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The subject matter of Indian Cooking is
as vast as the country. With differences in language, customs
and traditions, the food habit as well as there preparations
very from one province to another. Nevertheless, it is our
earnest hope that our Culinary trips will be of some help
and guidance to those who are interested in Indian cooking.
It is fairly common in the west to assume that Indian food
is always 'hot' this is not true. Majority of Indians, who
relish well cooked food, never like chilly power or ground
peppercorn. It is important to remember that if you use only
tumeric, salt and a little garam masala (mixed spices) leaving
out the black peppercorns, you can make delicious curries
which will be relished even by small children.
Ingredients: Again, it is a fairly common belief that Indian
ingredients are difficult to obtain in the west. However,
now most of the ingredients can be had from local grocer or
supermarket, besides the gourmet experts we meet on our tour
would advise us readily available substitutes, so that your
Indian Cooking can still be delicious with ingredients obtained
entirely from your local shops.
Weight and Measures: It is often not easy to give precise
measurements for water in some recipes you would be explained
during the tour. Therefore, it is advisable to take most particular
notice of the terms 'thick' and 'thin' for better and syrup
and 'stiff' or 'loose' for pastry and dough. This is more
important than halving or doubling the quantity of a recipe.
There is no hard and fast rule as to how much flavouring or
butter fat is to be used in different dishes, so that you
make a little variation in the measures would not spoil the
food in anyways.
Cooking Utensils: Most cooking utensils are made of tin plated
brass, iron or steel. It is however quite possible to cook
Indian food in heavy enameled or aluminum saucepans. Deep
heavy frying pans may be used for cooking vegetables, for
frying and for condensing milk.
Serving Food: Indian Food, including the bread is served
hot, although milk curd and its preparations, of course, are
served cold. The modern way of serving food is to start with
one dish of curry (preferably juicy) with the rice pulao.
Then follow the other vegetables and meat dishes which are
eaten with any of the several varieties of breads - chappatis,
nan, puris etc. Next come the sweets, followed by fresh bowl
of fruits. The traditional way of serving food is to have
a brass or nickel platted 'thali' (medium sized around tray)
for each person. On it are arranged 2 or more shiny bowls
filled with various food. Chappatis or other kinds of bread
are usually placed in the center of the thali. A majority
of the Indian folk still eat with their well washed hands.
They slip thr juicy food from the shiny bowls, and ingeniously
manipulate the rest of the eatables by gathering them up with
morsels of bread.
The dietary habits of different regions in India is distinct.
The distinction is most pronounced when we compare North and
South Indian food. The North Indian food habits are very much
bread based. Thus the different varieties of bread that we
find in India are a result of the North Indians love for bread.
The North - Indian non - vegetarian preparations are mainly
focused on goat meat and chicken. Fish is consumed generally
in a fried form to go as snacks with alcoholic beverages.
However, the regions meat and chicken preparations are known
the world over as Mughlai food. There are very strong central
Asian or Mughal influences in the preparations of meat or
chicken here. Hence, the name mughlai. The preparation is
rich without being hot. The popular North Indian vegetarian
food includes delicious preperartions of a variety of lentils,
chick peas, kidney beans spinach and cottage cheese. However,
even within North India there are differences in food habits
and preparations from province to province. The Kashmiri food
has much stronger influences of the North West Frontier region.
The food preparations (specially meat / chicken) are much
more elaborate and involves a greater variety of spices, marination,
seasoning and abundant use of dry fruits. As we move away
from the border regions the flavour of the food starts to
loose its Mughlai touch and more regional alternatives appear.
With the loss of the the Mughlai touch, the emphasis also
shifts to vegetarian preparations. The North - Central state
of Utter Pradesh has its own brand of cooking involving fewer
species and less of frying. Unlike non - vegetarian food,
vegetables would get burnt and if the spicing is strong, we
would get a flavour of only the spices and not the vegetables-
spices are used such as to delicately heighten the taste of
the vegetables.
Down South of India, the emphasis is purely on vegetarianism.
This also conforms with their strict religious beliefs and
observances, which advocate strict vegetarianism. South Indian
food could be either very hot or completely deprived of any
spice, save for salt. Fortunetly, the south Indian preparations
of Idlis, Dosas, Vadas, and Uthapams, which are extremely
popular all over the country fall in the latter category.
