Follow the scented trail through Lucknow, the northern capital of Uttar Pradesh, known for its grace, arts and culture. You will also explore the perfume capital of Kannauj, famed for its 200 or so perfume distilleries and its rose attar.
You’re A&K guide will accompany you as you meander through timeless lanes filled with fragrance. Learn how the process of making Attar, or Ittar, has its origins in medieval times as well as ancient India and Persia. Peruse some of the best perfumeries showcasing incense and beautifully-bottled essential oils. You’ll find scents of sandalwood, sweet-smelling jasmine and blends of amber and musk. They come in different forms from incense sticks and room sprays to therapeutic oils and laundry fragrances.
Meet a perfume master with a canny ability to identify rare wood or laurel leaves. You’ll learn the delicate process behind making attar from plucking botanicals to the steaming distillation process. Throughout history, attar was used for its natural remedial purposes. Your expert will regale you with stories of Mughal emperors, some of the first fans of attar who loved bathing in aromatic oils.