Guaranteed Departure!

START DAY: Fly Delhi to Srinagar

Meet in Delhi this morning and fly to Srinagar. Free afternoon to settle in.​​

During our time in Srinagar, we will be joined by Rushina Guildyal-Munshaw, renowned food writer and culinary chronicler who will share her immense understanding of Indian food history and culture with you. Rushina is the author of numerous books including the recently released Chutney, a superb compendium on one of India’s greatest condiments and editor of Mumbai recently recognised with a James Beard Award 2026 in the Best Visuals category.​

Tonight you will experience the grandeur of a traditional Wazwaan feast, Kashmir's celebrated multi-course banquet that has been served at weddings and special occasions for centuries. 

Rushina will lead a discussion on Indian food culture, traditions and how food and dining is evolving in India. This will offer you a fantastic introduction to the safari ahead.

Accommodation: Mountain Retreat, Srinagar

Srinagar

Right up-front, today you will experience one of the absolute highlights of our journey - a private visit to a saffron farm in Pampore, the heart of Kashmir's saffron-growing region.

This is a rare, behind-the-scenes experience that is not generally available to the public and has been timed to coincide with the incredibly short saffron harvest, when delicate purple crocus flowers bloom for just a few weeks each year. Guided by a passionate local saffron grower and advocate, you'll visit the flowering fields, learn about the painstaking hand-harvesting and drying process, and discover why Kashmiri saffron is widely regarded as the finest in the world.

Afterwards, enjoy a warming cup of traditional kahwa tea and a rustic Kashmiri barbecue lunch before taking home your own hand-harvested saffron as a fragrant reminder of this truly special experience.

As nature ultimately dictates the harvest, we have allowed a backup day in the itinerary to maximize our chances of witnessing this remarkable seasonal event.

A light dinner will be served at our hotel tonight after a busy day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, BBQ Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Retreat, Srinagar

Srinagar

Begin the day before sunrise with a visit to Srinagar's enchanting floating market, where traders glide silently across the waters of Dal Lake in traditional wooden shikaras, selling fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers in a scene that has changed little over the centuries.

After breakfast, we'll journey to a local farm for a hands-on spice blending experience, learning how fragrant Kashmiri masalas are created before enjoying a delicious farm-style lunch.

This afternoon, step back in time as we explore the atmospheric lanes of Srinagar's Old City, discovering centuries-old mosques, bustling spice merchants, traditional bakeries and hidden artisan workshops. We'll also visit a papier-mâché artist in their home and have time to browse for exquisite cashmere before returning to the hotel for a light dinner.

Should weather conditions prevent yesterday's saffron harvest experience, today has been reserved as our backup opportunity to visit the saffron fields.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Farm-Style Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Retreat, Srinagar​

Srinagar to Delhi

Today we will travel to Delhi. You have a free afternoon and evening to settle in and relax. Tomorrow will be a busy day!

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (on plane)

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Hotel, New Delhi ​

Delhi

Today you'll explore Old Delhi with acclaimed food specialists Anubhuti Krishna and Debashish Kar, whose passion for the city's history, architecture and extraordinary culinary heritage brings every street to life. Wander through the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk, sample legendary street food, visit Asia's largest spice market at Khari Baoli and discover the traditions that have shaped India's capital for centuries.

As evening falls, Old Delhi transforms. Beginning beneath the magnificent Jama Masjid, you'll delve into the city's rich Mughlai food culture, tasting everything from succulent kebabs and fragrant kormas to freshly baked breads before enjoying dinner at one of Delhi's legendary culinary institutions. It's an unforgettable day of remarkable flavours, fascinating stories and authentic local experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Hotel, New Delhi

Delhi

Today we'll discover New Delhi beyond its famous monuments, exploring the city through its vibrant and diverse food culture. Begin with a classic Delhi breakfast before wandering through the tranquil Lodhi Gardens, enjoying chai and local snacks as you uncover the many layers of India's capital.