Needless to say, on our tour we would chiefly concentrate
on these dishes. As opposed to North India, the South Indians
are more liberal users of rice. If the North India has a variety
of breads, the South has a variety of rice - lemon rice, tomato
rice, curd rice,pickle rice, vegetable rice etc. It is pertinent
to mention here thast there is no strict form of idlis, dosa
or vada. There are over a 100 methoids (literally) of preparing
these depending upon the ingredients you put in and the technique
of preparation depending upon the ingredients you put in and
the technique of preparation - each preparation is guranteed
to be unique. Very simple put, idlis are ground and fermented
rice dumplings prepared in steam. But of course, it could
be a plain idli, a wheat and rice idli, lentil idli etc. Dosas
are thin better of ground and fermented rice and lentils,
spread over a flat frying pan. It could be just that or have
a variety of pastries - cheese, onion, potatos. The South
Indian food are easy to prepare and easy to digest.
Besides covering Kashmiri, Punjabi (mughlai), central Indian
and south Indian food we could also taste and learn some speciality
dishes of other parts of India. Of special mention are the
preperation of the sea faring Goan people. Goa has a very
noticeable Portuguese influence and their cusines reflect
this influence. Bengal is famous all over India for her sweet
preparations; The Himalyan state of Sikkim is famous for its
ethnic Himalayan cusines which have ethnic Tibetan influences.
Darjeeling and other popular hill station still has a lot
British in it. Our Hotel here true to colonial style prepares
some of the best continental fare in the country.
It is however, patient to mention that there are two distinct
lines of thought as far as most Indian food preparation is
concerned. The first school of thought are the prim and proper
hotel chefs and catering schools, where you would be told
exact measurements, frying/baking/ boiling time etc. So that
you have the 'Just right'dish. However, the Indian housewives
who comprise the second school of thought outrightly reject
the exactness of approach. For generations Indian wives have
been feeding us without any formal training with mouth watering
dishes. They work on approximation and with formal training
with mouth watering dishes. They work an approximation and
with fewer spices. The paradox is that both lines of thought
produce absolutely mouth watering dishes. The main feature
of our tour would be visiting Indian families and sharing
kitchen secrets with hoiuswife and share meals with a family
in their home. For specialist learning we would visit catering
schools as well as have special meetings with Hotel Chefs.
Namaste! - We welcome you with folded hands
Flavours of India
For someone from the west, India provides an authentic adventure
- stimulating, absorbing, daunting, sometimes moving and shocking.
Here is one of the world's great dramas; an ancient, vast
and crowded land committed to the most formidably challenging
exercise in mass democracy. It is a spectacle in which hope,
pride, paradox and uncertainty mingle and struggle. It is
conducted on the whole, and to India's credit in the open.
The lasting memories of the land are hospitality, kindness,
good humor and generosity. Here is a society of over a 1000
million people, growing by a million a month, divided and
united by language, caste, religion and regional loyalties.
It has often been described as a functioning anarchy; and
it is in many ways an amiable one, of marvelous fluidity and
tolerance. Indeed, the true Indian motif is not the Tajmahal,
the elephant or the patient peasant behind the ox drawn plough.
It is the crowd, the ocean of faces in the land of multitudes,
endlessly stirring, pushing and moving. It is in this human
circulation that one sees India's colour, variety, busyness,
and, senses also its power, vitality and grandeur.
Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives
welcome you and escort you to your Car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative
would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents
to you.
Welcome to our tour, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the
guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the
opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel
Day 02: Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi,
Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586),
the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect
towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived
the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with
a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930)
and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district
of the capital.
We visit the Frontier restaurant for Lunch. This would be
our first introduction to Indian food. As the name suggests,
the place specializes in cuisines of the North West Frontier
region. The décor is also ethnic - craggy stones walls,
traditionally dressed waiters, musicians playing local musical
instruments live and circulates amongst the guests. It is
a modern air conditioned restaurant with plenty of character.
