Taj Mahal India

Flavours of India Adventure

Hosted by Mallika Basu

Dates: 20th February to 3rd March, 2026

Prices from: £2,150 Per Person

man standing on mosque during daytime
man standing on mosque during daytime

A Sustainable Culinary Journey with Mallika Basu

Indian Cuisine

Embark on a flavour-filled culinary journey, from regional specialities and historic street food tours to hands-on cooking lessons with local chefs.

Marvel at India’s magnificent landmarks, from the iconic Taj Mahal to ancient step-wells and majestic palaces.

Culture & Heritage

Immerse yourself in India’s rich culture and heritage, from centuries-old traditions and bustling bazaars to intricate handicrafts and thriving local initiatives

Food Sustainability

Explore India’s dedication to sustainable food practices — from organic farms and indigenous produce to community-led projects that protect the land and support livelihoods.

Architectural Wonders

Experience the best of India’s Golden Triangle — Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra — together with the rural charm of Rajasthan and the culinary heart of Lucknow on a 10-day journey that blends iconic sights with unforgettable food and cultural experiences

Mallika Basu

Mallika Basu is a celebrated food writer, storyteller, and champion of Indian cuisine on the global stage. The author of two cookbooks — Masala and Miss Masala — she also writes In Good Taste, a Substack newsletter exploring food, people and the planet, and contributes planet-friendlier and food culture features to Good Food, Britain’s bestselling food magazine.

Known for demystifying authentic Indian recipes for busy modern lives, Mallika inspires people to cook with confidence, embrace local produce, and make choices that respect both people and the planet. On this adventure, she’ll share India’s culinary treasures through her unique lens — connecting you with the history, traditions, and communities behind each meal. From vibrant market strolls and hands-on cooking sessions to memorable table conversations, you’ll not only taste India’s food culture, but truly connect with it — one mindful, delicious bite at a time.

"India is a feast for the senses best savoured with someone who knows it well and approaches it with care. This journey is a rare chance to do exactly that"

Meet Your Host

Age Category

8 to 20 participants

Price

Open

Join Our Group Adventure
Date & Duration

21st Feb - 3rd Mar, 2026 - 10 Days & 9 Nights

Group Size

£2,150 Per Person

Destination

India

Difficulty Rating

Easy

Price Includes:

Activities (As identified in the itinerary)

Accommodation

Guide Services

Internal Transfers

Meals (12xB, 8xL, 12xD)

Solo Travellers:

Single travellers do not need to pay a supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin-share basis and, if you are travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another participant of the same sex.

On this trip, it is possible to pay a supplement to have a room to yourself. The cost of this is £350 per person.

Price Excludes:

International flights

Travel Insurance

Single supplements

Tips and gratuities

Personal Expenses

Flight Inclusive Package:

From: £2,950 per person.

Based on return flights (economy) from London Heathrow to Delhi with BA.

Other flight options are available, and all flight-inclusive packages booked with Red Kite Adventures are ATOL protected.

airplane on sky during golden hour
airplane on sky during golden hour

Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Please note that the final itinerary is subject to change. Specific details such as flights and hotels will be confirmed at a later date. The itinerary may also change due to health and safety reasons during the trip.

Day 1 - Arrival Day - Delhi - Welcome Dinner

Day 2 - Delhi - New Delhi City Tour - Old Delhi Street Food Evening Tour

Day 3 - Jaipur - Markets, Museums & Monuments

Day 4 - Amber Fort & Anokhi Museum - Cooking Workshop at Umaid Palace

Day 5 - Rajasthan Rural Jeep Safari - Umaid Palace Sustainability Initiatives

Day 6 - Chand Baori Stepwell - Agra Fort

Day 7 - Sunrise at the Taj Mahal - Lucknow Cuisine Tour

Day 8 - Lucknow Heritage Tour - Home-Cooked Awadhi Cuisine Experience

Day 9 - Transfer to Delhi - Farewell Dinner

Day 10 - Departure Day

Food Workshops
Food Tasting
Farm to Table
Street Food Tours

Culinary Highlights

Enjoy the hands-on experience of a cooking lesson and witness traditional cooking and baking demonstrations.

