Intrepid South India Real Food Adventure

Day 1: Bangalore

Your trip starts in Bangalore (aka Bengaluru), the capital of Karnataka State. Bangalore is the centre of India’s high-tech industry but is also known for its abundance of parks and green spaces. Enjoy an authentic Bangalorean dinner after the welcome meeting, followed by an orientation walk near the famous Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Day 2: Kodagu

Start the day in Bangalore with a breakfast before a private vehicle will transport you to the verdant landscapes of the Western Ghats and the Kodagu province.

Day 3: Kodagu

Spend the morning taking a walk through a plantation before indulging in a cooking class that focuses on signature Kodavan (Coorgi) dishes. Coorgis, a warrior tribe from southwest india, have made no effort to hide their love for pork dishes.

Day 4: Mysore – Overnight train

Depart from your guesthouse and drive to Mysore (3-4 hours). After arriving, you’ll be welcomed into a local home where the secrets to creating an authentic Indian biryani await. If there’s time after lunch, take some time to explore the impressive gardens, arches and red domes of Mysore Palace or the Chamundi Devi Temple. In the evening, board an overnight train to Madurai.

Day 5: Madurai

Take some time to explore this ancient, still active temple, which is a labyrinth of lamp-lit corridors that lead to shrines where some mysterious and interesting rituals are performed. Its many gopurams (temple towers) are covered with profusions of multi-coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures and the views from one of the temple towers are breathtaking. The cuisine of the state of Tamil Nadu is also highly regarded and it is believed that the English word curry is derived from the Tamil word ‘kari’.

Day 6: Kandukathan

Drive on to Kandukathan (approximately 2 hours), famous for its unique architecture and salt trade, arriving around midday. Settle in at your accommodation, an impressive mansion built in 1902 by prosperous merchants who used construction materials, decorative items and furnishings imported from East Asian countries and Europe. Relax, go for a swim in the swimming pool, then get ready for a real treat – a masterclass in Chettinad cuisine.

Day 7: Periyar

Rise early and drive past rubber and pineapple plantations and thick jungle to the spice plantation town of Thekkady (approximately 5 hours). Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, perched high in the ranges of the Western Ghats.

Day 8: Periyar

This morning, venture into the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided nature walk.  In the late afternoon, head out to the home of a former rickshaw driver turned cooking teacher. The class will be conducted in an open courtyard with a small barbeque, where some of the cooking will take place.

Day 9: Kerala Backwaters

Before departing Thekkady, stop and learn about the important staple crop of tea with a local grower. Enjoy a hearty cup or two before embarking on your onward journey. Transfer by private vehicle to a homestay on the banks of the Kerala Backwaters.

Day 10: Kochi

After breakfast take a walk through the village and hop on a pole boat ride to explore the waterways. Transfer to Allepey by boat (approximately 1 hour) and then take a private vehicle to Kochi (Approximately 2 hours).Take an orientation tour of the town on arrival, stopping by Fort Kochi.

Day 11: Kochi

Today take in some of the city’s most interesting sights. Visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), which was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and later claimed by the Dutch in 1663. Late in the afternoon visit a traditional 1940’s Kerala home located in the heart of Fort Kochi, and enjoy a final cooking class.

Day 12: Kochi

Your Real Food Adventure of South India ends this morning. There are no activities on your final day and you are free to leave at any time. If you wish to extend your stay, perhaps consider heading further south to relax on the beaches at Varkala.

• Meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
• Transport: Private Vehicle, Overnight Train, Boat
• Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Heritage Stay (1 night)

• Welcome Dinner
• Kodagu – Kodava Cooking Class with Lunch
• Kodagu – Coffee Plantation Tour
• Mysore – Biryani Demonstration and Lunch
• Madurai – Street Food Tour
• Madurai – Walking tour
• Madurai – Sri Meenakshi Temple guided tour
• Madurai – Sri Meenakshi Temple
• Kandukathan – Chettinad Cooking Demonstration
• Karaikudi – Village walk
• Periyar – Spice plantation visit
• Periyar – Guided nature walk
• Periyar – Keralan Hands-on Cooking Class
• Kerala Backwaters – Pole boat ride
• Kochi – Dutch Palace
• Kochi – Jewish Synagogue
• Kochi – Cooking Class and Dinner

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.