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Let’s Design Your Journey

Every itinerary is personalised. This is where the conversation begins.

    All journeys are privately curated. No obligation to book.

    9 Days / 8 Nights

    Golden Triangle & Varanasi Culinary Tour India

    A private Culinary Tours India route from Delhi through Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi, revealing regional kitchens, markets and sacred food traditions.
    Starting from AUD 2540 per person double share
    Recommended to travel : October to March | Available year-round

    Flavours, faith and India’s living kitchens

    This privately guided Culinary Tour India follows the Golden Triangle before slowing into Varanasi’s timeless rhythm. Delhi introduces spice-laced Old City lanes and refined New Delhi dining, Agra reveals Mughal-influenced flavours and sweet traditions, while Jaipur adds royal recipes, bazaars and a hands-on kitchen experience shaped by desert culture.

    In Varanasi, Food Tours India becomes something deeper—sunrise boat rides, vegetarian street classics and temple rhythms reveal how cuisine, ritual and daily life are inseparable. Designed for travellers seeking meaning rather than checklists, this is often remembered as one of the most culturally grounded food tour experiences in India.

    Plan My Trip

    Highlights at glance

    • Begin your Culinary Tour India experience in Delhi, where Old Delhi’s living food lanes contrast beautifully with New Delhi’s elegant contemporary dining culture.
    • Discover how Food Tours India unfolds in Agra through Mughal-influenced dishes, slow-cooked gravies and the city’s iconic sweet traditions.
    • Experience Rajasthan’s culinary heritage in Jaipur, from bustling bazaars to royal recipes and a private kitchen encounter.
    • Slow down into Varanasi, where Food Tours India merges with spirituality through vegetarian street food, river rituals and temple rhythms.
    • Balance tasting with context, where markets, cooking alongside locals and unhurried shared meals reveal how food truly lives across northern India.
    • Travel privately and unhurriedly, ensuring every Culinary Tours India moment remains immersive, safe and culturally meaningful.
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    Nights 1 & 2 : Delhi

    Your Culinary Tour India journey begins in Delhi, where two nights allow you to settle gently while tasting the capital’s remarkable diversity. Old Delhi’s narrow lanes reveal spice merchants, sweet shops and time-honoured snack counters, while New Delhi introduces calmer, more refined dining shaped by global influence. Travelling privately ensures tastings are thoughtful rather than rushed, with your guide explaining ingredients, techniques and cultural context. Evenings remain flexible—ideal for a relaxed meal or quiet rest—allowing you to absorb the city’s rhythm before deeper exploration begins.

    Arrive in Delhi and transfer privately to your hotel, easing into India at a comfortable pace. As part of this Golden Triangle & Varanasi Culinary Tour India itinerary, the first day is intentionally light, giving you time to recover from travel and observe everyday life without pressure. If energy allows, enjoy a short evening walk near your hotel, where tea stalls and neighbourhood eateries offer a gentle introduction to local flavours. Your guide outlines the culinary focus ahead, balancing authenticity with comfort. A calm dinner and early night prepare you well for tomorrow’s deeper immersion.

    Today highlights why Delhi is central to Food Tours India. Begin early in Old Delhi, exploring Chandni Chowk before crowds build, tasting a select range of iconic snacks while learning why these flavours endure. Your guide helps you understand spice balance, seasonality and tradition. In the afternoon, shift into New Delhi’s wide avenues and greener spaces, where dining becomes more contemporary and refined. The contrast between the two culinary worlds is intentional, revealing Delhi’s layered identity. The evening remains relaxed, allowing time to reflect and rest.

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    Night 3 : Agra

    Agra introduces a quieter chapter of Culinary Tours India, shaped by Mughal heritage and focused regional flavours. After arrival and check-in, the city’s pace feels gentler than Delhi, allowing space to unwind. Depending on timing, enjoy a short tasting walk or a calm dinner highlighting local dishes influenced by imperial kitchens. Agra’s famous petha sweet offers a light, distinctive finish, connecting food to place and history. This evening is not about volume, but understanding—setting the tone for a meaningful exploration of Agra’s culinary identity.

