A Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj

15 Day – Group tour with air-conditioned vehicle and guide
£5,190 per person
8-22 February 2026
ABTA and ATOL-protected holidays


Join chef Monisha Bharadwaj on our exclusive A Taste of South India small group tour. Explore the regional cuisines of Karnataka and Kerala, from Bangalore to the backwaters of Kerala, while experiencing the sights, sounds, and stunning landscapes of southern India.

This immersive taste of South India tour includes hands-on cooking classes, market visits, and the opportunity to meet local chefs and families, all while staying in luxury boutique accommodations. Perfect for food lovers, this small-group experience offers culinary delights and a deep dive into India’s rich cultural heritage.

This is a small group tour with no more than 12 participants. Book now while space is still available!

Meet Chef Monisha Bharadwaj

Chef Monisha Bharadwaj in her chef's whites

Monisha Bharadwaj is an award-winning author, food historian, and expert in traditional Indian cooking. She founded Cooking with Monisha in 2004 and has taught at prestigious UK institutions such as Ashburton Cookery School and The Bertinet Kitchen.

A judge for the Great Taste Awards and a guest lecturer at SOAS, University of London, she shares her extensive knowledge of Indian cuisine.

Her acclaimed cookbooks, including ‘Indian in 7 Recipes’ and ‘The Indian Cooking Course’ have gained numerous accolades, solidifying her as a leading voice in the culinary world.

We are delighted to be offering a second Taste of South India Tour with Monisha, following a fabulous tour in February 2025.

Highlights of A Taste of South India Group Tour

Taste of South India with Chef Monisha Final Resized Map
  • Hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations with Chef Monisha and regional experts
  • Visits to spice plantations, coffee and tea estates, and local markets
  • Meals with local families and community hosts
  • A curated wine and craft beer tasting in Bangalore
  • Exclusive stays in heritage, boutique, or plantation hotels
  • Kathakali performance and cultural experiences
  • Scenic backwater cruise and a traditional Sadhya feast

A Taste of South India Group Tour Itinerary

Curries from around India - Kerala Fish Curry

Your Taste of South India Tour starts in Bengaluru, a vibrant city known for its pleasant climate, lush parks, and rich culture. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to The Paul Bangalore, an elegant and welcoming hotel offering a blend of modern luxury and comfort.

In the evening, indulge in a private wine-tasting session featuring wines from Big Banyan Vineyards. You’ll explore the nuances of Indian wines and their distinct flavours.

Afterwards, enjoy a delicious dinner at Bangalore Oota Company, a local gem renowned for its traditional Gowda and Mangalorean dishes, including Mangalorean Fish Curry and Neer Dosa.

Accommodation: The Paul, Bengaluru, Studio Suite
Meals Included: Dinner

Evolve Back Peppercorn Restaurant

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Coorg, a lush hill station in the Western Ghats. Known for its beautiful landscapes, coffee plantations, and year-round pleasant weather, Coorg offers a perfect retreat into nature. Upon arrival, check into Evolve Back Coorg, a stunning property, amidst 300 acres of coffee and spice plantations, offering peace and tranquillity.

In the evening, enjoy a fascinating live session on the art and science of gourmet coffee. Watch skilled baristas prepare an array of coffee from around the world, and taste their unique creations.

Approximate Travel Time & Distance: 5 hours, 230 km
Accommodation: Evolve Back Coorg (Lily Pool Cottage)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

A mix of Indian spices

After a relaxed breakfast, dive into Coorg’s rich culture with an authentic Kodava experience. You’ll hear stories about Kodava culture and history, interact with a local family, try on traditional costumes, and savour distinctive Kodava dishes.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the estate to explore the coffee and spice plantations, and see how the crops are harvested and processed (if in season).

Accommodation: Evolve Back Coorg
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Kerala Thali, Kerala

After breakfast, drive down the hills to the coastal city of Calicut (Kozhikode), to the next stop on this Taste of South India Tour. Famous for its vibrant Moplah cuisine, this city offers a delicious fusion of Arab, Malabar, and coastal influences. Upon arrival, check in to Gokulam Grand Calicut (Deluxe Room), a comfortable and modern hotel. In the evening, visit the Calicut beach for a sunset stroll along the lively walkway. Enjoy the local food stalls offering a variety of snacks and refreshing fruit drinks, while soaking in the sights and sounds of this coastal hub.

