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Holi & Diwali Food Tour For Kiwis: Prepare To Experience India’s Magic

Written by IWK Bureau | Sep 3, 2024 2:15:36 AM

India, a land of vibrant festivals, diverse flavors, and ancient spirituality, is calling you to embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure. Good Food Journeys, a New Zealand-based company with deep roots in India, is dedicated to curating unforgettable culinary travel experiences. Their team believes food is the heart of cultural exploration. With a mission to blend travel and cuisine, they are offering food enthusiasts the opportunity to immerse themselves in India’s rich traditions through its diverse flavors.

 

This specially curated 12-day tour is designed by Good Food Journeys to help you immerse in the very essence of India—its food, festivals, spirituality, and shopping—across two iconic Golden Triangles. What makes it even more magical? You’ll be celebrating the festival of colors, Holi, in the royal city of Jaipur.


 

Photo: Good Food Journeys 


Imagine the thrill of witnessing Jaipur’s streets come alive with colors, music, and joy during Holi. The city, with its grand palaces and rich heritage, is the perfect backdrop for this joyous festival. As you partake in the traditional celebrations, you’ll also savor Rajasthan's famed dishes like Dal-Baati Choorma and Laal Maas, dining like royalty in a palace setting. The experience doesn’t stop there; your culinary journey continues throughout India’s most iconic cities.

Photo: Good Food Journeys 

The tour begins in Delhi, the bustling capital where the aroma of spices fills the air. From savory street food in Chandni Chowk to dining in the historic Haveli Dharampura, your taste buds will embark on a flavor-packed adventure. And, of course, no trip to India is complete without indulging in the royal Mughlai cuisine of Agra, as you stand in awe of the majestic Taj Mahal. To view the full plan, click here.

The tour also takes you to the spiritual heart of India—Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. In Ayodhya, you’ll visit the sacred Ram Mandir as it prepares for the grand Ram Navami festival, and in Prayagraj, you’ll bathe in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam. Varanasi, the world’s oldest living city, will enchant you with its spiritual aura, offering a street food crawl guided by a local storyteller.

Photo: Good Food Journeys 

In between festival celebrations and spiritual experiences, the tour ensures plenty of time for shopping. From the narrow, vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk in Delhi to the colorful markets of Jaipur and Agra, where you can find everything from ethnic attire to handcrafted jewelry, this journey is a shopaholic’s dream. You’ll also visit Lucknow, home to the exquisite chikankari embroidery, and Varanasi, renowned for its traditional Banarasi sarees.

Each night, you’ll rest in 5-star luxury hotels, ensuring you’re refreshed and ready for the next day’s adventures. Whether dining on street food or relishing royal feasts, immersing in the spirituality of India’s holiest cities, or haggling in the bustling markets, this tour offers the best of India in one incredible journey.

So, pack light for your departure to India, but be prepared for excess baggage on your return. The memories—and souvenirs—you bring back will last a lifetime. To book your Holi Tour 2025, click here.

Join Chandni Sahrawat’s Exclusive Diwali Food Adventure in India 2024

Get ready, food lovers! Auckland’s celebrated restaurateur, Chandni Sahrawat, is taking you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of India this October. Imagine exploring the vibrant culinary landscapes of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Goa, and Mumbai—just as the country lights up for Diwali, the festival of lights. Chandni’s Good Food Journeys tour promises a luxurious small-group experience packed with world-class dining, street food gems, and a behind-the-scenes peek into India’s most exciting kitchens.

To view the full Diwali Itinerary, click here.

 

Photo: Good Food Journeys 

A Feast for the Senses: Diwali Edition

Born and raised in India, Chandni knows the ins and outs of the country’s food scene like no other. She’s got friends in high places too—some of the biggest names in India’s hospitality world—and she’s eager to show off the magic. “Diwali in India is like nothing else,” she says. “Everything is brighter, louder, and more festive. You can taste the excitement in the air!” Think fireworks lighting up the sky, mouth-watering feasts, and a bustling atmosphere as families and friends come together to celebrate.

Shopping during Diwali is also a must. With huge sales at top luxury brands, you’ll get a chance to visit Mumbai’s Phoenix Palladium, a shopper’s paradise with over 250 high-end stores. Plus, with the perfect autumn weather, it’s an ideal time to soak up India’s culture and cuisine.

Photo: Chandni Sahrawat/Supplied

Giving Back While You Feast

Chandni’s Diwali tour doesn’t just focus on food and fun. It also supports Phool, an NGO that upcycles millions of sacred flowers offered in India’s temples. Phool employs over 300 women from marginalized communities, turning those flowers into the world’s first handcrafted, certified incense. So, while you’re indulging in India’s finest, you’ll also be helping the environment and uplifting local communities. Click here to book now.

The Itinerary: 11 Days of Pure Indulgence

Over 11 days and 10 nights, you’ll experience India’s culinary wonders from north to south, starting in Delhi and ending in Mumbai. And, of course, all breakfasts and dinners are included—because why skimp on a food tour? Chandni has handpicked some of India’s top hotels, including luxurious ITC properties known for their impeccable service.

  • Delhi (2 nights): Begin in Chandni’s hometown, where you’ll taste traditional street food perfected over generations, and visit Indian Accent, a modern gem run by her close friend, Chef Manish Mehrotra.
  • Agra (1 night): Dine like royalty with Mughal-inspired dishes, from creamy murgh malai kebabs to buttery lamb galouti kebabs. Bring your appetite!
  • Jaipur (2 nights): Celebrate Diwali with a Rajasthani twist, featuring a Rajput-themed dinner, organic farm visits, and vibrant thali feasts.
  • Goa (3 nights): Enjoy Goa’s unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cuisine, where every bite transports you to the Latin-influenced coastal paradise. Cooking lessons, spice farms, and beachside dining? Yes, please!
  • Mumbai (2 nights): End the tour in the chaos and charm of Mumbai, where street food, Parsi cafés, and fine dining at the iconic Masque will leave your taste buds dancing.

Meet Chandni Sahrawat: Your Guide to Culinary Bliss

Chandni and her husband, Sid Sahrawat, are the dynamic duo behind Auckland’s award-winning restaurants Cassia, KOL, The French Café, and Anise. With deep roots in India and a passion for great food, Chandni is the perfect host for this unforgettable Diwali adventure.

Good Food Journeys: A Passionate Partnership

Founded by Malhar Panchwagh and Amaresh Tiwari, Good Food Journeys combines a love for travel, food, and giving back. With strong connections in both New Zealand and India, this duo offers travelers exclusive access to India’s hidden culinary gems. This tour isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing the soul of India, one delicious bite at a time.

Ready to join? Pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get set for the Diwali food adventure of a lifetime!