India: Of Palaces and Poetry
New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur
February 1-13, 2026
It is true that you never come home from India. It’s a world of contrasts and sensory inspiration. Immediately, we are immersed in deep culinary tradition.
On this culinary adventure, we’ll ride rickshaws to the spice markets of Chandi Chowk to
gaze at sacks of dried chilis, roots of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon bark, stepping right into
the world market of spice trading. We’ll explore spices not only by eye, but let them
dance on our palate mingled with the medley and plethora of delicious vegetables from
the market. Red carrots, long beans, the ubiquitous potato (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi)
in our favorite curries. We practically swim in color from the surrounding sea of sarees
carrying baskets of fresh goods on their heads. Some smiling, some smirking as in “get
out of my way…please”. It’s universal. The vegetable and flower markets are next to
each other like one dream in technicolor alive with a gentle bustle, as Indians are gentle
and gentile. So much going on that we can’t see or don’t notice, the incense in the
background, the prayers said, the yellow V or dashes or red dots on the forehead. Find
out what it means. There is more significance and nuance to the various gods and
devotees than the myriad spices that go into a complex curry. And don’t forget, in India,
“guest is god”.
We are not separate but respectful and curious about the daily devotion and way of life.
Everything centers around food and spirituality. The family cow that offers milk and dried
dung for warmth, the garden that gives endless greens, the spigot that gives the life of
water and cleanses the body for morning puja. This depth of awe is a feeling not easily
procured unless experienced in the present.
Come, discover the superb flavors and cultural wonders of one of the world’s most intriguing civilizations. We’ll encounter a 17th century nobility whose lineage operates luxury tents and boutique guesthouses, produces organic food, and maintains a close connection to the nearby villages with a sustainable relationship to the land. Learn the craft of spice-infused Indian cuisine in the simplest of villages as well as the most exquisite kitchens. You’ll return with rich memories and a spice box filled, your kitchen brightened and cooking inspired from the source of mother India.
Inspiration: A friend of a friend. Generosity. Being treated like a deity. Light in the eyes. The way our Indian hosts always speak from the heart. Turmeric. Ragas. Pujas. Ama’s pickles and lemon rice. Indian music. Tagore.
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From my journal…
Dosa for breakfast. Warm spiced potatoes inside, perfect wrap for pinching and dipping into the various chutneys, coconut, coriander and red spicy tomato. Last Indian meal for a while. Thanks for the love, India. The flavors, the magic, the otherworldly chaos and charm, the wide deep eyes of your countrywomen and kind hospitality from everyone is like no other. It’s built into the ancient fabric of your family values, ethics and spirit. I always leave more nourished than when I arrived. Thank you and Namasté.
Would you like to have dosa for breakfast? Would you like to hear more about what actually goes on to inspire such a feeling? Nothing beats being there, but let us entice you further by sending you a detailed itinerary of our journey.
