Discovering India with Anupy Singla
About this trip
Growing up outside of Philadelphia visiting my extended family in India, I yearned to take my friends to my country of birth and show them my version of India.
As youngsters, my cousins and I would naughtily navigate the streets of Delhi and beyond looking for savory street foods like gol gappa and roasted corn on the cob. We would ride on the back of scooters and visit India Gate and the Red Fort, something my aunt insisted I do to secure the love of India in my heart. It worked. There is nothing better than seeing, smelling, and experiencing this country yourself.
Now you have the same opportunity in what promises to be a truly unforgettable 12 days in India. Staying in five-star hotels throughout the trip, we will start with an exploration of the food scene in Delhi with a historic walking culinary tour. Then we’ll experience block printing at the Nila House craft workshop in Jaipur, enjoy dinner with a local family in Lucknow, experience the beautiful Taj Mahal, and so much more.
I will be your personal tour guide and will help you navigate every city and every experience. So many of you have asked me to host a trip like this throughout the years, and 2025 seems perfect. This is finally your chance to see a part of the world you must experience in a way that you will never forget.
DATES
February 10 - 21, 2025
Accommodation will be in five-star hotel properties throughout the journey.
PRICE
Shared Room $10,895
Private Room from $15,870
Deposit: $1000 (non-refundable)
Day 1 - February 10
Arrival in Delhi
From the moment you arrive in Delhi, our expert guides will greet you as you exit the plane and will accompany you through customs. The greeter will provide assistance at immigration and baggage collection and bring you to your tour host in the arrival hall. Take a moment to take in the hustle and bustle that is Indira Gandhi Airport in West Delhi. From the airport, you will be transported to your hotel for check-in.
Officially the Republic of India, India is located in South Asia. As of June 2023, it is the most populous country in the world and the seventh-largest country by area. Indians are proud to say their country is the largest Democracy in the world. While over a thousand different dialects are spoken in India, it has 22 official languages.
Day 2 - February 11
Culinary walk around Delhi
After breakfast, begin your exploration of the city through a historic culinary tour through Delhi and sample some of the iconic delicacies that define each era. Your guides will showcase how the foodways of the city transformed as Delhi went through its many identities.
You will explore the iconic Chandni Chowk in the heart of Old Delhi built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Emperor of India Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahanara. The market was once divided by canals that reflected the moonlight, the meaning of Chandni. It remains one of India’s largest wholesale markets where you can find anything from turmeric from South India, dates from the Middle East, silver jewelry, and specialty stores selling exclusive clothing and embellishments.
Return to the hotel for time at leisure before dinner.
Day 3 - February 12
Cultural Sightseeing of Delhi
Today, we visit Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570 and one of the first garden tombs on the Indian subcontinent. Designed by a Persian architect, it is the inspiration behind many future tombs including the iconic Taj Mahal. The Agha Khan Trust completed restoration of the tomb and gardens in 2013, restoring them to their former glory through the work of traditional artisans and craftsmen.
Later, drive past three major landmarks of the city: The old Parliament House, India Gate, and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the largest presidential Palace in the world and actually a self-contained oasis in the heart of the city.
This afternoon, visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh gurdwara. One of the foundational tenets of Sikhism is “sewa” – responsibility towards your community irrespective of a person’s social standing. Thus every Sikh gurdwara has a community kitchen where it is considered a privilege to help cook the food and serve a simple meal to pilgrims and visitors.
We will also visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple (left), an elaborate Hindu temple in central Delhi and one of the famous Birla Temples in India. This temple was completed in 1939 by Jugal Kishor Birla. “Laxmi Narayan” refers to the Hindu God Vishnu, the Preserver, with his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi with the condition that the site would be open to all castes and faiths. There are also three temples dedicated to Buddha, Shiva, and Krishna.
Day 4 - February 13
Delhi -> Jaipur; Walking tour of the old city
This morning, transfer to the airport for the 40-minute flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel and check-in.
In the afternoon, venture into the walled city for a specially-curated walking tour. This immersive experience will introduce you to Jaipur beyond the typical tourist spots, delving into its rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions. Explore the narrow lanes of the old city, where skilled artisans practice meenakari (enamel work) and kundankari (gemstone inlay work) a rich legacy of over 2,500 years and origin in the royal courts of Rajasthan centuries ago. . Here, you will find beautifully-crafted 22-karat gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings.
