Spice Tour of South India

Tips for Travellers for Planning their Tour

Inclusions

All monument entrance fees as per the itinerary

One English speaking tour leader depending on the group size

English speaking local guide for sightseeing in each monument.

First Aid Kit

All Govt. taxes including service charges

Exclusions

Emergency evacuation fee

International airfare

Personal Insurance

Personal expenses (Alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc)

Visa fee

Any services not mentioned in the itinerary

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival in Cochin

Today, we arrive at the Cochin airport. Cochin is aptly called as the queen of the Arabian Sea. Ancient civilization intermingles with modern life perfectly in Cochin. Cochin also previously experienced some pulsating exposure to European Colonial rivalry. The mixture of the old, new and the western civilization makes Cochin a wonderful land to be in.

In the afternoon, we explore the historic town of Fort Kochin on foot. Stepped in history, Cochin is a spectacle worth exploring. The city has retained the ambiance of a bygone era. The smell of the past, amalgamated with the smells of the spices that Cochin is famous for, makes this walk an incredible experience. The walk can be brought to an end by refreshing yourself with a large variety of flavoured teas. Sample the plain tea as well as the Nilgiri tea. You can also choose from options like the jasmine tea, chamomile tea, and cranberry tea.

Meals not included

Overnight at hotel in Cochin

Day 02 Exploration of Thomas Chettans Farm

Today, we start off early morning, to visit the Thomas Chettans Farm. The tropical evergreen village is set beautifully among the fresh smell of orchards. The wetland rice fields, contrasting with the wood trees greet your presence. The ancient forms of farming are still evident in the Thomas Chettans farm. The farming system closely follows the cosmic rhythms based on the five-part, a traditional calendar called the Panchangam.

The farm has been practicing organic deals for more than two decades but has recently reverted to follow a bio-dynamic direction. The farm grows a variety of spices, pepper, fruits, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, hot-pepper, cinnamon, medicinal herbs and seasonal vegetables.

Today, you will get to experience the culture and traditions of Kerala from close by, as you will be greeted by your very own host for the day. The host will take you through farming ideologies and history. Spend some time by discovering the farm. You will relish lunch with your host and this meal will include fresh produce directly from the garden. Return to Cochin after lunch, in order to take a tour of Jew Town.

The dinner will be a lavish affair as well. Have some dinner in Fort Kochi- Seafood Restaurant. The restaurant has been claimed to be one of the best in India and gives you a sample of the product from the sea. The fresh produce available here comes directly from fishing nets in the Cochin’s rivers. You can choose from king prawns, mussels, shark, mackerel, salmon, and lobster. You can choose the cooking range too. Have the seafood items grilled, poached, baked or steamed. Also, try the local styles and an array of pickles and spices. Delectable indication and freshness await you in the ancient lands of Kochi.

Breakfast & dinner included

Overnight at hotel in Cochin

Day 03 Cochin to Houseboat

Houseboats are considered to be one of the major attractions of Kerala. The houseboats are wondrous in itself. Furnished fully with single/double bedrooms, kitchen and a sun deck, all at your disposal, the houseboat are no less of a 5-star luxury. You will get a chance to cruise around several locations in the comfort of the houseboat.

The houseboat also allows you to experience luxury on a delectable level. You will be given your own chef, oarsmen, and cabin assistant. You will get to enjoy panoramic views of narrow canals, paddy fields, and the perfection of the beautiful Vembanad Lake. Visit the Rani Chithira Mathanda R Block along the way and witness the views of the Pallikayal. You will also cruise through Irumbanam Narrow Canal as well as the Pallathuruhty River. You can also get a chance to witness the method of cooking by taking cooking lessons with the cook on board.

Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Overnight at houseboat

Day 04 Drive from Cochin to Alleppey

Today is yet another interesting way to get a glance to the spices present in Kerala. We check out early morning and drive to Alleppey in order to join the Preserve Alleppey Tour. The Preserve Alleppey tour is a carefully created itinerary that has been created in order to bring focus into the preservation of the city. The project started with the Lion Ladies Club of Alleppey in the year 2000. The project started off with the realization that Alleppey was in dire need of preserving its beauty and ethnicity by all means. The tour has a pre-defined itinerary which starts with a presentation of history and unique features of the town. Later, the tour comes to an end in the gallery of the Society. Light refreshments are served in order to bring an end to the Preserve Alleppey Tour. The tour basically involves walking through the Gujarati quarter, canal banks and an old wholesale marker with a guide.

After the tour comes to an end, the Preserve Alleppey Society also provides lunch on request. The unique opportunity to enjoy authentic Kerala meal features local tropical produce. The lunches are also a perfect opportunity to enjoy authentic Kerala meal and visit a home of a local. Meet with the residents and understand their way of cooking and eating food.

Breakfast & dinner included

Overnight at hotel in Alleppey

Day 05 Drive from Alleppey to Thekkady

Today, the day starts with a drive to Thekkady. En route, we will make a stop at the Plantation Bungalow. The Plantation Bungalow is home to acres of coffee, rubber, pineapple, rubber etc. the experts there will give a clear picture of the processing procedures of these raw materials, into commercial products. Witness the conversion of sap into processed rubber, brewing of aromatic coffee and cultivation of tropical fruits and spices. Deep into the plantation is a tree house. From atop the tree house, you will get a chance to witness a bird;s eye view of the entire plantation.

Sample authentic Kerala cooking with a huge number of spices. The large front lawn of the plantation will be used to serve lunch. Sample the flavors of ancient Kerala in groups of 4 or 5, under the mango tree. A gentle breeze, friendly conversation and the chirping of birds makes this experience worthy of all the trouble.

Breakfast & dinner included

Overnight at hotel in Thekkady

Day 06 Sightseeing around Thekkady

Set out to visit the Spice Park at Puttady today. The Spice Park is devoted towards the processing of cardamom and pepper. The processing facilities of the Spices Parkis on par with international standards, the products undergo a vigorous procedure of the cleaning, grading, sorting, grinding, packing, warehousing etc.

The Spice Park also offers educational services to the farming community on a regular basis. Training programs about Good Agricultural Practices advanced processing practices, global food safety and post-harvest operations to locals and any other people interested to obtain the training. We will visit the Connemara Tea Factory in the evening and will embark on a late evening lesson in tribal cooking.

Breakfast & dinner included

Overnight at hotel in Thekkedy

Day 07 Drive from Rajakkad estate to Chettinadu

Today, we move through the Rajakkad Estate to Chettinadu and finally to Karaikudi. The ancient culture and traditions of Tamilnadu come alive as you visit the estate of Chettinadu. The sensory delights of the ancient and rich culture and warm hospitality of Chettinadu are inexplicable and cannot be put into words. Every meal that you have here is an elaborate affair, giving an idea about the spicy cuisine. Live the lavish lifestyle of the Chettiar people.

There is no specific menu for the food and every day brings about a new menu. Lean back and be sure that the meals presented to you will be no less than the definition of delicious and lavish. Chettinadu is a food haven for foodies and one is considered to be lucky when having a meal there. The generous dose of pepper makes the meals spicy but subtle in its own way. The mixture of several spices and masala, creates a dance in the tongue of foodies, something which cannot be forgotten soon.

In the afternoon, after a sumptuous meal, we will embark on a bullock ride to reach the streets of Karaikudi.

Breakfast & dinner included

Overnight at hotel in Chettinadu

Day 08 Drive from Karaikadi to Madurai

We started off early morning in Karaikudi, in order to reach Madurai today. The early morning drive to Madurai is followed by a visit to the Meenakshi Temple. Witness the evening Pooja ceremony at the temple and visit the local bazaar filled with spices.

Breakfast & dinner included

Overnight at hotel in Madurai

Day 09 Depart transfer

The spice filled tour comes to an end today, as you fly to Chennai or Mumbai. Remember the scents and the taste of Kerala, as you decide to return back for more. Depart back to your countries and do not forget to take souvenirs for loved one back home.

Breakfast included