sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bengali cuisine, Rajasthani cuisine

Grand Culinary Flavours of India

This tour is a gastronomic discovery of India and much more. Learn about the aromatic , travel like a local and try (safe) street as you walk through the bustling bazaar. Savor local , pin down authentic Indian recipes and get a wonderful introduction to the culture, traditions and historic sites as you travel with us.

Come and experience India with your senses – taste the amazing food from the different places, see the amazing sites both natural and man-made, hear the musical traffic, smell the highs and lows while feeling like you are learning something new. Above all come and enjoy the journey.

Route: – Lucknow – Delhi – Agra – – Ranthambore – Delhi

11Days / 10 Nights

ROUTE MAP 1 of 2

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 2

Day 01 - Kolkata On arriving at the Kolkata Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and taken to your hotel.

Kolkata (Calcutta) is a city of glaring contrasts - a curious blend of the old and new. A mere village in the 17th century, Kolkata largely originated due to the expansionist ambitions of European powers, especially the , during which period Kolkata was for some time the capital of India. Kolkata is a unique hub of culture and heritage and is referred to as the intellectual capital of the country, as well as the 'City of Processions' and the 'City of Joy'.

Overnight: Superior Room - The Lalit Great Eastern or Similar : None Website: http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-great-eastern-kolkata/

Day 02 - Kolkata After an early , visit the famous Kolkata flower market under the iconic Bridge, where you will see a large range of fresh flowers. We then descend to the river banks to for a panoramic view of the heritage Howrah Bridge, the longest bridge in Asia.

Bengal (the state) is a foodie’s paradise, and especially Kolkata (its capital), where various adventurers have left their gastronomical imprints. A walkthrough the market will familiarize you with the ingredients that go into the making of some authentic Bengali food. After picking fresh ingredients, you will learn about traditional Bengali recipes either from a family cook or the owners of one of the finest restaurants of the city. Enjoy authentic Bengali sweets after the .

Please mention to the cook if you have any allergies. All the food is bought fresh and cooked in front of you.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 3

After enjoy an orientation tour of the city, including a visit to the Victoria Memorial, Kolkata's imposing white marble dream inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 1921, and St. Paul's Cathedral. We drive past Fort William, Eden Gardens, Dalhousie Square, Writer’s Building, St John’s Church and the Governor’s Residence.

End the tour at the Indian Coffee House - a favorite hang-out place among the students and youth, although one can see several old-timers frequenting the coffee house on a regular basis. The place became a meeting place for poets, artists, and people with genuine interests in art and culture.

In the evening, dinner is organized at Aaheli, for an authentic . are renowned for their love of good food, especially fish, meat and chicken.

They have developed a menu, which comprises the cuisine from the two parts of - The East and The West. The Bengali cuisine should be enjoyed by course in generous portions. Aaheli strikes a fine balance of spices from the old cuisine of “Thakurbari” to the present day. Try their Mochor chop, Nawabi Mangsho Pulao and Bhetki paturi (where Indian Salmon is marinated with Indian spices and then wrapped and steamed in )

Overnight: Superior Room - The Lalit Great Eastern or Similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 03 – Kolkata to Lucknow After a buffet breakfast, our representative will transfer you to the Kolkata domestic airport to board the flight to Lucknow.

Indigo Airlines, 6E339 Kolkata-Lucknow 09:30-12:15hrs Economy Class

Upon arrival you in Lucknow, you will be met by our representative who will take you to the hotel.

The historic culture of Lucknow is still very much alive and the city retains its old world charm. Popularly known as the 'City of ', Lucknow is famous for its traditional cuisine and fine arts. The city was greatly influenced by the Mughals and the Mughal touch can be found in many aspects of its culture. Be it the cuisine, the delightful music and dance forms, or the conversation and language, everything has a touch of royal splendour that once flourished in Lucknow.

Enjoy a light lunch at the hotel.

After lunch, visit the grave of Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect who designed Canberra, Australia's capital city. Griffin spent the last 15 months of his life in India where he designed the zenana (the quarters for elite Muslim women) for the palace of the Raja Jahangirabad. He also formed a strong personal bond with the young Raja of Mahmudabad (who shared Griffin's interest in the preservation of habitat and wildlife) designing for him a library to hold a rare collection of books and manuscripts.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 4

Enjoy a heritage walk through Old Lucknow with a guide. Discover Old Lucknow - set out from the Gol Darwaaza and walk along the lanes of the Chowk, Lucknow's oldest market place, exploring the history of the buildings and hearing anecdotes about them. Our tour ends at the Akbari Gate.

Dinner will be a lavish spread where you will learn about authentic , especially the preparation with exotic spices and garnishing with dry fruits. This cuisine was introduced to India by the deputies of the Mughal Emperor, namely, the Nawabs of Awadh, who were originally inhabitants of Persia (modern day Iran). They enjoyed a particular diet of grains, fruits, dry fruits and that were available in their country. So the Mughlai style of was further refined in Lucknow by the Nawabs by adding exotic flavours of and dry fruits.

For a small group of 6 to 10, we will visit Coquina - an 'artisanal' that offers a combination of traditional and modern cooking by knowledgeable individuals, who are cooks by passion and not by profession. You will learn about this Passion Cuisine, cook for yourselves under supervision and then enjoy the meal.

