Culinary Tour to India

Day 1 - Arrive in Cochin

Arriving at Cochin Airport, you'll be met and transferred to Brunton Boatyard, a beautiful Victorian waterfront property. Its breezy interior boasts high ceilings and low-hanging fans, while it's super spacious thanks to its legacy as a boat building facility in years gone by.

It's here that you'll settle in for a couple of days, but you're in for a lively evening to begin with. Your first night will see you touring the local fish market to see today's catches, before heading to the home of Paul and Nimmy for an authentic home cooked meal. Nimmy has over 20 years' experience as a cooking instructor under her belt, and she'll take you through the secrets of cooking Kerala food the true Indian way.

Accomodation: Brunton Boatyard

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 - Cochin and Kumbalanghi

A brisk morning jaunt will see you heading to the fishing village of Kumbalanghi. Here you'll see crab farmers and fishermen practice their craft, before settling in for lunch in those beautiful backwaters Kerala does so well. As the afternoon draws in, you'll have the chance to explore Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, complete with experiencing the Dutch Palace, the Jewish synagogue and St Francis Church, each superb examples of multicultural old architecture in India.

In the late afternoon, you're free to make your own way through the heritage quarter of Cochin and its surroundings. Relish in the freedom that comes with seeing Kerala your way, before reconvening come the evening. You'll also have the chance to watch the dramatic dance performances of traditional Kerala, the Kathakali.

Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Cochin to Munnar

You're on the move again, on a lazy two hour drive from Cochin to Kothamangalam. This is a beautiful landmark featuring swarthy tropical heat and abundant natural plant life. The River Periyar weaves its historic path through this territory, and your lunch will be enjoyed with authentic flavours at a bungalow surrounded by 100 acres of plantation, dedicated to crops of all kinds.

After your meal, it's on to exploring the tea plantations of Munnar after two relaxed hours on the road. You'll be spending the first of your two nights at the Windermere Estate, with the freedom to walk the grounds and gardens in the evening.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 – 5 hours, 150 kms

Accommodation: Windermere Estate

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Munnar

Take a trip beyond the tea farm and spend your morning basking in the sun as you hike the Letchmi Hills, with mountain ridges and forest canopies surrounding you. You'll be back just in time for a tea factory tour, together with a trip to the Tea Museum to see how the versatile crop has shaped the region since it was introduced here in 1895.

As the evening draws in, put that knowledge into practice at the tea tasting session. Sip the crisp Silver Tip or the rich Orange Pekoe, and speak with the people who grow, harvest and ship these tasty teas to every corner of the world.

Accommodation: Windermere Estate

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Munnar to Periyar

It's tempting to doze off after the filling breakfast you've enjoyed before the three hour drive to Periyar, but you'll be missing the views if you do. You'll arrive at one of the best national parks and sanctuaries of India – Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary..

Your next two nights stay will be something magical. The thatched roofs and traditional buildings of the Spice Village make it among the most beautiful hotels in India, as well as Eco-friendly. Once settled in your own private cottage, you'll get a tour of the spice plantation and a glimpse into how it's produced and marketed in the region and beyond.

Approximate travel time and distance: 3 - 4 hours, 100 kms

Accommodation: Spice Village

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Periyar

It's time to immerse yourself in nature on your sixth day. Wake up bright and early for a swift boat ride and a guided trek through the Periyar Nature Reserve, courtesy of tribal trackers whose legacies span generations. By evening, take a shared boat out on the lake to watch elephants bathing and playing, as well as spotting birds and deer.

Later that evening, you'll see how spices are used in traditional Kerala recipes, letting you get hands on in expert cooking classes that'll add some flair to your culinary skills when you're back home.

Accommodation: Spice Village

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Periyar to Alleppey

You're travelling India in style today. The morning's four hour drive features an enchanting tour of tea and rubber plantations aplenty, ending with you boarding your personal houseboat for an overnight cruise, sailing to Vembanad Lake. Built from coconut fibres and bamboo, these houseboats have a timeless appeal that makes them as handsome as they are welcoming.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 150 kms

Accommodation: Private Houseboat

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Kumarakom

A big, locally sourced breakfast sets you up for a trip to the island that houses Philipkutty's Farm. This is an organic, sustainable farm that grows bananas, coconuts and plenty of other fruits and vegetables. The island is large enough that you can enjoy lakeside views all round while surrounded by authentic Indian cuisine.

Accommodation: Philpkutty’s Farm

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Kumarakom

Today's treat is a cooking demonstration from your host family, bringing with it all the finest spices and flavours in Kerala. Rice and string hoppers form the staple of the dishes you'll be enjoying, while duck, chicken, fish and fresh vegetables all round off the flavours. Of course, because you're enjoying our bespoke tours, these are family recipes you won't find anywhere else and come embellished with little touches perfected over generations.

Come the evening, you're free to enjoy the scenery as you see fit.

Accommodation: Philpkutty’s Farm

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Kumarakom - Mararikulam

Perched on the pristine beaches of the Arabian Sea, Mararikulam is home to the Marari Beach Resort. It's an Eco-friendly retreat where you can enjoy authentic Ayruveda therapies, or spend your day relaxing by the beach. You'll be transferred here late in the morning, giving you a full day to make the most of the serenity.

Approximate travel time and distance: 45 minutes, 30 kms

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Mararikulam

Today you're free to enjoy what many call the best beach Kerala can offer, as well as sample any number of therapies, treatments or ways of pampering yourself at Marari Beach Resort. As the evening draws in, you're encouraged to partake of the grand finale to your Kerala Culinary Adventure, heading out to the farmland to join top chefs in picking vegetables and herbs to add to a bespoke dish you'll plan, prepare and eat together tonight. Joining the head chef as his guests of honour, you'll sit at the best table in the house and enjoy an authentically cooked dish made with the love and secret tips they do so well here.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Mararikulam - Cochin Departure

A timely transfer to the airport sees you reflect on your adventures as you board your flight and go home, enriched and rejuvenated.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hours 30 minutes, 10 kms

Meals included: Breakfast