Food is served in bronze thalis (trays) and decorated globlets
for drinks or water. Following our city tour and after wash
and change we invite you to special welcome dinner accompanied
by colorful and traditional folk dances of India. After our
heavy lunch if some of us are not keen for heavy meal, they
would have a choice of a variety of well marinated and maildly
spiced kababs
Overnight at Hotel Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel (B,
L, D)
Day 03: Delhi
In the morning we cross the city and into the walled gates
of the Old Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the
17th and 19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic
as compared to New Delhi. It draws one through congested roads
and lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating
to its chequered history. Our tour includes visits to the
Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni
Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs
of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi,
on to the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder
of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal
Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder
of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi
and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back.
The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion
in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This
is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and
bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets
bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all
description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride
would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers
as well as the onlookers
In the afternoon we would visit an Indian Family to observe
and learn some of the Indian's housewife's secret. We would
have the meals with the family in the evening. You could also
participate in the actual cooking of the meal.
Overnight at Hotel Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel (B,
D)
Day 04: Delhi / Udaipur (9W 3401 - 0545 / 0810)
Early this morning transfer to the airport to connect your
flight to Udaipur
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your
Hotel Jagat Niwas a modern heritage hotel replete with character
and charm, besides all comforts discerning tourists would
seek.
After rest and relaxation we proceed on a tour of Udaipur
City. In the afternoon we do a boat cruise on the Lake Pichola.
Following the cruise we would walk through the main and colourful
bazaar of Udaipur. A highlight of the tour would be a visit
to of clay, the moulding of bricks, setting up of brick kilns
all by hand are interesting sights as are the camel carts
bringing in clay and colorfully dressed men and women carrying
bricksand clay in bamboo baskets over their heads. Tonights
dinner would take us out of the city th the Shilpi Village
complex - a modern Indian restaurant set up in rustic village
complex - a modern Indian restaurant set up in rustic village
ambience of thatched huts.
Evening we take a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful
Lake Pichola. The island palace on the Lake called Jagmandir
Palace is quite fascinating. The Palace provided inspirations
and ideas to the builder of the Taj Mahal. The banks of the
lake provide interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and
the laundry that takes place here. Looking across the lake,
with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island
palace, is a scene of rare beauty.
Tonight's dinner would take us out of the city to the Shilpi
Village complex - a modern Indian restaurant set up in a rustic
village ambience of thatched huts. Tonight we would taste
some of the North Indian vegetarian fare - Kidney Beans cooked
in a sauce, cottage cheese and pease cooked in gravy, succulent
mashed vegetable balls in a thick gravy etc
Overnight at Jagat Niwas (Deluxe Lake View room) (B &
D)
Day 05: Udaipur / Ranakpur / Rohet
We ride out to Rohet. Our first stop would be at Ranakpur.
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the
liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.
The basement is of 48, 000 sq. feet area that covers the whole
complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared
halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns.
The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately
carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs
playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of
45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there
are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the
entire complex. The main temple is of Chaumukh or four-faces
temple dedicated to Adinath.
We continue riding to Rohet. At Rohet, one is transported
in to a world of the past, a world of honour and of chivalry,
of glory and of pride; a world of vibrant colours and spectacular
magnificence. Past centuries come to life at the historic
boundary walls of Rohet- the 16th century fortified deserted
home of a Rajput clan. Within the precincts of these time
weathered walls is our hotel, the impressive Rohetgarh Fort-
a bastion of proud Rajput traditions bathed in the ambience
of unmistakable Rajasthani culture where one can, even today
experience the famed warm and courteous Rajput hospitality.
Frescoes on the tall gateway, brightly painted in the traditional
style, using traditional motifs and colour schemes herald
your entry to this charmed world the bygone era. The gateway
leads to a compound where a profusion of flowers frame the
archways in welcome. The portico is a warm and informal place
decorated with the artifacts and trophies of many years. Exquisitely
carved furniture, delicate hand block prints, original paintings
and photographs decorate your rooms, which though redolent
with the romance of a bygone era, provide all the modern amenities.
Antique hunting riffles, shields & spearheads, daggers
and original paintings form the backdrop of the dinning room.
The swimming pool here is in beautiful settings and is an
oasis in a dessert.