For a group of 10 or more, dinner is planned at Lucknow's Khajurgaon Palace. Khajurgaon is owned by the former royal family of Raja Amresh Kumar Singh. The palace is one of the few remaining Lucknow vintage properties from the British era that is still well preserved and known for its quintessential Awadhi architecture. The huge durbar hall with beautiful paintings and murals in natural colours and its Belgian chandeliers create a beautiful backdrop to the evening. The dinner, which is hosted by the family, is traditional Lakhnavi from the word 'go', together with a narration of Lucknow's royal history by one of the family members. Enjoy cocktails, followed by a home cooked Awadhi meal, that brings alive the city's famed culinary traditions.

Overnight: Superior Room – Golden Tulip or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Website: http://www.goldentulipjaipur.com/en

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 5

Day 04– Lucknow to Delhi After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided city tour of Lucknow. Driving past the Tombs of Sadat Ali and the Begum, reach the architecturally special Asafi Imambara, 'the world’s biggest hall that is without any pillar support, wood, iron beams or concrete walls.’ Also see the Asfi Mosque, the Rumi Darwaza and the Turkish Gate. Enjoy a Tonga ride (horse driven carriages) to the Husainabad Imambara ending at a Lucknow residency where British residents lived and see the picture gallery exhibiting excellent full-sized portraits of the Nawabs of Audh

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant - The Royal Café, and try the once served to American and British soldiers during World War II.

Later, our representative will transfer you to Lucknow railway station to board the train for Delhi

Lucknow Shatabdi Exp Lucknow-Delhi 15:35-22:05hrs Air conditioned chair car

Dinner will be served onboard the train. Upon arrival in Delhi railway station you will be met by our representative who will take you to the hotel.

Overnight: Standard Room – Justa The Residence or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Website: http://www.justahotels.com/greater-kailash-new-delhi/

Day 05– Delhi After breakfast, take a guided day tour of Delhi.

Explore the fascinating and living legacy of the Indo-Islamic culture and lifestyle of Old Delhi with your guide. Wander through the narrow and busy streets of the mile-long market Chandni Chowk, popularly known as Silver Street with its shops and bazaars. Visit Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 6

wonderful marble domes; this is the largest mosque in Old Delhi and can accommodate 20,000 people. Take the opportunity to experience a rickshaw ride at the markets.

Old Delhi Bazaars have colourful and interesting street food. They have the oldest shops that still sell many original delicacies. Savor a few of the local delicacies before visiting a private home (Masterji Kee Haveli) in Old Delhi for a cooking demonstration and tasting of traditional home-style Indian vegetarian cooking.

In the afternoon visit Humayun’s Tomb, this was built in the 16th century and is considered the architectural forerunner of Agra’s Taj Mahal. Drive past the President Palace, India Gate and see largest community kitchen at the Sikh temple.

Dinner is planned at the Indian Accent - The Manor awarded as the best restaurant for the 21st century. Savor the contemporary menu created by Manish Mehrotra. He is innovative and creates a unique amalgamation using the freshest local produce. Mehrotra combines home style nostalgic tastes with unusual ingredients from across the world.

Overnight: Standard Room – Justa The Residence or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 06–Delhi to Agra After breakfast, travel to Agra - a place where various rulers contributed to the rich heritage. In terms of ambiance the Mughal period left the greatest influence. The Mughals, besides being great rulers, were also great builders who reserved their best architectural wonders for Agra.

Lunch is South at Dasaprakash.

In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort which is strategically situated along a bend on the Yamuna River. Built in the 16th century AD by three generations of Mughal emperors, it is a superb synthesis of stern military fortifications with delicate interior details.

Experience the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunset (closed on Fridays). The Taj Mahal is a tribute from a great emperor to the memory of his beloved wife. It was 22 years in the making (1631-1653). Widely regarded as the earthly replica of paradise, the Taj Mahal is likened to “a vision, a dream, a poem and a wonder.”

In the evening, you will be taken to Peshwari restaurant for dinner.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 7

Peshawri brings to Agra an award winning menu of delicacies cooked in the clay tandoor that is reminiscent of the rustic charm of dining in the warm tents under a starry sky in the cold desert terrain of the North West Frontier.

Experience a lavish spread of delicious – vegetarian and non-vegetarian that are cooked in many different ways. Enjoy a range of Indian , from the decadently indulgent to light and the fluffy breads and of course, the inimitable Bukhara. All of which can be paired with an exclusive collection of wines and other beverages (on direct payment)

Overnight: Superior Room – Radisson or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Website: http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-agra

Day 07 – Agra to Ranthambore After breakfast, drive to the heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar's vision of synthesizing the two cultures.

Lunch is at The Bagh.

After lunch transfer to Bharatpur railway station to connect with your train to Ranthambore

Kota Jan Shatabdi Express, Bharatpur – Sawai Madhopur 15:50 - 18:02hrs Air conditioned chair car

Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel

Overnight: Deluxe Room – Ranthambore Kothi or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Website: http://www.ranthambhorekothi.com/gallery.html

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 8

Day 08 – Ranthambore Enjoy morning and evening safaris in Ranthambore National Park.

Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore National park is located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and the habitat consists predominantly dry deciduous forest. It is home to animals like the jackal, mongoose, sloth, bear, leopard, and of course, the tiger.

Overnight: Deluxe Room – Ranthambore Kothi or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 09–Ranthambore to Jaipur Early in the morning, enjoy one more safari to track tigers and other wild animals in the National Park.

