Varanasi Foodie Experience: Varanasi’s culinary scene is a blend of street food and traditional Banarasi cuisine. Don’t miss the famous Banarasi paan, a betel leaf preparation, and the local specialty of malaiyo, a frothy milk dessert available only in winter. For authentic local flavors, head to the ghats where you can sample kachori sabzi, a spicy snack, and lassi from the renowned Blue Lassi Shop. The Kashi Chaat Bhandar in Godowlia is a must-visit for its array of chaats, especially the tamatar chaat.
Jaipur Foodie Experience: Jaipur’s food scene is a royal feast for the senses. The city is famous for its dal bati churma, a traditional Rajasthani dish. For street food, head to MI Road for pyaaz kachori and Rawat Misthan Bhandar for its mawa kachori. The laal maas (spicy meat curry) at Handi Restaurant is a carnivore’s delight. Don’t miss the kulfi falooda at Pandit Kulfi, a local favorite for generations.
Amritsar Foodie Experience: Amritsar is a paradise for food lovers, known for its rich Punjabi cuisine. The Golden Temple’s langar (community kitchen) offers a unique dining experience. For street food, visit Kesar Da Dhaba for its famous dal makhani and Lawrence Road for an array of options. Don’t miss the Amritsari kulcha at Kulcha Land, the fish tikka at Makhan Fish, and the legendary Amritsari lassi at Ahuja Milk Bhandar.
Delhi Foodie Experience: Delhi’s food scene is as diverse as the city itself. For street food, head to Chandni Chowk for parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali and chaat at Old Famous Jalebi Wala. Karim’s near Jama Masjid offers excellent Mughlai cuisine. For a modern twist on Indian flavors, try Indian Accent. Don’t miss the butter chicken at Moti Mahal or the kebabs at Khan Chacha in Khan Market.
Shopping in Varanasi: Varanasi is renowned for its silk sarees, particularly the Banarasi brocades. Visit the Vishwanath Gali for these, along with brass items and religious artifacts. The Godowlia market is great for textiles and local handicrafts. For a unique souvenir, pick up a rudraksha mala (prayer beads) from shops near the ghats.
Shopping in Jaipur: Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise, known for its textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Visit Johari Bazaar for precious stones and Bapu Bazaar for textiles and jootis (traditional footwear). Tripolia Bazaar is great for lac bangles and blue pottery. For a luxurious shopping experience, head to Niros on MI Road or the boutiques at Rambagh Palace.
Shopping in Amritsar: Amritsar offers a mix of traditional and modern shopping experiences. Hall Bazaar is great for phulkari embroidery work, juttis, and traditional Punjabi suits. For a more upscale experience, visit Alpha One Mall. Don’t forget to pick up some papad and wadian, local food specialties, from shops around the Golden Temple.
Shopping in Delhi: Delhi offers diverse shopping experiences. Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is great for traditional items, fabrics, and spices. For handicrafts, visit Dilli Haat or the state emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Khan Market and Hauz Khas Village offer trendy boutiques and designer wear. For luxury brands, head to DLF Emporio in Vasant Kunj. Don’t miss the book market at Daryaganj on Sundays.