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South India Culinary Adventure

A ‘neo-stalgic’ exploration of authentic flavours, technicolour temples, and offbeat discoveries

12
Nights
Duration
$
0
Starts From
Special Interest Tours
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South Indians are famously not afraid to experiment with their food, re-interpreting old traditions to create new and more innovative dishes. On this Alaya small group tour, we dig deep into South India’s fabulous flavours with hands-on cooking classes, hosted cooking presentations, guided tasting walks in markets and bazaars, and encounters with chefs and food producers who are passionate about their craft. Food will be the key that opens doors to all kinds of interesting experiences as we travel from the Life of Pi’s Indian Cote d’Azur in Pondicherry to the extravagant courtyard mansions of Chettinad, the thriving technicolour temples in the power centre of Madurai, the fragrant spice gardens and tea plantations of Periyar and the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. Lush tropical landscapes and gorgeous heritage accommodation complement our focus on the rich and varied cuisine of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
01-02
Chennai
Amma’s cuisine re-imagined
03-04
Pondicherry
French fusion cooking
05
Tanjore
Visiting the colossal temple
06-07
Chettinad
Village cooking and family mansions
08
Madurai
Exploring the power centre and temple cuisine
09-10
Periyar
Touring spice plantations and Kerala cuisine
11-12
Kochi
Home-style backwaters cuisine
13
Kochi
Departure

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01-02
Markets and nouvelle cuisine
Chennai
,
India
Upon arrival in Chennai you will be met at the airport by our local representative and transferred to our luxury hotel. Meet your host and group members for an evening briefing. Start Day 2 with a guided walk along the bazaar trail, walking through the bustling marketplaces of the Georgetown area. Enjoy lunch in an Alaya favourite restaurant where traditional recipes receive a modern interpretation. Explore the colourful Sowcarpet neighbourhood, tasting street food and getting street smart about communities that have contributed to Chennai’s culinary scene.
South India Culinary Adventure - 1
DAY
03-04
The Life of Pi
Pondicherry
,
India
Drive south along the coast to Mamallapuram to visit the magnificent Shore Temple dating from the 8th century. Continue on to the former French colony of Pondicherry to enjoy the boho-chic feel. Take a stroll with a local foodie, stopping at his favourite places. On Day 4, roll up your sleeves with a cooking class. Take some time to explore on your own on foot or by bike.
South India Culinary Adventure - 2
DAY
05
A grand temple and vegetarian cuisine
Tanjore
,
India
Our drive today takes us inland to Tanjore, to visit the World Heritage-listed 1000-year-old mighty Brihadishwara Temple with magnificent carved pillars and observe devotees praying to Shiva as they have for centuries. At our elegant heritage mansion, experience the culinary expertise of home style pure vegetarian cooking as an art form and meet the chef responsible for turning trays of seemingly mundane vegetables into delectable meals.
South India Culinary Adventure - 3
DAY
06-07
“One is lucky to eat like a Chettiar”
Chettinad
,
India
Traverse the ‘rice bowl’ of Southern India to the quiet little village of Kanadugathan, in the Chettinad district, the cultural home of the Chettiars who made vast fortunes abroad in the 19th and 20th centuries and outfitted magnificent mansions back home. We’re staying in one of these splendidly restored mansions for two nights. Food in Chettinad is one of the most distinctive in the country, using a special set of spices. Join the ladies of the kitchen to prepare traditional dishes, explore the lost grandeur of nearby villages, or relax by the delightful courtyard pool.
South India Culinary Adventure - 4
DAY
08
The Fish-Eyed Goddess
Madurai
,
India
Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India, a metropolis that traded with Ancient Rome. At its centre is a massive Hindu temple complex dedicated to Meenakshi, the “fish-eyed goddess”. Visit the temple to admire its pyramidal towers swarming with thousands of garishly colored figures of gods, demons, and animals, while inside priests perform rituals at multiple shrines. This evening, experience an exciting hosted tuk-tuk safari, visiting the best street stalls for local cuisine, under the watchful eye of our local gourmets.
South India Culinary Adventure - 5
DAY
09-10
Spice gardens of the Western Ghats
Periyar
,
India
Set off across the rolling hills of the Western Ghats to our gorgeous resort in the heart of the Periyar spice jungle. Our chef is a staunch supporter of the 50 mile diet; all the ingredients for meals come from a 50 mile radius of the resort and a good bit comes from just 50 yards away. Join the chef for a cooking class focussing on Kerala regional cuisine, visit nearby spice plantations to learn about their medicinal and culinary properties and walk in the undulating hills of Kumily, home to vast tea plantations.
South India Culinary Adventure - 6
DAY
11-12
Cuisine of the backwaters
Kochi
,
India
Syrian Christians of Kerala, according to tradition, are descendants from the converts of St. Thomas. Their particular cuisine is rich and varied; a blend of cooking traditions of Portuguese, Dutch, Syrian, Arab, Chinese, and native Keralan. On Day 11, head down to the coast for a cooking class with renowned exponent of this unique culinary tradition. In Kochi explore the city’s intriguing mix of ancient mosques, Portuguese houses, a 400-year-old synagogue, the remains of the Raj, and giant fishing nets from China by the waterfront. This melange of traditions is a fitting finale to the cuisines we have discovered together.
South India Culinary Adventure - 7
DAY
13
Departure
Kochi
,
India
Drive to the airport to connect your flight back home.
South India Culinary Adventure - 8