Later, savour contemporary regional Indian cuisine at one of Delhi's most celebrated restaurants before exploring the fascinating food markets of INA and Dilli Haat, where flavours from across the country come together. We'll finish the day in Chittaranjan Park, discovering the rich culinary traditions of Delhi's Bengali community. It's a wonderful insight into the incredible diversity that makes Delhi one of India's great food cities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Hotel, New Delhi

Delhi to Agra

After breakfast we'll leave Delhi behind and journey south by road to Agra, once the magnificent capital of the Mughal Empire.

On arrival we'll enjoy a traditional pattal lunch, where an array of delicious vegetarian dishes are served - a centuries-old Indian dining tradition that celebrates both sustainability and regional flavours. This afternoon we'll explore the impressive Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh. From these tranquil riverside gardens we'll enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Taj Mahal, perfectly positioned as the afternoon light begins to soften.

We'll return to the hotel for an early evening, ready for tomorrow's unforgettable sunrise visit to India's most iconic monument.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Agra

Agra to Lucknow

We will rise early this morning for one of India's most unforgettable experiences - a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. 

After breakfast, we'll begin our journey towards Lucknow, breaking the drive in the fascinating town of Kannauj, India's ancient perfume capital. For more than a thousand years, Kannauj has been renowned for producing exquisite natural attar using traditional copper distillation techniques that have changed little over the centuries.

We'll enjoy exclusive access to an eighth-generation perfumer and trained chef, who will share his family's remarkable legacy before taking us behind the scenes of his distillery to learn how fragrant rose oil and natural perfumes are created.

After lunch we continue to Lucknow. This evening is yours to relax after a wonderful day.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Lucknow

Lucknow

Today is an introduction to the rich culinary traditions of Lucknow, a city celebrated as one of India's great gastronomic capitals. 

Along the way we'll enjoy a traditional breakfast while learning about the ingredients and food traditions that define the cuisine of Awadh. We'll purchase fresh produce before being welcomed into a local family home, where we'll cook alongside our hosts over a traditional wood fire, preparing classic Awadhi dishes while discovering the techniques, stories and rituals that have been passed down through generations.

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Lucknow

Lucknow

Today we'll explore the magnificent Bara and Chota Imambaras before wandering through the historic lanes of Chowk, the city's vibrant old quarter. Along the way we'll sample some of Lucknow's most iconic delicacies, from its delicate Makhan Malai (an airy, saffron-infused winter cloud) to fragrant biryani and the legendary Galouti kebab.

As evening falls, we'll experience the lively atmosphere of the old city, where traditional bakeries, kebab makers and street food vendors continue culinary traditions that have endured for generations.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Lucknow

Lucknow to Mumbai

We will fly to Mumbai this morning. The day is free to settle in and relax. You’ve earned a break. 

This evening we'll dine at one of Mumbai's most celebrated contemporary restaurants and a regular fixture on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list. 

Meals Included: Breakfast (on plane) and Dinner

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Mumbai​

Mumbai

Today we'll discover the many layers of Mumbai on a specially curated Mumbai Food Tour. This immersive experience takes us beyond the city's famous landmarks and into the rhythm of everyday life, exploring a historic heritage precinct, meeting the remarkable Dabbawallas whose world-famous lunchbox delivery system is renowned for its extraordinary precision, and travelling like a local on Mumbai's suburban train network.

Along the way we'll enjoy lunch at a restaurant showcasing thoughtfully sourced ingredients and recipes inspired by communities from across the country, browse the colourful spice markets, and indulge our sweet tooth. This evening we'll dine at one of India's most influential restaurants which celebrates the country's regional cuisines through seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques. It has become a benchmark for modern Indian dining.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Mumbai

Mumbai

Rise before dawn to experience Mumbai as few visitors ever do. As the city awakens, we'll witness the remarkable rhythm of daily life unfold - from the bustling Sassoon Docks fish market and colourful flower market to the famous Dhobi Ghat and the quiet rituals that take place before the streets come alive.

