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Starting From
The food of India is as varied as the country, not only does it vary from state to state, but it also varies greatly within each state itself. In this culinary journey through Karnataka and Kerala, we showcase how different cultures, religions and the topography of a destination have all influenced the food of Kerala. You will discover how the Syrian Christian cuisine varies from that of the Mopilah (Muslim) cuisine from that of the Kodava Cuisine. You will learn about the influences that the British, Portuguese and Dutch had on the food of the region. You will see how different spices are grown, discover their medicinal qualities as well as which ones are used in different types of dishes and why and all the while, you will learn about this region, visit its temples, sights and have some time to relax and digest all you have discovered with a last few days on the backwaters and beach.
Itinerary
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On arrival at the airport, meet your Tour Manager who will assist with the transfer to the hotel for two nights stay in Cochin.
Cochin’s sightseeing includes Cochin Harbour terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight; the local fish market, Mattancherry Dutch Palace; The Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church. Later visit the Hill Palace which was built in the 19th century. Visit a local family for lunch who will teach you about the local seafood specialities and how they cook it with local ingredients such as pepper and coconut. Later in the evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show at the theatre.
Morning after breakfast travel to Thekkady, on the way witness natural beauty adorned with green pastures of spice plantations, beautiful rivulets, cascading waterfalls and dense forests. Evening enjoy a boat ride on the expansive waters of the Periyar dam. The two hours of boating will give you a myriad of opportunities to observe wild animals grazing, drinking water and coming down from the dense forest that fence the lake. Spend two nights in Thekkady.
Morning visit to a Spice Plantation. Explore these to find out how each different spice grows and the medicinal properties that each has as well as uses in cooking. On our way back we visit the spice market, you will be surprised to see the variety and volume of fresh spices. Stop to buy some for your personal use. Evening visit a local family for a cooking class followed by home-cooked dinner.
Morning travel to Kumarakom and enjoy a cruise through canals and lakes. Observe the daily life of locals residing on the banks. Your meals are prepared by the boatmen locally. This means food with lots of fresh flavours and a minimum of frills, cooked with tangy spices and plenty of coconuts. Needless to say, fish is the mainstay of this menu. Accompaniments can include lentils, greens and gourd cooked with fresh pepper and mustard seeds, and steaming bowls of rice. Overnight onboard houseboat.
On disembarking from your houseboat, drive through the scenic Keralan countryside to the village of Mararikulam. After check-in relaxes by the beachfront or visit the village and gain an insight into village life, explore local village temples and coir factories. Stay two nights in Marari.
After a leisurely breakfast, the tour finishes with a transfer to Cochin airport.
Inclusion
9 Nights deluxe accommodation
Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle
Group assistance and transfers
Sightseeing as specified
Meals as specified
Accompanied THO Tour Manager (minimum 07 people)
Local English-speaking tour guide
Monument entrance fees
Overnight backwater cruise
01 Basic Ayurveda massage, Kathakali dance show, Boat safari at Periyar Spice plantation visit
Bottled water while travelling
All currently collectable taxes.
Exclusion
Any International or Domestic Airfare
Airport taxes and Visa fee
Early check-in or late check-out
Meals other than specified above
Tips & Gratuities
Travel & Medical Insurance
Camera and video permits
Expenses incurred due to flight/train cancellation or delay
Any expense of a personal nature, like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, etc
Any optional excursion or tour
Any other expense not mentioned in the prices include column
