A culinary tour of Kerala encompassing the varied cuisine of Southern India. The five locations allow you to experience the diverse scenery of Kerala, commencing in the countryside, then travelling up into the majestic Western Ghat mountains, before descending to the backwaters, a perfect environment to observe Keralan life.
The tour ends in Cochin a busy port, staying on Fort Cochin an island overlooking the Arabian sea with bustling markets and shops to explore. Cookery lessons can be taken at several places on this tour.
Vegetable Thali served on a banana leaf
Day 1
Arrive Cochin, transfer to Dewalokham, two-hour drive. A fully sustainable organic farm set on the banks of the river Kannadipuzha this delightful home stay offers a chance to explore the lovely surrounding countryside, walks in the tropical forests to a nearby waterfall, enjoy the beautiful organic spice garden. Cookery lessons are given each evening, they have produced their own cookery book, which is given to each guest. Josh and his family are wonderful hosts. Ayurveda and yoga are available, swimming pool and river swimming. Full board 2 nights.
Day 2
Dewalokham a day to explore the farm and spice garden.
Lady sorting ginger in Cochin
Day 3
Day at Dewalokham, Jose will discuss what you would like to do for example, visit the nearby rainforest or the local market.
Day 4
Dewalokham/Munnar, Windermere estate. Transfer to Munnar, the journey takes about 4 hours ascending the Western Ghat mountains. Munnar is the highest tea growing area in Southern India, here you will visit a tea factory and museum. Windermere is a working cardamom estate. The property has outstanding views of the mountains. Garden cottage with breakfast.
Day 5
Munnar, Windermere Estate. A short trek will be taken around the cardamom plantation, afternoon visit to a tea factory.
Day 6
Munnar/ Aranmula, Malakkarethu house. The scenic drive takes about 4 hours descending the Western Ghats. Malakkarethu homestay near Aranmula overlooks the river and the course of the famous snake boat race that takes place in September. Also nearby is the Konni elephant camp, here you can ride an elephant through the spice plantation, and give the elephants their daily bath in the river. 2 nights standard room with breakfast.
Masala Dhosa
Day 7
Malakkarethu house, a day to visit the Konni elephant camp.
Day 8
Aranmula/Alleppey – House boat. The drive to Alleppey takes about 2 hours, arrive in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon cruising the backwaters. These converted rice barges now provide comfortable and spacious living space.A perfect way to observe Keralan life as you drift along. Your 3 man personal crew will look after you, preparing your meals and running the boat, stop at a local village to buy fresh water crayfish. Superb sunsets and sunrise as the backwaters are at sea level. Full board one night.
Day 9
Alleppey/Cochin – Francis Residency. The tour finishes in Cochin, staying on Fort Cochin island with many heritage buildings. Visit the old spice warehouses and take the ferry across to the mainland and visit the daily fish and vegetable markets. Fort Cochin contains many heritage buildings. Francis Residency is a newly built homestay in a quiet location owned by Mr Francis and his wife, excellent home cooking and cookery lessons.
Deluxe room 2 nights with breakfast.
Day 10
Cochin – A tour of the spice warehouses in Fort Cochin where the spice trade has been in operation since the fifteenth century. Afternoon at leisure. This tour can easily be extended, to include a few days relaxing on the beach at the end.
Day 11
Depart for the UK
Please enquire for current prices.