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 hours, 240 km
Accommodation: Gokulam Grand Calicut (Deluxe Room)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Bandoli Fish Market, Goa

Start your day with a visit to the fishing harbour, where you can witness the vibrant fish auction and the bustle of local fishermen at work. Later, enjoy a unique culinary experience at the home of Moosa and Faisa, renowned chefs specialising in Moplah cuisine. Learn about the intricacies of this traditional cuisine, followed by a delicious lunch.

Spend the afternoon strolling through the by-lanes of Calicut, before heading back to the beach for a beautiful sunset.

Accommodation: Gokulam Grand Calicut (Deluxe Room)
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Kerala style food in a banana leaf, Palakkad Kerala

After breakfast, transfer to Calicut Railway Station for a scenic journey onboard the Vande Bharat Express to Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the historic Fort Cochin area (approx. 45 minutes). Cochin is a charming colonial port town known for its rich heritage, with attractions like the famous Chinese fishing nets.

Check in to Malabar House (Deluxe Room), a boutique hotel with a heritage touch. In the evening, embark on a sunset cruise to view the Chinese fishing nets before visiting the home of Francis and Rosy for a fun cookery demonstration on Kerala/South Indian cuisine, followed by dinner.

Approximate travel time: 2.5 hours, 180 km (train and transfer)
Accommodation: Malabar House Hotel, Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Spices Stall, Goa Market, Goa

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, including the famous Chinese fishing nets, local fish market, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace. Explore the ancient spice market and learn about Cochin’s role in the spice trade.

In the afternoon, stroll down Jew Street in search of souvenirs like spices, handlooms, and antiques.

Before heading to Fort Paragon Restaurant for dinner, enjoy a Kathakali dance show, a traditional dance-drama performance

Accommodation: Malabar House Hotel, Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Tea Plantations between Yellapetty and Munnar, Kerala

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a beautiful hill station known for its lush tea plantations. En route, visit the SRISHTI natural dyeing and printing unit, where you can see beautiful textiles created with natural dyes like indigo, tea, and marigold petals.

Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to The Spice Tree Munnar, a luxurious hill resort offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Approximate Travel Time & Distance: 4 hours, 130 km
Accommodation: The Spice Tree Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

India Group Tour Tea Tasting

Start your day with a guided tea plantation walk in the Lockhart Estate (3-4 hours). Learn the art of tea picking, witness the meticulous weighing process, and visit one of the region’s oldest tea factories. Discover the tea processing steps, from withering and rolling to oxidation and drying.

End the experience with a delightful tea tasting session.

Accommodation: The Spice Tree Munnar (Classic Room with Jacuzzi)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Pepper plantation

After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of South India’s premier wildlife reserves, renowned for its rich biodiversity and as a sanctuary for tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. The sanctuary offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and tranquil Periyar Lake, making it a prime spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

In the evening, enjoy a spice plantation visit, where a plantation expert will introduce you to the region’s various spices like pepper, cardamom, and vanilla.

Approximate Travel Time & Distance: 3-4 hours, 110 km
Accommodation: Spice Village
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Philipkutty’s Farm, Kottayam, Kerala

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar, where you may spot wildlife such as elephants, sambar deer, and bird species in their natural habitat. Then, drive to Kumarakom, a picturesque village nestled along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, renowned for its serene landscapes, lush coconut groves, and houseboat cruises on Vembanad Lake. Stay at Coconut Lagoon, a stunning heritage resort set amidst lush greenery, offering charming traditional Kerala-style cottages that overlook the serene backwaters, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Visit Philipkutty’s Farm, a small island farm, for an escorted walk to learn about farming in the backwaters, before joining a cooking class and enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal.

Approximate travel time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon (Heritage Bungalow)
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Coconut harvesting, Kerala

Take a peaceful backwater village tour by motorised canoe, exploring local life and witnessing activities like fishing and coconut harvesting.