Your journey will also take you to Gopal Ki Rasta, known for its vibrant wholesale bead market, offering a glimpse into the city's bustling trade scene.
Simultaneously, indulge in Jaipur's diverse culinary landscape during the tour. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, discover the secrets of Rajasthani cuisine as you stroll through the bustling streets. From the opulent dishes favored by the aristocracy to the hearty fare of the desert dwellers, Rajasthani cuisine reflects the region's varied influences and rich culinary history. Learn about the local ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques that define this vibrant gastronomic tradition.
Enjoy your exploration of Jaipur's old city, where every corner holds a treasure trove of culture, craftsmanship, and culinary delights.
Day 5 - February 14
Jaipur City Palace, Cooking experience
After breakfast, visit the majestic City Palace, an iconic landmark with a rich architectural heritage. Adorned in the distinctive pink hue characteristic of the old city, the palace is a splendid fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles. Explore the sprawling complex, including its museums, which house an impressive collection of artifacts showcasing the region's royal history.
Following this, enjoy a private tour of the palace's ceremonial rooms, gaining insight into the lavish lifestyle of the erstwhile rulers. Continue your journey to the Wedgewood blue balcony, a serene retreat where the queens once sought solace during the monsoon season.
This afternoon, delve into the world of textiles and craftsmanship with a visit to the Costume and Textile Museum housed within the Mubarak Mahal of the main palace. You’ll see exquisite displays of fine muslins, Benares silks, hand-printed cottons, and intricately embroidered coats from across North India.
Afterwards, visit a private residence for a hands-on cooking lesson. Learn how to make a traditional Rajasthani dish which draws its ingredients from the desert. Sit down to a Rajasthani thali lunch. You will leave with a book of recipes and a small spice box – an essential item in every Indian kitchen.
Day 6 -February 15
Market walk, Amber Fort
Before breakfast, take an early morning walk through the flower market, the wholesale vegetable market and the unique milk market. The journey continues past the roadside tea stands, street vendors, pavement barbers, and people at shrines greeting the morning sun – all preparing to start their day. The final stop will be the 300-year old Krishna temple with beautiful frescos and carved pillars for morning prayers.
Return to the hotel for breakfast before departing for the Amber Fort. The Rajputs built their Forts on high hills and ridges giving them a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and protecting them from invading armies. Most of the forts were built as defensive structures but included pleasure palaces, rich in art and architectural features. Amber is perhaps among the finest of all the fort palaces, and reflects the opulence and elegance of the nearby Mughal courts.
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. A mendhi (henna) artist, two astrologers, a gemologist, and bangle makers will be available at the hotel. You may also take the time to relax and use the spa. (Not included and must be booked in advance.)
Day 7 - February 16
Print block making, shopping
This morning you’ll experience the craft of block printing on fabric at an organization that spans craft, design and sustainability while also empowering artisans with the tools they need to be economically independent. Block prints are aligned by eye, and telltale signs of the human hand, such as drips + printing imperfections, are part of the beauty of the craft.
Enjoy a hands-on workshop using the famous block prints of Jaipur and natural indigo, the ancient, mysterious dye. Print onto handmade fabric, honoring the simplicity of its dip-dyed shades.
The afternoon is at leisure for shopping Jaipur’s most exclusive boutiques:
Narain Niwas is home to Hot Pink which houses the collection of India’s top designers, including IIdly Thierry Journo that has an exquisite collection of rugs, cushions, and throws and Andraab for very high quality cashmere shawls, scarves, bedspreads and throws, Their collection includes hand-embroidered shawls which take over three years to complete.
Tonight feast on contemporary Indian cuisine, at Johri. The restaurant at The Johri serves an evolving menu of organic vegetarian Indian fare focused on farm-fresh produce and inventive flavors. The menu has been curated by Chef Vikram Arora and led by Chef Son Kumar.
Day 8 -February 17
Jaipur -> Agra
After a leisurely morning, catch an afternoon flight to Agra where Mughal splendor took root and will be seen in both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to the hotel, where you can unwind and refresh after the journey.
As the sun begins to set, enjoy the evening sky, painted in hues of gold and crimson, from your balcony.