Returning to the hotel for breakfast and a break, we'll then continue our culinary exploration with a classic Mumbai street food lunch, sampling the city's iconic vada pav and visiting a traditional Irani café, where Persian influences have become woven into Mumbai's food culture over more than a century. This afternoon we'll enjoy chai at a local home, before gathering for dinner a new restaurant gaining recognition for its beautifully prepared vegetarian cuisine inspired by the flavours of Gujarat and western India.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Mumbai

Mumbai to Kumarakom

Today we'll travel from Mumbai to Kochi and then continue by road to Kumarakom. The evening is free to settle in and relax.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (on plane)

Accommodation: 5-star Resort & Spa, Kumarakom

Kumarakom

After breakfast, we'll spend the day immersed in the flavours and traditions of Kerala. Our hands-on culinary experience begins with a visit to the local market, where we'll discover the fresh produce, seafood and fragrant spices that form the foundation of Keralan cuisine. Along the way you'll learn about the region's unique spice blends, shop for traditional cooking utensils and ingredients, and gain an insight into everyday life in the villages surrounding Kumarakom.

Returning to the farm, we'll join the family in preparing a selection of authentic Keralan dishes before sitting down together to enjoy the delicious meal we've helped create. It's a wonderfully authentic day that offers a genuine connection to Kerala's people, culture and extraordinary food traditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: 5-star Resort & Spa, Kumarakom

Kumarakom

Today is yours to slow down and embrace the unhurried rhythm of Kerala's enchanting backwaters. We'll cruise through a maze of tranquil canals, shimmering lakes and coconut-fringed waterways, passing traditional villages where life has changed little for generations. Along the way we'll stop to meet local residents, gain an insight into everyday village life, and enjoy a leisurely lunch showcasing the fresh, vibrant flavours of Kerala. It's a wonderfully relaxing day and the perfect opportunity to soak up the beauty and serenity of one of India's most iconic landscapes.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation 5-star Resort & Spa, Kumarakom

Kumarakom to Fort Kochi

After breakfast we'll farewell the backwaters and travel through Kerala's lush countryside and partway up the famed Western Ghats to a beautiful regenerative farm that celebrates the region's extraordinary agricultural heritage.

We'll enjoy a leisurely farm-to-table lunch featuring fresh seasonal produce grown on the property, while learning about sustainable farming practices, spices, tropical fruits and the philosophy behind this inspiring family-run enterprise. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Kerala's deep connection between land, food and community before continuing on to the historic port city of Kochi.

This evening we'll enjoy some delicious local seafood.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel, Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi (Departure Day)

Our journey concludes in the enchanting streets of Fort Kochi, where centuries of global trade, culture and cuisine have shaped one of India's most fascinating port cities. This morning we'll take a specially curated walking tour, exploring the city's rich history through the lens of the spice trade that first drew Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British merchants to Kerala's shores. Along the way we'll enjoy tastings, bringing these stories vividly to life through the flavours that changed the world.

We'll gather for a memorable farewell seafood lunch before enjoying a free afternoon to browse Fort Kochi's boutique galleries, artisan stores and spice merchants.

For those travelling home, convenient late-evening flights connect directly from Kochi to Singapore, marking the end of an unforgettable culinary journey through India.

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Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Lunch

• Fully escorted by Sarah Meikle and local expert hosts

• Airport meet and greet and departure assistance

• All Airport Transfers in India

• 5-star accommodation throughout

• Most meals included:

  • Daily Breakfast

  • 17 x Lunches

  • 12 x Dinners

• Activities / Monument and Temple entrances as per programme (including English-speaking Guides and Tips as needed)​

• Many hands-on experiences, demonstrations and behind-the-scenes access

• Air-conditioned coach transport for full duration of itinerary

• Domestic Flights (Delhi - Srinagar, Srinagar - Delhi, Lucknow - Mumbai, Mumbai - Kochi) with 25 kilos luggage limit

• Unlimited mineral water in coach and hotels

• All applicable taxes

• Pre-departure advice and support - detailed planning information, Visa application support, additional travel advice, lots of insider tips & knowledge!

• 24/7 support in India from local representative if required

• Plenty more surprises!

• International Flights

• Departure taxes (if required)

• India Visitor Visa (assistance is provided)

• Health & Travel Insurance (you are required to have travel insurance)

• Meals not listed (there aren't many not included)

• Additional tips (mainly hotel porters)

• Beverages

• Spending Money

• Vaccinations (if required/desired)

• Additional travel arrangements/activities not noted on itinerary

• Items of a personal nature