    Travel by road to Agra, arriving in time to settle and refresh. As part of this Food Tours India journey, the afternoon is deliberately unhurried, allowing you to absorb the city’s atmosphere before tasting begins. Later, step out for a curated culinary introduction, selected for quality, safety and cultural relevance. Your guide explains how Agra’s food traditions evolved alongside its Mughal monuments, offering insight rather than excess. The evening remains relaxed, preparing you for tomorrow’s early visit to the Taj Mahal and deeper regional exploration.

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    Nights 4 & 5 : Jaipur

    Jaipur adds colour and confidence to Culinary Tours India, with bold flavours shaped by royal kitchens and desert ingenuity. Over two nights, you explore markets, refined dining spaces and a private kitchen experience that reveals how recipes are preserved within families. From kachori breakfasts to festive sweets and spice-forward curries, Jaipur’s cuisine makes sense once you see the bazaars that feed it. Evenings are left open for rest or quiet enjoyment, ensuring the city’s energy never overwhelms the journey’s carefully paced rhythm.

    Begin before sunrise at the Taj Mahal, when light and stillness enhance the experience. Continue to Agra Fort before driving toward Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri—Akbar’s red-sandstone capital frozen in time. This day balances heritage and transition within your Culinary Tours India route, allowing history to frame the flavours ahead. Arrive in Jaipur by late afternoon, check in, and keep the evening light. A short walk or relaxed dinner introduces Rajasthan gently, leaving tomorrow fully open for deeper culinary discovery.

    Today forms a centrepiece of Food Tours India within Rajasthan. Begin with a guided exploration of Jaipur’s bazaars, where spice stalls, sweet-makers and snack counters reveal everyday food culture. Tastings are selective and contextual, never rushed. Later, enjoy a private kitchen experience with a local host, focusing on techniques, spice logic and family rhythm rather than performance. The shared meal that follows connects market ingredients to lived tradition. The day remains balanced and personal, offering insight into how Jaipur’s cuisine is cooked, shared and remembered.

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    Nights 6, 7 & 8 : Varanasi

    Varanasi transforms Culinary Tours India into something deeply reflective. Here, food is inseparable from faith and routine—vegetarian classics served beside temples, sweet shops opening at dawn, and river rituals shaping daily life. Three nights allow you to experience the city without rush, combining tastings with observation and understanding. Your guide ensures comfort while explaining why timing, purity and simplicity matter here. Evenings by the Ganges and mornings in the lanes create a powerful sense of continuity, where cuisine becomes a living expression of belief and place.

    Fly to Varanasi and transfer to your hotel, arriving in a city unlike any other on your Food Tours India journey. After settling in, head toward the ghats for an evening introduction to the river’s spiritual rhythm. Witness the atmosphere surrounding the Ganga Aarti from a calm vantage point, absorbing sound, light and devotion rather than spectacle. Dinner is kept simple and restorative, chosen with care after travel. The aim is a gentle arrival that allows Varanasi’s intensity to unfold gradually over the coming days.

    Rise early for a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges, when mist lifts and rituals quietly begin. This moment anchors the spiritual side of Culinary Tours India before you step into nearby lanes for a guided morning tasting trail. Focus on trusted vegetarian classics—breakfast snacks, seasonal sweets and lassi—selected for quality and hygiene. Your guide explains how food here follows ritual timing, with certain dishes belonging only to dawn hours. The afternoon is intentionally free for rest or reflection, letting the morning’s impressions settle naturally.

    Your final full day deepens understanding beyond tasting alone. Visit a cultural or craft encounter, such as weaving traditions, or explore the yoga and kushti akharas of Varanasi, where physical discipline, spirituality and daily routine intersect. Return to the lanes for a final, light culinary moment shaped by simplicity and meaning. Within Food Tours India, Varanasi stands apart for restraint rather than excess. If you wish, include Sarnath for contrast and calm. As evening approaches, spend quiet time by the river, where food, faith and daily life continue uninterrupted, offering a deeply integrated closing experience.

    Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, concluding this Culinary Tours India journey at a relaxed pace. If time permits, enjoy a quiet morning—tea overlooking the river or a final neighbourhood walk. Across Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi, this route has revealed India through markets, kitchens and everyday ritual rather than monuments alone. Designed as a private and thoughtful experience, the journey ends with a refined understanding of regional cuisine and culture—carried home through memory, aroma and insight rather than excess.

    You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.

    Modest
    Accommodation

    $ 2,540

    1-2 persons

    $ 2,190

    3-4 persons

    $ 1,860

    5-6 persons

    If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.

    The Amayaa

    The Amayaa sits in a peaceful part of Varanasi, offering travellers a comfortable retreat near the city’s spiritual and cultural centres, from temples to the…

    Pride Plaza Aerocity

    Pride Plaza Aerocity sits strategically within Delhi’s modern hospitality hub, offering travellers easy access to terminals, business districts, and cultural attractions.

    Plush
    Accommodation

    $ 3,490

    1-2 persons

    $ 3,140

    3-4 persons

    $ 2,825

    5-6 persons

    Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.

    The Lalit

    The Lalit New Delhi stands in the heart of the capital, surrounded by boulevards, monuments, and the city’s ever-present rhythm.

    ITC Mughal

    The only hotel in India to receive the coveted Aga Khan Award for outstanding architecture, the ITC Mughal is certified with a LEED (Leadership in…

    ITC Rajputana

    ITC Rajputana rises elegantly in the heart of Jaipur, reflecting the city’s royal legacy through its red sandstone façade, broad corridors, and traditional Rajasthani design.

    Taj Ganges

    Taj Ganges sits on 40 acres of lush greenery in Varanasi, offering a peaceful sanctuary away from the city’s intensity while remaining close to its…

    Novotel Aerocity

    Novotel Aerocity sits within Delhi’s modern hospitality district, placing travellers moments from the airport while still offering easy access to the city’s cultural attractions.

    Dreamy
    Accommodation

    $ 7,345

    1-2 persons

    $ 6,995

    3-4 persons

    $ 6,660

    5-6 persons

    The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.

    The Leela Palace

    The Leela is an Indian luxury hotel chain of palaces, hotels and resorts. This spectacular, contemporary “palace” is a perfect expression of the city's rich…

    Oberoi Amarvilas-Agra

    Agra, which was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, boasts three UNESCO world heritage sites: the Taj Mahal, Agra…

    Taj Nadesar Palace

    Taj Nadesar Palace rests within 40 acres of orchards and gardens, offering an intimate stay in a royal residence that has welcomed dignitaries for over…

    Pullman Aerocity

    Pullman Aerocity stands at the crossroads of design, comfort, and convenience, offering travellers a refined base within Delhi’s modern hotel district.

    Everything you need to know about the tour

    We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.

    The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.

    The important stuff:

    • If domestic airfare is included in your quote, it reflects the best available average fare at the time of costing. Airfares fluctuate, so the final amount may increase or decrease at the time of booking. We will confirm the exact fare before issuing tickets.
    • Standard check in time is 1400 hrs and check out time is 1200 noon at most of the hotels.
    • Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.

    Included:

    • Accommodation on a double or twin-sharing basis with breakfast at carefully selected hotels in their base category (or similar standard), with additional meals included as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), supporting the pacing and comfort of this privately curated Culinary Tours India journey.
    • All transportation by private, air-conditioned Toyota Innova Crysta for transfers, sightseeing and long-distance drives throughout the Golden Triangle and onward cultural extensions, allowing seamless movement between culinary regions.
    • Expert English-speaking local guides for all city sightseeing, heritage walks and curated food-led experiences, ensuring context, safety and cultural depth across this immersive Food Tours India route.
    • Entrance fees to all monuments, heritage sites and places of visit as outlined in the programme, enabling uninterrupted exploration without logistical distractions.
    • Old Delhi rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, offering an atmospheric introduction to the capital’s historic food lanes and everyday market life.
    • Guided street food walking tour in Agra, sampling local specialities with careful attention to hygiene, technique and regional culinary traditions.
    • Private guided tour of the City Palace, Jaipur, led by a specialist in Rajasthani history, providing cultural context behind the region’s royal food traditions.
    • Hands-on cooking session followed by a traditional lunch with a local Rajasthani family in Jaipur, connecting market ingredients to home-style cooking and shared dining.
    • Private sunrise boat ride on the Ganges in Varanasi, adding a contemplative dimension to your journey where food, faith and daily ritual intersect.
    • Excursion to Sarnath, including museum and archaeological site visits, offering cultural and spiritual contrast within the broader narrative of the tour.
    • Private yoga session on the ghats of Varanasi, complementing the culinary focus with insight into wellness traditions that shape daily life in Banaras.
    • Meet-and-assist services on arrival and departure at airports and railway stations, as well as assistance during hotel check-in and check-out in major cities.
    • All applicable Government Service Tax and mandatory local service charges.