Every meal is carefully selected to ensure you taste the best of Indian gastronomy.

Savour India’s vibrant flavours with guided street food tours, tasting iconic dishes from legendary local vendors.

Follow the food journey from Umaid Palace's own organic garden to a sumptuous meal on the terrace.

The Golden Triangle
Rural Rajasthan
Lucknow Heritage
Handicrafts

Cultural Highlights

Experience India’s iconic Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—where history, culture, and stunning architecture come to life.

Discover India’s artisanal heritage through its handicrafts, from vibrant markets to the Anokhi Museum, where traditional block printing is brought to life.

Step into the royal past of Lucknow, where magnificent heritage sites, culture, and exquisite Awadhi cuisine tell the city's timeless story.

Discover the heart of Rural Rajasthan, where traditional villages, organic farms, & local communities offer an authentic cultural experience.

Cultural Preservation: By engaging with traditional crafts like Chikan embroidery in Lucknow and learning about heritage cuisine, the trip helps sustain local cultural practices.

All tours with Red Kite Adventures support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by incorporating meaningful experiences and initiatives that focus on sustainability, community well-being, and cultural preservation.

Community-Based Agriculture: Guests participate in organic farming activities and learn about sustainable agricultural practices, promoting biodiversity and responsible land use.

Farm-to-Table Dining: The itinerary highlights organic farming practices, fresh dairy production, and local culinary traditions, minimising waste and supporting sustainable food systems.

Booking Inquiry

To find out more, please complete the online form or feel free to give us a call or send an email.

Phone

+44 1242502269

Email

info@redkiteadventures.com

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black blue and yellow textile
Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi

Sunday 22nd February

Welcome to India! Upon arrival in Delhi, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, begin your adventure with a visit to Dilli Haat, a lively open-air market brimming with colourful handicrafts, regional cuisines, and cultural performances from across the country. Continue to the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, home to one of India’s largest collections of traditional arts. In the evening, join Mallika for a welcome dinner before rounding off the night with a stroll through the stylish boutiques and cafés of Khan Market.

Meals: D

Accommodation: Best Western Mahrani Bagh, Delhi

Day 2 - Delhi Sights & Street Food Tour

Monday 23rd February

After breakfast, set out to explore Delhi’s remarkable blend of history and culture. Visit the serene Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, famed for its community kitchen that serves thousands daily, before strolling through Connaught Place and discovering the historic Agrasen Ki Baoli stepwell. In the afternoon, see the soaring Qutab Minar and the grand India Gate, dedicated to the soldiers of World War I.

As evening falls, dive into the bustling lanes of Old Delhi on a guided street food walk, sampling timeless favourites from legendary spots in Chandni Chowk and Paranthe Wali Gali.

Meals: B,D

Accommodation: Best Western Mahrani Bagh, Delhi

Day 3 - Jaipur

Tuesday 24th February

Travel to Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan. After checking in at your hotel, explore the magnificent City Palace, once the royal residence and now a museum showcasing an impressive armoury and regal artefacts. Later, you will visit the Jantar Mantar observatory to marvel at its giant, still-functioning astronomical instruments, then enjoy a guided walk through the bustling bazaars where vibrant textiles, crafts, and street food bring Jaipur’s heritage to life.

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Dev Mahal, Jaipur

Day 4 - Amber Fort & Dausa

Wednesday 25th February

This morning, travel by Jeep to the majestic Amber Fort, famed for its mirror-studded Sheesh Mahal and intricately painted interiors. Pause for photos at the ornate Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) before visiting the Anokhi Museum, dedicated to the art of hand block printing.