Later, enjoy a traditional Sadhya meal, an elaborate vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring a variety of delicious Kerala dishes.

Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon (Heritage Bungalow)
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Cookery Demonstration at Spice Villlage Resort, Periyar

After breakfast, take a short drive to Mararikulam, a serene fishing village by the sea, the final stop on this Taste of South India Tour.

Check in to Marari Beach Resort, a charming seaside accommodation and the perfect place for the last few days of your tour.

In the evening, enjoy the Farm-to-Kitchen experience, where you’ll explore the resort’s organic farm, learn about sustainable farming, and then join the chefs for a hands-on cooking session.

Approximate Travel Time & Distance: 1 hour, 30 km
Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort (Garden Villa)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

 

Keralan Curry Chicken

Start your day with an early morning walk to the nearby fish-landing harbour, where you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of the fishing industry. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and unwind by the beach.

In the evening, gather for a memorable farewell dinner at the resort’s Beach Grill restaurant, featuring a specially curated seafood feast.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort (Garden Villa)
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

In good time, you’ll be transferred to Cochin International Airport (approx. 2 hours) for your return flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

A Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj Gallery

Vegetable market
Bangalore Palace, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka
Mysuru masala dosa
Fort of Madikeri, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka
Kerala style food in a banana leaf, Palakkad Kerala
Snack Seller at Calicut Beach, Calicut
Kathakali dance show, Kerala
Tea Plantation, Kerala
Periyar National Park, Kerala
Boat Ride, Periyar National Park, Periyar, Kerala

Vegetable market

Bangalore Palace, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka

Mysuru masala dosa

Fort of Madikeri, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka

Kerala style food in a banana leaf, Palakkad Kerala

Snack Seller at Calicut Beach, Calicut

Kathakali dance show, Kerala

Tea Plantation, Kerala

Periyar National Park, Kerala

Boat Ride, Periyar National Park, Kerala

Pricing and Inclusions

Price Guides:

The price guide for this 15-day Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj

  • £5,190 per person on a twin/double sharing basis
  • The single person supplement is £1,990

Dates

8 – 22 February 2026

Included in the Tour

  • All internal road travel by private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle.
  • All scheduled sightseeing expenses and entrance fees at museums, monuments and national parks.
  • Accompanying English speaking tour escort from day 1 until day 14.
  • Train travel in the highest available class.
  • Accommodation for 14 nights on single/ double/twin sharing. The properties are used regularly for our discerning clients and are tried and trusted. All have en suite facilities.
  • (Normal check-in time is at 1400 Hrs and check out is at 1100 Hrs; early check-in/late check-out will be requested where required, but cannot be guaranteed).
  • Meal Plan: 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 11 dinners.

Your Financial Protection

All the holidays on this website are ABTA-protected. If you would like us to arrange flights, they will also be ATOL protected.

Unforeseen Changes

From time to time, unforeseen changes may be necessary to your travel arrangements in response to changing local conditions. This may happen before your departure or during the holiday. Any costs incurred will be billed to you as per our Booking Conditions. If changes become necessary during the holiday, our handling agents will make the changes and request payment from you locally. Some costs may be covered by travel insurance, and you should clarify this with your insurance provider. It is not usual for insurance to cover costs incurred as a result of cancelled flights, trains or other transport, etc. We will, of course, do our best to assist with any claims and minimise costs.

Tour Price: £5,190 per person on a twin/double sharing basis.
Single Room Supplement: £1,990

N.B.

  1. The booking of the holiday is as per the terms and conditions outlined in our booking conditions.
  2. Confirmation of rooms is subject to availability at the time of booking.
  3. Flights purchased directly by you are not covered by any financial protection scheme.
  4. If any holiday component like accommodation, transport, tour leader/guide or monument is not available or deemed unsuitable, we will arrange a similar alternative without any additional cost to you.
  5. This tour requires a minimum of six participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be cancelled. In the event of cancellation, you will receive a full refund of your payment. Alternatively, you may have the option to do this as a private tour or to choose a different tour of comparable value

Places on the Taste of South India Group Tour with Chef Monisha Bharadwaj