Culinary and Cultural India Small Group Tour

History has it that everyone who crossed the Indus River basin and set foot in India never went back. The Mughals came and made it there home, the British came, salvaged the land to their hearts content but stayed on for 400 years for no particular reason. We often wonder why everyone falls in love with it, wonder what’s so fascinating about India? Come and discover the exotic mosaic of   Indian culture and cuisine.

Saturday, March 16, 2013 - Depart USA for India

Sunday, March 17, 2013 - Arrive in Mumbai

Arrive in Mumbai to a warm welcome with traditional Aarti (prayer recital), Tikka (a vermillion will be put on the forehead during Aarti wishing you a successful tour) and garlands. Thereafter, receive assistance at the airport lounge followed by a transfer to the hotel.

Hotel: Marine Plaza

Monday, March 18, 2013 - Mumbai

After a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, embark on an exciting excursion to Elephanta Caves by charter boat. While you enjoy sightseeing, you'll be assisted by an English speaking guide throughout the tour. Thereafter, enjoy a delectable sea food lunch at a local Restaurant. Come afternoon, proceed for an exciting tour of Mumbai's 'food bazaars' such as the wholesale fruit & vegetable markets in Colaba & Koli fishing village and market. Return to the hotel and relax before the Welcome Reception and Dinner in the evening.

Hotel: Marine Plaza (B,L,D)

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 - Mumbai

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on a cultural immersion tour of one of the most vibrant cities of India - Mumbai or as the locals call it, Bombay. It is India’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Over 15 million people from multi-millionaire tycoons to homeless pavement dwellers call it home. This experience has been specially designed to showcase its interesting and colorful inhabitants. Through this experience you will get a glimpse into their truly unique lifestyles and cultures. You will meet Koli fisherman - the original inhabitants of Mumbai and residents of Kotachiwadi -  the last Christian wadi (hamlet), and the dhobis who scrub the city’s laundry at the colorful open air laundries called "Dhobi Ghats". You will also discover the challenges in delivering 200,000 lunch boxes daily with the dabbawallas (lunch carriers) of Mumbai.

Hotel: Marine Plaza (B,L)

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - Mumbai - Kochi

Jet Connect 2101, Dep. 10:35 AM / Arr. 12:20 PM After enjoying breakfast, receive a transfer to the domestic airport to board a Kochi bound Jet Connect flight. Arrive at the Kochi airport to a warm welcome by our representatives and receive assistance for a transfer to Old Harbor Hotel for check in. In the evening, experience the artistry & elegance of the highly ritualized 'Kathakali' dance which will recite interesting stories from ancient Hindu epics of 'The Ramayana' and 'The Mahabharata'. After a fun filled, musical evening, enjoy a delectable dinner at the Taj Malabar seafood speciality restaurant, Rice Boat (with a fixed menu that will include treats such as Masala grilled prawns and Kerala fish curry ) with Executive Chef Rashid. You will listen to him share his insights about the food. 

Hotel: Old Harbor Hotel (B,L,D)

Thursday, March 21, 2013 - Kochi

After enjoying a leisurely  breakfast at the hotel, embark on a tour of the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town. A Kerala experience remains incomplete without a visit to the Spice Market of Kochi. In the afternoon, we will take a walking tour of the Fort Kochi area. This is the ideal way to discover a historic town brimming with tales of myriad sea-faring adventures by those who came here for trade and then stayed on to cease their work on this impressionable land. Walking through Fort Cochin today is a wonderful experience. An eventful history behind, the town presents a picture of relaxed grace that reflects a bygone era and you will be a part of it. Enjoy a spectacular sunset near the Chinese fishing nets. The Chinese fishing nets in Cochin Harbor were set up between 1350 to 1450. The beaches of Cochin are beautifully lined with these Chinese nets.

Hotel: Old Harbor (B, L)

Friday: March 22, 2013 - Kochi-Backwater Cruise

After breakfast receive a transfer to the jetty (approximately 2 hours drive) by a motor coach to embark on an one night long backwater cruise. Late morning, the vessel will anchor near Kanjippadam from where you'll be transferred to a traditional 'rice boat' (reworked models of boats made of logs, tied together with jute ropes) to navigate through the narrower sections of the backwaters. After an exciting backwater experience, enjoy lunch at Philip Kutty Farm. This is a family run home stay on a self contained island in the back waters, offering traditional Malabar cuisine and culture to its visitors followed by some more enjoyable time on the cruise. Come evening, enjoy a scrumptious dinner on board. If you want, you can look into the kitchen while the chefs are busy creating magic doing their thing! Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in the houseboat.

Hotel: Backwater Overnight Boat (B,L,D)

Saturday, March 23, 2013 - Kumarakom

After enjoying a scrumptious breakfast on board, disembark at the jetty of Coconut Lagoon Resort. Arrive at the resort to a warm, traditional Kerala welcome followed by an exclusive vegetarian Sadya lunch on 'banana leaf' along with a live demonstration by the executive chef. Thereafter, enjoy a comfortable and relaxed day on the lap of mother earth.

