Culinary Tour of South India

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Culinary Tour of South India

Tour Itinerary

Days 1 : Chennai

On arrival Chennai; you will be meet and assist by company representative and transfer to your hotel.

Days 2 : Chennai

Post breakfast; A day in Chennai with sightseeing including the historic Fort St George and Vivekananda House, as well as your first opportunity to sample a traditional Tamilnadu meal known as thali meal. This is the staple lunch of most of, much of the population of Tamil Nadu and consists of a large selection of gravies, spices, chutneys and condiments served with mountains of rice and an array of breads and rice-flour concoctions.

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Days 3 : Chennai - Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

Post breakfast; drive to the sacred temple city of Kanchipuram, after visit temples continue driving to the beachside town of Mahabalipuram. Its proximity to the rich fishing grounds of the Bay of Bengal and many excellent beachfront restaurants make this a great place to sample seafood – you will be able to select your own fish and choose the way you would like it cooked.

Days 4 : Mahabalipuram

Post breakfast; visit the cultural village at Dakshinachitra and later enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuramvisit the UNESCO World Heritage listed monuments which are the highlights of this one-time trading port and dynastic capital. Mahabalipuram today is a sleepy town but its legacy of the past is rich and the temples and rock carvings here are outstanding for their craftsmanship and sheer beauty.

Days 5 : Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

Post breakfast; drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony and as such quite different in atmosphere and culture to the surrounding areas. Although the French left Pondicherry more than half a century ago, the city retains a strong Gallic feel. Rooftop restaurants serving a variety of excellent continental Indian dishes, Spicy Tamilnadu foods, superb bakeries and wonderful cafes are all testimony to the lasting continental influence. You will have time to explore the French Quarter on foot and later spend some time in the Tamil Quarter which is far more 'Indian' in feel and home to some superb shops and boutiques.

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Days 6 : Pondicherry - Tanjore

Post breakfast; drive to Tanjore, site of one of south India’s most spectacular temples. Tour the temple, palace and art gallery with a local guide and enjoy time by the pool at your hotel later in the day.

Days 7 : Tanjore – Madurai

Post breakfast; drive to Madurai; city is a mix of modern commercial center and ancient pilgrimage site, melded together into a compelling whole. The emphasis of your time here is on the major sights- Meenakshi Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace but there will also be time to visit some of the multitude of bazaars and the flower and vegetable markets. Madurai is also a best place to dine. Every restaurant in Madurai serves diverse varieties of South Indian Dosas.

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Days 8 : Madurai – Thekkady / Periyar

Post breakfast; drive towards Kerala state -next destination is Periyar; you will drive through lush agricultural areas and spice Market which is one of the largest in South India. Upon arrival check in to the hotel and enjoy the traditional lunch at hotel restaurant. Later proceed to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary by boat cruise. After visit spend some time in evening for touring a spice garden and seeing the origin of many of the condiments we take for granted in our kitchens at home. Later proceed for a cooking class by experienced chef and learn the art of Kerala cooking significance of spices in Kerala cuisine. Followed by preparation of rich meal to be served as dinner.

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Days 9 : Periyar – Kumarakom

Post breakfast; drive down the hills towards the Keralan midlands, reaching Kumarakomduring lunch time .Kerala cooking includes lots of coconut and spices. Accommodation here will be at an estate Resort on a plantation, and surrounded by planted areas of rubber, coffee, cocoa and vanilla. With delicious South Indian meals prepared from locally grown ingredients this is another culinary delight in a trip studded with them.

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Days 10 : Kumarakom - Alleppey

Post breakfast; drive to Alleppey and board/ embark a houseboat for an afternoon cruise with lunch on board. Kerala Fish and chicken curry are must to try dishes in Kerala. Enjoy the scenery and later disembark the boat for a night spent at a resort to the backwaters where you can enjoy wonderful local Keralan meals during dinner.

Days 11 : Alleppey - Fort Cochin

Post breakfast; drive to Fort Cochin, south India's most important trading port. Here you can spend the afternoon on a guided tour of the historic areas of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry covering elements as diverse as India's oldest synagogue and attendant Jewish area, the Dutch Fort and St Francis Church- all testimony to the vast range of influences brought to bear on Cochin over the years. Lunch and dinner will be arranging and serve the best Kerala traditional restaurant with cooking demonstration by chef.

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Days 12 : Cochin

Post breakfast;visit the spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices & history that brought the world to its doorstep. Chinese fishing nets, step towards the famous fish market of Cochin. In the afternoon attend the culinary class by an expert chef who will introduce you to the Kerala Indian style of cooking. Try your hands on these dishes while getting the chance to note down some of the exotic recipes of south India. In the evening see Kerala's most popular classical dance Kathakali.

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