    Not Included:

    • Domestic airfare for the Jaipur → Varanasi → Delhi sectors (economy class), currently estimated at USD 420 per person; final fares are subject to availability at the time of booking.
    • Any services, experiences or meals not explicitly listed under Included.
    • India tourist visa fees (a valid visa is required for most travellers; eligibility for e-Visa or visa-on-arrival should be checked at indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/).
    • Optional tours, privately arranged activities or experiences not specified in the itinerary.
    • Personal expenses including tips, beverages, laundry, telephone calls, and still or video camera fees where applicable.
    • Room service orders and bottled water beyond complimentary provisions offered by hotels.
    • Any unforeseen cost increases due to fuel surcharges, tax revisions, airline fare changes, natural events, political disturbances or circumstances beyond our control, including enforced itinerary modifications for safety or operational reasons.


    India Seasonality & Rate Variations:

    India operates on distinct peak and off-peak travel windows, largely influenced by the monsoon cycle. The main season runs from October to March, when the weather is cooler, drier and ideal for sightseeing and wildlife safaris — which is why most national parks are fully open and hotel rates are generally higher.

    The off-season (April to September) brings heat and monsoon rains that move across the country in phases. Travelling during these months is still very possible — especially if your itinerary does not focus on safari parks — but one must expect rain, humidity and occasional scheduling adjustments. The benefit, however, is access to more flexible pricing and lower crowd presence at monuments and cities.

    To keep things simple, Experiential Journeys lists the lowest seasonal ball-park rate online, then provides the exact cost once travel dates are confirmed. Nothing is charged until the final price is agreed upon.

    Experiential Journeys is Australian-based and prices in AUD, serving travellers from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.

    Book Now or Request a Quote

    Book this tour 'as is' now or, change the details by selecting 'Accommodation type', 'Number of persons travelling' and then click on 'Personalise this tour' to get a free personalised itinerary and we'll get to work on your experience immediately!
    Experience

    Possible experience in this tour

    Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
    2 hours

    Evening Ganga Aarti Experience

    As twilight descends, the banks of the Ganges come alive with one of India’s most soul-stirring spiritual rituals.

    Varanasi
    2 hours

    Air Balloon Safari Over Jaipur

    Take to the skies and discover Jaipur like never before. A hot air balloon safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective

    Jaipur
    3-5 hours

    Jaipur Bazaars, Crafts & Culinary Trail

    Step into the heart of Jaipur with an immersive walking tour that celebrates its vibrant bazaars, skilled artisans,

    Jaipur
    1-2 hours

    Old Delhi Rickshaw Ride

    Take a journey back in time with a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Old Delhi,

    Delhi
    2 hours

    Morning Banaras Experience

    There’s no better way to experience the soul of Varanasi than at dawn. As the first rays of sunlight bathe the city in gold,...

    Varanasi
    3 hours

    Yoga & Kushti Akharas of Varanasi

    Join a guided yoga session at the Ghats, led by experienced masters who blend the spiritual essence of Banaras with time

    Varanasi
    Private Touring

    Exclusive, private and customised just for you

    Every journey with Experiential Journeys is a privately guided tour and there’s room for spontaneity too!