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South India Culinary Adventure

A ‘neo-stalgic’ exploration of authentic flavours in heritage locations

11
Nights
Duration
$
0
Starts From
Luxury & Romance
Luxury & Romance
Cultural & Culinary
Cultural & Culinary
Family Adventures
Family Adventures
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South Indians are famously not afraid to experiment with their food, merging old traditions and discovering new recipes. Enjoy hands-on cooking classes, hosted cooking presentations, guided tasting walks in markets and bazaars, and meet chefs and food producers who are passionate about their craft. A multitude of varied settings enhance our experience; from the Life of Pi’s Indian Cote d’Azur in Pondicherry to the thriving technicolour temples in the power centre of Madurai, the extravagant courtyard mansions of Chettinad, 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
8
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
Depart

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01-02
Markets and nouvelle cuisine
Chennai
,
India
Upon arrival in Chennai we are met by our local representative and transferred to our luxury hotel. 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
8
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.
South India Culinary Adventure - 7
DAY
13
Depart Kochi
Kochi
,
India
International departure
South India Culinary Adventure - 8

What's Included:

·      Allairport and hotel transfers

·      Accommodationbased on double occupancy for 12 nights

·      Meals asindicated in the itinerary

·      Allinternal transportation by private coach

·      Sightseeingwith qualified English-speaking guides

·      Allactivities and entrance fees

·      Fourcooking classes

·      Specialfood experiences throughout

·      Twotraditional performances

·      Fullyescorted by your Alaya host

What’s not included:

·      International flights

·      Visa fees

·      Travel insurance

·      Items of a personal nature: laundry, drinks, telephone calls, etc

·      Gratuities

·      Meals and services not listed

·      Video/Photography fees at monuments

·      Additional arrangements required due to emergency or other situation

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

CGH Brunton Boatyard Kochi

CGH Brunton Boatyard Kochi

Inspired by Kochi’s colonial history, this gorgeous restored period building reflects an eclectic but tasteful blend of English, Portuguese, and Dutch influences as seen in its high ceilings, hanging fans, and a plethora of artifacts and curios from a great mercantile age known for its pomp and glamour. All 26 rooms have sea view and private patio. The outdoor pool and patio overlooks the working fisherman.

CGH Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom

CGH Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom

Accessible only by boat and nestled along the shore of Lake Vembanad, this resort is the perfect place to relax. The coconut groves, backwater canals, and old wooden Keralan homes lovingly transplanted create a soothing environment. The resort’s 49 heritage rooms and pool villas are scattered throughout the tropical gardens, many with outdoor garden bathrooms and views of the canals. Enjoy superb local cuisine.

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