India food and culture tour: A Journey of Flavour, Culture and Connection

India Is Not a Destination – It’s a Feeling

Reflections from our India food and culture tour, March 2025

There are some places that offer more questions than answers. India is one of them. It doesn’t try to explain itself. It simply invites you in.

In March, I travelled with a group of generous, open-hearted people through Northern India on a deeply personal journey during our India food and culture tour. We moved between cities and quieter corners — from the enthusiastic hum of Delhi’s streets and spice markets to the calm beauty of Udaipur’s lakes, from the hushed glow of the Taj Mahal at dusk — so incredible & graceful it almost doesn’t feel real — to the rich rhythm of Jaipur.

It was a lot (in the best way). And it was everything we could have hoped for.

India doesn’t gently nudge your senses. It grabs them. The warm scent of spices coming from street stalls. The sizzle of ginger and garlic in home kitchens and open restaurants. The brush of soft fabric against your skin as it dances from its hanger. The melodic call to prayer rising over rooftops — somehow grounding, even amidst the chaos.

Our India food and culture tour allows you to feel into this extraordinary country. It’s a curated, connected experience centred around people, food, and story. We weren’t ticking off lists. We were welcomed into homes. Into kitchens. Into conversations.

A Few Highlights from Our Journey

We began in Delhi, exploring the bustle of Old Delhi’s spice markets, the generosity of langar meals served in Sikh communities, and street food so memorable and flavour-packed.

In Agra, we visited the Taj Mahal at sunset. It is as breathtaking as you might imagine it to be. We spent a few hours here just taking in its beauty. Our guests could split and wander at their own pace and leisure. It is so moving and not an experience to be rushed. 

Jaipur was full of amazing contrasts: intricate textiles, rooftop dinners, and open jeep rides. Shopping (of course) and a surprise leopard safari. We also enjoyed a rooftop cooking experience with a lovely local family and got to flick through the family’s beautiful wedding album as well as celebrate India winning the cricket. Jaipur celebrated with fireworks, and it was quite the show from our rooftop. Such an unexpected bonus to end an already brilliant and memorable day. 

We slowed down at a peaceful camp in Pangarh, surrounded by nature, a lovely outdoor cooking class and sharing stories. These in-between moments on tours often become the most treasured.

In Bijapur, we were hosted in a private castle owned by a local royal family. We shared a lovely meal outdoors by the pool. Our stay here was really special and a slower & restorative pace was enjoyed by us all.  And finally, in Udaipur, we explored lakes, markets, and thali plates that still live in our hearts & memories.

This Tour Was So Special and It Reminded Me Of My ‘Why’

I adore all of our tours. They are very special. This tour was such a precious reminder of why I started offering these experiences in the first place, back in 2014. To travel not just widely, but deeply. To gather around tables with others and leave them as friends. To understand a place through its food and it’s people— it allows us to understand how it all connects. 

Why You’ll Love Our India Food and Culture Tour

In September 2025, we return to India. This next tour will offer generous hospitality, rich culture, unforgettable food, and time to truly connect with this extraordinary country & yourself.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, I’d love to share this journey with you.

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This is more than a tour. It’s a way to travel with purpose, through flavour and story, and come home feeling truly topped up. 

Love Nellie

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TESTIMONIALS

Here’s what some of our other recent India tour travellers had to say:

“India has left a mark on me that I will never forget… the culture, history, people, and food have left me captivated. If you are looking for the most amazing hosts, Nellie and AK are your people.” – Jocelyn

“My time in India with Relish Mama far exceeded my expectations. There were so many highlights—from the thali lunches to the spice market, the Taj Mahal at sunset, and our incredible cooking experiences. A truly amazing time!” – Michelle F

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People and let your hearts and minds and tummies feast on all that beautiful , colourful, vibrant India has to offer! – Bernadette

 

“It was a beautiful way to experience India. Travelling alone, I would have found it intimidating, but everything felt so tailored and warm.” – Henrietta

“Wonderful tour. Superb tour leaders. You will see all of the main attractions plus so much more. You will feel cared for and nurtured. Excellent ‘bespoke’ itinerary.” – Juliette