India from two expert historians Anita Anand and William Dalrymple (author noted above). They also co-authored the Koh-i-noor book mentioned above together- https://www.goalhangerpodcasts.com/empire

Interesting Instagram Accounts to follow include:

@natgeotravellerindia

There’s a number of great India Guide Books available too. A personal favourite is the DK Eyewitness Guide as it has excellent detail of the monuments and forts. A new edition was released in late December 2023 which Sarah carries with her.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY OPTIONS CUISINE READERS TOUR