Culinary Tours

20 Days visiting: Mumbai, Aurangabad, Nasik, Mysore, Bangalore, Hospet, Hampi, Nagarhole National Park, Badami, Pattadakal, AIhole & GoaMumbai (Bombay) – wineries and world heritage sites of Maharashtra, Princely state of Mysore and Dasara festival, Wildlife at Nagarhole National Park – Temples and sculptures, Dravidian architecture of 6th & 7th century. Relax at golden beaches of Goa.

Spend three fabulous weeks discovering the sights, sounds and flavors of India. The colors of Indian markets and bazaars and an ‘insider’s experience’ to the beauty, splendor and romance of this ancient land coupled with a culinary passage through a variety of cuisines that differ from region to region. The intriguing interaction of religious dietary restrictions, tradition and habits, various invasions has resulted in complexities in Indian cuisine taken for granted by Indians and not really understood by outsiders.

A decade ago, who would have envisioned Indian wines being praised by international wine experts? Learn to create a perfect pairing of Indian wines with Indian food grown from the same soil, sharing the same culture. India – a country, once known, only for her traditions, culture, history, religions, multi cuisine is now being recognized for her diversity in wine. The mystique and magic of India lie in the tales from ancient times. Carved in stone are stories that take legends beyond the mythical. Religion, archaeology, mythology, even geology have defined culture, the architecture and art, akin to one’s heart. They speak to wanderlust souls about a poignant past.
Witness Mysore Dusserah, festival with a difference! The city’s royal heritage ensures that the festival is elaborately celebrated on a grand scale each year. According to historians, the Dasara festivities began with the Vijayanagar kings in the 15th century. The festival is marked by grand processions, decorated elephants, and the most famous – illuminated Mysore palace. As part of the celebrations renowned musicians of Karnataka and outside perform in front of the illuminated Palace. The Palace is open to the public and the royal throne is displayed during the festival days.
Embark on a culinary, wine, temples & /sculptures blended in Dravidian architecture dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries tour of India. Truly the hidden treasures of India explored with A Classic Tours Collection. Explore the vibrant food scene of Mumbai, how to cook up delicious regional Indian dishes in a number of inspiring cooking classes & relax on Goa’s golden beaches.

Kaumudi is a journalist and the executive chef & owner of Un-Curry, the first Indian cooking school, catering company & pop up restaurant in Los Angeles (www.un-curry.com). “The best way to learn about a place,” she says, “is by walking through its neighborhoods, talking to local people, and venturing into the restaurants where they like to eat.”

Originally from India, she has spent more than half her life abroad but her deep love of history inspired her to connect with her heritage in delicious ways, whether it is driving across the subcontinent, writing about India’s Hindu temples or documenting culinary traditions. She teaches Indian cooking to children and adults, hosts demos and workshops for the Los Angeles County Public Library system, and writes cookbooks.

Kaumudi has been on the road from the age of two, spending parts of her childhood in Wales, Canada and different Indian cities like Kohima, Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai. Her interest in food stems from her peripatetic family and their nomadic life. After living in Austin, Texas where she learned all about cowboys and barbecue, Kaumudi and her husband settled in LA. She continued to travel the world, exploring new cultures and cuisines wherever she went, be it Dublin, Amsterdam, Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo.

Her historical, cultural and culinary knowledge of India, her fluency with its languages and her love of people and adventure makes her the perfect culinary expert to lead the tour.