Oct 13: Food has long been an integral part of how we discover a place. From regional recipes passed down through generations to ingredients shaped by the local landscape, what we eat offers a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of a destination. 

Globally, several destinations are bringing this connection to the forefront, making food an important part of how travellers discover a place. Whether it is Rajasthan’s rich culinary heritage, the traditional flavours of Uttarakhand or a wellness retreat in Dehradun, where food is approached as an extension of holistic wellbeing, these destinations offer different ways to connect with local culture through their culinary traditions.

For travellers, this makes the journey as much about what is on the plate as what lies beyond it. From traditional regional thalis and age-old cooking techniques to seasonal ingredients and mindful dining rooted in wellness, these destinations invite travellers to discover the landscapes, cultures and philosophies that shape their food.

Six Senses Vana

At Six Senses Vana, wellness extends beyond therapies and movement to the food that nourishes the body. Guided by the belief that food is an integral part of wellbeing, the retreat’s culinary philosophy draws on seasonal ingredients, thoughtful sourcing and traditional food practices. This approach is reflected in Eat With Six Senses, the brand’s philosophy of bringing together natural ingredients, local and sustainable sourcing, and a simpler approach to food. At Vana, this translates into cuisine shaped by the seasons and Ayurvedic principles, with an emphasis on how everyday food choices can support wellbeing. This philosophy also finds expression in The Anayu Cookbook, which brings Vana’s approach to nourishment and mindful cooking into home kitchens. Taking this philosophy beyond the page, Six Senses Vana presents The Living Kitchen, a five-day Cuisine Retreat taking place from 14- 18 October 2026. Through hands-on sessions with the retreat’s chefs, guests can explore seasonal ingredients, discover techniques spanning spices, bread-making, cacao and fermentation, and learn ways to incorporate more thoughtful cooking practices into their everyday lives. Designed for curious home cooks and food enthusiasts, the retreat provides an opportunity to understand the ingredients, techniques and traditions that shape Vana’s cuisine, while discovering how its approach to food can be carried into their own kitchens.

Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa

At Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, a stay unfolds amidst the Sal forests of Uttarakhand, along the serene Kosi River. The resort brings together nature, adventure, wellness and local culture, offering travellers an opportunity to slow down and discover the region at their own pace. From thrilling jungle safaris and guided nature walks to village trails that offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of Kumaon, guests can explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural traditions. For those seeking a moment of relaxation, Quan Spa offers wellness experiences that complement the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape. The region’s culinary traditions find expression at The Corbett Kitchen, where guests can savour a traditional Kumaoni thali featuring local ingredients such as Jakhya, Bhatt ki daal, Madua, Bichu Ghas and Timuru. Rooted in the region’s food culture, the thali brings together distinctive local flavours and ingredients shaped by Kumaon’s culinary heritage. The resort also serves a Kumaoni breakfast thali, bringing regional flavours to the morning table. Complementing these offerings is ‘Chowkdi’, an evening high tea served in earthen kulhads, capturing the warmth of local traditions.

Together, the resort’s regional cuisine, nature-led activities and wellness offerings provide a way to discover Kumaon beyond its landscapes, bringing its local culture and traditions into the experience of a stay.

Suryagarh Jaisalmer

At Suryagarh Jaisalmer, the culinary story begins with the food traditions of Marwar, where regional recipes and royal culinary influences come together against the backdrop of the Thar Desert. The property celebrates this heritage through experiences such as The Legend of Marwar and its Signature Thali, a six-

course meal featuring dishes including Mohan Maas, Anjeer Kofta, Khajoor Rabdi and Badam Halwa. At Nosh, guests can explore further regional specialities, including Dechi Murgh and Phulgar Ka Maas. The experience extends beyond the dining room, with options such as Dinner on the Dunes and the Thar Dinner at Celebration Garden bringing food into the desert landscape. Together, these experiences offer a way to discover Rajasthan through its culinary traditions, with each meal adding another dimension to the experience of Jaisalmer.

Narendra Bhawan Bikaner

At Narendra Bhawan Bikaner, food is closely tied to the city's culinary identity and the hotel's own interpretation of royal living. The Marwari Thali offers an introduction to the region's traditional flavours, while experiences such as the Crescent Grill dinner and a desert dinner featuring dishes prepared over open flames bring a distinctive setting to the meal. The hotel's food and beverage offering also extends to the Closet Bar, adding another dimension to its dining experience. Beyond the hotel, Bikaner's reputation for its savoury snacks, sweets and regional food traditions gives guests further reason to explore the city's culinary landscape. It is a stay where discovering local food can become part of understanding Bikaner's history and character.

Mary Budden Estate Binsar

At Mary Budden Estate in Binsar, food is part of a quieter, nature-led experience shaped by the Kumaon region and its surroundings. The estate's culinary offering brings Himalayan flavours into a setting defined by forest trails, mountain air and a slower pace of life. Experiences such as Himalayan lunches, forest brunches and dinners beneath the night sky make the setting an important part of the meal, whether guests are spending time outdoors or returning from a walk through the surrounding wilderness. With Kumaoni cuisine and the region's food traditions providing a connection to place, dining at Mary Budden is less about elaborate presentation and more about enjoying good food in close company with nature.

Six Senses Fort Barwara

At Six Senses Fort Barwara, dining brings together regional Rajasthani flavours and the brand’s philosophy of mindful eating. Set within a restored 14th-century fort, the property follows Eat With Six Senses, an approach centred on fresh, seasonal ingredients, responsible sourcing and simpler food preparation. This is reflected in the use of produce from the fort’s organic gardens and ingredients sourced from farmers in nearby villages and townships. The culinary offering spans traditional Indian flavours and international influences, with The Cortile serving everything from Indian comfort food to Mediterranean and Pan-Asian dishes. At Rani Bagh, poolside dining is complemented by flame-to-table cooking, where seasonal ingredients are prepared over fire. For a more intimate experience, Shikar Burj offers guests the opportunity to dine beneath the stars, with the fort and its surroundings providing the setting. Together, these experiences bring the region’s culinary traditions into conversation with the property’s historic setting, making dining another wa y to discover Rajasthan through its i