Culinary Tour of South India

Tips for Travellers for Planning their Tour

Include

– Meet assist at the airport and hotels.
– 08 nights accommodation as per the program.
– Meal: Breakfast + Dinner Basis.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
– One-time entrances to the monuments as per the itinerary.
– All transfers, sightseeing and excursions by private AC vehicle and driver.
– Air ticket in economy class from Jaipur to Delhi
– All taxes.

Exclude

– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.

– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival in Chennai, our Kipling representative will meet and assist the guests at the airport and then transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. O/N in hotel.

Day 02: Chennai

After breakfast, we start our journey by joining Ms. Sundari to experience authentic Indian life and cuisine with Sundari as you visit her local market, cook her favourite family recipes, and eat a delicious South Indian meal. Leave with new recipes, a new friend, and lifelong memories. Ms. Sundari is a cheerful host who will instantly make you feel at home in her in-laws converted home, surrounded by fruit trees and filled with traditional art and decor. Sundari has been cooking since she was 8 and delights in sharing her South Indian culinary and cultural traditions with guests. Rest of the day free. O/N in hotel.

Day 03: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (160 Kms/04 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry enroute visit Mahabalipuram. It is one of the oldest cities in India and is known for its various stone carved monuments and ancient temples, Museum. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, check in at your hotel. After lunch visit the famous Baker Street, aptly named after the famous street where Sherlock Holmes was supposed to have lived, is one of the best bakeries in Pondicherry that offers authentic French croissants, baguettes, tarts, pastries, macaroon, pizzas, sandwiches and other delicious confectioneries. Try the mushroom croissant and the macaroons, they're baked to perfection and taste divine. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 04: Pondicherry

After breakfast, we proceed for a cooking class with lunch at Sita Cultural Centre. She is passionate about cooking since her childhood. Formed by women in her family, her mentor is her mother. Thanks to her experience she gains a cultural opening and it allow her to adapt to each one flavor. Manisha is a woman with eclectic flavours, open to the world. However she has retained certain simplicity, she cooks traditional dishes from Tamil Nadu with spontaneity, as we eat at home. Sometimes creative, she reinvents recipes in order to adapt to everybody's taste. Chili lovers or not, you will get food the way you like! After lunch visit Auroville. It is an experimental township in Viluppuram district mostly in the state of Tamil Nadu, India with some parts in the Union Territory of Puducherry in South India. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and designed by architect Roger Anger. O/N in hotel.

Day 05: Pondicherry – Tanjore (220 kms/05 hrs)

After having breakfast, we continue South and inland to Tanjore enroute visit Chidambara Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram,Tamil Nadu).The temple , 78 km south of Pondicherry and 235 Km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. The Sangam classics refer to ViduvelviduguPerumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation. There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Pallava/Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medieval periods. Temple check in at your hotel. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. O/N in Tanjore.

Day 06:Tanjore – Chettinad (100 kms/02 ½ hrs)

Morning Visit the most spectacular of temples of Tanjore, the Brihadishwara capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite rock weighing 80 tons. The temple itself is decorated with carved panels depicting mythological events. Afternoon short drive from Tanjore to the Chettinad district of Tamil Nadu which is famous for its ornate mansions and equally unique and spectacular cuisine. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Evening free. O/N in hotel.

Day 07: Chettinad

After breakfast, proceed to the historic mansion - Visalam for an exclusive cooking demo with lunch. Chettinad cuisine is one of the spiciest and the most aromatic in India. A variety of spices are used to prepare the dishes. The most important spices aremarathimokku (dried flower pods), anasipoo (star aniseed), andkalpasi( a lichen known as the black stone flower, also known as dagadphool). In addition, tamarind, whole red chillies and saunf (fennel seed) and also used along with cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, peppercorn, cumin seeds and fenugreek. Afternoon visit to tile factory. In the early part of the 19th century the affluent Chettiars brought home a wealth of ideas and artefacts from their travels overseas. The Athangudi tiles are said to have been inspired by patterned European carpets. But now these tiles have become famous nationwide and are a hallmark of sustainable and eco-friendly flooring. In a little village called Athangudi, you can see how these tiles are produced. Later visit handloom or weaving centre. Hand looms are popular in most South Indian villages. Chettinad handloom saris (Kandangi saris) are made of coarse cotton made for rough washes. They generally come in earthy colours such as red, orange, brown and chrome. A visit to a Chettinad handloom or weaving centre will give you new additions to your wardrobe as well as an insight into how these distinctive saris are made. O/N in hotel.

Day 08: Chettinad – Madurai (80 kms/02 hrs)

Madurai is the next stop on the itinerary – It is a mix of modern commercial centre and ancient pilgrimage site, melded together into a compelling whole. The emphasis of your time here is on the major sights – Meenakshi Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace but there will also be time to visit some of the multitude of bazaars and the flower and vegetable markets. In the evening around 06 pm we start Madurai Food Safari. It is a celebration of Madurai cuisine wherein you explore the delicious, relaxed, inexpensive style of eating at different restaurants in Madurai that’s been popular for many years. If you are a food enthusiast, then this food safari is indeed a culinary journey for you across Madurai which is a food paradise, serving distinctive dishes, which you cannot find in any other places. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 09: Madurai – Periyar (150 kms/03 ½ hrs)

Departing Madurai and heading west towards Kerala, you will drive through lush agricultural areas and the Spiece Market at Theni which is one of the largest in South India. After a short but steep ascent of the Western Ghats, Periyar is reached by lunch time. Spend time in the afternoon touring a spice garden and seeing the origin of many of the condiments we take for granted in our kitchens at hotel. Later proceed to witness Kalaripayattu show at the Kalari centre to witness the oldest of martial arts is a gift to the modern world and known as the mother of all martial arts. Legend traces the 3000 year old art form to the sage Parasurama – the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. Kalaripayattu originated in ancient South India. Kung Fu, popularized by the monks of Shaolin temple traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma – and Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master. Overnight in Periyar.

Day 10: Periyar – Kumarakom (140 kms/04 hrs)

After early breakfast, drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival check in at Philip Kutty’s homestay. Prepare yourself for a cooking demo with lunch. The cuisine is predominantly Syrian Christian with a strong backwater influence. Most of the dishes served are centred around fish, farm vegetables and fruits, duck, chicken and occasionally other meats, supplemented with rice and rice based local breads like appam, string hoppers etc. Some of our specialities are Karimeen (pearlspot), fish fry, fish molee, prawn and scampi preparations, duck roast and curry, and red hot Kerala fish curry to name a few. After lunch, you can go on an escorted farm walk with one of the family member or staff and learn about farming below lake level as well as the different crops cultivated. In the evening check in your house boat. Dinner and overnight in House Boat.

Day 11: Kumarakom – Cochin (70 kms/01 ½ hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. After lunch, proceed for sightseeing tour and evening witness the famous Kathakali dance show at Kathkali centre. O/N in hotel.

Day 12: Cochin

Morning visit to the fish market, Chinese fishing nets, and later to the home of Mrs. Nimmy Paul a renowned Keralan Chef. Enjoy traditional “Sadhya” served on a banana leaf, an extensive meal usually served at weddings and other festivals. Nimmy will explain the traditional and history behind the dishes. During the afternoon Nimmy will lead a cooking demonstration in which you can participate in preparation and enjoy your lunch. Rest of the day free. Evening proceed for Sea food farewell dinner in Hotel Brinton Boatyard. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 13: Depart Cochin

After breakfast, transfer to airport to board your flight for onward journey. *** END OF OUR SERVICES ***