What's Included:

• All airport and hotel transfers

• Accommodation based on double occupancy for 12 nights

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary

• All internal transportation by private coach

• Sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides

• All activities and entrance fees

• Four cooking classes

• Special food experiences throughout

• Two traditional performances

• Fully escorted by your Alaya host

What’s not included:

• Airfare from your home to join the tour

• Visa fees (obtained prior to departure, US$80)

• Meals other than those mentioned above

• Beverages with meals

• Fuel surcharges, if applicable

• Travel insurance

• Excess baggage charges

• Items of a personal nature

• Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

The Leela Palace Chennai

The Leela Palace Chennai

A sea-facing modern palace hotel built on 4.8 acres of land with panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal and close to the city centre. The opulent interiors of the hotel blends effortlessly with cutting edge technology in both the 336 guestrooms and the premium facilities. Breakfasts are not to be missed!

CGH Visalam Chettinad

CGH Visalam Chettinad

This palatial home is an ode to paternal love - a gift to a daughter from her loving father 100 years ago. Restored to its original splendour, the building exudes the spirit of the times it was built and offers a window into the ways of life of Chettiars, a prosperous trading community.

CGH Spice Village Periyar

CGH Spice Village Periyar

Set in the blissful landscape of Periyar, this heritage resort offers a harmonious experience of living amid nature. The 52 cottages with thatched elephant grass roofs are scattered in the garden carefully planted with a selection of regional spices. Each cottage is simply furnished in pine wood with seating areas inside and outside on the shaded veranda. The property has received numerous awards for environmental sensitivity. Excellent cuisine.

On The Ground

Manoj Abraham

Manoj Abraham

Seasoned professional with more than 15 years’ experience assisting guests fulfil their travel dreams and internally overseeing the operations and finances of WWA. Extensive knowledge of countries of expertise and proficiency in the latest travel trends. Gifted as an accounting professional, his passion for developing tailor made itineraries exceeded expectations whilst curating journeys fitting into the clients’ budgets. Dedicated to assisting and nurturing client relations and the ability to drive the team to a common goal. Personally, Manoj is a down to earth kind-hearted soul always willing to help and assist.

Stories

Tales and travelogues from our guests and our team travelling the world, forming new bonds and giving back to the society.

Getting a closer look at a colourful country and its vibrant culture
A well-curated tour across India that combines the best of the North and the South - people, places and heritage.
Story by Wayne Radziminski
Exploring a country of warm people and welcoming smiles
India has something new to offer, no matter how many time you visit it
Story by Lynette Husum
Travelling back in time lost in the beauty of South-east Asia
Flitting across Vietnam and Cambodia, reminiscing the past and revelling in the present
Story by Wayne Radziminski
My new friend at the Pushkar Camel Fair, India
Pushkar Experience
Story by Ruth Brodie
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All Schedule

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This trip has fixed departure dates. Above mentioned dates are tentative and subject to change.