After breakfast, travel to Jaipur (3 hrs) in an air-conditioned vehicle and check in to your hotel.

Enjoy lunch at the charming and intimate Samode Haveli hidden deep in the folds of the busy streets of old Jaipur. The exquisite former dining hall that serves as a restaurant is bedecked with colourful hand- painted murals. Their traditional especially the and lal maas (Rajasthani lamb) is a must try for foodies!!

Later in the afternoon, take a city sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting the City Palace and Observatory (Jantar Mantar). Jaipur is the capital of and its centerpiece is the City Palace, home even today of the royal family, and known for its clutch of excellent private museums that display royal memorabilia, particularly armaments, art, books, costumes and textiles. Lying adjacent to the City Palace is the medieval Jantar Mantar Observatory – built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, an inveterate astronomer who’s curiously shaped and oversized implements are astonishingly accurate to this day.

In the evening, walk, mingle and talk with the locals whilst sampling some of the regions culinary delights: try , aloo tiki, samosa and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Also visit Niros - a 's delight and a hot favorite with celebrities for over six decades. Niros is the perfect rendezvous for the best meal in town. Their epicurean cuisine includes a mouth-watering range of the finest Tandoori and Mughlai food, as well as desserts and snacks.

Overnight: Deluxe Room – Alsisar Haveli or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Website: http://www.alsisarhaveli.com/

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 9

Day 10– Jaipur After breakfast, travel to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort.

Originally built in the 11th century AD and expanded in size and scope by succeeding dynasties and their rulers, Amber is a fortress town of visual awesomeness. Ride up to its imposing hilltop location on elephant back (if available) and explore the maze of passages, corridors, pavilions, ornamental gardens and ramparts. On the way back, you may like to stop at Anokhi Museum, where you will see a collection of old costumes with hand blocked prints that are typical to Rajasthan (closed on Wednesdays).

Lunch is at Anokhi Café – a cafe that offers healthy and tasty fresh food with an international flavour. Food here is made from fresh seasonal organic produce grown locally at Anokhi farm

In the afternoon, relax and unwind by the pool or shop in the bazaars of the pink city (Jaipur).

The evening is reserved for a special cooking demo/dinner with Thakur Durga Singh, the current custodian of Dera Mandawa who is a keen observer of history, culture, religion, and current affairs. Try hands on cooking experience with the lady of the house. Learn to make Indian breads, Rajasthani barbeques and eggplant or potato dishes. The inquisitive tour members can have endless conversations with Thakur Durga Singh on a number of his pet projects like rain–water harvesting, biogas plants, solar heating and, even, healthy cooking. He would be more than delighted to share his experiences with you.

Overnight: Deluxe Room – Alsisar Haveli or similar

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 10

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 – Jaipur to Delhi After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Delhi and transfer to your flight to Chennai.

Continue on to South India:

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 11

This tour will take you to beautiful art-filled temples, magnificent mansions of Tamil Nadu and the mist shrouded hills, palm fringed beaches, and plantation of Kerala. Taste your way through an authentic slice of as you travel from Chennai to Cochin.

Explore Chennai and the sea shore temples at Mahabalipuram before heading to Chettinad. Stay in a glorious old mansion with original teakwood pillars, Tamilnadu tiles and teakwood furnishing. Wander through the markets and savour the area's delicious food.

Discover the aromatic spice trail at Thekkady. Then learn about Indian spices and organic farming techniques at a spice plantation. Enjoy the warm hospitality at a traditional Keralan home stay. Cruise through the serene backwaters in a converted barge. Spend a few days by the beach on the Malabar Coast before ending your tour in India at the ancient city of Cochin which is famed for its spices and has a history of trading that goes back to the Roman times.

Route: Chennai – Madurai – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Mararikulam – Kochi 12 Days / 11 Nights

Route Map 2 of 2

ROUTE MAP

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 12

ITINERARY

South India Cuisine: South India has a hot, humid climate and many of the people live near the coast. Rainfall is abundant and so is the supply of fresh fruit, vegetables and rice. On this tour you will savor the of Tamilnadu that perhaps is the fieriest of all Indian food. In Kerala, we will savor Malabari and Syrian Cuisine.

Day 11 (continued) – Chennai On arriving at the Chennai Airport, our representative will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Chennai is located on the south-eastern coast of India, and has an interesting architectural mix reflecting many past cultural influences.

The origin of Chennai (Madras) is a mystery with very little historical background. Historians do not agree to its origin. Originally, Madras consisted of several small villages and temple towns. Once a part of the ancient kingdom of Thondaimandalam and ruled by the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas and the Vijayanagar Empire it was slowly united by the administrators. Chennai was the first city established by the Company (375 years ago) and was the capital of southern part of India.

Today, it is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India.

Overnight: Deluxe Room – The Park POD Chennai or similar

Meals: None

Website: www.theparkhotels.com/chennai-park-pod/chennai-park-pod.html

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 13

Day 12–Chennai

In the morning, drive to Mahabalipuram (about an hour’s drive) - once the major port city for the 7th century Pallava dynasty. Mahabalipuram is home to over 500 stone carvers and is known for its rock-cut caves and monolithic shrines called Rathas.

