Be whisked away to the vibrant streets of India, right here in London! Join guide Vaishali, a proud member of the Women in Travel social enterprise, and venture along the enchanting Ealing Road, where you’ll uncover the rich tapestry of flavours, cultures, clothing and traditions that define India.

Tour Highlights

• Experience the grandeur of a majestic Hindu temple and delve into the heart of Indian culture, guided by a friendly local companion.
• Witness the artistry of crafting a beloved Indian refreshment — then challenge your taste buds to identify its distinct flavours!
• Learn about the many gods in Indian culture and put your knowledge to the test as you attempt to recognise these divine entities.
• Embark on a textile journey and understand how the exquisite fabrics and intricate prints define each area’s unique identity.
• Finish your adventure with an unforgettable feast of Indian street food snacks and tasty Indian sweets.

Detailed Itinerary:

Your immersive Indian community experience will begin with a short meet-and-greet at the starting point, during which you’ll get to know your host, Vaishali, and learn how Women in Travel helps to empower underserved women.

From there, you’ll head off to the epic Ealing road, a well-known commercial street within the Indian community — but a hidden Indian treasure for those who don’t know it. Here, locals line up for everything from clothes to wear to weddings, to gifts for friends and family, to delicious Indian foods.

Your next stop will be Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir, a stunning Hindu temple made entirely of imported Indian limestone. Many pieces of the temple were hand-carved in Gujarat before being flown to Britain and assembled. We’ll take our shoes off and explore inside — all faiths are welcome!

While here, you’ll have the option to partake in an arti, which is a custom of lighting a butter candle and singing a hymn to show humility and gratitude to God.

Then, you’ll get to experience a piece of Indian hospitality in the form of paan. This mouth freshener and digestive is made from betel leaves and is commonly given out in many Indian homes. You’ll learn how it’s made at a local paan shop.

Your next few stops will be a string of shops, where you’ll get to sample (and buy, if you wish) a few Indian sweets, browse statues of Hindu deities, and even try on some traditional clothing. In each shop, you’ll learn about the culture and beliefs behind these items.

Finally, you’ll finish up your Indian experience with a tasting menu of foods from different regions of India. Enjoy classic Indian dishes such as pakora, chaat, chana masala, and paneer, washed down with a cup of chai, of course.

Your tour will finish here, but you’re free to linger longer and enjoy this area of rich Indian culture some more on your own.