Taste of South India Culinary Tour

Overview

South of India is known for its intricate temples, classical music traditions, festivals, spice gardens apart from tea estates and delicious food. The climate in the southern region is hot and humid, with abundant rainfall and abundance in the variety of fruits and vegetables apart from a mouth-watering seafood platter. Your journey begins at Chennai, the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, which is very lively and vibrant.

The next destination is not only famous for its temples or black pepper plantations, but also for a rich Chettinad Cuisine which is flavourful and at times fiery too. It takes a little twist from here as the mood moves from the home to the wild. Periyar National Park is one of the most enchanting animal reserves of the country. Thekkady is a picturesque town and a tranquil destination. Southern landscape is beautifully painted with coconut groves, tea estates, spice gardens and backwaters, rivers, rivulets and lush green meadows apart from the exquisite temples. Tellicherry, a British name to the original Thellasary is another town in the Malabar Coast which is known for its characteristic seafood cooking!!

The entire tour gives a wonderful peep into the culture and the cuisine which at times is also associated with comfort food and the one that grants you peace and contentment to the soul!!

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Chennai

Arrive Chennai, meet and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is then at leisure to relax after your flight.

Day 02 - Chennai

Breakfast is at the hotel. Morning is at leisure. Optional – You can experience lunch on Direct Payment at ‘Shravana Bhawan’ famous for its Tamil Vegetarian food. Later you will take a private guided tour of Chennai. Visit the Museum to see the bronze gallery with its superb collection of Chola art. Drive past the flower and fruit market, High Court building, Marina Beach. Visit the San Thome Cathedral, Kapeeleshwar Temple and Snake Park. Optional – In the evening you can experience dinner on Direct Payment at ‘Dakshin Restaurant’ in Park Sheraton famous for Indian Cuisine.

Day 03 - Karaikudi

After breakfast at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Chennai airport to board your flight for Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) 1135-1235. Arrive Trichy, then taken on a guided tour. Visit the famous Rock Fort perched on an 84 m high rock. Also see the Temple complex of Srirangam, dedicated to Vishnu. It is surrounded by 7 concentric walled courtyards with 21 magnificent gateways. Later you will drive to Karaikudi (2.5 hrs). Arrive Karaikudi and rest of the day will at leisure. Optional – You can enjoy Chettinad Cuisine on Direct Payment basis at Chidamabara Vilas. A Visit to Chettinad is not complete without relishing the warm, spicy Chettinad cuisine. Dine on a banana leaf, the traditional Indian way! You can also see there Chefs rustle up your favourites at the Live Kitchen.

Day 04 - Karaikudi

After breakfast you will take a private guided tour of Village Chettinad to see the village life and markets. You can also enjoy more of Chettinad Cuisine in the local markets today on your own. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 05 - Madurai

After breakfast you will drive to Madurai (1.5 hrs). Arrive Madurai and rest of the day will at leisure. Later in the evening visit the Meenakshi Temple for the evening prayers.

Day 06 - Madurai

After breakfast you will take a private guided tour of Madurai, visiting the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. Also visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, a gracious 17th century building in the Indo-Saracenic style famous for stuccowork on its domes and arches. Later in the evening you will witness cooking demonstration by the hotel chef and learn the local cuisine – Chettinad Cuisine followed by dinner in the hotel.

Day 07 - Thekkady

After breakfast you will drive to Thekkady (04 hrs). Arrive Thekkady and rest of the day will at leisure. Afternoon you will enjoy boat ride on Lake Periyar. Optional – You may enjoy Kerala Cuisine for Dinner (Direct Payment) at Spice Village, with an emphasis on the flavours created by fresh spices.

Day 08 - Thekkady

After breakfast, you will have half day tour of Spice Plantation. Later in the evening you will witness cooking demonstration in the hotel by the Chef. He will share his experience while cooking and also unveil a few of his secrets.

Day 09 - Backwaters

After breakfast, you will drive to Kumarakom (03 hrs) Arrive Kumarakom and from the jetty point board overnight houseboat. Check in at the Houseboat. Kettuvallam (Houseboat) is an ideal mode to experience life of local village life through backwaters. FULL BOARD

Day 10 - Cochin

After breakfast, you will drive to Cochin (1.5 hrs) Arrive Cochin and check in at the hotel. Optional – You can proceed for early lunch at ‘Sarovaram’ on Direct Payment to enjoy Kerala Vegetarian Cuisine. Later in the evening proceed for Kathakali dance show. Optional – You can enjoy dinner today on Direct Payment at ‘The History restaurant’ which offers cuisine that reflects the cultural influences of Cochin - Portuguese, Dutch, English, Arab, Syrian Christian and Jewish cuisines.

Day 11 - Cochin

After breakfast you will take a private guided tour of Cochin. Visiting the Dutch Palace, which has some of India’s most beautiful murals, the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of Jew Town and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets; See St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was originally buried and the Santa Cruz Church with its pastel coloured interior and carved wooden panels. Later In the evening, you will witness cooking demonstration of Syrian Christian Cuisine’s in the hotel.

Day 12 - Tellicherry

This morning take the train to Thalassery (Tellicherry) 0650-1149. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Evening you will witness the cooking demonstration by your hostess Ms. Faiza Moosa who will teach you the secrets of making good, authentic curries, is a well-known culinary expert in Kerala Muslim cuisine.

Day 13 - Tellicherry

After breakfast you will take a private guided tour of Tellicherry visiting the Fort and the beach. Evening you will witness the Theyyam dance show in the local temple.

Day 14 - Mumbai

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to Calicut airport [2.5 Hrs] to board your flight for Mumbai 1345-1530. On arrival in Mumbai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure to explore on own.

Day 15 - Mumbai

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Mumbai International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to you next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.