See fine examples of stone carvings at the Shore Temples and also see ‘The ’, a 20 ft high and 90 ft long (base) relief sculpture depicting the descent of India’s sacred river.

After sightseeing, drive back to Chennai.

Take a lunch break at a local South Indian restaurant, where you can enjoy light Indian savouries such as (a crisp crepe optionally stuffed with spicy potatoes), accompanied with (lentil ) and coconut ; (puffed steamed made of rice and lentils); or vadai (deep fried lentil dumplings often referred as salty doughnuts, because of their doughnut shape)

In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the well-preserved architectural legacy of the colonial period in Chennai including Fort St. George, St. Andrew’s Kirk and The Church of St Mary, the first Anglican Church in Asia. Visit the Presidency College, a fine example of mid-19th century Indo – Saracenic architecture.

End the tour as you stroll through the Mylapore markets. Your guide will tell you about the living history, museum and a repository of the culture and heritage of Mylapore. Also visit the famous 9th century Kapaleeshwar temple and its beautiful tank monuments.

Enjoy dinner at Dakshinwhere connoisseurs of fine dining come to all over the world to savour the delights of South Indian cuisine in its entire ancient and yet vibrant glory. Sample dishes from the four southern states of India prepared by culinary experts and cooked in their own distinct spices and style. Try home-style Kerala , cooked in coconut or a red-hot Andhra . Many of these dishes are served with rice. Others come with spongy and crisp , or string hopperidiappam gracefully complimented by freshly grounded chutney.

Overnight: Deluxe Room – The Park POD Chennai or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 14

Day 13–Chennai to Madurai

After breakfast, you will be taken to Chennai airport to board the flight to Madurai: a millennia old city unique with an amazingly rich heritage.

Jet Airways, 9W2343 Departing Chennai at 10:35hrs Arrival Madurai at 12:00hrs

Upon arrival our representative will take you to your hotel.

Madurai, is known as the temple town or the city of nectar. Itis one of the oldest cities in South Asia. Located on the Vaigai River, it was the an important cultural, commercial centre and the capital city of Pandya Kings. Legend has it that when city was being named, Lord Shiva blessed the city and its people. On this auspicious occasion some divine nectar ("Madhu") fell from the hair of Shiva and hence the city was named "Madhurapuri".

After freshening up, join an interactive cooking lesson with a culinary expert on Thalavainadu food (traditional Tamil food) and the chef will prepare authentic Madurai dishes using local ingredients like Ragi (millet), palm (seasonal) etc;

After lunch take a guided tour of Madurai including a visit to Tirumalai NayakMahal - an Indo-Saracenic palace built on a grand scale with a beautifully sculpted dance hall. Walk through the bustling city. It is haotic and crowded but nevertheless offers some remarkable sights and a fascinating taste of Tamil culture.

In the evening visit the lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai- the famous Sri Meenkashi temple that houses 14 magnificent Gopuramsand the thousand pillared hall where each carved pillar is a fine example of the Dravidian sculptur.

In the evening, dinner will be at the hotel

Overnight: Deluxe Room – The Heritage Madurai or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Website: www.heritagemadurai.com

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 15

Day 14– Excursion to Chettinad

Early in the morning, visit South India's largest fresh flower trading centre, bustling with activity and filled with seasonal flowers. Madurai’s flower market is a great place to start exploring Madurai's cultural heritage. Almost 95% of the jasmine grown across 900 acres in Madurai is used in garlands for ceremonies, weddings and so on; the rest of the 489-tonne annual yield is used for extraction by the global fragrance and spa industry. “It’s like a stock market; prices fluctuate daily depending on the season.” Time permitting, you will visit India’s largest flower processing factory, producing high-quality jasmine extracts such as essence, wax and oil that are ingredients to several well-known perfumes around the world, including Chanel No.5, and Dior J’adore.

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad (90 km) / approx. a two hour drive.

Authentic Chettinad cuisine is one of the spiciest and the most aromatic in India. A variety of spices are used to prepare the dishes. The most important spices are Marathi mokku (dried flower pods), anasipoo (star aniseed) andkalpasi (lichen known as the "black stone flower", ordagadphool). In addition, tamarind, whole red chillies and saunf ( seed) are also used along with , , bay leaf, peppercorn, cumin seeds and fenugreek.

Let the culinary expedition take over as you relish a 7-course meal at the Bangalawhere every meal is an elaborate affair resembling a typical Chettinadfestive or wedding feast. The courses are repeated as many times as you want them to.

At the Bangala, the cooks use grinding stones to pulverize regional spices, deploying them in masalas for dishes like a sinus-clearing black-pepper chicken, sour-scented tamarind crab curry, and king prawns flavored with spring onions. Meals are taken communally at a teak dining hall and eaten from banana-leaf with one's hands.

After lunch, you may wander the narrow streets of Karaikudi enveloped in an ancient inheritance, stately villas, colonial style bungalows and rambling ruins. Interact with the silversmiths, stone carvers and wood carvers as you stroll through quaint markets. For collectors with a keen eye, the antique shops can provide delightful bargains.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 16

In the evening dinner at the hotel

Overnight: Deluxe Room – The Heritage Madurai or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15– Madurai to Periyar

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Periyar for 3 hours (145kms); upon arrival check-in to the hotel.

