Arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi international airport (terminal 3). An Akorn representative will meet you outside the customs gate in arrival hall and transfer them to hotel. Arrive at the hotel and check into your rooms. The standard check in time is at 14:00 hrs. Buffet lunch is at the hotel in coffee shop-Pick wicks. This evening we shall take the you to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.
Visit the Sikh temple, Bangla Sahib. A magnificent and spacious bungalow in Delhi was once owned by Raja Jai Singh Amber (Jaipur).He commanded great respect and honour in the court of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The eighth Guru Sri Harkishan had stayed here for a few months as guest of Raja Jai Singh.
Since then it has become a place of pilgrimage for both, Hindus and Sikhs known as a holyshrine “GurudwaraBangla Sahib”. Taste the Prasad (blessed food) served in the temple around the clock and visit their kitchen where food is cooked for thousands of devotees. This evening you will have the welcome dinner at Indian specialty restaurant “Dhaba” at the hotel.
This morning after breakfast you will be driven to Jaipur(approx 5-6 hrs).Jaipur," The City of Victory", was first intended to be"SawaiJaipur", named after the boy Prince who commissioned it-Maharaja Jai SinghII-a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned over the Mughals from 1699 to 1743 .
Today's Jaipurispink, visually described as the city shaded with the autumn colours of a sunset. Although originally the walls were render set and pigmented the colour of red sand stone, Jaipur's universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales(King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name "The Pink City".
Arrive in Jaipur and check-in at your hotel. The standard check in time is at 14:00 hrs.
Buffet lunch is at the hotel.
Later visit Anokhi museum of hand block printing-The creation of the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing was the initiative of Founder&Director, Rachel Bracken Singh and her husband Pritam Singh. Pritam’s father, John Singh, purchased the dilapidated Chanwar Palkiwon ki Haveli mansion in the late 1970s and began a 3 - year renovation project in 1989. With the guidance of architects, Nimish Patel & Parul Zaveri the building was restored to its original grandeur. By demonstrating the feasibility of using indigenous materials, time- honored construction methods and skilled local craftsmen, the preservation project earned a UNESCO award for ‘Cultural Heritage Conservation’ in 2000. You can try to sample a block printing themselves.
Return to your hotel.
This evening experience a special dinner at Peshawari restaurant of hotel ITC Rajputana famous for North West Frontier cuisine – The executive chef will welcome the you and share some knowledge about North West frontier cuisine.
Taste the authentic flavor of the North- West frontier in barbecued specialties and baked Indian breads prepared at the restaurant’s display kitchen. The romance of the rugged North West Frontier comes alive at this authentic, award winning restaurant, making it a landmark dining destination in Peshawri.
Experience the wonder of this cuisine in Jaipur only at Peshawri, with a lavish spread of delicious kebabs – vegetarian and non-vegetarian that are cooked in myriad ways, a range of Indian breads – from the decadently indulgent to light and fluffy breads and of course, the inimitable Dal Bukhara, that are paired with an exclusive collection of wines and other beverages.
This day is for you to enjoy the activities at the hotel.
We highly recommend some 'me time', and suggest you indulge in a rejuvenating wellness experience that takes the mind and body on a sensory journey into a haven of tranquillity. A leading destination for holistic health and wellness, ITC Hotels offer a range of comprehensive services ranging from luxurious spa treatments, an array of beauty services at Salon Di Wills and fully equipped fitness facilities. As a steward of true wellness, ITC Hotels has also developed 'Swasthya’ cuisine, crafted to attain a complete sense of physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
This morning you will enjoy the city tour of Jaipur.
Jantar Mantar Observatory: the Jantar Mantar built between 1728 and 1734 houses precise instruments for measuring “the harmony of heavens” each instrument serves a function and gives an accurate reading. Culminate the tour with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as the "Palace of the Winds." This beautiful façade is probably the most- photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved
City Palace: as described by some writers “spectacular synthesis of Rajput and Mughal architecture”. The city palace occupies the center of Jaipur, covers one seventh of its area and is surrounded by high wall.
Today’s lunch is at “The Kitchen at Jipur modern”-This is famous for rnational cuisie Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The you will see how the intechanging the taste buds of loca.
After lunch you have an option of experiencing boutique shopping part of Jaipur- recommended stores to visit are Jaipur Modern, Hot Pink, Amrapali and Anokhi etc.
This evening a local culinary expert will accompany the you to famous street food/snacks outlets of Jaipur.
