Taste and Treasures of India April 2024
This experience has been thoughtfully created with the perfect blend of art, culture, textiles, eco-tourism, meeting locals and of course enjoying the delicious cuisine that India is famous for.
From the Streets of Delhi to Rajasthan palaces, local villages, block printing artists and finishing with the Taj Mahal this experience is designed to give you a taste of everything that India has to offer.
Rajasthan
The most northern state of India, Rajasthan boats a rich cultural heritage, a profusion of colour, vast desert, opulent palaces and ancient fortress. Rajasthan is colourful, vibrant, extravagant and endlessly fascinating. But as with all of India is has immense poverty, constant noise and the chaos and at times can be overwhelming. I am hoping by taking the plunge and joining me on this experience you will gain a better understanding on my India and why I love it.
Day 1: Namaste and welcome to India
Day 2: Let the adventure begin.
Jump on a tuk tuk and head into Old Delhi for the ride of the lifetime. From here we will hop into Rickshaws and experience the chaos of Old Delhi. As we wander the streets we will enjoy the Chai Walla’s, watch the trader’s set-up fruit and vegetable stalls, smell the delights of the marigolds and roses and finish off in the spice markets where we will visit Asia’s largest spice market.
This afternoon we will learn the intricacies of the preparation of some India’s best known dishes taking part in an engaging and hands on cooking class.
Day 3: On the road
Depart for Jaipur on the way visit Humayun’s Tomb and Lotus Temple.
A long day of travel with a stop along the way at a traditional roadhouse for lunch.
Arrive in the Pink City- Jaipur late afternoon. Our hotel is close to the sites but is a pure oasis and will allow you to relax and unwind.
Dinner at one of the nearby hotel restaurants which never fail to delight.
Day 4: Pink and Palaces
Early wake up for a downward dog by the pool or leisurely walk around Jaipur Central Park while we watch Jaipur come to life.
Tuk Tuk’s await us, but first stop is a traditional coffee house for a heart starter.
Off to the City Palace which is currently a working palace. We may bump into the young King after his morning Polo practice or perhaps see the Queen Mother in the local foundation store on the grounds of the palace. This tour will be guided, and you will have plenty of time for questions and photos in this amazing historic palace.
Next visit will be the Hawa Mahal (palace of winds) flower markets (get your own signature scent made), a wander in the markets and local shopping followed by a roof top lunch looking over the pink city. Shop and bargain for sari’s, fabric’s, blue pottery, bangles, jewellery and much more.
After lunch it’s off to Jal Mahal (lake palace), whilst currently not available to visit it is a stunning location that allows lots of photo opportunities.
Last stop for the day is Patrika Gate, whilst it is relatively new (20 years old) it is beautiful with amazing colours and pictures and is great for selfies and Instagram stories!
Back to hotel to sit by the pool for some poolside rejuvenation.
Tonight, dinner at one of Jaipur’s best restaurants to sample modern Indian cuisines.
Day 5: Forts and Art
Early wake up as we salute to the sun by the pool or saunter or with the locals around Jaipur Central Park.
Off to Amer Fort
Along the way we stop at the stepwell, it is truly stunning, and I cannot imagine how they constructed this, if we are lucky, we may see the largest turtle I have ever seem swimming in the base.
Amer Fort is full of both Muslim and Hindi history. The view from this fort is beautiful and you will have the opportunity to explore and take many photos of this magnificent site while having a history lesson.
We then head Anokhi Museum to learn about the history of block printing in Rajasthan. This museum is set-up in a magnificently restored haveli mansion and allows visitors to understand the history of this art form, appreciate this local tradition, purchase a beautifully crafted product or just sit in the open-air café and enjoy a lime and ginger cordial or local chai.
Back to the hotel for a lie by the pool or if you still feel like shopping grab a tuk tuk and head back to the pink city for further exploration or bargaining or if that's not your thing head to Ramagh Palace (5 mins away) for high tea or a drink in the garden terrace.
Dinner tonight at nearby hotel restaurant for more amazing delicacies and a Bombay gin and tonic.
Day 6: Get creative.
Let’s find our warrior today by the pool or perhaps a gentle stroll around Jaipur Central Park
Leave by car for a local town to delve more deeply into block printing.