The charms of Periyar are many – the timeless wilderness of Periyar Tiger Reserve with 925 sq. km sprawl including forests, marshes and aquatic habitats that together support 62 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 27 species of amphibians, 45 species of reptiles, 38 species of fish. Innumerable medicinal plants and many spice plantations around the region round off this incredibly rich collection of biodiversity.

Enjoy lunch at the Aanavilasam plantation house, surrounded by a pristine Cardamom and Pepper plantation! Pepper still remains the king of Kerala spices, but the state also produces cardamom, cinnamon, , mace, and turmeric. There are also cashew nut plantations, and Kerala is India’s native state for coconuts!

In the afternoon, enjoy an elephant ride for 30 minutes through the spice plantation.

Dinner is planned at 50 Miles –a spice village where the master chef sources the fresh fish from the river, and all ingredients from within a 50 mile radius of the establishment. All this is perfectly combined with the fresh spices available from the 14 acre organic spice farm.

Overnight: Cardamom County - County Cottage or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Website: http://raxacollective.com/the-resort/

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 17

Day 16– Periyar to Kumarakom

After breakfast, drive 130kms / 3 hours to Kumarakom - a sleepy little village tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

A lovely amalgamation of mangroves, paddy fields, coconut clusters, network of criss-cross canals, rivers and natural water bodies makes Kumarakoma destination of distinction and character.

The Kerala backwaters provides a backdrop for vibrant community life on its banks. See the interesting flora and fauna, the indigenous methods of fishing, the handmade country boats and the coir fibre production.

The rest of the day is at leisure

Lunch and dinner are at the hotel

Overnight: Vembnand Cottage - Lake Song Kumarakom or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Website: http://eastend.in/lakesong.html

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 18

Day 17– Kumarakom

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The day is designed or independent activities. You may take a yoga lesson or indulge yourself in traditional ayurveda spa. Adventurous travelers can opt for cycling tour in the surrounding villages.

Lunch is planned with an authentic Kuttanadan (backwater) family at Philipkutty farm. It is the largest farm on the island, about 535 acres. A unique eco-friendly place where one experiences real backwater and the rural India in its simplest and natural format. Everything here is solely based on the concept of sustainable and socially responsible existence.

Join the farm walk, where a guide explains the low-level farming techniques and different crops in this area.

In Syrian Christian homes, most of the dishes served are centred around fish, farm vegetables and fruits, duck, chicken and occasionally other meats, supplemented with rice and rice based local breads like , string hoppers etc. Some of the specialties are Karimeen (pearlspot), fish fry, fish molee, prawn and scampi preparations, duck roast and curry, and red hot Kerala fish curry.

Dinner is at the hotel

Overnight: Vembnand Cottage - Lake Song Kumarakom or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 18– Kumarakom to Mararikulam via Alleppey

After breakfast, continue for an hour’s drive to Alleppeyand enjoy day cruising through the fabled backwaters - the undisputed highlight of the region. You’ll pass the backwaters, as well as tiny, colourful towns that typically export coconut-husk products and fishing villages.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 19

Before embarking Ketuvellam, we will take a guided walking tour of Alleppey- the only town in Kerala that has retained its old charm. Backwaters, water canals, old settlements and warehouses make it a unique place.

The best way to glimpse village life and the scenery along the backwaters of Kerala is to ply the region's intricate web of rivers, lagoons, canals, and lakes in Kettuvallamin a traditional Keralan houseboat. Embark at Ketuvellam. These slender vessels are constructed from jack fruitwood beams with thatched roves and have been the primary means of transporting cargo for centuries—mainly Kerala's staple crops of rice and coconuts.

In more recent times, these traditional boats have been refurbished to provide the travelers with a comfortable bedroom, modern bathroom along with a small crew that includes a chef.

After lunch on a houseboat, transfer to the fishing village of Mararikulam. Upon arrival check into your hotel

Dinner is at the hotel

The hotel’s master chef will introduce you to Ayurveda cooking at the evening cooking class where you will learn the secrets of traditional Ayurveda cuisine and seafood cooking.

Overnight: Green Pearl - Marari Pearl Resort or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Website: http://raxacollective.com/pearl-beach/

Day 19– Mararikulam

Relax and unwind by the beach. You may flop on Marari Beach for a wholesome dose of sand, sea and sizzling fish curry or take a guided tour of the local villages, which also includes visits to churches, temples and coir factories

Lunch at the hotel

For those looking forward for complete rejuvenation may try various ayurvedic massages.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 20

Dinner is at the hotel. Learn to cook an authentic coastal dish, starting with, picking the vegetables from the organic garden, and buying fresh fish / shellfish from the fisherfolk by the sea. Then get directions from the master chef for combining the ingredients with the fresh ground coconut and aromatic spices.

Overnight: Green Pearl - Marari Pearl Resort or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 20– Mararikulam to Cochin

After breakfast, drive to Cochin which is also known as Kochi. Cochin is an attractive town with a rich history and culture. It has been a trading port since at least Roman times when it was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The enormous cantilevered cheenavalas (Chinese fishing nets) still line the shore line.

The town has had a Jewish community since at least the 6th century, and has been occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British before independence.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the evening enjoy a sunset boat cruise around the sights of the waterfront.

Dinner is at the specialty seafood restaurant - Rice Boat. This restaurant features ultra-fresh seafood, hauled from the backwaters and displayed in a show kitchen where in the guests can interact with chefs to create customized specialties. The menu offers cuisine from regions where the original rice boats travelled. They also showcase distinct seafood styles.