The food at Rohetgarh is special; each recipe is both traditional
and typical, handed down the generations and jealously guarded
to retain its pristine flavours. You savour only the very
best of Rajasthani cuisine's, food favoured by the Royalty.
The 16th century descendants of the Rathore ruling family
still live here and host the guests. The members of the Royal
family interact with the guests and interesting stories and
anecdotes are narrated.
We would also explore Rohet, which is a fascinating small
feudal town, which seems to be straight out of the Arabian
Nights. There is no proper road here - only one main dust
trail. On either side are typical thatched houses and shops
of all kinds - colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters,
fruit vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors etc.
Late afternoon we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of
Rajasthan villages where traditions centuries old still permeate
life styles. One can witness the 'opium ceremony' - a ritual
by which guests are welcomed. Gaily attired men and women
carry on their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their
norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village
huts remind one of the simple and traditional living here
As evening descends upon our hotel, the darkness of the night
is lit up by the flickering flames of fire around which the
rhythmic movements of the folk dancers assumes shape in brilliant
colours; truly an electrifying experience.
Overnight at Rohetgarh (Deluxe Room) (B)
Day 06: Rohet / Jodhpur (40Kms)
After breakfast a short ride brings us to Jodhpur
Upon arrival check in to the Hotel Ajit Bhawan. Set in the
serene desert of Rajasthan, this hotel stands as an oasis
of hospitality and warm Rajput charm. Built exclusively for
Maharaja Sir Ajit Singh, it is vibrantly alive with the personalized
hospitality provided by the late Maharaja's family who still
live there. The doors of this truly traditional yet subtlety
contemporary estate is open to you and offers you Old World
elegance, with the modern comforts of a classic heritage hotel
and the essence of being a guest of the Maharaj's family.
After rest and relaxation we will visit the massive fort.
In olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky
base is scraped straight down making it nearly impossible
to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating
history and priceless jewels, on to the armoury and Jaswant
Tara - the Royal Crematorium.
Following lunch we visit the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is
one of India's largest and most colourful wholesale markets
especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables
etc. It is a fantastic experience to walk through the place
observing and photographing this incredible spectacle of vibrant
lifestyles and incredible colours.
Overnight at Ajit Bhawan (Standard Room) (B)
Day 07: Jodhpur / Jaipur (Intercity Express - 0545 / 1020)
Early morning transfer to train station to board your intercity
to Jaipur.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival transfer to Hotel Alsisar
Haveli - This is the flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage
hotels. The Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City,
Jaipur. It brings back to life the grandeur of the old days
and is a memorable regal Rajasthan experience for the guests.
Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of
traditional Rajput architecture and a site to behold. The
large elevated platform that dominates the central area of
the ground floor and once used for get-togethers by the gents
of the house is now open to guests who can witness puppet
shows and folk dances while enjoying their snacks or drinks.
The spacious lobby which opens into the chowk (inner courtyard),
was a century ago used by the ladies of the house and is now
open to guests. You will treasure this experience of staying
in an authentic Rajput home.
Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the unending shopping
options of Jaipur.. An essential starting point for Rajasthan
craft work is block making and block printing and we will
be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the
popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here to tailor
make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur -
its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky
tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry.
Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been
a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The
stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns
and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the
champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for
its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac
and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy.
The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones
into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting
little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz
and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent
bottles are also available.
This evening dinner would be specially arranged for us at
Surabhi, a heritage restaurant in a 300-year-old palace in
Jaipur. The heart of the restaurant is the Durbar Hall, which
is the main seating area. Having a meal there is just like
having it in the Diwan-e-am (Hall Of Public Audience) of Amber
Fort or City Palace. With original marble pillars, the Hall
is the third largest in Jaipur after Amber and City Palace.
The total seating capacity is 250 covers. We have an air-conditioned
hall also with 50 covers. One of the unique features of the
hall is the carving on the 280-year-old pillars whose designs
are unfinished. Probably something happened; this is shrouded
in the mist of history. The Haveli Mansion) is one of the
oldest in Jaipur. A Unique feature of the place is that they
offer demonstration & Lectures on food and cook in front
of the guests serving directly from the frying pan at dinner
time.