Rawat Mishtan Bhandar famous for kachori, a deep-fried flaky pastry filled with spiced moong dal (mung beans), or pyaaz (onion). Glass cabinets are stacked with dozens of different kinds, as well as fat, pastel-colored confectionery — as much of a treasure in Jaipur as its famous jewellery, no doubt because the maharajas and their court had particularly sweet teeth.
At a street side lassiwalla — there are several clustered together but the best is number 312 (Kishanlal Govind Narayan Agarwal) — enjoy a cool, clay cup filled with a sweet, yoghurt drink that Rajasthanis believe abates sunstroke.
Return to your hotel.
This evening your dinner is at Bar Palladio restaurant at Narain Niwas Palace.
Bar Palladio Jaipur was born with a simple intent: present classic Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting, create an atmosphere of magic, a sense of surprise. Inspired by the iconic Caffé Florian and Harry’s Bar in Venice and christened after the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, Bar Palladio Jaipur is an ode to Italian style and cuisine, viewed through the prism of a Mughal dream world Italian owner Barbara Miolini dreamed of a place where people from across the globe could share their stories, find inspiration, and unwind, letting their cares melt away.
Designed by Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, Bar Palladio Jaipur is located within a daringly restored garden belvedere in the historic Narain Niwas Palace Hotel. With wandering peacocks, mature mango trees, and garden of tented canopies Bar Palladio Jaipur is an orientalist fantasy, a new vision for European dining in India.
Return to your hotel after dinner.
This morning is kept free after breakfast. Buffet Lunch is at the hotel coffee shop.
Later an Akorn representative with escort the you to airport to connect a flight to Lucknow-
Leave: Jaipur at: 15:50 Hrs by: Jet air flight 9W 2830
Arrive: Lucknow at: 17:20 Hrs
class: Economy
Note- the check-in baggage allowance is 15 Kg per person & cabin baggage allowance 7kg
Arrive in Lucknow and you will be escorted to your hotel, which is called the Novotel Lucknow Gomti Nagar.
This 5-star hotel is in close proximity to Lucknow's modern business and entertainment hubs like Vibhuti Khand, S ingapore Mall and local attractions like Hazratganj, Bara Imambara, Ambedkar Park and British residency. The hotel is also located close to International stadium and local attractions like hazratganj, chowk, and British residency with public transport easily available for the guests.
The dinner is at the hotel coffee shop.
Early breakfast at hotel.
Post breakfast at about 0730 hrs we visit the architectural marvel of age, La Martiniere School which was designed by the Frenchman Major-General Claude Martin as a palatial home. Even to this day, Claude martin is a revered personality in the city of Lucknow. We will first witness the Traditional Assembly of students and then shall visit the school.
Eating at the School Tuck Shop is another revealing experience as they offer a few Indian dishes that have amalgamated so well with British culture of eating breads and buns. We will get to try their Bun Kebab, Bun Tack and Bun Samosa the three dishes have figured in many Indian and Foreign Food Shows, also meet Nadeem Bhai the present owner whose ancestors have managed this canteen for ages, since the times when only European children studied here.
Later driving past ‘Chatar Manzil’ (Outside view only), we reach the world’s most unique architecture, 'Asifi Imambara'. This monument was built as a relief measure for a devastating famine, to provide employment to the subjects of the state by Nawab Asif-ud- Daula. Salute the “Nawab” (Prince) lying in peace inside and proceed to see his noble work. Also, see the 'Rumi Darwaza' or the Turkish Gate and the Asfi Mosque.
Tongas (horse driven passenger carriages) wait to welcome you on board when you come out of this grand complex. On the bumpy ride of this transport system of yester-years we reach the Husainabad Complex - The Clock Tower is the highest Clock Tower in Asia and in some ways superior to its counterpart, 'Big Ben'.
Today the clock stands motionless but has witnessed all times, the good, the bad and the ugly. Now enter the Babylon of East, The Husainabad Imambara - known for its beauty and pieces of décor. This was built in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah and is still considered to be a sacred address by the natives. The beautiful chandeliers, silver seat, sandalwood décor and calligraphy on the walls all are so creative. Admire each one and bow down to the Nawab and his Mother sleeping inside.
Also on this tour see Satkhanda that stands as Lucknow’s incomplete leaning tower of Pisa. After this tour, we will reach Mahmudabad House for curated lunch, Lucknow home of Raja Sahib Mahmudabad and his family. Mahmudabad Kitchens represent more than 400 years of history.
After lunch you, will return to the hotel.
