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9-Day India Highlights and Food Tour

9-Day India Highlights and Food Tour

By LancyUpdated Sep. 3, 2023
India Highlights and Food Experiences Combination

Although Indian cuisine is not as famous as the top three world-renown cuisines, it has become more and more popular because of its rich flavors and the diverse vegetables in it. If you are planning your first trip to India and would like to have an authentic food adventure as well as visiting the must-see attractions, this 9-day India highlights and food tour will be your best choice.

In this tour, you will have rich food experiences, which include enjoying a special dinner in a fine restaurant, having a cooking class in a local person's home, and sampling some fresh street food.

  • Days:
  • Best For:Foodies
  • Departure date: up to you
  • Sample price:US$2,119 each (2 per room)*
  • Flights:The ones mentioned are included (international on request)

Suggested Route for an Indian Highlights and Food Tour

India tour map

Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Asia Highlights (AH Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Asia Highlights (Only With AH) included in this tour:

Explore the Chandni Chowk by a rickshaw to discover ordinary people's life.

the rickshaw in Chandni Chowk Market

Admire the unbelievable ancient wonder, the Taj Mahal.

Tai Mahal

Explore the lovely 'Pink City', Jaipur, and enjoy a memorable dinner in the romantic Amber Fort.

the 'pink city',Jaipur
the tag of ah hand picked

Meet and interact with locals to learn about the Indian culture and food.

Indian food

Witness an incredible ceremony and sample the fresh street food in Varanasi.

An incredible ceremony in Varanasi

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Itinerary in Detail

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful India tour for you.

Day 1
Arrival in Delhi

Welcome to Delhi. Your guide and driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you to your hotel. Enjoy your free time for the rest of the day.

