Arrive in India’s capital and transfer to The Imperial, New Delhi—an iconic hotel blending colonial elegance with modern luxury. Spend your first afternoon at leisure, perhaps enjoying high tea in the hotel’s gardens or unwinding with a spa treatment. In the evening, begin your culinary journey with a welcome dinner at Indian Accent, one of Asia’s most celebrated restaurants, offering a modern twist on traditional Indian dishes.

Begin your day exploring the heritage of Old Delhi. Visit the grand Jama Masjid, followed by a thrilling rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in India. Stop to sample Delhi’s legendary street food—hot jalebis, spicy chaats, and creamy kulfi—under the guidance of a culinary expert. In the afternoon, tour New Delhi’s colonial-era landmarks including India Gate, the Presidential Palace, and Humayun’s Tomb. Conclude your day with a private chef’s table experience at your hotel, exploring regional North Indian cuisine.

Travel to Agra in your private chauffeured vehicle and check in to The Oberoi Amarvilas, where every room offers views of the Taj Mahal. After lunch, explore Agra Fort, the magnificent Mughal palace complex. In the evening, dine on a rooftop terrace with a view of the Taj Mahal, enjoying traditional Mughlai dishes such as slow-cooked biryani, kebabs, and saffron-infused curries, reminiscent of royal banquets from the Mughal era.

Rise early for a private sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, an unforgettable moment as the marble monument glows in soft dawn light. After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital. Upon arrival in the Pink City, check in to the palatial Rambagh Palace, once home to the Maharaja of Jaipur. That evening, enjoy a private Rajasthani thali dinner in the palace gardens accompanied by live folk music and dance.

Explore Jaipur’s rich royal heritage starting with Amber Fort, a majestic complex perched on a hilltop. Visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory before diving into Jaipur’s vibrant markets, known for their spices, pickles, and sweets. This afternoon, participate in a hands-on Rajasthani cooking class at a heritage haveli, where a local chef will guide you through recipes passed down for generations. Enjoy the meal you’ve prepared with warm hospitality and storytelling.

Fly to Hyderabad, the capital of Nizami grandeur and the birthplace of India’s most legendary biryani. On arrival, transfer to Taj Falaknuma Palace, a regal hilltop retreat offering panoramic views and opulent interiors. Spend your evening enjoying a guided tour of the palace followed by a Hyderabadi dinner featuring iconic dishes such as haleem, mirchi ka salan, and the city’s famed Dum Biryani, served in true royal style.

Begin your day with a visit to the Charminar and Laad Bazaar, where the scent of rosewater, ittar, and spices fills the air. Explore the Qutb Shahi Tombs and the impressive Golconda Fort before enjoying a culinary masterclass in Nizami cuisine with the palace chef. Discover the secrets of blending aromatic rice with marinated meats and complex masalas. The evening is yours to relax, enjoy the palace gardens, or sample tea-time delicacies on the veranda.

Fly south to Cochin and transfer to Alleppey, where you’ll board your private luxury houseboat for an overnight cruise through the Kerala backwaters. As the boat glides past lush paddy fields and sleepy villages, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch using local ingredients such as pearl spot fish, curry leaves, coconut, and tamarind. Sunset on the water is a serene experience, followed by a romantic dinner on deck under the stars.

After breakfast onboard, disembark and travel to Cochin. Check in to Brunton Boatyard or a boutique heritage hotel along the waterfront. In the afternoon, explore the cultural layers of Fort Cochin—St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue. In the evening, enjoy a curated seafood dinner at the hotel, where the chef crafts each dish to reflect Kerala’s Malabar Coast flavors.

Today, explore Cochin’s spice markets and bustling fish docks on a guided culinary walk. Visit a local spice trader’s home and learn about Kerala’s treasured ingredients such as black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Later, enjoy a hands-on cooking workshop in a private kitchen, followed by a communal meal that celebrates the rich coastal cuisine of Kerala, from prawn moilee to appams and avial.

Fly to Mumbai and transfer to The Taj Mahal Palace, an icon of timeless luxury. In the evening, take a guided food walk through Mumbai’s heritage precinct or Bandra’s trendy eateries, sampling everything from spicy vada pav and Bombay duck to artisanal desserts. Dinner tonight is at one of the city’s acclaimed fine-dining establishments such as The Table, Masque, or Trishna, known for their inventive takes on Indian cuisine.

Discover the cultural and culinary sides of Mumbai with a private guide. Visit the Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Explore the city’s bustling Crawford Market and Zaveri Bazaar, where spices, dried fruits, and silver glitter in equal measure. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour at a celebrated Mumbai restaurant, ending with a tasting menu that reflects the city’s vibrant cosmopolitan flair.

Spend your final full day in India as you please. Enjoy a spa treatment at the hotel, shop for Indian fashion and handicrafts, or take an optional Bollywood studio tour. For lunch, try a contemporary Indian bistro or relax with a beachside seafood platter. Your farewell dinner is hosted on the rooftop overlooking the Arabian Sea, a fitting finale to your culinary journey through India.

After breakfast, transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of a journey that brought together India’s magnificent sights, soul-stirring flavors, and gracious hospitality.