They include, Kerala backwater cuisine, featuring local sweet water fishes, seafood cooked in authentic Kerala and grills, with exotic ocean catch with Lobsters, Scampi, Mussels, and more.

Internationally-renowned seafood including Norwegian Salmon, Octopus, Oysters, and Clams are also available. The restaurant’s new, extended windows offer panoramic views overlooking the water and the colonial warehouses of Fort Cochin with views towards the open ocean and beyond – truly a unique experience among restaurants in the region.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 21

Overnight: Superior Room - Spice Fort or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Website: www.duneecogroup.com/our-hotels/spice-fort

Day 21– Cochin

Breakfast is at the hotel.

In the afternoon take a cooking lesson at Nimmy Paul’s residence, followed by lunch.

Nimmy and Paul have been involved in 'At Home' hospitality for more than twelve years. Nimmy, a professional cooking instructor for more than twenty years, and her stockbroker husband Paul, offer food and hospitality to foreign guests. Nimmy and Paul belong to traditional Syrian Christian community in Kerala. In keeping with the tradition of their families they enjoy having guests and serving good food. Nimmy conducts cooking classes and teaches guests the nuances of traditional Kerala recipes. She is also a food consultant to writers, chefs and magazines. Articles by her and about her have appeared in magazines and newspapers. Nimmy, Paul, and their son Joseph live in Kochi.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 22

After lunch, take a guided heritage walking tour of Fort Cochin that is home to several historic sites, including Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and the Portuguese built Mattancherrry Palace. You will also have an opportunity to enjoy a tuk-tuk ride to Jewish Town.

In the evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance

Enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Superior Room - Spice Fort or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 22– Cochin

Early morning transfer to the International airport for the flight to your next destination.

***End of Tour***

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 23

HOTELS ENVISAGED:

Date City Hotel Room Category

Day 1 – 3 Kolkata The Lalit Great Eastern Superior Room

Day 3 – 4 Lucknow Golden Tulip Superior Room

Day 4 – 6 Delhi Justa The Residence Standard Room

Superior Room

Day 6 – 7 Agra Radisson

Day 7 – 9 Ranthambore Ranthambore Kothi Deluxe Room

Day 9-11 Jaipur Alsisar Haveli Deluxe Room

Date City Hotel Room Category

Day 11 – 13 Chennai The Park POD Deluxe Room

Day 13 – 15 Madurai Heritage Madurai Deluxe Room

Day 15 –1 6 Thekkady Cardamom County County Cottage

Vemnand Cottage

Day 16 – 18 Kumarakom Lake Song Kumarakom

Day 18 – 20 Mararikulam Marari Pearl Resort Green Pearl Room

Day 20-22 Cochin Spice Fort Superior Room

TOUR PRICES: (Based on Twin Share / AUD / per person)

From $8,600 twin share to April 2015 Single Supplement from $2,600

Proposed Tour Start Early Bird Date and Price Latest Date for payment Dates (in India) & Price August 3, 2015 March 3, 2015: $8,600 May 5, 2015: $9,000 October 5, 2015 May 8, 2015: $9,100 July 7, 2015: $9,600 February 1, 2016 September 4, 2015: $9,300 November 3, 2015: $9,900 Separate Northern or Southern Tours are also available on request.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 24

Please contact us, if you wish to make a group booking of 12 or more people at one time for best tour dates.

We can also arrange international airfares, stop-overs, travel insurance and extension tours.

PRICE INCLUSIONS ():

 Accommodation on twin-share or single occupancy basis for 10 nights in the mentioned hotels /similar  Meals: Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner as mentioned in itinerary  Transportation by an air conditioned vehicles  Accompanying English speaking local guide throughout the itinerary  Portage at airports and railway stations  Entrances for monuments (single entry) as per itinerary  Half day tour of Kolkata including bazaar walk  Half day tour of Lucknow including heritage walk  Full day tour of Old and New Delhi  Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi  Half day tour of Agra including Agra Fort and Taj Mahal by sunset  Enroute tour of Fatehpur Sikri from Agra - Bharatpur  3 games drives in Ranthambore in shared jeep  2 Half day tour in Jaipur including City Palace, Observatory, Albert Hall and Amber fort on Elephant back  Special Experiences – 1. Kolkata Bazaar Walk 2. Lucknow Heritage Walk 3. Old Delhi Spice Market Walk 4. Guided Bazaar Walk in Jaipur 5. Visit to textile museum

 Cooking demonstration - 1. Kolkata 2. Lucknow 3. Delhi 4. Jaipur  Train ticket Lucknow – Delhi; Bharatpur–Ranthambore by an air conditioned chair car  Tips, Gratuities, Still Camera fees, Bottled water; portage at airports, hotels and railway stations  All currently applicable taxes

PRICE INCLUSIONS (South India):

 Accommodation on twin-share or single occupancy basis for 11 nights in the mentioned hotels /similar  Meals: Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner as mentioned in itinerary  Transportation by an air conditioned vehicles  Accompanying English speaking guide throughout the itinerary  Portage at airports and railway stations  Entrances for monuments (single entry) as per itinerary  Half day tour of Chennai  Excursion to Mahabalipuram  Half day tour of Madurai

