Culinary Tour to India

Arriving at Cochin Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to Brunton Boatyard, a beautiful Victorian waterfront property. Its breezy interior boasts high ceilings and low-hanging fans, while it’s super spacious thanks to its legacy as a boat building facility in years gone by.

It’s here that you’ll settle in for a couple of days, but you’re in for a lively evening to begin with. Your first night will see you touring the local fish market to see today’s catches, before heading to the home of Paul and Nimmy for an authentic home cooked meal. Nimmy has over 20 years’ experience as a cooking instructor under her belt, and she’ll take you through the secrets of cooking Kerala food the true Indian way.

Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard, Cochin

Meals included: Dinner

A brisk morning jaunt will see you heading to the fishing village of Kumbalangi. Here you’ll see crab farmers and fishermen practice their craft, before settling in for lunch in those beautiful backwaters Kerala does so well. As the afternoon draws in, you’ll have the chance to explore Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, complete with experiencing the Dutch Palace, the Jewish synagogue and St Francis Church, each superb examples of multicultural old architecture in India.

In the late afternoon, you’re free to make your own way through the heritage quarter of Cochin and its surroundings. Relish in the freedom that comes with seeing Kerala your way, before reconvening come the evening. You’ll also have the chance to watch the dramatic dance performances of traditional Kerala, the Kathakali.

Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard, Cochin

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

You’re on the move again, on a lazy two hour drive from Cochin to Kothamangalam. This is a beautiful landmark featuring swarthy tropical heat and abundant natural plant life. The River Periyar weaves its historic path through this territory, and your lunch will be enjoyed with authentic flavours at a bungalow surrounded by 100 acres of plantation, dedicated to crops of all kinds.

After your meal, it’s on to exploring the tea plantations of Munnar after two relaxed hours on the road. You’ll be spending the first of your two nights at the Windermere Estate, with the freedom to walk the grounds and gardens in the evening.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 – 5 hours, 150 kms

Accommodation: Windermere Estate, Munnar

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Today be prepared for stunning views and scenery. In the morning you can enjoy a Lockhart tea trail experience. Lockhart tea estate is situated 8 kms from Munnar town and will take about 30 minutes to reach

Depending  on what you choose, you can take part in walks lasting from 30 minutes to 4 hours. As you explore this area, you’ll be rewarded by breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. There may also be an opportunity to interact with the ladies picking tea leaves.

A scenic drive or a visit to Munnar and its busy market can easily be arranged if you prefer.

Later you can visit a tea museum and tea factory, where you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the region’s tea production, from crop-picking to flavour adjustment.

As the evening draws in,  enjoy a tea tasting experience where you will be shown the various types and grades of tea ( both produced locally and elsewhere) You will be taught how to tell if the tea is of good quality and how to brew your own perfect cuppa.

Accommodation: Windermere Estate, Munnar

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s tempting to doze off after the filling breakfast you’ve enjoyed before the three hour drive to Periyar, but you’ll be missing the views if you do. You’ll arrive at one of the best national parks and sanctuaries of India – Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary..

Your next two nights stay will be something magical. The thatched roofs and traditional buildings of the Spice Village make it among the most beautiful hotels in India, as well as Eco-friendly. Once settled in your own private cottage, you’ll get a tour of the spice plantation and a glimpse into how it’s produced and marketed in the region and beyond.

Approximate travel time and distance: 3 – 4 hours, 100 kms

Accommodation: Spice Village, Periyar

Meals included: Breakfast

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places in South India to spot wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of elephants, Sambar deer and Indian bison.

It’s an early start to head to Lake Periyar, where you can try bamboo rafting and have a go navigating a raft. Then grab your binoculars and camera and spend time in the Reserve where there is an abundance of wildlife to discover.

There will be time this afternoon to discover the local town or hotel facilities, and then in the evening learn to cook with spices at the evening cookery class at your resort. The focus is on Kerala cuisine, with accent being on the effective use of spices.

