CULINARY
Culinary Tour of South India
The food of India is as varied as the country, not only does it vary from state to state, but it also varies greatly within each state itself. In this culinary journey through Karnataka and Kerala, we showcase how different cultures, religions and the topography of a destination have all influenced the food of Kerala. You will discover how the Syrian Christian cuisine varies from that of the Mopilah (Muslim) cuisine from that of the Kodava Cuisine. You will learn about the influences that the British, Portuguese and Dutch had on the food of the region. You will see how different spices are grown, discover their medicinal qualities as well as which ones are used in different types of dishes and why and all the while, you will learn about this region, visit its temples, sights and have some time to relax and digest all you have discovered with a last few days on the backwaters and beach.
Destinations Covered
Bangalore | Mysore | Coorg | Wayanad | Tellicherry | Cochin | Periyar | Alleppey | Backwaters | Marari
Key Highlights
- Discover the wide variety of the cuisines of Kerala from Kodava to Mopilah to Syrian Christian.
- Visit homestays and learn, first-hand about home cooking, Kerala style.
- Visit the colourful markets and fabulous Sri Meenakshi Temple in Mysore.
- Discover how the world’s two most popular drinks, tea and coffee are grown and produced!
- Visit spice plantations to discover how spices such as pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla and cinnamon are grown learn about their medicinal as well as culinary uses.
- Learn how to bargain in the fish and spice markets, like a local.
- Discover how other cultures such as the British, Portuguese and Dutch made their influence on Keralan cuisines.
- Let’s not forget, you will visit some famous temples towns and destinations on the way!
Itinerary
Day | Activity | Location |
1 | After you arrive at your hotel, the rest of the day will be at leisure. | Bangalore |
2 | Drive to Mysore via Sri Rangapatnam. Check into the homestays. | Mysore |
3 | Spend the day exploring this charming town with its temples and varied fruit and vegetable markets. In the evening enjoy a hands on cookery experience to learn about Kodava Cuisine. | Mysore |
4 | Transfer Coorg, check into the hotel and then have a guided visit of a coffee plantation. | Coorg |
5 | Transfer to Wayanad. Check into the hotel and then explore how the nations favourite drink is grown with a tour of a tea plantation. | Wayanad |
6 | Morning at leisure. Afternoon visit of a tea factory with a tea tasting experience. | Wayanad |
7 | Transfer to Tellicherri, check into the hotel and then visit a local temple, if it’s the right season, you may also witness a Thayyem Performance. | Tellicherri |
8 | An early morning start to meet the fishermen bringing in their catch. Visit the fish markets and spice markets that this area is famous for. In the afternoon, enjoy a hands on cooking experience to learn about the Mopilah Cuisine. | Tellicherri |
9 | Transfer to Cochin. Check into the hotel and then explore this old fort. There are a variety of restaurants here serving Portuguese food which you may like to try. | Cochin |
10 | Visit the local market and the Chinese Fishing Nets. Visit a local family for lunch who will teach you about the local seafood specialties and how they cook it with local ingredients such as pepper and coconut. Evening at leisure. | Cochin |
11 | Transfer by road to Periyar. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this charming hotel. | Periyar |
12 | Periyar is famous for its spiced plantations. Explore these to find out how each different spice grows and the medicinal properties that each has as well as uses in cooking. | Periyar |
13 | Transfer to Alleppey, starting point to the backwaters. En route, visit a Syrian Christian Family for a traditional lunch. | Alleppey |
14 | Today, visit the local markets by tuk tuk, purchase the ingredients required for your final cookery demonstration in the evening with your charming family hosts. | Alleppey |
15 | Transfer the short distance to the backwaters for your cruise around this unique area. | Backwaters |
16 | A 45 minute journey to Marari Beach for your final day. Rest of the day at leisure. | Marari |
17 | Depart |