A Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj

Arrive at Bangalore International Airport where our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel, The Paul Bangalore. Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), known as the “Garden City,” is famous for its lush parks and pleasant climate. After settling in, enjoy a welcome dinner at Bangalore Oota Company, sampling your first taste of South India with the diverse cuisines of Karnataka.

In the evening, relax at the hotel and maybe indulge in a tasting of craft beers from the hotel’s brewery.

Accommodation: The Paul, Bengaluru (Studio Suite)

Meals Included: Dinner

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before driving to Mysuru. En route, visit the renowned Sula Vineyards for an insightful tour and wine-tasting session, including a delightful lunch at their restaurant. Sula Vineyards is known for its beautiful landscape and quality wines.

Continue your journey with a stop at Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace at Srirangapatna, a magnificent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Upon arrival in Mysuru, check in at The Metropole Hotel, a charming heritage property. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the hotel’s beautiful inner courtyard and garden pool.

Approximate travel time and distance: 3 hours, 145 km

Accommodation: The Paul, Bengaluru (Studio Suite)

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Rise early to visit the bustling farmers market, one of Karnataka’s largest vegetable markets. The vibrant market offers a colourful array of fresh produce and spices. Return to the hotel for breakfast before embarking on a city tour of Mysore, including the City Palace, Nandi Bull, and Chamundi Hill.

Mysuru is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and magnificent palaces. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour of the heritage town, exploring Devaraja Market, and experiencing the local street food scene. Sample a variety of delectable snacks popular with the locals, offering a true taste of South India.

Accommodation: Royal Orchid Metropole, Mysuru (Heritage Room)

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, drive to Coorg (also known as Kodagu), stopping at the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. The settlement is home to the impressive Namdroling Monastery. Visit the Buddhist temples and experience a unique culture. If interested, have lunch at a local restaurant offering authentic Tibetan cuisine.

Continue your journey to Evolve Back Coorg, a peaceful retreat set amidst 300 acres of coffee and spice plantations. Spend the evening exploring the serene surroundings, perhaps taking a nature walk or simply relaxing by the pool.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2.5 hours, 107 km

Accommodation: Evolve Back Coorg (Lily Pool Cottage)

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Start your day with a guided walk through the estate, learning about the various spices grown and witnessing their harvesting and processing. Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is famous for its coffee plantations and lush greenery. Enjoy an authentic Kodava experience, where you’ll learn about Kodava culture and history, interact with a local family, try on traditional costumes, and relish local dishes for an authentic taste of South India. Spend the evening at leisure, relaxing at the resort.

Accommodation: Evolve Back Coorg (Lily Pool Cottage)

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Depart for Wayanad after breakfast, driving through picturesque plantations of coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices. Wayanad is known for its scenic beauty and wildlife. Check-in at Wayanad Wild, a property set amidst a lush rainforest. Enjoy a nature walk with in-house naturalists in the afternoon, learning about the local flora and fauna. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the natural beauty of the rainforest or by taking a dip in the pool.

Approximate travel time and distance: 3 hours, 120 km

Accommodation: Wayanad Wild (Deluxe Room with Balcony)

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Begin your day with a tour of the area, including a visit to a tea plantation to watch how tea is grown, picked, and processed. Tea plantations in Wayanad offer breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit a tribal village to learn about their way of life and the ingredients they use in their cooking.

Return to the hotel for a cooking demonstration, experiencing authentic Wayanadan cuisine. Enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps with a guided night safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Wayanad Wild (Deluxe Room with Balcony)

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, drive to the coastal city of Calicut. Also known as Kozhikode, this destination has a rich history and was once a major trading centre for spices. Check-in at Kadavu Resort, which offers modern facilities and river view rooms. In the afternoon, visit Beypore Port, once a famous dhow-building port.

Explore the historic sights by tuk-tuk, including Mananchira Square and the bustling SM Street. End the day with a relaxing evening at the hotel, enjoying the views of the Chaliyar River.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2.5 hours, 90 km

Accommodation: Raviz Kadavu, Calicut (Deluxe River View Room)

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Start the day early with a visit to the fishing harbour to witness the fish landing and auction. The bustling harbour offers a glimpse into the local fishing industry.

Later, visit the home of renowned chefs Moosa and Faisa for a hands-on Moplah cuisine experience, known for its rich and aromatic flavors that offer a taste of South India. Enjoy lunch with them and explore the local bylanes, learning about the unique culinary traditions of the region.

In the evening, visit Calicut Beach at sunset, where you can enjoy a taste of South India amongst the local food stalls and vibrant atmosphere.

Accommodation: Raviz Kadavu, Calicut (Deluxe River View Room)

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Transfer to Calicut Railway Station to board the Vande Bharat Express to Alleppey. The train journey offers scenic views of the Kerala countryside. On arrival, transfer to your beautiful lake resort in Kumarakom, known for its backwaters and traditional houseboats.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the backwaters and resort amenities, perhaps taking a canoe ride or enjoying a traditional Ayurvedic massage.

Approximate travel time and distance: 6.5 hours, 220 km

Accommodation: Kumarakom Lake Resort (Meandering Pool Villa)

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Embark on a morning backwater village tour, observing various local activities like fishing, coir weaving, and coconut harvesting. The backwaters of Kerala are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes. Enjoy a traditional motorised canoe cruise through the narrow canals, witnessing the daily life of the villagers.

Later, board a private rice boat for a culinary cruise through the Kerala backwaters, where you’ll savour the taste of South India’s local cuisine and stunning scenery. The houseboat cruise offers a unique way to experience the tranquil beauty of the backwaters. Return to the resort in the evening.

Accommodation: Kumarakom Lake Resort (Meandering Pool Villa)

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, drive to Cochin, stopping for lunch and a cooking demonstration at a traditional Syrian Christian home. Syrian Christian cuisine, known for its unique blend of spices and flavors, offers a distinctive taste of South India. Continue to Fort Cochin and check in at either Eighth Bastion or Fragrant Nature for two nights.

Fort Cochin is a historic area with colonial architecture and a vibrant arts scene. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance show, arriving early to watch the dancers applying their makeup. Kathakali is a traditional dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes and expressive gestures.

Approximate travel time and distance: 1.5 hours, 50 km

Accommodation: Malabar House, Cochin (Deluxe Room)

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, including visits to the Chinese fishing nets, local fish market, St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Dutch Palace. The Chinese fishing nets are a unique sight and a reminder of Cochin’s historical trade connections. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time shopping on Jew Street for spices, handlooms, and antiques. End the day with a sunset harbour cruise, enjoying the beautiful views of the Cochin harbour, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, savouring your final taste of South India with the diverse flavours of Keralan cuisine.

Accommodation: Malabar House, Cochin (Deluxe Room)

Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your return flight. Reflect on the enriching culinary and cultural experiences from our Taste of South India Tour over the past two weeks as you journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Why not treat yourself to an extra few days on a private tour? 

Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam
£590 per person on twin share
3 nights accommodation on B&B plan, arrival/departure transfers

Xandari Pearl Beach Resort, Mararikulam
£490 per person on twin share
3nights accommodation on B&B plan, arrival/departure transfers

Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai
£590 per person on twin share
2 nights accommodation on B&B plan, Cochin – Mumbai flight, arrival/departure transfers in Mumbai, half-day city tour of Mumbai

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai
£1,190 per person on twin share
2 nights accommodation on B&B plan, Cochin – Mumbai flight, arrival/departure transfers in Mumbai, half-day city tour of Mumbai

Pricing and Inclusions