South India Culinary Tour

Assistance on arrival at international airport

On arrival, once you have completed Immigration formalities and collected your baggage, please proceed to the arrival lounge. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive will meet you holding a placard who will assist you with a transfer to your accommodation.

Full day city tour with walk around Synagogue, visit Mattancherry Palace, St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Chinese Fishing Nets; Later in the afternoon visit local home to learn seafood specialities followed by Kathakali dance performance

Start your day with a walk around the Synagogue, thereafter, stop at Mattancherry Dutch Palace which was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin in 1555. Visit St. Francis Church, the first church to be built in India by the Portuguese. Then after visiting Santa Cruz Cathedral, enjoy strolling on the beachside viewing the life of fishermen busy with Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon visit a local family for lunch who will teach you about the local seafood specialties. You can see what Indian family life is like, and chat about daily life in the city. Cooking takes between 60 - 90 minutes, after which you will enjoy lunch together. Later in the evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance Performance. Kathakali is a ritualized dance form that is native to Kerala, with elaborate costumes and make-up. Male dancers portray both male and female roles that tell the stories taken mostly from the epics of the Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Travel to Munnar

Assistance on departure and travel to Munnar, a place to enjoy the scenic beauty and marvellous waterfalls, fascinating high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by. The town stands at a confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The three streams later join the Periyar River and finally the Arabian Sea. A haven of peace and tranquillity, Munnar is amazingly beautiful and an idyllic destination.

Check-in at hotel, later explore local market

On arrival in Munnar, check-in at your accommodation by self (No assistance required). Later, enjoy a guided local market tour where you can search for aromatic spices, indulge in a refreshing cup of tea, and savor delectable local snacks.

Walk through Tea estate with visit to Tea processing factory and museum

Start your day with a refreshing and invigorating walk through the picturesque tea estates of Munnar, nestled at an altitude of 6000 ft in the Idukki district, Kerala. As you take in the breath-taking views of the lush green hills, allow yourself to be enveloped in the serene ambiance that surrounds you. Observe the women plucking tea leaves with delicate precision, and marvel at the artistry that goes into every cup of tea. Munnar's tea estates have been cultivated for centuries, and the land's rich history and heritage are evident in every sip of tea you take. As you continue your walk, we will stop by the tea processing factory. Here, you can witness the entire tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to packaging the final product.

Travel to Thekkady

Morning travel to the valley of spices and see the spice plantation gardens. Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna, is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture.

Check in at hotel and afternoon enjoy Boat ride at Periyar lake

On arrival at Thekkady, transfer to your accommodation. later, proceed to experience a boat cruise on the Lake Periyar, which showcases a kaleidoscope of activities that incur around the lake and jungle. Evergreen moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands characterize Periyar.

Morning spice plantation tour, later in the evening attend cooking demonstration with dinner

Morning experience a spice plantation tour and see growing cardamom, pepper, coffee and various spices. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years in Kerala and many spices find their home here. The slanting slopes caress a variety of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves. On the way back you could stop at the local market and purchase some fragrant spices. Evening attend a cooking class and enjoy learning to cook Kerala dishes, one of the most intriguing cuisines of the world. The class will be held in a traditional home set in the grounds of a working biol-organic spice garden.

Travel to Kumarakom

Travel to Kumarakom, an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies.

Check in at Houseboat

On arrival check-in and you will board your private houseboat, converted from a Kettuvallam or traditional rice barge, and sail through the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. The backwaters in Kerala are a world of serenity and wonderment. This large aquatic area is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals, and the people who live in this region have created their own distinct lifestyles. Witness the peaceful way of life on these amazing waterways. Enjoy lunch, dinner and breakfast (next morning) on board. This will be a real highlight of your holiday.

Disembark houseboat at Alleppey and travel to Marari

Disembark in the morning from the houseboat, get picked up by our driver from the Jetty and travel to Marari, the sea-side village experience set on 30 acres with coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and a large organic farm on Marari beach in Mararikulam, is a tribute to the fisherfolk of this region who populate its spirit in obvious and subtle ways.

Check in at hotel and rest of the day at leisure

On arrival, check-in at hotel and rest of the day is free to relax by the beach and enjoy the scenic beauty or visit the village and gain an insight into village life, explore local village temples and coir factories.

Day at leisure, enjoy Ayurveda and Yoga activities

Early morning enjoy Yoga and Meditation private session. Rest of the day at leisure and enjoy Ayurveda and Yoga activities as per consultation by an expert therapist. Evening enjoy another session of Yoga and Meditation.

Travel to Kochi and direct transfer to airport to connect International flight

Morning travel to Kochi. Upon arrival, direct transfer to Kochi International airport to board the flight for onward Journey.