This evening experience the famous culinary walk.
When in Lucknow, how can the talk about the food be left behind. We will take a Culinary Walk down the lane adjacent to Akbari Gate. Tasting the best of meat dishes from the Awadhi menu from the places, where they originated from and have still been able to thrive on their own in the era of McDonald and KFC.
You will experience the concept of food loyalty and the real taste of the original Tundey Kebabs, Raheem’s Nihari and Mobeen’s Pasanda Kebabs. Observe the chefs at work in these small shops that seldom look hygienic, but no one has ever fallen sick. To take this tour, you need to be a foodie with closed eyes, so that your taste buds work to their best of abilities.
When in Lucknow, do what Lucknowites do, get up late and lazily for a comfortable breakfast today. Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Today at about 1030 hrs, we visit a Chikan & Zardozi workshop to understand this art form and ace designer couple Masood & Almas (Almasood Label) who will show case their work in a trunk-show and show us the live work that their craftsmen would be doing.
Here we will get an opportunity to try our hands on the Chikan & Zari Craft, start a piece for ourselves and carry with us to finish it at a later stage.
Enjoy your lunch here, our lunch today will be a home-cooked Rastogi meal (which consists of primarily vegetarian dishes. Rastogis are Hindu trading community, who sell the embroidered craft, while Muslims are involved as craftsmen) served in a casual setting at the residence-cum-workshop of Masood and Alma.
After lunch visit British Residency area.
The day at leisure to explore the area on your own.
This morning an Akorn representative will escort the you to Lucknow airport to board a flight to Delhi-
Leave: Lucknow at: 08:55 Hr by: Air India flight AI 412
Arrive: Delhi at: 10:10 Hrs
class: Economy
Note- the check-in baggage allowance is 25 Kg per person & cabin baggage allowance 7 Kg.
Arrive in Delhi and you will visit Qutub Minar.
Qutab Minar, a soaring tower of victory, 72.5-meter-high with five distinct stories. The construction of this minaret commenced in 1193 and was completed in 1368. Built on the foundation of a Hindu temple, many elements of the construction reflect their Hindu and Jain origins. Within the complex, there are myriad monuments that combine both Islamic calligraphy and Hindu motifs.
Today’s lunch is at chic local restaurant Olive Bar and Kitchen, Mehrauli famous for European cuisine.
Arrive at the hotel and check into your rooms.
Visit a local market to refresh the senses with the fragrance of fresh spices & vegetables. Follow up with fun hands on cooking class & Meal. Approximate Duration - 4.0 Hours. An Authentic Culinary Experience starts from understanding basic ingredients needed for creating the perfect dish, applying simple nuances to it & finally indulging the tummy and heart with it. This itinerary combines a perfect culinary experience all in one. It’s a simple three ‘course’ itinerary!
Return to your hotel after the dinner.
This morning you will visit Old Delhi.
Begin your day with an exploration starting in Old Delhi, visiting the Jama Masjid, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone and white marble. The main prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers.
Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Khari Baoli spice market in Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi. Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan designed this commercial place in 1648.
Later you will experience a walking tour of famous culinary experiences in Old Delhi accompanied by famous travel/food writer Rupali Dean
The culinary and cultural heritage of India illustrates the harmonious blending of diverse influences over the centuries. Indian cuisine displays the genius of our culture and our people. As time, has passed, with reducing distances and the hunger for taste and variety the different regions of the country have interacted with one another and influenced each other’s cuisine, flavours and fashion. Delhi, the imperial capital for many dynasties, has drawn talent in diverse fields to seek their fortune here.
The result was the city became a unique merger of multi cultures and cuisines. Its cuisine incorporated the best of Hindu- Rajput, Bania and Kayasthaas well as the Turkish, Afghani, Persian and Mughal influences.
After lunch visit Humayun’s tomb and government buildings.
Drive through the majestic boulevards of New Delhi. The Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) is where the Viceroy once lived and now is the official residence of the President of India. It is an imposing structure with 340 rooms, constructed high up on Raisina Hill. View India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honor of 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
Visit Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.
Return to your hotel after the visit.
This evening experience a very nice dinner at “Masala Library” restaurant owned by Jiggs Kalra-. We will try to have meeting of Zorawar Kalra (son) with the you subject to his availability.
Jiggs Kalra, also known as the "Czar of Indian Cuisine" and "Taste maker to the Nation", is a pioneering food columnist and author, gastronome and food consultant.
This morning an Akorn representative will escort the you to international airport to connect flight back home.
