Culinary Tour of South India,South India Culinary Tour,South Indian Culinary Tour,South India Culinary Tour Booking

Culinary Tour of South India

Duration : 14 Days / 13 Nights
Destinaions Covered : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Trichy - Tanjore - Karraikudi - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin

Thali, Indian Food

Day 01 : Chennai arrival
On arrival in Chennai (late evening) you will be met by our Tour Executive and transferred to your hotel.

Day 02 : Chennai sightseeing
Today enjoy a guided tour of Chennai, including St Mary's Church, Fort St George, Chennai Museum and St Thomas Cathedral. In the afternoon visit the markets and bazaars of T.Nagar. For dinner, enjoy an extensive Thali (traditional South India meal with a large selection of gravies, chutneys and condiments) at "Anna Lakshmi". This exclusive restaurant is run by devotees of Swami Shantanand Saraswati and the profits go to their Educational Trust. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 03 : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
After breakfast drive 1.5hrs to Kanchipuram, one of India's Seven Sacred Cities. Here you will visit Ekambeshwara Shiva Temple and the World Heritage Kailashanatha Temple, with small vegetable dye frescoes in the alcoves in the outer walls. After lunch at Saravana Bhavan, visit a silk weaving centre and drive 1.5hrs to Mahabalipuram. This relaxed seaside town is famed for its beachfront restaurants many of which offer you the chance to select your own fish- freshly caught- and choose the way you would like it cooked. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 04 : Mahabalipuram
This morning you can enjoy a guided tour of the 7th Century World Heritage Temples, including the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance (Bas Relief) and various rock cut and cave temples. In the afternoon drive 45 minutes to Dakshinachitra Cultural Centre, where there is an extensive collection of restored homes from around the Southern States. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.

Shore Temple

Day 05 : Mahabalipuram - Trichy
After breakfast drive 5hrs to Trichy and check into your hotel. In the afternoon visit the Sri Rangam Temple and climb up 437 steps to the Rock Fort Temple for great views over the city and Cauvery River at sunset. Time to explore in the Rock Fort Bazaar area (this is a general market, not a food market). Overnight in Trichy.

Day 06 : Trichy - Tanjore
Morning drive 1.5hrs to Tanjore, visit the Big Temple, Palace and Art Gallery. After lunch visit Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram Temples. Overnight in Tanjore.

Day 07 : Tanjore - Karraikudi
After breakfast drive 2hrs to Karraikudi and check into Chettinad Mansion (a converted Palace, next door to the Chettinad Palace). In the afternoon visit the Chettinad Palace, nearby temples and various Merchants Bungalows. The tiny region of Chettinad has a unique history as well as a cuisine all of its own. Many restaurants worldwide now serve 'Chettinad' dishes but there is no better place to experience this unique (and at times fiery!) style as right here in the heart of the district. Dinner and overnight at Chettinad Mansion, Karraikudi.

Day 08 : Karraikudi
This morning visit the local markets learning about local ingredients, vegetables and selection of seasonal items. Return to Chettinad Mansion for lunch and in the afternoon have a cooking demonstration and/or lessons to prepare your own meal! Traditionally Chettinad dishes are very spicy but these will be modified according to your tastes. Overnight at Chettinad Mansion, Karraikudi.

Day 09 : Karraikudi - Madurai
After breakfast, drive 2hrs to Madurai, visit Meenakshi Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace. In the afternoon there will be free time for exploring the bazaars around the Temple. After dinner visit the night Vegetable Market. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 10 : Madurai - Periyar
After breakfast drive 4.5hrs through lush agricultural areas to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Western Ghats. Visit the Spice Market at Theni - one of the largest in South India. In the afternoon visit a spice garden to see various spices growing and late afternoon take a 2hr boat ride on Lake Periyar where there is a chance to see wildlife coming down to the water's edge. There are good herds of elephants in the park and these are often seen near the lake. In the evening watch a performance of traditional Kathakali Dancing. Overnight at Thekkady (Periyar)

Day 11 : Periyar - Kumarakom
After breakfast descend from the hills to the backwaters at Kumarakom. Here you will board your Deluxe Houseboat at 1pm and begin your cruise through the relaxing, palm fringed Backwaters. Your crew will prepare you delicious meals from local produce, on board the Houseboat. This can include local specialities such as prawns and lobster on request. Overnight on board the Houseboat.

Day 12 : Houseboat - Alleppey - Cochin
After breakfast on board the Houseboat you will arrive in Alleppey where you will (probably reluctantly!) disembark and be met for the drive of 1.5hrs to Cochin. On arrival check into your hotel and then in the afternoon take a guided tour of Fort Cochin including St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace (with 200yr old frescoes of the Mahabharata), Indo Portuguese Museum, Jewish Synagogue and the Spice Market from where spices are exported around the world. In the evening watch a demonstration of "Kalaripayyatu", traditional Keralan Martial Arts. Overnight in Cochin.

Fish Market, Cochin

Day 13 : Cochin
In the morning visit the fish market and then proceed to the home of Mrs Nimmy Paul a renowned Keralan Chef and author of various culinary books and articles. Start the programme with a traditional "Sadhya" served on a banana leaf, an extensive meal usually served at weddings and other festivals. Nimmy will explain the traditions and history behind the dishes. During the afternoon Nimmy will lead a cooking demonstration in which you can participate in preparation of a special dinner, including seafood dishes.

Day 14 : Cochin
In the morning visit the Hilltop Palace, then enjoy some free time for shopping and personal activities. Enjoy a Harbour Cruise. In the late afternoon take a private boat for a one hour Harbour Cruise to enjoy the sunset. There is a good chance of seeing dolphins. Evening departure transfer to the airport

NOTE : Please note that this, and all other itineraries on this website, are suggested programmes only and can be modified to suit your individual needs and interests.