Hotel: Coconut Lagoon (B,L)

Sunday, March 24, 2013 - Kumarakom - Kochi - Mumbai - Udaipur

Kochi Mumbai (Jet Airways 9W 480, Dep. 8:10 AM/Arr. 9:10 AM)
Mumbai Udaipur (Indian Airlines IC 472 Dep. 11:05AM/ Arr. 12:15 PM)

In the morning, receive a transfer (around 5.15 AM) to the Kochi airport to board a flight to Mumbai. Breakfast will be served on board. On arrival in Mumbai, board a connecting flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, receive a transfer to the Monsoon Palace by a 4-wheel drive vehicle (approximately 40 minute's drive). This Monsoon Palace of Maharaja of Udaipur offers a 360° aerial view of the Mewar Kingdom. This is where you will be introduced to the legacy of the Mewar and the wonder that it once was. Afterwards, the remaining day is at leisure or you can take a walking tour of local markets in the evening.

Hotel: Chunda Palace (B, L)

Monday, March 25, 2013 - Udaipur

Early morning today, enjoy a Yoga session followed by a tasty breakfast at the hotel.  After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Molela, a traditional village, 45 Kms from Udaipur, near Haldighati. It is renowned for the production of terra cotta ware. Over forty households are involved (although they originate from two families) in working the fine black local clay into fantastic and beautiful items. Perhaps the most important object made there are the figures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Typical Rajput figures, decorated tiles and animals are also exquisitely modeled. Besides these, all sorts of bowls, pots & crockery are made and decorated with folklore patterns.  Late afternoon, take a guided tour of Udaipur City Palace. The City Palace which is located on the east bank of  Lake Pichola has several palaces built within its complex. The famous structures or palaces viewed from the Lake Palace appear like a fort. They are interlinked inside the complex through a number of chowks or quadrangles with zigzag corridors. The City Palace in Udaipur was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan. It is a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. In the evening, you may want to dress up in  Indian clothes to enjoy a sit down dinner on the terrace of Chunda Palace overlooking the picturesque Lake Pichola and City Palace.

Hotel: Chunda Palace (B, L, D)

Tuesday, March 26, 2013 - Udaipur - Jaipur

(Kingfisher Red IT 4301, Dep. 14:15 Hrs/ Arr. 15:15 Hrs)

Wake up today to a rejuvenating Yoga session followed by a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, proceed to a local painting workshop in Udaipur for a live demonstration of Udaipur miniature painting. By noon, receive a transfer to the Udaipur airport to board a flight to Jaipur. Arrive at the Jaipur airport to a warm welcome by our representative and receive assistance for a transfer to the Trident Jaipur for check in. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour  with a guide of the busiest by lanes of Jaipur Bazaar. This is the area between Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur. This area showcases the best of what Jaipur has to offer and this experience has been designed to help you discover what makes Jaipur truly unique. Starting from the whimsical Hawa Mahal, our expert will lead you trough the labyrinth of colorful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. You will visit the jewellery market or Johari Bazaar, explore architecturally interesting havelis (mansions), and stop by bangle shops in Maniharon ka Rasta and the flower sellers near Choti Chaupar.

Hotel: Trident Jaipur (B, L)

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - Jaipur

After a hearty breakfast today, receive a coach transfer to Jaipur Stadium where you will be celebrating the Festival of Colors, Holi. Jaipur acts as the epicenter of the most intense Holi celebration although the Festival of Colors is celebrated throughout India and even Nepal. The festival of colors begins with the advancement of well decorated elephants, camels and horses marching through the lanes of Jaipur to the old stadium of Jaipur, Chaugan. Various exciting events are organised such as elephant races, elephant polo matches and an interesting elephants vs. men tug of war contest. It offers an excellent opportunity to see and observe elephants at their best. A contest for the 'best decorated elephant' is also organized. The Mahavats or the owner of the elephants are awarded with a prize. Other attractions at the celebration include a colorful cultural program of folk dances and music, offering lively entertainment to visitors. At the end, a brilliant display of fireworks fills the atmosphere with sound and light.

Later proceed to a local farm house where you will be celebrating the festival of colors with locals and other international tourists. At the end of the Holi celebration, you will be treated with best local snacks.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the hotel.

In the evening, get ready for an Indian gourmet experience. In this truly remarkable experience, you will work with our culinary experts to create the dishes that they define as Jaipur cuisine. During the course of the evening, you will gain a hands on experience with the cooking implements, techniques, and ingredients used in an Indian kitchen. Here you will get to appreciate Indian cuisine like never before and enjoy all that is best about Indian hospitality.

Hotel: Trident Jaipur (B, L, D)

Thursday, March 28, 2013 - Jaipur

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, embark on an excursion to Amer Fort which is one of the biggest forts in Jaipur. This fort once overlooked the vast land and now overlooks an emerging city.The fort is unique and quite huge. If you are into art, architecture and history, this visit will will be for you. An elephant back ride while going from the gate of Amer Hill to the Amer Fort rampart will be an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, visit City Palace and museum and Jantar Mantar which is an astronomical observation site built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Jai Singh, during early 18th century.