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 25

 Half day tour of Chettinad  Plantation Tour including 30 minute Elephant ride at Periyar  Day Cruise from Alleppey to Alleppey  Kathakali Dance in Kochi  Special experiences – 1. Chennai Mylaporewalk 2. Guided walk of Alleppey Town 3. Tuk – Tuk ride in Kumarakom 4. Sunset cruise in Cochin 5. Guided heritage walking tour of Cochin 6. Tuk – Tuk ride in Cochin

 Cooking demonstrations - 1. Madurai 2. Chettinad 3. Kumarakom 4. Marari 5. Cochin  Tips, Gratuities, Still Camera fees, Bottled water; portage at airports, hotels and railway stations  All currently applicable taxes

PRICE EXCLUSIONS (Grand Tour)

 Any pre/post dinner drinks or drinks of any nature along with the meals unless specified  Any vehicle arrangements on free days or days at leisure.  Video camera fee at monuments  Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, camera fees etc  Any other meals than those mentioned in the itinerary  Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule; cancellation of flights, political disturbances, natural phenomenon, etc  Any other item not specifically mentioned above as 'INCLUDED'

GENERAL CONDITIONS:

 Check-in time is 1400hrs and check-out time is 1100hrs / 1200hrs

**** TOUR CONCLUDES****

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 26

India: Cuisine

The finest of India's is as rich and diverse as its civilization. It is an art form that has been passed on through generations purely by word of mouth, from guru teacher) to vidhyarthi (pupil) or from mother to daughter. The range assumes astonishing proportions when one takes into account regional variations. Very often the taste, colour, texture and appearance of the same delicacy changes from state to state. The hospitality of the Indians is legendary. In Sanskrit Literature the three famous words 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is truly your god' are a dictum of hospitality in India. Indians believe that they are honoured if they share their mealtimes with guests. Even the poorest look forward to guests and are willing to share this meager food with guest. And of particular importance is the Indian woman's pride that she will not let a guest go away unfed or unhappy from her home. Indians are known for their incredible ability to serve food to their guests invited or uninvited. Food customarily forms the crowning part of most festivities and celebrations. Whatever the occasion Indians eat with great gusto and are adept at finding reasons to feast and make merry. At traditional and festive meals, the (plate) or banana leaf is decorated with rangoli (a design drawn with white and colored powders around the edges).

Cuisines of India:

The unforgettable aroma of India is not just the heavy scent of jasmine and roses on the warm air. It is also the fragrance of spices so important to Indian cooking - especially to preparing curry. The world "curry" is an English derivative of "kari", meaning soice , but curry does not, in India, come as a powder. It is the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and . Like an artist’s palette of oil paints, the Indian cook has some twenty-five spices (freshly ground as required) with which to mix the recognized combinations or "masalas". Many of these spices are also noted for their medicinal properties. They, like the basic ingredient, vary from region to region. Although not all Hindus are vegetarians, you will probably eat more dishes than is common in Europe, particularly in South India. Indian vegetables are cheap, varied and plentiful and superbly cooked.

Broadly speaking, meat dishes are more common in the north, notably Rogan Josh (curried lamb), Gushtaba (spicey meat balls in yoghurt), and the delicious Biriyani (chicken or lamb in orange flavoured rice, sprinkled with sugar and rose water). is rich, creamy, deliciously spiced and liberally sprinkled with nuts and saffron. The ever popular Tandoori cooking (chicken, meat or fish marinated in herbs and baked in a clay oven) and kebabs are also northern cuisine.

One regional distinction is that whereas in the south rice is the staple food, in the north this is supplemented and sometimes substituted by a wide range of flat breads, such as Pooris, Chappatis and Nan. Common throughout India is Dhal (crushed lentil soup with various additional vegetables), and Dhai, the curd or yoghurt which accompanies the curry. Besides being tasty, it is a good "cooler"; more effective than liquids when things get too hot. Sweets are principally milk based puddings, pastries and pancakes. Available throughout India is , the Indian ice , (cream cheese balls flavoured with rose water), Gulab Jamuns (flour, yoghurt and ground almonds), and (pancakes in syrup). Besides a splendid choice of sweets and sweetmeats, there is an abundance of fruit, both tropical – mangoes, pomegranates and melons – and temperate apricots, apples and strawberries. Western is available in major centres. It is common to finish the meal by chewing Pan as a digestive. Pan is a betel leaf in which are wrapped spices such as aniseed and cardamon.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 27

Bengali

The traditional society of Bengal has always been heavily agrarian; hunting, except by some local tribals, was uncommon. The rearing of animals was also not popular. This is reflected in the cuisine, which relies on staples like rice and đal, with little place for game or meat.

