India: Of Palaces and Poetry

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 program, we 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. In the village of Nimaj, local women in bright saris draw from a well, expertly balancing water jugs on their heads to be stored in cool terracotta urns back home. We visit the village potter, become chai connoisseurs and learn about turbans. We sleep in ancient luxurious palaces. Shop for trinkets and finery. 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.