Continue to the rural town of Dausa and settle into the family-run Umaid Palace. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, tour the organic gardens and dairy farm, and take part in a hands-on cookery demonstration, learning to make traditional Indian breads. End the evening with turban and saree tying, followed by dinner on the terrace.

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Umaid Lake Palace Hotel, Dausa

Day 5 - Rural Rajasthan & Sustainability Day

Thursday 26th February

After a farm-fresh breakfast, set out on a Jeep safari through the surrounding countryside to visit the Meena and Kumhaar tribal villages. Learn about seasonal crops and traditional farming methods, explore village dairies, and see poultry rearing up close.

Return for a homegrown lunch at Umaid Palace before discovering its sustainability initiatives, from organic farming and solar energy to water recycling and community training programmes.

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Umaid Lake Palace Hotel, Dausa

a very large group of stone structures in a park
a very large group of stone structures in a park
Day 6 - Chand Baori & Agra Fort

Friday 27th February

Travel towards Agra, stopping at the spectacular Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri village — a geometric wonder with 3,500 perfectly symmetrical steps. On arrival in Agra, visit the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort, where palaces, courtyards, and grand halls reveal the opulence of the Mughal Empire, with views across the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal.

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Hotel Clarks Shiraz, Agra

Day 7 - Taj Mahal & Lucknow Cuisine Tour

Saturday 28th February

Rise early to witness the Taj Mahal glowing in the morning light — a moment of pure magic at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. After breakfast, travel to Lucknow, renowned for its refined Awadhi cuisine. This evening, embark on a guided food tour through the city’s historic lanes, sampling kebabs, curries, and sweets from legendary family-run eateries.

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Golden Tulip, Lucknow

Day 8 - Lucknow Heritage & Home Cooked Feast

Sunday 1st March

Explore Lucknow’s architectural treasures, from the Rumi Darwaza and grand Bara Imambara to colonial-era buildings like La Martiniere College. Visit the British Residency, site of the 1857 Siege of Lucknow, as well as a Chikan embroidery workshop. Later, join a local family or heritage restaurant for a cooking session, learning the secrets of Awadhi dishes before enjoying the feast you’ve helped prepare.

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Golden Tulip, Lucknow

Day 9 - Return to Delhi & Farewell Dinner

Monday 2nd March

After a leisurely morning, fly back to Delhi and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a handpicked local restaurant — a final chance to toast new friends, unforgettable flavours, and the vibrant culture you’ve experienced.

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Best Western Mahrani Bagh, Delhi

Day 10 - Departure Day

Tuesday 3rd March

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, taking with you lasting memories of North India’s food, culture, and hospitality.

Meals: B

Accommodation: N/A

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India for All

If you like what you see but want to take a trip as a family or an individual then we can help!

Red Kite Adventures can arrange an amazing Indian experience for everyone. If you want to travel individually, as a family or as part of a group, let us make all of the arrangements. We can sort everything, including flights, accommodation and an incredible selection of sights and activities to suit everyone. Our chosen partner operators not only bring outstanding service through their staff, support and trips, they are also fully committed to sustainable tourism.

India, a land of diverse landscapes and rich heritage, invites travellers to explore its hidden gems. Here are just some of the incredible experiences awaiting you:

  • Trekking, cycling, and adventure sports in the Himalayas or Western Ghats

  • Cultural heritage tours through ancient temples, traditional villages, and vibrant festivals

  • Agri-tourism experiences, from spice plantations in Kerala to organic farms in Rajasthan

  • Self-guided explorations through bustling cities, serene backwaters, and historic forts

Our 100% financial protection applies to all bookings.

If you would like to find out more then please do get in touch.

We are members of the Travel Trust Association, number X7370, a trade association of Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Travel Organisers that operate trust accounts in order to provide financial protection for the consumer. Through our membership of the Travel Trust Association we are able to offer you the security of complete protection for your funds. You can verify our membership here.

This flight inclusive package is protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk.