Tour Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Routing: Cochin – Kumarakom – Thekkady – Cochin
This tour includes cooking demonstrations of Kerala and South Indian cuisine, along with an introduction to Indian spices.
Enjoy a memorable experience on the backwaters of Kerala aboard a traditional rice boat.
Food is something every traveller looks forward to when visiting India. This incredible country offers one of the world’s most diverse and sophisticated cuisines. South Indian cuisine is particularly renowned for its rich variety of flavours and aromas, featuring spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, tamarind, red chillies, bay leaf and fennel seeds (saunf). Rice is the staple ingredient, and South Indians have perfected the art of creating mouth-watering dishes using simple, wholesome ingredients.
Kerala is as captivating as its cuisine. The generous use of fresh coconut and aromatic spices is characteristic of the region. Chutneys and pickles form an essential part of every meal. From simple vegetarian preparations to refined seafood delicacies, each dish holds a special place in Kerala’s culinary heritage. The minimal use of oil, sugar and additives also makes the cuisine healthier. A traditional South Indian meal served on a freshly cut banana leaf is an experience in itself.
Day 01: Cochin – Kumarakom (70 km / approx. 1½ hrs)
Arrive in Cochin. After a traditional ‘Swagat’ (welcome), our representative will assist you at the airport and transfer you to Kumarakom for check-in.
Kumarakom is a cluster of small islands on Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kuttanad—known as the ‘Wonderland of Kerala’—was once below sea level before the waters receded. With its network of lakes, canals and lush paddy fields, Kumarakom offers an atmosphere of complete tranquillity. A holiday on a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat) is an unforgettable experience. Vembanad Lake is also rich in aquatic life, especially Karimeen (Pearl Spot Fish), Chemeen (prawns) and Konju (tiger prawns).
In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on a rice boat. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Kumarakom (D)
Day 02: Kumarakom
Begin your day with a short cruise to Philip Kutty’s Farm, a charming homestead located on a small island. Learn about the cultivation of tropical fruits and vegetables, followed by a simple home-style cooking demonstration.
Return to the hotel for an interactive talk on backwaters, food and cooking, accompanied by a culinary demonstration and lunch. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance followed by dinner.
Overnight Hotel – Kumarakom (B, L, D)
Day 03: Kumarakom
Today, witness a demonstration on preparing a traditional Sadhya (vegetarian wedding feast). A delightful lunch will be served on banana leaves and enjoyed by hand, as per tradition. The afternoon is free at leisure.
In the evening, enjoy another cultural performance followed by dinner.
Overnight Hotel – Kumarakom (B, L, D)
Day 04: Kumarakom – Thekkady (175 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Drive to Periyar and check in at the hotel, followed by lunch.
Periyar (Thekkady) is one of India’s most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries, offering opportunities to observe wildlife at close quarters. Its rich biodiversity, rolling hills and spice-scented plantations create a unique ecological environment. The sanctuary is among the best places in India for viewing and photographing wildlife, including tigers, majestic Asiatic elephants and the distinctive Nilgiri langur.
In the evening, enjoy an elephant safari (outside the park). Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Thekkady (B, L, D)
Day 05: Thekkady
Visit the spice plantations and tea plantations. Lunch is at leisure. Later in the afternoon, participate in a cooking demonstration highlighting the art of cooking with spices.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Thekkady (B, L, D)
Day 06: Thekkady – Cochin (200 km / approx. 5 hrs)
Drive to Cochin, stopping en route at a plantation bungalow for a typical home-style lunch.
Cochin has a rich maritime history with long-standing trade connections to the Middle East, Mediterranean Europe and the Dutch. It boasts one of the finest natural harbours along the Arabian coast, and its cosmopolitan character is reflected in its diverse architecture and historic landmarks.
Overnight Hotel – Cochin (B, L, D)
Day 07: Cochin
Embark on a city tour of Cochin, including a visit to the historic Spice Market at Mattancherry and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy a special ‘History Lunch’ at the hotel.
In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance, followed by dinner.
Overnight Hotel – Cochin (B, L, D)
Day 08: Cochin
Today, enjoy a hands-on culinary experience with hotel chefs, learning the secrets of authentic Kerala cuisine. The afternoon is free at leisure.
In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise in the harbour, followed by a Farewell Dinner.
Overnight Hotel – Cochin (B, L, D)
Day 09: Depart Cochin
Your culinary journey comes to an end, leaving you with sweet and spicy memories of India. We will assist you with a timely transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Our Tour Concludes: Caper thanks you for your patronage and looks forward to serving you again in the near future.
