13 Day Spicy Stories of Southern India Culinary Tour for a Private Group of 4 to 10
Authentic Food Holiday in India
This program takes you on the journey of South Indian delicacies. As you all know that India is so vast when it comes to geography, religion, caste, creed, cuisine, art, and culture; therefore, the food habits and styles are the ultimate of each region. The ingredients are more or less the same, with a twist of a few different ingredients with different cooking recipes and styles, which rule the food culture of one specific region, whether it is the South or the North. In the past, many different dynasties and rulers ruled India, like Lodhi, Mughal, British, Portuguese, French, etc., left behind their mark not only on India's culture but their taste.
Highlights
- Walking food tour tasting local delicacies
- Enjoy food from small eateries to lavish, authentic dinners
- Stay at a houseboat and learn the preparation of a delicious Kerala recipe for fish
- English-speaking local guide (4-6 pax) or an accompanied English-speaking guide (7 pax up)
- Cooking demonstration with Indian families in each city
- Spice plantation visit and walking or cycling tour
- 12 nights accommodation at 4 to 5-star hotels
- All transportation and transfers are provided
Accommodation
GRT Grand, Chennai (4-star plus)
Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels is a unique hotel that offers you much more than just a perfect stay. It is an upscale hotel with 133 rooms of sheer comfort and pure craftsmanship and is located at T. Nagar, which is Chennai’s focal point and one of the city’s finest addresses. Take a 360° virtual tour around the hotel and see for yourself. You can access Grand Chennai with absolute ease, both from the Chennai airport and MGR Central Railway Station.
The Richmond, Pondicherry (4-star)
The Richmond Puducherry is equipped with 14 well-appointed rooms and is located in a peaceful and clean environment inside the French Quarter of Pondicherry. Our hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the Railway Station and 25 minutes from the Airport.
The Bangla, Chettinad (Heritage)
Welcome to The Bangala – the first Heritage Hotel in Chettinad, built on a property that has been with the family for almost 100 years. Located in Karaikudi, in the heart of Chettinad, the Bangala is a family-run hotel that combines traditional Chettiar hospitality with modern amenities. The extensive property retains its Chettinad charm, with quaint gardens, old-style furniture, extensive verandahs, and is also equipped with a swimming pool, library, and massage center.
Renowned for its family kitchen, the Bangala is the ultimate destination for authentic Chettinad cuisine, with recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation, creating a dining experience that cannot be missed. There is much to see and do in Chettinad, and the Bangala has local guides who can give you an insider’s view of the area and its unparalleled architectural legacy that is rapidly gaining fame all over the world.
Heritage Hotel, Madurai (4 Star plus)
Restoration of the Madurai Club was fittingly awarded to Bawa’s disciple, Sri Lankan architect and prodigy Vinod Jayasinghe. Maintaining Bawa’s unique style and most of the material he had used, Jayasinghe restored the resort to its former glory, along with the addition of modern conveniences. Leaving his stamp on the project, Jayasinghe, in addition to personal courtyards and enclosed plunge pools in every villa, added an Olympic-sized, temple tank-style pool.
“Today, Heritage Madurai comprises 72 rooms, including 34 villas. The old colonial bungalows have been refurbished, maintaining that traditional South Indian flavor, only found in Madurai”.
Cardamom County, Thekkady (4 Star)
A beautiful collection of cottages set against the gently sloping side of a hill near the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady, Cardamom County, is an oasis of calmness and healing. Cardamom County is situated right next to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the oldest tiger reserve in India.
Poetree Sarovar, Periyar (4-star)
Perched on a windswept mountain top and embraced by acres of untouched forest, Poetree Sarovar Portico is an award-winning experiential eco-resort that captures the heart and soul of Thekkady, Kerala’s popular hill station. Thekkady means ‘The Valley of Teak Trees’, and the name ‘Poetree’ is a poetic expression of the irresistible romance and charm of Thekkady.
Thanks to breathtaking 360-degree views, hearts beat a little faster here. The heady fragrance of spices will bewitch the senses. A dream-like mist may envelop you any time, like a seductive white cloak. Sublime sunrises and melodious bird songs herald magnificent mornings. Simply put, Poetree offers you the perfect holiday and all the elements for love to bloom.
