A Taste Of India

All content by Intrepid

29 days (ex Delhi)

Destinations visited: India, Delhi, Kochi (Cochin), World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$4,355

Book now

Description

Travel in style as we journey into the markets and restaurants of India for a gastronomic adventure. From the fascinating and often dramatic sights of the north to the laidback charm of the south, this trip discovers the authentic flavours of India. Sample local cuisine at roadside eateries, peek inside a royal kitchen and perfect Rajasthani delicacies at a cooking school. Add the best of museums, monuments, backstreets and beaches - this truly is a grand adventure through India.

Highlights

Savour the heady aromas of the Old Delhi markets.
Gaze in awe at the mesmerising Taj Mahal in Agra.
Learn the intricacies of Indian cuisine in Karauli.
Watch a Bollywood blockbuster in Jaipur.
Sleep in an opulent castle in Bijaipur.
Go shopping for fresh produce at a market in Udaipur.
Get a taste of modern India in Mumbai.
Sample Goa's famous spicy cuisine.
Learn how to make a hearty Biryani.
Enjoy the seaside beauty of Pondicherry.
Unravel the secrets of Chettinad and Pollachi cuisine.
Admire the scenic beauty of Kerala.
Meet elephants at a sanctuary in Guruvayur.
Marvel at the mish-mash of cultures in Kochi.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Delhi

Dive head first into the colour and chaos of India. Soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the crowded bazaars and scented spice markets of Old Delhi.

Day 3 Agra

Wake early to see the Taj Mahal glimmer in the morning light and discover why it has been dubbed a 'teardrop on the face of eternity'. Afterwards, continue exploring Agra and visit the impressive Red Fort.

Day 4 Karauli

Wander the perfectly preserved palaces and pavilions of the fortified ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. In Karauli, learn the secrets to old family recipes and spend the night in a beautifully converted haveli.

Days 5-6 Jaipur

In the 'pink city' of Jaipur, visit the Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort. Perhaps then head to the Raj Mandir Cinema to experience the glitz and glamour of a Bollywood blockbuster.

Days 7-8 Bijaipur

Explore rural India in style from the small town of Parsoli. Explore the surrounding villages and take a cooking class with a local chef, learning about local cuisine and gaining an insight into rural Indian life.

Days 9-10 Udaipur

Travel to Udaipur and learn the secrets to buying fresh produce at a market. Spend a half a day perfecting Rajasthani delicacies at a renowned cooking school. Explore the lavish City Palace, one of India's largest royal palaces. A breathtaking sunset over Lake Pichola is the perfect finale to the day.

Days 11-12 Mumbai

Take a short flight to Mumbai. Explore the dhobi ghats, see the Gateway of India and take a sunset stroll with locals on Chowpatty Beach.

Days 13-15 Goa

Travel to Goa to discover how the hot climate and colonial Portuguese past has influenced local cuisine. Sample the spicy food and savour the fragrant scents of the spice gardens. The tour ends here on the sandy beaches of Goa.

Day 16 Udupi

Be captivated by Hampi, an ancient archaeological site containing over 25 square kilometres of ruins. Learn about the Vijayangagara kingdom while strolling around the city's many palaces and temples.

Day 17 Chikmagalur

Days 18-19 Mysore

Visit the Shravanabelagola temple en route to Mysore. Admire the ornate detail of the Maharaja's Palace and savour aromatic spices in a biryani cooking class.

Days 20-21 Mammallapuram/Pondicherry

Stop by the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram then travel to the seaside beauty of Pondicherry. Admire colonial architecture and visit the French Quarter on a walking tour of the town.

Day 22 Thanjavur

Travel to Thanjavur, a city renowned for its arts and architecture. See why the Brihadishwara Temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites.

Day 23 Karaikudi

Admire the architecture of Chettinad Palace before learning the secrets of local cuisine.

Day 24 Madurai

Full of lively bazaars, pilgrims and rickshaws, Madurai is a compelling taste of Southern India. Walk through a maze of lamp-lit corridors in the Sri Meenakshi Temple before an optional visit to the inspiring Gandhi Museum.

Days 25-26 Periyar

Visit a coconut plantation, learn how coconut fibres are woven and get practical experience in Pollachi cooking techniques.

Day 27 Kerala backwaters

Journey to the rich beauty of coastal Kerala. While in Guruvayur, see the Guruvayur Temple and visit an elephant sanctuary that houses more than 50 residents.

Days 28-29 Kochi

With Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and English influences, Kochi is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. Ride the ferry, browse antique shops, breathe in the aroma of spice bazaars and wander the Fort Kochi area to absorb the essence of Kochi.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (20 nts), Heritage Property (6 nts), Overnight sleeper train (2 nts)

Transport

Cycle rickshaw, Train, Auto rickshaw, Minibus, Plane, Overnight sleeper train, Taxi

Budget

Allow USD $350 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$4,355

Book now

Traveller reviews for A Taste Of India (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.