Culinary Tour of India

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Chennai

On this private culinary tour, explore the flavors of three of India’s most gastronomically intriguing regions—the tandoori and naan of the north, the seafood and coconut milk dishes of the west, and the dosas and stews of the south—while staying in the most luxurious hotels and enjoying private touring of the cultural highlights of each destination.

Begin in Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. Visit a local market, followed by a private cooking lesson. Also walk through a fragrant spice market, and, if desired, sample snacks at a street stall (your guide will suggest the best and safest places). During private city touring with your expert local guide, experience the best of Old and New Delhi: tour historic attractions and UNESCO sites such as the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar and Jama Masjid; ride a rickshaw through bustling markets and bazaars overflowing with spices, bangles and saris; browse fashionable districts filled with galleries and boutiques selling beautiful Indian crafts and decorative items; and visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, Crafts Museum or other specialty museums. Other options include culinary touring, personalized shopping tours, visiting the Lodhi Gardens, philanthropic activities and more.

Fly to Udaipur, a beautiful city built around lakes and hills. Enjoy an insider culinary experience at the home of a prestigious local family. During private touring, enjoy a private cruise on Lake Pichola, tour the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari Garden, see decorative arts highlights, walk through whitewashed backstreets, browse local bazaars, and visit local studios specializing in miniature paintings and folk art. One day, take a private excursion to see interesting local temples and enjoy a memorable lunch in an 18th-century palace with amazing views.

Continue to exciting Mumbai (Bombay), the economic capital of India and the home of the Bollywood film industry. Rise early one morning to see fishing boats hauling in their catch and watch the city come alive at the fish auction and wholesale vegetable markets. Explore the lively food scene and enjoy a private cooking lesson of Parsi, Goan or seafood dishes. Also, help a Mumbai dabbawala (delivery man) sort and deliver tiffin lunches to office workers. During private cultural touring, walk along the waterfront, visit the most interesting neighborhoods to browse boutiques or stop in cafes, visit Crawford Market, tour top cultural attractions such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum) and UNESCO-listed Victorian architecture, walk through bazaars dedicated to flowers and jewelry, tour contemporary art galleries or see Dhobi Ghat, a famous open-air laundry. One day, take a private boat ride to Elephanta Island and the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO-listed site of rock-cut Hindu cave temples. Artisans of Leisure can also make reservations at Mumbai’s top restaurants or arrange tickets for Bollywood shows.

Conclude in Chennai (Madras), the seaside capital of Tamil Nadu. Visit a local market with an expert culinary guide and learn about the history and culture surrounding south Indian cuisine. Select ingredients, and learn about Indian herbs and spices such as cardamom, coriander, turmeric and ginger. During a private cooking lesson, learn to make several typical south Indian dishes, such as dosas and coconut chutney. During private cultural touring, learn about the history of Chennai, and see beautiful colonial architecture. One day, take a private excursion to two of the most important and impressive temple complexes in southern India: Kanchipuram, a major Hindu pilgrimage site with more than 100 active temples, and Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of amazing rock-cut sculptures and temples created in the seventh and eighth centuries.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world