Indian food hardly needs an introduction. However many travellers are surprised to find how varied it actually is. Much of the Indian food we eat in the west is actually North Indian, which is a heavier, more meat, bread and pulse-based cuisine than South Indian – most people know and love North Indian dishes such as naan bread, Dal Makhanhi, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Rogan Josh. These favourite dishes that you know from home will be available, as well as so many more that you would not be able to eat them all even if you had a different dish every meal for a month!

In contrast, South Indian food is largely vegetarian, with an emphasis on rice and vegetables, and with plenty of fresh seafood for non-vegetarians. As with many things in the south, each state has its own specialities: Andhra Pradesh has well spiced, quite fiery food, with the food of its capital Hyderabad being heavily influenced by its former Muslim rulers – lamb and chicken in masala (spiced) gravy with richly flavoured Biryani rice and beautifully soft and warm naan bread. Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, largely based on the use of coconut and its derivatives (Kerala means ‘land of coconut palms’), which is dryer than what you would find in neighbouring states. Seafood, especially in the form of different fish and coconut curries, is widely eaten, and is an absolute must for any self-respecting food lover. Beef – strictly taboo for the rest of Hindu India – is also enjoyed in parts of Kerala. Tamil Nadu is predominantly vegetarian; you will see many restaurants promoting ‘meals’ – which you think would be a given considering it’s a restaurant – an all you can eat vegetarian set meal including rice, pappadums, and up to eight or more samples of vegetable curries and pulse-based dishes such dal. It is all served on a big banana leaf, with waiters walking between the tables dishing out more as required. The quintessential food experience of the South, the ‘meal’ is eaten with the right hand, as is most food in South India, though foreigners are not ostracised for using cutlery if they can’t manage the hand technique!

It’s well worth trying all the variations India has to offer – from street snacks (if you have a strong stomach) through to the better restaurants, as every place and every class of restaurant create their own tastes. Your driver and local guides will recommend restaurants, so you can tell them if you want to try local favourites or would prefer to stick to the high end establishments.
Shopping

India is a shopper’s paradise. Jewellery, clothes, handicrafts, textiles, homewares, folk art, carpets and toys are available at varying degrees of quality and price. Bargaining is part of the process – it might not come naturally to everyone, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll come to enjoy it. Shopping in the local bazaars and markets is lively and exciting, and though goods may be cheaper, you need to pay attention to quality. In the larger ‘emporiums’, things are more relaxed and prices higher than in street. Your local guide will normally ask at some point if you want to go shopping, and if you agree, you will find yourself whisked off to one of the larger emporiums. Keep in mind the guide will get a commission on what you buy. Bargain hard, but keep a perspective on the amount you are haggling over – a dollar extra here or there isn’t going to break your bank. It is more important to bargain hard if you are making a larger purchase, such as a rug or jewellery, as the amounts in question will be larger. If you want to go to the local market for shopping, tell your guide as much and insist on doing so. Their sense of duty will win out over their short term gain of taking you to the emporium.

We provide more extensive information regarding shopping, bargaining and guides in our pre-departure ‘guide to preparation’, a 15 page booklet that provides all the information you need to be fully prepared for you time in India.
Performing Arts and Cultural Shows

India’s performing arts are as rich as they are varied, with the biggest differences being between the northern and southern states. The Kathakali dancing of Kerala in the south is well known for its colourful makeup and costumes, and for the elaborate and highly-stylised movement of its performers. In the north, especially in Rajasthan, nightly performances often take place at hotel restaurants, ranging from the simpler village-based folk dancing and puppet shows, to the highly elaborate and liveried costume and dance inspired by the many Rajasthani royal courts. Local guides will point you in the right direction if you have a particular interest you want to explore in the performing arts.
Physical Activities

There are many opportunities for travellers to be physically active if they want to be. Bike riding, trekking, canoeing, bullock cart rides, and extended city walks are all options; some can be arranged on the spot, though if you want more than a day’s activity, then it’s best to let us know in the planning stage so it can be properly arranged and scheduled into your itinerary. Use the inquiry page to contact us, specify in the inquiry that you would like to know more about the physical activities that can be arranged.