Michelin Chef Atul Kochhar to Host Northern India Culinary Tour

July 28, 2009 - PRLog -- India is set to become the latest destination for food lovers looking to discover the true taste of a country, with Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar hosting a new culinary tour of northern India.

Designed with India travel expert Indian Odyssey, the tour will welcome just 20 guests who will have the chance to explore the sights and sounds from Jaipur to Delhi, while experiencing the taste sensations for which the country is renowned – all in the company of Atul Kochhar.

Commenting on the tour Atul Kochhar said: “India is alive with taste, fragrance and colour, and for anyone who loves to discover food this tour will offer an incredible experience.  Each time I return to the north of the country I’m amazed at the variety and subtlety of the spices and foods on offer, and it has been the inspiration behind many of my favourite dishes.”

The Mystical Northern India tour will include seven culinary evenings with Atul Kochhar who will share the secrets of combining spices and blending flavours.  These ‘hands-on’ evenings offer the chance to prepare a range of dishes under Atul’s guidance, as well as enjoying the informal atmosphere to get tips and share experiences.

In addition to Atul Kochhar’s advice and tuition, guests will also enjoy local culinary experiences including a demonstration of Rajasthani cuisine; lunch at the famous Bukhara restaurant in Delhi – acclaimed as one of the best restaurant’s in Asia; and lunch at Karim’s restaurant in Old Delhi, renowned for its curries and kebabs.

Atul adds: “This tour is specially designed to explore the flavours of real India, such as Mughlai and Rajasthani cooking, tastes that are a million miles from most curry houses here in the UK.  Beyond the food, Indian Odyssey has designed the tour to visit some of the best loved and little known highlights of northern India such as the Red Fort, the Taj Mahal and the Ganges River, creating a holiday experience of a lifetime.”

The 15-day tour, which departs on 27 February 2010, is fully escorted and starts from Jaipur, before travelling to Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Khajuraho and Agra.  Accommodation is in handpicked superior and boutique/heritage hotels, and includes all breakfasts, seven lunches, dinners at the culinary evenings, and a farewell dinner in Delhi.  The price is £4,290 per person, based on two people sharing.

Return scheduled flights from London are included, together with an internal flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, train journeys from Lucknow to Varanasi and Jhansi to Agra, a boat ride on the Ganges, an elephant or jeep ride at Amer Fort, and all inter-city travel and sightseeing in a luxury air-conditioned coach.  All sightseeing is accompanied by an experienced English speaking guide, and entrance fees to all attractions are included.

Rakhi Bansal of Indian Odyssey, says: “The tour is designed to offer guests an authentic taste of Northern India, together with the chance to learn more about its culinary secrets.  With curry being one of the UK’s most popular dishes, this tour will offer guests the chance to learn how to make real Indian food with Atul’s own twist, while also discovering the incredible culture and sights of this region.”  

Guests can also choose to extend their stay with a beach break in Goa or Kerala; a trip to Nepal or Bhutan, or a wildlife stay.

Indian Odyssey specialises in the Indian subcontinent, and offers a range of handpicked hotels, tailor made journeys, private tours and special interest holidays.  In addition to India, it also offers travel experiences to Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, China, the Maldives and Dubai.

For more information on Atul Kochhar’s Mystical Northern India journey visit www.indianodyssey.co.uk or call 08454 300 107 to speak to an expert on India and the tour.

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About Indian Odyssey
Indian Odyssey is a luxury tour operator specialising in the Indian subcontinent, with destinations including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, China, the Maldives and Dubai. Offering handpicked hotels, tailor made journeys, private tours, special interest holidays and corporate incentive trips, Indian Odyssey offers first hand knowledge and advice on all aspects of the countries it offers.

The company is committed to offering a personal, tailored service to every customer, providing holidays that offer an experience that combines luxury and style with authenticity and discovery.

In 2009 the company launched its Atul Kochhar Journeys, in collaboration with Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar. These culinary tours are specially designed to reveal the sights, sounds and flavours of India, with the opportunity for cultural and culinary discovery.

For more information visit www.indianodyssey.co.uk