The other attractions of the place include a Full time Bhopa
(an ancient tribe) singer and puppet show. Extensive library
of coffee-table books on Rajasthan and India for guests to
browse. Free visit to the world's largest collection of turbans
with lecture/demonstration. The Tandoor is located outside
so that the Indian bread and tandoori (bar-be-cued) preparations
are served hot directly and also for the guests to watch the
food being prepared.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli (Standard Room) (B & D)
Day 08: Jaipur
After breakfast we will visit Amber Fort the former capital
of the royal Jaipurs. Elephant taxi up to the top of the hill
where the fort is situated . Few fail to be moved by the dramatic
Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north
of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded
by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued
tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated
walls lattice the surrounding hills.
Later we will have a tour of City Palace & Observatory.
The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace
is a seven storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine
vies over the gardens and the city. The palace lies in the
heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The
fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection
from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles which
surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory
- an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give
accurate predictions till date. The Palace Of Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately
honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old
city.
In the evening you would be invited for meals to one of the
Rajasthani family. The emphasis of the dinner would be on
Rajasthani food which again tends towards vegetarianism and
has pulse base. The lentil sweet dish at the end is very popular.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli (Standard Room) (B & D)
Day 09: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
After breakfast we drive to Agra with packed lunches. We
would carry with us what is typically an Indian Picnic lunch
easy to carry and wholesome - alu paratha and dried potato
curry (bread with a mildly spiced potato pastry).
Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri (ghost capital) for a tour
of these magnificent and world heritage buildings, which are
still in a state of perfect reservation. The city is divided
into religious and secular sections. The profusion of sculpture
is breathtaking. Also, the white marble mosque in the secular
section is incredible. It is a very sacred mosque and pilgrims
from far and near arrives here to pay their respects; from
here we continue our ride to Agra
Upon arrival check in to Hotel Taj View which allows you
to live in the lap of luxury and gaze at the Taj Mahal for
as long as you wish - whenever you feel like.
This evening we will have our dinner with a traditional family
from utter Pradesh for a taste of cuisines from this North
- Central state of India. The food is less rich, mildly spiced
and is vegetarian. This family is a perfect example of how
joint families live. Here, 4 generations live together in
a huge traditional home.
Overnight at Taj View (Taj View Room) (B, L, D)
Day 10: Agra / Delhi
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's
lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for
the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so
that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight.
A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical
effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours
of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building.
After breakfast we visit the Agra fort The elegant buildings
inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central
Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze
of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort
echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid &
other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient
Indian architects.
Following the tour of Agra Fort, drive on to Delhi - along
one of India's finest freeways
Tonight's dinner would be a south Indian affair. We visit
Udipi restaurant which is one of the best for South Indian
Cusines - dosas, vadas, idlis, sambar (lentil Soup), uthapas
etc. with a south Indian filter ciffee at the end
Overnight at Hotel Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel (B
& D)
Day 11: Delhi / Bagdogra (9W602 -1010 / 1215)
Bagdogra / Darjeeling (Drive)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight
to Bagdogra
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and drive to Darjeeling
Enroute we stop at the Kurseong Tourist Centre for a refreshing
cup of the famous Darjeeling tea.
During our two days stay here we take a break from Indian
food. Created when the British Raj was at its zenith, the
Windamere hotel retains a strong character and this is nowhere
more obvious then its cuisines and the way it is served. You
would eat excellent continental food in the way the 'Sahebs'
used to eat; waiter and waitress in traditional dresses would
serve at your table and serve you each course as soon as we
have finished the previous one - each time in a fresh plate.
This evening is at leisure. Darjeeling offers plenty of options
for walking. Of special mention is the circular walk around
the Observatory Hill for breathtaking scenes of natural beauty
of the Himalayas and the city below. The shopping options
of Darjeeling are revealed once you visit some of the curio
shops along Nehru Road. All things Himalayan are sold here-'thankas'
(paintings), brass statues, religious objects, jewellery,
woodcarvings, woven fabrics, carpets etc. However, bargaining
is the order of the day, so be prepare to jostle with the
shopkeepers.