Today we meet some of the artisans who help produce products offered by Samsara Lifestyle as we learn the art of block printing and make our own hand-made souvenir with this private workshop. Working alongside these amazing women using a combination of hand-carved wooden stamps and colourful dyes made from natural materials, you’ll print designs on a scarf. Learn the basics of India’s time-honoured textile crafts with a firsthand experience.
While your creations dry, you’ll join your hosts at a traditional lunch. During lunch we will learn about sustainable practices and how this company focuses on creating livelihoods for local families that foster economic sustainability while ensuring this traditional art form continues to be passed through the generations.
Afternoon at leisure optional ayuredic treatments including facials, nail spa and massages can be arranged at our hotel or head out and explore a bit.
Dinner: Visit Jaipur’s newest and hippest country estate for an exquisite feast surrounded by opulence and luxury. (Approx 20 mins from Pink City)
Day 7: Giving back
Early sit by the pool in a lotus pose or promenade with the locals around Jaipur Central Park
Today will be a special day and a day that will challenge you, but I can guarantee it will be day you will not forget.
We will drive to a suburban school where will learn about a local foundation. This foundation was set-up in 2017 by a group of teachers initially focused on skills development but as soon as COVID came and many of the male family earners had died in the slums, the project focused on educating children as well as teaching women skills that they can use to work and become more empowered.
This organisation focusses on book, sanitary napkins, food and clothes distribution in local slum area and remote villages.
Our group will get to the meet the local founders and learn about the challenges they face as well as meeting the local women they support in skills development. Simply unforgettable and why I love this country so much, the ability to engage with the locals is truly life changing.
We will visit a small local slum close by and bring lunch and see firsthand what this small organisation is doing.
Afternoon of reflection by the pool or you may wish to visit Albert Hall Museum and or Jantar Mantar Observatory.
Dinner at one of Jaipur’s newest restaurants. Can’t wait to try this place out!
Day 8: Gentle Giants
Our last days in Jaipur and by now you will feel like a goddess so continue that by pool or stroll around Jaipur Central Park for the last time.
Only 30 mins away we head off to a unique property as we “glamp” with elephants. This is truly a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Boutique safari style tents are dotted around acres of wild scrubland, providing you with all the creature comforts in the most peaceful setting: there’s no- one else around for miles.
Lunch will be served on arrival and then we will embark on a rural village walk, to the nearby Meena tribe community. Calling this area of land home since before the Mughals or Rajput’s. Visit the nearby school, the local settlements, and you’ll almost certainly be invited for a cup of chai or sample some spicy chutneys. We witness country life outside of Jaipur, where communities are largely self-sustainable and rely on the land around them.
After the walk it is back to bath and take a stroll with the resident elephants Laxmi and Rangmal who were both rescued from a life of hard labour. They both love a bath, a walk and a good feed and you will get a firsthand up close and personal experience with these gentle giants.
Grab a book, journal or bird watch by the pool.
Dinner tonight will be by campfire and BBQ using local organic produce from the farm.
Day 9: Architecture
Glamping breakfast and time to say farewell to Laxmi and Rangmal.
Our 4 ½ hour journey will allow you too see a little more of Rajasthan from small villages, little towns, wedding hotels and universities. We will stop half way for at a traditional roadhouse for a delicious Indian lunch.
Arrive in Agra and head straight to our luxury hotel.
Day10: Jaw dropping Taj.
The day has come for us to visit the Taj Mahal and it will be an early start.
A local guide will accompany us on the tour of the Taj and you will have plenty of time to explore this wonderful monument. This monument was built in the mid-17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his 4th wife Mumtaz. Walk mindfully and take it all in or sit on the famous Princess Di seat, make sure your camera has plenty of charge you will not want to miss the light changing as the run rises over one of the 7 wonders of the world
After a visit to the Taj, we take a Tuk Tuk to Agra Fort. This huge fort was built mid 16th century and gives great views to the Taj.
On our way back to the hotel a visit to local crafts area featuring marble, jewellery and silk.
Our last group dinner will be at a rooftop bar reflecting on the trip and all the memories we made. Watch the sunset over Agra while enjoying your final night indulging in modern Indian cuisines.
Day 11: Farewell
Depart from Delhi airport.
For detailed itinerary, all inclusions and costs please email me disneddon@outlook.com