Afternoon, enjoy a shopping tour with a guide. Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise. The list of things available is endless, but the more popular items on the agenda of a visitor to the city are jewelery, textiles and saris, goods made of marble, wood, stone, lac, clay, metal and leather. The city has long been a traditional center for the finest of jewelery bedecked with both precious and semi precious stones and enameling of gold in green, red and white, the favorite colors of the Mughals which was introduced Raja Man Singh. The city is known the world over for diamond and emerald cutting.

Hotel: Trident Jaipur (B, L)

Friday, March 29, 2013 - Jaipur - Agra

Early morning, receive a coach transfer to Agra. This is a five hour road journey through rural India. Breakfast will be served on the coach. En route, stop at Imperial city of Fateh Pur Sikri. Upon arrival, check into the Hotel Trident Agra.   In the evening, we will go to the Luxury Collection Mughal Hotel for dinner at the Peshawri Restaurant. This restaurant is all about North Indian cuisine which will include mouth watering dishes like paneer tikka (grilled pieces of paneer served with a spicy topping of vegetables), tandoori phool (cauliflower seasoned with yellow chili, spices and lemon juice), tandoori aloo (spicy baked potatoes) and murg makhni (curry chicken with butter). An exclusive venue will be blocked for a live demonstration of four Peshawari dishes by the master Chef followed by a fixed menu dinner.

Hotel: Trident Agra (B, L, D)

Saturday, March 30, 2013 - Agra - Delhi

In the morning, embark on a sightseeing tour of the Taj Mahal at sunrise!  This is a great time to see the Taj Mahal. Thereafter return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast, after which, you'll proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra Fort. Afternoon, receive a coach transfer to Delhi. Upon arrival, check into the Claridge’s Hotel.

Hotel: Claridges Hotel (B, L)

Sunday, March 31, 2013 - Delhi

Wake up to a leisurely breakfast in the hotel. Later, embark on a city orientation tour of Delhi. Visit Qutab complex. This is the tall and ever attractive monument of Delhi which can be seen from most parts of the city. Later visit the Bahai temple and drive pass the central secretariat buildings. Stop at India gate for a photo session and then proceed to Connaught Place which is the heart of Delhi.

In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour called, “The Blessedness of Sufis”. This experience takes you to a little mohalla (neighborhood) in Delhi called Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin. Here you will be introduced to Sufism, a mystical version of Islam, and its teachings of Ishq (love), Aql (intelligence) and Ilm (knowledge). You will walk the ancient crowded alleys to explore monuments and sites associated with famous Sufi saints including Nizamuddin Aulia, Amir Khusrau and Mirza Ghalib.

Hotel: Claridges Hotel (B, L)

Monday, April 1, 2013 - Delhi

Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of Hauz Khas Village. In the afternoon, visit Chandni Chowk. Walk the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk and explore the amazing offerings of the largest wholesale market in Asia. You will visit the wedding street of Kinari Bazaar, the jewelers lane of Dariba Kalan, the unique motor spare part market, the colorful sari bazaar and the bird market. This experience showcases the street food culture of Old Delhi. Led by a noted food enthusiast, you will visit traditional food stalls that have developed in the folds of the culture of Old Delhi. At each stop you will unravel the history, traditions, and culture behind the "house specialties".

In the evening, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner at The Garden Restaurant located in the midst of the the historical Lodi Gardens. Afterward, we will receive a coach transfer to IGI international airport for your flight back home...

(B, L, D)

Namaste!

End of the tour

Quote:
Per person on a twin sharing basis is $6425 (check) and $6643 (credit card)
Single supplement is $2755 (check) and $2849 (credit card)

Deposit is $1600/person
Final Payment is due February 16, 2013

PRICES INCLUDE:

• Accommodation for 14 nights in hotels + 1 night in houseboat
• Selective meals (15B, 15L, 7D) (B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner)
• Transportation in a chauffeur-driven air conditioned mini coach during the entire tour as per the itinerary
• Domestic airfare
• Services of an English-speaking guide/naturalist at each place of sightseeing. 
• Monument entrance charges as per the itinerary
• All sightseeing and experiences as described in the itinerary
• All current applicable taxes.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Tips and gratitude to drivers/bellboys/restaurants
• Video or still camera fee
• Any meals or beverages like mineral water/cold & hard drinks; unless specified otherwise as above
• Any visa / insurance charges
• International airfare
• Any personal use thing like laundry, telephone bill etc

 

Important Note:

*Baggage allowance is 44 lbs for domestic flights.
*Visa is required for entry into India. You must have a visa before departing US or from other countries.
  You can not obtain a visa in India.
*Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. 

For questions, contact Susan Geringer at 203-216-7106 and 877-255-7438 or susan@geringerglobaltravel.com

Please make checks payable to:
Geringer Global Travel
395 Greens Farms Rd
Westport, Connecticut 06880