Overnight At Hotel Windamere (B, L, D)
Day 12: Darjeeling
An early morning drive to Tiger Hill for a breathtaking dawn
view over Kanchanjunga and other eastern Himalayan peaks is
a fantastic experience. On your way back you may visit the
Ghoom monastery, which is the oldest and the most famous monastery
in Darjeeling. It enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha
(the coming Buddha).
We would have an opportunity to ride on the exquisite Toy
train from Ghoom to Darjeeling - a truly fascinating experience
as the train clinges on to the hills
We return to our hotel; for breakfast following which we
tour the city. Darjeeling has some very fascinating places
of interest. The Botanical Gardens that contain a representative
collection of Himalayan plants, flower and orchids. The hot
houses are very interesting. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help
Centre established in 1959 to help rehabilitate Tibetan refugees
who fled from Tibet produces superb carpets, woolens, wood
carvings and leather work. You could walk through the workshops
and observe the work in progress. The weaving and dyeing shops
and the woodcarving shop are particularly interesting and
the workers, very friendly - the women have very beautiful
and expressive features. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
set up to train mountaineers, also has a museum containing
an interesting collection of historic mountaineering equipment,
specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna and relief model of
the Himalayas. Another must in Darjeeling is a visit to the
Happy Valley Tea garden. Here tea is still produced by the
'orthodox' method as opposed to the 'curling, tearing and
crushing' (CTC) method adopted in the plains. The process
is a fascinating one to observe with possibilities of lots
of good pictures
Overnight At Hotel Windamere (B, L & D)
Day 13: Darjeeling / Pemayangtse
After an early breakfast we drive to Pemayangtse with packed
lunches. One reaches Pemayangtse only through one of the most
incredibly beautiful journies in the world. The views afforded
by the journey itself is worth the effort. We would have opportunities
to stop a few times, walk through the countryside, enjoy the
enchanting beauty of the place and interact with the natives
through our guide.
Overnight At Hotel Norbu Gang Resort (B, L & D)
Day 14: Pemayangtse
The views of snow capped Himalayan range is unbelievable.
One has to just draw the curtains of one's bedroom and lo
behold! You could almost touch the range. Even the shadows
of the great peaks are clearly visible. Sunrise here is soul
stirring! The reflections of the rising Sun on the snow capped
peaks is magical and cannot be duplicated in words. We also
visit the Pemayangtse monastery, which is the second oldest
monastery in Sikkim and belongs to the Tantric -Nyingma-Pa
sect established by an Indian teacher. The sects monasteries
are characterised by a prominent image of the teacher along
with two female consorts, and this monastery is the head of
all others in Sikkim. The sect followers wear red caps. We
would also visit the peaceful and tranquil Khechipalri Lake.
Overnight at Hotel Norbu Gang Resort (B, L, D)
Day 15: Pemayantse / Martham Village Resort
After leisurely breakfast, a spectacular journey, mostly
down hill on undulating roads with hair pin bends caressing
the mighty Himalayas, through tremendous landscapes of terraced
fields on the slopes of the Himalayas, swiftly flowing Teesta
river down the valley and wild banana plantations as well
as through quaint Sikkimese villages bring us to Martham
Upon Arrival, Check into the Martam Village Resort, which
is an exquisite resort, well spread out on the slopes of an
Himalayan Mountain with incredible view of terrace farming
on hill slopes with the mighty Himalayas in the background.
The resort is famous for its ethnic sikkimesc food - mountain
food with strong Tibetan influence. Unlike other Indian food,
the cuisines here are comparatively bland with very little
use of spices. There is also less of frying and more of steaming
and boiling involved. Of special mention are the 'momos' which
are an assortment of pastries (meat / chicken / vegetables)
inside a dough encasement and steam cooked
One can also experience the traditional herbal bath, watch
folk dances of Sikkim and visit the witch doctor. Being next
to nowhere, but for nature, Martam Village Resort is the perfect
location for visitors who love nature or adventure and for
those seeking peace and relaxation. It would be a wonderful
idea to visit some ethnic Sikkimese villages untouched by
civilisation and enjoy the fabled Sikkimese hospitality.
