Sip, savor and explore India on the 10-day, 11-night “Flavours of India” Food & Tea Tour from bespoke luxury travel company andBeyond. This carefully curated journey travels through Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Darjeeling, including a three-night stay at the historic Glenburn Tea Estate and immersive visits to iconic sites such as the bustling Chandni Chowk market.
Upon arrival in Delhi, the tour opens with a guided culinary walk through Old Delhi led by a knowledgeable local guide, offering abundant opportunities to sample regional specialties and street-food favorites. Cultural highlights in the capital include guided visits to the Qutub Minar complex and Humayun’s Tomb, followed by an elegant dinner at the acclaimed Bukhara restaurant, famous for its clay-oven (tandoor) cuisine.
From Delhi the itinerary continues to Hyderabad, often called the “City of Pearls.” Here, guests will browse traditional bazaars and stay at the palatial Taj Falaknuma Palace—known as the “Mirror of the Sky”—where historic grandeur meets refined hospitality. Experiences in Hyderabad include an intimate tea service with fashion designer Vinita Pittie, a guided tour of the city’s architectural highlights, and a hands-on cooking session with local culinary expert Mumtaz Khan that reveals the techniques behind authentic regional dishes.
The journey then moves east to Darjeeling and the Glenburn Tea Estate, a scenic retreat set against the foothills of the Himalayas. Activities include a nature walk through Simbong Forest, an excursion to the historic kingdom of Sikkim, and visits to local dhaabas (tea shops) in Manjitar Village to experience everyday tea culture. Guests also gain a behind-the-scenes view of tea production with a guided tour and tasting at a nearby tea factory, deepening appreciation for the craft and the region’s tea heritage.
Accommodation across the tour blends contemporary luxury with cultural resonance. In Delhi, the itinerary includes a stay at The Lodhi New Delhi, a sleek, modern hotel situated close to the peaceful Lodhi Gardens and the city center. In Hyderabad and Darjeeling, lodging reflects local character and historic significance, providing comfortable settings from which to explore each destination.
The fully inclusive, tea-themed tour is priced from $7,454 per person, based on double occupancy. Available departure windows for this curated experience run from October 1 to December 20, 2016, and from January 6 to April 15, 2017.