Flavors of South India

Duration

10 Days

Hotel Type

4 Star

Meals

South Indian style

Transfer

private taxi

Discover India’s culinary wonders with a guided tour through Karnataka, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Savor authentic dishes, explore their origins, and relish the delightful ambience.

10 Days

Day 1 : Fort Cochin

Arrive in Cochin and check-in at the Brunton Boatyard.
Special welcome brunch featuring a spread of South Indian and Keralan specialties.
Relax by the poolside to unwind and settle in.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a selection of fresh local seafood.
Walk back to the Brunton Boatyard for a well-earned sleep.

Day 2 : Cochin

After breakfast, begin another day exploring Fort Cochin's bylanes.
Visit historical sites like Mattancherry Palace, David Hall, and the old Moslem quarter during the morning walk.
Enjoy lunch at "Kai-Ikka," one of Cochin's oldest eat-outs, known for its delicious biryanis.
In the evening, relax by the poolside or opt for a sunset cruise.
For dinner, indulge in a gala event offering a choice of Indian wines and a selection from the "History Menu," featuring old recipes from Fort Kochi homes.

Day 3 : Backwaters

Head to Puthenangadi on the banks of Lake Vembanad.
Enjoy a refreshing tender coconut before boarding a traditional Kettuvallam.
Glide along the backwaters and savor two onboard meals, including freshly caught scampi grilled in curry sauce, karimeen, backwater duck roast, tapioca, and steamed red rice.
Plenty of chilled beer and wine are available on board.
Anchor the boat for the night.

Day 4 : Kumarakom

Start the day with a sumptuous breakfast.
Arrive at Coconut Lagoon and indulge in a special "Curry Lunch" served on a banana leaf.
In the evening, explore up-river on a canoe or enjoy the sunset from your deck.
Participate in an interactive cooking demo before dinner, where you get to dine with the chefs.

Day 5 : Periyar

Take a short boat transfer and then drive to Periyar.
Stop by at Planters Residence for a traditional lunch hosted by the family at the bungalow.
Spice Village, situated 2000 meters above sea level, exemplifies living in harmony with nature, built like a tribal village.
Enjoy dinner at the 50 Mile restaurant, where all ingredients are sourced within a fifty-mile radius, benefiting both the planet and your taste buds.

Day 6 : Periyar

Begin your day with a jungle walk accompanied by a naturalist and a local tribal guide.
Enjoy a brunch infused with spices and herbs upon your return.
Visit a spice farm to learn about the history and significance of these spices in Kerala and the country.
In the evening, take a walk in Kumily town to explore shops selling fresh spices from the neighborhood.
Participate in an interactive cooking demo with the chefs, followed by dinner.

Day 7 : Chettinad

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, known for its vibrant Meenakshi Temple.
Enjoy lunch at a typical Tamil Nadu restaurant in Madurai.
Continue the journey to Visalam.
Spend the evening relaxing by the pool before dinner.
Delight in a classical music concert during your dinner as a special accompaniment to the meal.

Day 8 : Chettinad

After breakfast, visit the weekly market called Vaara Sabdhai with the chef. Experience greengrocers, fisherfolk, and fruit vendors displaying their goods under colorful canopies.
Return to the hotel and participate in preparing your lunch alongside the kitchen staff. The traditional lunch is served in the kitchen.
After lunch, proceed to visit the handloom weavers of Chettinad.

Day 9 : Pondicherry

Drive to the east coast and head to Pondicherry, a Union Territory.
En route, visit Thanjavur, renowned for its impressive Chola temples, with the Brihadeshwara temple as a highlight.
Enjoy a typical South Indian vegetarian lunch during a pit-stop.
Continue to the magnificent Chidambaram temple, believed to be the birthplace of Shiva as the dancer (Nataraja) and located on Earth's magnetic equator.
Arrive in Pondicherry and check-in at the luxurious Palais de Mahe.
Take a leisurely walk through old Pondy to one of the popular local restaurants for dinner.

Day 10 : Pondicherry

Explore the history of Pondicherry on foot or by bicycle, with its rich heritage of trade and war.
Visit various quarters, including the Aurobindo Ashram, French, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim quarters.
Discover the vibrant main market, the beach promenade, and the Ganesha Temple.
Drop by the Aurobindo paper factory and the Auroville Store.
Enjoy a cup of coffee at Kafe Express or savor French cuisine at La Maison Rose for a taste of old Europe.
Lunch is served at Maison Perumal, our boutique hotel in the Tamil Quarter.
Conclude your culinary tour of the south with a gala farewell dinner at Palais de Mahe.

Day 11 : Departure

Explore the history of Pondicherry on foot or by bicycle, with its rich heritage of trade and war.
Visit various quarters, including the Aurobindo Ashram, French, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim quarters.
Discover the vibrant main market, the beach promenade, and the Ganesha Temple.
Drop by the Aurobindo paper factory and the Auroville Store.
Enjoy a cup of coffee at Kafe Express or savor French cuisine at La Maison Rose for a taste of old Europe.
Lunch is served at Maison Perumal, our boutique hotel in the Tamil Quarter.
Conclude your culinary tour of the south with a gala farewell dinner at Palais de Mahe.