Overnight At Martham Village Resort (B, L & D)
Day 16: Martham / Gangtok / Martham
A leisurely breakfast and then a full day excursion of Gangtok.
The 24 km drive is in itself a fantastic drive through paradise.
Changing vistas of mountains unfold at every bend and there
are delighted vignettes of the hamlets and fields of the people
of rural Sikkim.
On our way, we visit the world famous Rumtek The original
monastery was built by a ruler of Sikkim. However, a new monastery
replicating the former one was built in the 16th century.
Thus, though the monastery is new, it enshrines all that is
best in traditional Tibetan monastic architecture. When seen
in the clear light of Sikkim, this magnificent building with
its red pillars, brilliantly painted fretwork and superbly
glowing murals glitters like a jewel set in the green hills
.
We continue riding to Gangtok for our tour.
The capital of the Sikkim State, Gangtok occupies the West
Side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipool River. The scenery
is spectacular and there are excellent views of the entire
Kanchanjunga range from many points in the vicinity. We first
visit the Tsuk- la -Khang chapel. It is the Buddhist principal
place of worship and assembly and the repository of a large
collection of scriptures. It is a beautiful and impressive
building, its interior covered with murals. Lavishly decorated
altars hold images of the Buddha, bodhisattavas, and tantric
deities. There are also several interesting wooden carvings.
The Namgyalk Institute of Tibetology. Established in the 1958
this unique monastery built in a traditional style promotes
research on the language and traditions of Tibet, as well
as on Mahayana Buddhism. Next week we visit the Orchid Sanctuary
close to the Institute. Enclosed by a peaceful forest, the
orchid sanctuary has a majority of 454 species of orchids
found in Sikkim a kilometre away is a huge white chorten with
a golden apex. Next to it is a monastery for young lamas with
a shrine containing a huge images of an Indian teacher of
Buddhism in Tibet. The Institute of Cottage Industries specialises
in producing hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls, Leapcha
weaves, patterned decorative paper and Choktse tables, exquisitely
carved in relief.
Overnight at Hotel Martham Village Resort (B, L &
D)
Day 17: Martham / Bagdogra / Delhi (9W 601 - 1430/1635)
Following a leisurely breakfast, we bid farewell to the Himalayas
and drive to Bagdogra airport to connect our flight to Delhi.
Meeting & assistance upon arrival & transfer to your
hotel The Connaught
Rest of the evening is at leisure for your independent activities
Delhi today is truly the melting pot of India, and the main
gateway to one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Your Hotel in Delhi is a Downtown Hotel - The Connaught Place
is the heart and pulse of New Delhi. This Hotel will give
you an opportunity to view the busy streets and bazaars of
the capital of India. In other words, you will 'feel' India.
Overnight at Hotel Connaught -a 4* Downtown Hotel (B &
D)
Day 18: Delhi / Departure
Transfer to International airport to connect your onward
flight back home
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds
for all times to come and hopefully would kindle an indelible
fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being
our guest, and as we say in India 'Please Come back Soon"
Total Tour Cost For 02 People Traveling Together: -
1. Land Cost On Twin Sharing Basis: - USD 2790* Per Person
2. Airfare for Delhi / Udaipur, Delhi / Bagdogra / Delhi:
- USD 651* Per Person
Total Tour Cost = (1) + (2) = USD 3441* PER PERSON
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
*Quotes Based On Accommodation Listed In The Above Itinerary
- (Subject To Availability)
Cost Includes
· Accommodation on Twin Sharing basis
· Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
· Accompanying escort in Himalayas
· Dinner with an Indian Family
· Boat ride in Udaipur (Seat in a Launch)
· Jeep Safari in Rohet
· All journey as per the itinerary in a Fine Air Conditioned
Car in Rajasthan and in a Non Air Conditioned Car in the Himalayas
· Train Journey for Jodhpur / Jaipur sector
· Local guides as per the itinerary - all applicable
taxes
· Airfare for Delhi / Udaipur & Delhi / Bagdogra
/ Delhi sector in economy class
Cost Does Not Include
· Meals other than mentioned above
· Entrances/Camera & Video Fee to monuments
· Personal expenses like drinks, laundry, tips
· Airport tax, beverages, tips & expenses of personal
nature
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