Accommodation: Spice Village, Periyar

Meals included: Breakfast

You’re travelling India in style today. The morning’s four hour drive features an enchanting tour of tea and rubber plantations aplenty, ending with you boarding your personal houseboat for an overnight cruise, sailing to Vembanad Lake. Built from coconut fibres and bamboo, these houseboats have a timeless appeal that makes them as handsome as they are welcoming.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 150 kms

Accommodation: Private Houseboat, Alleppey

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

A big, locally sourced breakfast sets you up for a trip to the island that houses Philipkutty’s Farm. This is an organic, sustainable farm that grows bananas, coconuts and plenty of other fruits and vegetables. The island is large enough that you can enjoy lakeside views all round while surrounded by authentic Indian cuisine.

Accommodation: Philpkutty’s Farm, Kumarakom

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today’s treat is a cooking demonstration from your host family, bringing with it all the finest spices and flavours in Kerala. Rice and string hoppers form the staple of the dishes you’ll be enjoying, while duck, chicken, fish and fresh vegetables all round off the flavours. Of course, because you’re enjoying our bespoke tours, these are family recipes you won’t find anywhere else and come embellished with little touches perfected over generations.

Come the evening, you’re free to enjoy the scenery as you see fit.

Accommodation: Philpkutty’s Farm, Kumarakom

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Perched on the pristine beaches of the Arabian Sea, Mararikulam is home to the Marari Beach Resort. It’s an Eco-friendly retreat where you can enjoy authentic Ayruveda therapies, or spend your day relaxing by the beach. You’ll be transferred here late in the morning, giving you a full day to make the most of the serenity.

Approximate travel time and distance: 45 minutes, 30 kms

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you’re free to enjoy what many call the best beach Kerala can offer, as well as sample any number of therapies, treatments or ways of pampering yourself at Marari Beach Resort. As the evening draws in, you’re encouraged to partake of the grand finale to your Kerala Culinary Adventure, heading out to the farmland to join top chefs in picking vegetables and herbs to add to a bespoke dish you’ll plan, prepare and eat together tonight. Joining the head chef as his guests of honour, you’ll sit at the best table in the house and enjoy an authentically cooked dish made with the love and secret tips they do so well here.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

A timely transfer to the airport sees you reflect on your adventures as you board your flight and go home, enriched and rejuvenated.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hours 30 minutes, 10 kms

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing and Inclusions

Price guide for this 12 day Kerala Culinary tour is

• £2490 in low season (May – September inclusive)
• £2990 in high season (October – April inclusive)

The prices do not include flights.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid December to mid January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Included with this Culinary Tour to India are the following:

• Meet & greet assistance on arrival
• All transfers and sightseeing tours using an air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation for 11 nights on a twin sharing basis
• Standard category rooms at all hotels unless otherwise mentioned
• Meal plan: Houseboat and Philipkutty’s farm on full board; bed & breakfast elsewhere
• Cooking class & dinner at Nimmy Paul’s residence, Cochin
• Kumbalangi village visit and lunch in Cochin
• Tickets for Kathakali dance show in Cochin
• English speaking guide for sightseeing tour of Cochin
• Lunch at Mundackal plantation bungalow Kothamangalam
• Guided day trek in Letchmi Hills Munnar
• Spice plantation tour in Periyar
• Nature trek with tribal trackers in Periyar tiger reserve
• Tickets for boating on Lake Periyar
• Interactive farm kitchen with the chef at Marari beach resort
• Entrances at all national parks, museums and monuments as per the itinerary
• Mineral water on all days of travel

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets
• Travel insurance
• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
• Meals other than mentioned in the above meal plan
• Camera & video fees at national parks, museums & monuments

Prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call us on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this Culinary India tour is just an example to help inspire you.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

And if you fancy trying your hand before you travel take a look at our Indian Food to Cook on the Barbecue guide

ABTA and ATOL Protected Tour Package

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.