In a land so rich in cultural heritage, it is but natural that Indian cuisine is multifarious, offering a delight to both the eye and palate. Its myriad flavors and cooking traditions find their roots in its historical influences. The Mughals revolutionized the art of Indian cooking with their delectable "biryanis", (an exquisite oven preparation with meat/ vegetables, herbs and seasonings), "kormas" (a spicy meat or vegetarian preparation), kebabs and tikkas (meat and vegetables cooked in small pieces, usually on skewers) made in a "tandoor" (oven made of mud and heated by a slow charcoal fire).

In India, cooking is an art and a tradition handed down from generation to generation, from mother to daughter. Until the advent of cook books, all cookery instruction was oral and practical and, whereas certain items like dals, flour and rice were measured, important flavoring ingredients (like spices and masalas) were added according to individual judgment.

Different regions in India offer their own specialties with their very own taste, subtlety and aroma. The country's vast reservoir of spices made from its abundance of tropical herbs, serves as garnishing and contains medicinal and preservative properties. India's range of the Indian cuisine can amaze even a connoisseur.

SPICES
For many people who are just beginning to cook Indian dishes, the idea of working with strange spices can seem rather daunting. But, in fact, a few of the spices will be quite familiar cloves and cinnamon, for example, and perhaps chilly, paprika and ginger. The interested cook will soon learn to recognize and work confidently with the different spices.

Spices should be as fresh as possible. They can be bought from the shops but if you intend to use the spices infrequently, buy only a small quantity at a time. Always keep spices in tightly capped jars to keep them fresh.

When using spices, remember that they need to be cooked to produce their rich, distinctive flavors. It is unwise to add extra spices at the end of the cooking, in order to change or correct the taste of the dish. The spices will taste "raw" and will conflict with the tastes of the cooked spices.

CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Today, Indian COOKING has become acknowledged far and wide, and is considered on par with Chinese, Mexican, Thai, Greek, Lebanese, and other International Cuisines.

We at Zutshi Travel World Service are doing our fair bit to promote this art of cooking to people from across the world.

Also, Ms. Smiley Zutshi, an excellent cook herself, alongwith Ms. Anu Khurana, has conducted cooking classes in a professional manner at our Country Estate for small Groups. Classes are also conducted at a Cooking School with professional Chefs supervising the art of exotic Indian cooking.

We are currently handling Culinary Groups from Canada, Denmark and USA.

Do write to us for your specific interest.

THINGS THAT WE DO
* Visit to the country's finest restaurants.
* Arrange cooking lessons at School or Country Estate.
* Home visit to see a typical Indian Kitchen.
* Visit to local Indian Spice Market.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi Airport late night/early morning . Check-in at your hotel and relax for overnight stay.

DAY 2 : In Delhi
After breakfast, depart for a full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Rajghat, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid & Qutub Minar. In the evening "Wazwan Dinner" (Kashmiri Cuisine) at Chor Bizarre. Overnight at your hotel in Delhi.

DAY 3 : In Delhi
After breakfast, visit Catering Institute / Private Home to learn Indian Cooking. Visit "Dilli Haat" for Arts and Crafts. Also visit INA Market for Spices, Fresh Produce, Pots and Pans etc. Dinner at Moti Mahal Restaurant with Qawwali performance. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 4 : Delhi to Agra (203 kms)
Early morning transfer to Railway Station to board Shatabdi Express to Agra. After settling in the hotel, visit the famous monument of love - the Taj Mahal. Also visit Agra Fort and local Bazaars. Special Biryani and Kebab Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight at your hotel.

DAY 5 : Agra to Jaipur( 232 kms )
Today after breakfast, drive from Agra to Jaipur. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of Emperor Akbar for almost 14 years. Arrive at Jaipur, check-in at your hotel. After settling depart for sightseeing of Jaipur city visiting Hawa Mahal, City Palace Museum & Astronomical Observatory. Dinner at Chokhi Dhani which offers a variety of Rajasthani Cuisine. Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaipur.

DAY 6 : Jaipur
After breakfast, enjoy half-day excursion of the Amber Fort. Here, you will have the opportunity to ascend the fort on elephant back/Jeep ride and witness the grandeur of the fort. Later proceed to a private home for private cooking lessons. At lunch eat whatever you prepare. Overnight stay at your hotel in Jaipur.

DAY 7 : Jaipur - Mumbai - Goa
After breakfast, transfer to the Airport for your flight to Mumbai and connect the flight to Goa. Transfer to the Hotel. Afternoon free for leisure on the Beach. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 8 : Goa
Goan breakfast "Fejoda and Sanna" at hotel. Morning visit Farmers Market. Lunch & Cooking Demonstration at a Goan Home. Sunset cruise on Mandovi River. Special Sea food Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 9 : Goa
"Goan Sausage and Pao" breakfast at hotel. Morning visit Toddy Tapping/ Fenny Factory. Afternoon free to relax on the Beach. Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 10 : Goa - Cochin
Morning transfer to Airport for flight to Cochin. Check in at Hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing including St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace. Evening witness Kathakali Dance performance. Evening sea food dinner at hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 11 : Cochin
Morning enjoy in the backwaters of Kerala. Lunch and Cooking Demonstration at Panthal Restaurant. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 12 : Cochin
Full day at Kerala Home. Demonstration of Cooking for Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 13 : Mumbai
Morning transfer to Airport for your flight to Mumbai. Afternoon visit Spice Market at Crawford Market. Today Enjoy Gujarati Vegetarian / Jain Thali. Afternoon visit famous Thangam Phillips Catering School and Bollywood Studios. Tonights Dinner will be Sindhi Specialist - a province in today's Pakistan. Transfer to the Airport for your International Destination