Day 2
One-Day Delhi Tour
breakfast and dinner
  • Visit to the revered Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Admire the amalgamation of Islamic and Indian architectural styles.
  • Hop on a rickshaw and venture into the bustling Chandni Chowk market in Old Delhi. This lively market provides a fascinating insight into the daily lives of local people.
  • Uncover traditional Indian components, spices, and cooking techniques with the guidance of an experienced local guide, who is also a Chef.
  • Experience the warmth and hospitality of a local family as you are invited into their home. Indulge in a home-cooked meal, prepared with love and care, and savor the authentic flavors of Delhi.
The biggest mosque in India, Jama Masjid
The biggest mosque in India, Jama Masjid
Day 3
Delhi to Agra (4 to 5 Hours) and Mehtab Bagh
breakfast
  • Drive from Delhi to Agra in the morning.
  • Enjoy an afternoon tea with the view of Taj Mahal at a rooftop cafe.
  • Then, visit Mehtab Bagh, also known as the Moonlight Garden, in the late afternoon. Located behind the Taj Mahal, the garden is situated on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River. As you stand amidst the peaceful surroundings, witness the magical sight of the Taj Mahal as the sun begins to set.
Watch the Taj Mahal as the sun sets
Watch the Taj Mahal as the sun sets
Day 4
The Taj Mahal, the Itmad-ud-Daula, and Agra Fort
breakfast
  • In the early morning, witness the epitome of architectural excellence as you visit the incomparable Taj Mahal. As you approach this ivory-white marble marvel, you will be overwhelmed by its stunning beauty.
  • Your next stop is Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, known as the 'Baby Taj.' This impressive white marble tomb features colorful mosaics and intricate stone inlays, resembling a smaller version of the Taj Mahal.
  • In the afternoon, you will visit Agra Fort, a magnificent fortress built during the 16th century. Bask in the sunlight that casts a vibrant glow upon the red sandstone, reflecting the glory of the bygone Mughal Empire.
Taj Mahal
Visit the world's most elegant mausoleum complex, the Taj Mahal.
Day 5
Agra to Jaipur by Car (5 Hours) and the Chand Baori
Breakfast and dinner
  • Bid farewell to Agra and embark on a scenic car journey towards the vibrant city of Jaipur, also known as the 'Pink City.'
  • Make a stop at a village near Jaipur to marvel at the remarkable Chand Baori stepwell. As you gaze at its intricate design, you may wonder why Indians have a knack for making wells so romantic and intriguing. Be prepared for its mesmerizing sight, as it boasts an impressive 3,500 steps.
  • Enjoy a delectable dinner at Amber Fort in an elegant dining room while being serenaded by live Indian music. As darkness falls, the fort transforms into a picturesque setting, as if pulled straight from a fairy tale. Stand on the fort's balcony and look down to witness a mesmerizing sight.
dinner in Amber Fort
Enjoy a dinner in Amber Fort
Day 6
One-Day 'Pink City' Tour
Breakfast and dinner
  • Explore the majestic Amber Fort. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors on the walls, along with the shimmering mirrors in Sheesh Mahal, transport you back in time to the era of the great dynasty.
  • Continue your journey to Jaipur's City Palace. This magnificent palace provides a glimpse into the lives of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The beautiful courtyard and the abundance of exhibits showcase the richness and sophistication of the royal lifestyle.
  • Make a quick stop for a photo opportunity at the famous Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds. Capture the intricate lattice work and the subtle hues of this stunning palace.
  • Indulge in a cooking class at Ikaki Niwas and immerse yourself in the art of Indian cuisine. Learn the art of using various Indian spices and try your hand at cooking like the locals do. Enjoy the dinner you've prepared, savoring the flavors and aromas that define Indian cuisine.
Enjoy a cooking class and dinner
Enjoy a cooking class and dinner
Day 7
Fly to Varanasi and Attend the Ganga Aarti
breakfast
  • In the morning, board a flight from Jaipur to Varanasi.
  • Embark on a serene boat ride along the Ganges River. Observe pilgrims engaging in sacred rituals, washing their bodies in the holy river, and offering prayers to cleanse their souls. This glimpse into the riverside activities provides a deep insight into the spiritual beliefs and practices of the locals.
  • Make your way to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, to witness the highly choreographed Ganga Aarti ceremony. The synchronized movements, devotion, and spiritual energy of the participants make this ceremony a truly captivating experience.
Experience the highly choreographed Ganga Aarti ceremony
Experience the highly choreographed Ganga Aarti ceremony
Day 8
A Boat Trip at Sunrise, Street Food Hunting, and Sarnath
breakfast
  • Enjoy a boat ride at sunrise along the Ganges River bathed in the gentle morning light. Witness the daily activities that unfold along the riverbanks, showcasing the interdependence of the community.
  • Embark on a culinary adventure through the bustling streets of Varanasi's old city. Indulge in the diverse range of local specialties, from savory chaats and crispy samosas to piping hot jalebis and refreshing lassis. This street food hunt will offer you a glimpse into the culinary heritage.
  • Head to Sarnath, a sacred place for Buddhism. This serene location holds great significance as the place where Buddha, after attaining enlightenment in 528 BC, preached the first sermon to his five disciples. Afterward, explore the Archaeological Museum, where an impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts awaits.
Have a street food hunting
Try the popular Indian snack, samosa
Day 9
Fly Back to Delhi for Your Departure
breakfast

You will fly back to Delhi to connect with your international flight back home.

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

sunset and the hill top
Enjoy a Memorable Sunset at the Nahargarh Fort

For couples

painting on hand
Heena Painting on Hands and Feet

For culture fans

Taj Mahal and moon
Moonlights Tour of Taj Mahal

For couples

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Hand-Picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

We recommend to experience palace hotels, heritage hotels, or nice resorts in order to get the high-quality service and to your experience.

The courtyard of Maiden Hotel
Delhi
Maidens Hotel New Delhi
An elegent room at Alsisar Haveli
Jaipur
Alsisar Haveli - a heritage hotel
The spa of the hotel in Agra
Agra
ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra
hotel room of Madin Hotel
Varanasi
Hotel Madin

Our Service Includes:

9 days from
US$2,119
per person (based on 2 persons and 4-star hotels)
  • Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
  • All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
  • 4-star accommodations for 8 nights
  • Flights between cities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary
  • Governmental taxes

Tour code: ah-in-82

Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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  • Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
  • Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.

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