Fish is the dominant kind of meat, cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water rivers of the . More than forty types of mostly freshwater fish are common, including carp varieties like rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi (prawn or shrimp), as well as shuţki (dried sea fish). Salt water fish (not sea fish though) (hilsa ilisha) is very popular among Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali cuisine. Almost every part of the fish (except fins and innards) is eaten; the head and other parts are usually used to flavor curries. Khashi (referred to as mutton in Indian English, the meat of sterilized goats) is the most popular red meat. Other characteristic ingredients of traditional Bengali food include rice, moshur đal (red lentils), mug đal (mung beans), shorsher tel , mustard paste, posto (poppy seed) and narkel (ripe coconut). Bengal is also the land of am (mangoes), which are used extensively—ripe, unripe, or in pickles. Ilish machh (hilsa fish), which migrates upstream to breed is a delicacy; the varied salt content at different stages of the journey is of particular interest to the connoisseur, as is the river from which the fish comes. Sweets occupy an important place in the diet of Bengalis and at their social ceremonies. It is an ancient custom among Hindus to distribute sweets during festivities. The sweets of Bengal are generally made of sweetened cottage cheese (chhena), (reduced solidified milk), or flours of different cereals and pulses. Awadhi

The Lucknow Dastarkhwan would not be complete unless it had the following dishes: (braised meat in thick gravy), Salan (a gravy dish of meat or vegetable), Keema (minced meat), Kababs (pounded meat fried or roasted over a charcoal fire), Bhujia (cooked vegetables), Dal, (fried slivers of very tender meat, usually kid, in gravy). Rice is cooked with meat in the form of a Pulao (fried rice) or served plain. Lucknow is known for its large varieties of Pulaos, Yakhni Pulao and Korma Pulao are the popular ones. There would also be a variety of breads: , , Sheermals, Rumali , Paranthas, and Taftans. Desserts comprise Gullati (rice pudding), (milk sweetened and boiled with whole rice to thick consistency), Sheer Brunj, (a rich, sweet rice dish boiled in milk), Muzaffar (vermicelli fried in and garnished with almonds and saffron) and Halwas garnished with Malai (cream). The varieties of dishes would increase with one's status.

Utensils are made either of silver or copper. Kababs are cooked in a Mahi (large, round shallow pan), using a Kafgir which is a flat, long handled ladle for turning Kababs and Paranthas. Bone China plates and dishes were also used in Lucknow since the times of the Nawabs. Water was normally sipped from copper or silver tumblers and not glasses. The seating arrangement, while eating, was always on the floor where beautifully embroidered Dastarkhwans were spread on mats or carpets or even Chandnis (white linen). Sometimes this arrangement was made on low-raised wooden tables called Takahts.

Punjabi

Punjabi people are robust people with robust appetites and their food is like the Punjabis themselves, simple, sizeable and hearty with no unnecessary frills or exotic accompaniments. The Punjabi tandoori cooking is celebrated as one of the most popular cuisines throughout the world. Huge earthen ovens are half buried in the ground and heated with a coal fire lit below it. Marinated meat, chicken, fish, , rotis and naans of many types are cooked in this novel oven and the results are absolutely scrumptious!

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 28

Punjab has imbibed some aspects of its cuisine from external influences. Connoisseurs of the cuisine say that the gravy component of Punjabi cuisine came from the Mughals. The most popular example is the murg makhani. It served the state well to combine this influence in its cooking since it had a lot of pure ghee and butter. Murg makhani also provided a balance to , which was dry because it was charcoal cooked. Nans and , rotis made of maize flour are typical Punjabi breads. Of course, over the years the roti has been modified to add more variety, so there is the , the and the laccha parathas, all cooked in the tandoor.

Winter, in Punjab, brings in the season of the famous (maize flour ) and sarson ka (mustard leaf gravy). No meal is complete without a serving of ( sweet or salted drink made with curd) or fresh curd and white butter which is consumed in large quantities. The other popular dishes, which belong exclusively to Punjab, are ma ki dal, (kidney beans) and stuffed parathas.

Mughlai

Having reigned over India for so long, the Moghuls left a deep and long lasting influence on Delhi's cuisine. The Mughlai cuisine is literally 'fit for royalty'. With it's rich , butter-based curries, ginger flavoured roast meats, and mind-blowing sweets, it has captured the fancy of food lovers all over the world. From a tangy shorba or soup to the rose petal strewn kulfi, Mughlai food offers a rich fare that is irresistible. Although available throughout the country, the best place to try this royal cuisine is in Delhi.

Rajasthani

The ancient princely state of Rajasthan gave rise to a royal cuisine. The Rajas who went on hunting expeditions ate the meat or the fowl that they brought back. Even today, Rajasthani princely feasts flaunt meat delicacies that are incomparable.

In contrast are the vegetarian Rajasthanis. Their food cooked in pure ghee is famous for it's mouth- watering aroma. Rajasthani cooking was also influenced by both the war-like lifestyles of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in the desert region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred, more out of necessity than choice. Scarcity of water and lack of fresh green vegetables also had their effect on Rajasthani cooking.

Dried lentils and beans from indigenous plants like sangri, ker etc. are staples of the Rajasthani diet, as wheat and rice do not grow very well in the desert land. Gram flour is an integral cooking ingredient and is used to make delicacies and so are powdered lentils. Bajra and corn are used all over the state for making rotis and other varieties of bread. In Rajasthan, bajre ki roti (millet bread) and lahsun ki chutney (hot paste) combined with spring onions are the staple diet of the locals as these are believed to be safeguards against the hot winds. In the desert belt of Jaisalmer, Barmer and , cooks still use very little water and instead use milk, buttermilk and clarified butter as alternatives.

The balance to using these milk products is provided by the appropriate use of digestives, especially asafetida, black rock salt, ginger and ajwain. The favored spices are fenugreek seeds, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and aniseed. A distinct feature of the Maheshwari cooking is the use of powder, a suitable substitute for tomatoes, scarce in the desert, and asafetida, to enhance the taste in the absence of garlic and onions.

website :www.davidstours.com.au Tel: +61 401146411 29