This evening begins with a short talk about Kathak (story). Indigenous to northern India and developed under the influence of both Hindu and Muslim cultures, the dance form of Kathak is made distinct by its intricate footwork and precise rhythmic patterns where the dancer controls about 100 ankle bells. Its origins goes back to bards performing in villages and temple courtyards recounting mythological and moral tales. The Mughal emperors took this folk performance and transformed it into the more sophisticated art form you will see. Afterwards enjoy a sumptuous dinner, followed by a performance.
Day 9 - February 18
Agra - > Lucknow
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise when the light makes it appear to float in soft mauves and pinks. Considered the greatest monument to love (and certainly the strongest magnet for any visitor to India) the mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal is a masterpiece, and the ultimate refinement of Humayum's Tomb (visited in Delhi). Tour the interiors where the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan lie behind an ornate marble screen delicately decorated with semiprecious stones. Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort. This imposing red sandstone citadel, which predates the Taj Mahal, was begun as a defensive fort but completed as an elegant palace. It showcases the Mughal talent for blending art and architecture. The complex houses robust barracks and courtly and elegant palaces, pleasure gardens, and galleries. It also offers a stunning view of the Taj Mahal.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lucknow, a city that rose to prominence under the Nawabs of Awadh who were patrons of both culinary and performing arts. The city itself is known for its Muslim grandeur with 18th century decadent courtliness, and more recently as a culinary destination.
Day 10 - February 19
Lucknow
In the morning explore the British history of the city. First, you'll visit the atmospheric Residency, its history marking the beginning of the end of the British Raj in India. This afternoon takes you to visit Muslim Lucknow the main focus of which is the Bara Imambara, which was built as a famine-relief project by the Nawab, Asaf-ud-Daulah. in 1748. Next, explore the bhul bhulaiyan, a labyrinth of galleries, corridors and rooms that wind their way up to the rooftop balconies. The huge vaulted gallery is said to be the largest room in the world unsupported by pillars.
This evening you are invited to dinner to a family home. The Kashmiri Mohalla (neighborhood) was a colony created in the Nawabi era when the capital was moved from Faizabad to Lucknow, bringing hundreds of Kashmiri families to live in the city. Just like any other community, they have their unique history, traditions and cooking style. They blended well with the Awadhi culture, giving rise to a very distinct culinary tradition known as Kashmiri-Awadhi cuisine.
You will meet the Chak family who made Lucknow their home. This highly educated and cultured family still keeps its culinary traditions alive with their loyalty to Kashmiri-Awadhi cuisine in their daily lives, and is happy to showcase their culinary skills. This remarkable cuisine is unavailable anywhere outside a few Kashmiri homes in Lucknow. You will have a live demonstration followed by dinner served with traditional beverages. You hear the stories of their family history and will have conversations with members of the family.
Day 11 - February 20
Flavors and crafts of Lucknow
Today will be spent exploring the crafts and flavors of Lucknow, starting with the main market, or chowk, a maze of alleys which are full of the aroma of spices. You'll also find there beautiful crafts made by the adored master craftsmen the Nawabs could attract to Lucknow.
It's the heart of the city where silversmiths, sari vendors, chikan embroiderers, and gold zari sequin workers practice their crafts side by side in narrow shops. We'll stop at Asghar Ali’s, the famous perfumers, to inhale the distilled essence of 200-year-old rose, jasmine, hina or khus. Down side streets you can get your sari or kurta embroidered with a bespoke design, or get a scarf decorated with tiny silver thread.
Exploring Lucknow's renowned vegetarian cuisine for lunch will introduce you to the flavors of traditional recipes and age-old culinary traditions. Halwais in Lucknow have had their own loyal fan list and generations have been eating there.
Visit traditional eateries, the oldest dates back to 1825, and shops that specialize in sun-dried lentil nuggets and accompaniments like papadums, pickles, preserves, chutneys for ages and still rule the dinner tables at Lucknow homes. Taste not only the tangy chaat and the coolest kulfi on this tour but also end it with a paan (betel-leaf preparation).
Day 12 - February 21
Lucknow -> Delhi -> Return to US
This afternoon you return to where this journey of exquisite tastes, craft and history began – Delhi, for a farewell dinner of Indo-Chinese food, a fusion style of cooking developed by Chinese laborers working in Calcutta. It is now wildly popular all over India, combining Indian ingredients with Chinese cooking techniques.
After dinner you are transferred to the airport and assisted with checking in for your return flight.
