Culinary Treats of South India

DAY 01 - Mahabalipuram

Arrive Chennai and drive to Mahabalipuram

Arrive at Chennai International Airport, our KVT’s representative will meet and greet you there then board the vehicle and transfer to Mahabalipuram (Distance: 60-70kms appx). Reach Mahabalipuram and check-in to the resort. In the evening we have a session with chef for cooking demonstration of a sea food items followed by Sea Food dinner at Kapi restaurant.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 02 - Pondicherry

Mahabalipuram sightseeing, drive to Pondicherry

Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, was the chief seaport of the Pallavas who ruled over much of South India from as early as the first century B.C to the eighth century A.D., and it is now recognized as the site of some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India. Morning after breakfast we visit the famous Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) Temple which is a monument complex and is the part of Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. Then we drive to Pondicherry (Distance: 100 km appx), reach Pondicherry and check-in to the hotel. Evening we visit the French colonies.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 03 - Kumbakonam

Drive to Kumbakonam en-route visit Airavatesvara temple

Morning after breakfast we drive to Kumbakonam (Distance: 240kms appx), en-route visit Airavatesvara Temple, which is a famous Lord Shiva temple and located in a small town Darasuram. The temple was built in 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and then we head to silk weaving industry to watch silk sarees with detailed design using pure Zari. In the evening involve in a cooking demonstration of a traditional snack and sweet at the hotel.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 04 - Chettinad

Chettinad

Morning optional village walk, after breakfast visit an icon industry in the resort where you can see the statues making from bronze. Later drive to Puthkotai (Distance: 100kms appx), Chettinad. Check-in to 110 year old Chettinad property. Afternoon we take Chettinad cuisine lunch. Evening a cooking demonstration of the famous Chettinad Chicken curry and then followed by dinner.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 05 - Madurai

Drive to Madurai

After breakfast drive to Madurai, (Distance: 110kms appx), enroute visit Antique market / tile factory / saree weaving unit. In the afternoon a short lunch by tasting different dosas at Saravana Vegetarian Restaurant. Evening we will be visiting the most famous sight in Madurai that is the Meenakshi Temple an outstanding example of Vijaynagar temple architecture which dominates the city evolved around it. The great Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple, built during the Nayak period between 16th and 18th centuries, has one of the biggest temple complexes in India. The gopurams that surround the temple are known for the stuccowork & stand out with their colorful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals. The main temple is dedicated to Parvati also known as Meenakshi, the 'fish-eyed goddess' and her consort Lord Shiva. Later we take a traditional south Indian thali meal in dinner.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 06 - Thekkady

Drive to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)

Morning after breakfast we drive to Periyar (Thekkady) (Distance: 170 kms appx). Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and also notable as an Elephant reserve and a Tiger reserve. It was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982 and it is set in the high ranges of Southern Western Ghats in Cardamom Hills. There is an artificial lake known as Periyar Lake which makes the park more beautiful. Evening we visit spice plantation & later we have a chance to buy spices from the spice market.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 07 - Thekkady

Thekkady, chance to participate in the live cooking class

Morning forest walk for 3 hrs in the Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary and Late afternoon participate in the interactive cooking class under the supervision of professional chef, for any one of Kerala spicy food.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 08 - Alleppey

Drive towards Alleppey

Today in the morning we leave Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and drive towards Alleppey also called Alappuzha (Distance: 150 kms appx). Reach Alleppey and board the traditional Houseboat, after check-in we cruise through the canals of Vembanad Lake and we visit local villages. Enjoy the Kerala’s traditional Onam Sadhya with variety of vegetable dishes served on a banana leaf, Sadhya generally means banquet in Malayalam. Evening is followed by tea & snacks; cruise will be till 6 pm and dinner with traditional boiled Tapioca, Kuttanadan fish curry and chicken curry.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 09 - Cochin

Drive to Cochin

This day we drive to Cochin after finishing breakfast (Distance: 60 kms appx), reach Cochin and transfer to hotel for check-in. In the evening visit the Greenix village for enjoying the Kerala’s art forms starts with Kathakali make-up, show, Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu, and Theyyam. late evening we have a short dinner with Appam & chicken stew from the hotel restaurant.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 10 - Cochin

Cochin Sightseeing

In the morning after breakfast we proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kochi, we start with Fort Kochi which is believed to be the earliest European settlement in India. Fort Kochi was built in 1503 and reinforced in 1538. Later visit The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, it is a very popular tourist attraction. These nets are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Each fishing net spreads to about 20 meters over the water body and is operated by a team of some six fishermen. Then we head to Mattancherry Palace also known as the Dutch Palace, It was built by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), Raja of Kochi, in 1555 AD. Visit Jewish Synagogue, it is the oldest synagogue in all the Commonwealth of Nations and was built by Malabar Yehudan People, or Cochin Jewish community. To explore the historic town of Fort Kochi, there is no better choice than setting out on foot. A leisurely walk through its streets is one of the best ways to discover all that the city has to offer - its natural harbour and historical sites. Late afternoon an optional boat-ride near the harbour area can also be arranged, evening indulge in cooking demonstration of any one of the Traditional Kerala specialties followed by Kerala Fish Platter dinner from the hotel restaurant.

Overnight Hotel

DAY 11 - Cochin

Departure Cochin

Today you will be transferred to the International Airport, Kochi to board the flight for your onward journey.