Standard Houseboat, Alleppey
Malabar House, Cochin (Boutique )
Designed to the last detail, The Malabar House effortlessly combines the old and new. Their 17 rooms and suites blend tradition and contemporary design. The feel is small, cozy, and personal, heaven amidst this vibrant yet historical harbor city.
Located in the Fort Cochin area will give you a chance to closely see the life of fishermen at the Chinese fishing net. Explore this beautiful area on foot during a morning & evening walk, people are friendly. Enjoy fresh coconut water from a local vendor and click the most awaited and amazing clicks during sunrise and sunset.
ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad (5* star)
Overlooking sweeping stretches of Hyderabad's green cover and the iconic Hussain Sagar Lake, ITC Kakatiya pays tribute to the age of the great Kakatiya Dynasty. Located in the heart of the commercial district of Hyderabad, the hotel welcomes its guests to a renaissance of art, design, and bountiful life. With 188 exquisite rooms and suites, a bouquet of four dining destinations, splendid conference venues, and exceptional wellness facilities, the hotel has carved a special niche for itself in the life of the metropolis.
Please note that East Voyages will book a similar category hotel in case there is unavailability of rooms at the above-mentioned hotels at the time of booking.
Program
East Voyages programs can always be customized as per guests’ requests. They encourage tailor-made tours as per guests' budget and based on preferred destinations and services.
When you are talking about South Indian cuisine, the taste that comes to your mind is tangy and spicy. In Southern India, rice is the main grain as it is used in most of its dishes. It is used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another main ingredient is coconut, which is extensively used in Southern India's cuisine. As Tamil Nadu and Kerala are located close to the sea, coastal food also has its place in their major food list. During this amazing culinary journey of South India, you cover everything from small eateries to famous restaurants so that you can understand the real taste of India. Guests can even try their hand at local recipes during the cooking demonstrations.
The program includes food from small eateries to lavish authentic dinners to simple traditional meals with Indian families, along with cooking demonstrations. Included destinations in the program are well known for their famous cuisine and different cooking techniques. There are different delicious non-veg and vegetarian cuisines like biryani, kebab, tikka, curry, mouth-watering street food, soft idlis, appam, dosa, tangy and spicy sambar, and I have to say the list is never-ending.
Daily schedule (sketch itinerary)
Day 01 (Arrival in Chennai by international flight)
On arrival at Chenanai International airport after clearing immigration formalities, you will meet the representative in the arrival hall holding a placard with your name. He will further assist you to your vehicle and then hotel check-in formalities. (Standard check-in time is 12:00)
- Afternoon proceed for half-day sightseeing visiting Kapeeleshwar Temple, Fort St. George, and Government Museum.
- Later guests will be transferred to the Taj Coromandal for dinner. (Fixed menu basis)
Overnight stay at a hotel - Standard check in 12:00 to 14:00/check out 12:00
Day 02 - Chennai – Pondicherry (approximately 4.5 hours drive)
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, drive to Pondicherry.
- On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later, proceed to visit Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville.
- Dinner at Palais De Mahe, one of the finest luxury boutique hotels of Pondichery and one of the most renowned chain hotels of South India, “CGH” Hotels.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 - Pondicherry
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, proceed to explore this beautiful city on foot or by cycle. Explore the pretty French quarters and eateries influenced by French taste and much more.
- Lunch at Tanto Pizzeria, serving several varieties of Pizza run by an Italian owner.
- Return to the hotel for some rest.
- Evening cooking demonstration followed by dinner with an Indian family.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04 - Pondicherry - Chettinad by surface (approximately 5.5 hours)
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, drive to Chettinad.
- On arrival, check in at the hotel. Lunch at the hotel.
- Post lunch, proceed for an orientation tour of Chettinad. Also see Aathangudi handmade tiles
- making.
- Evening cooking demonstration followed by dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05 - Chettinad - Madurai by surface (approximately 1.5 hours)
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, drive to Madurai.
- Light lunch at the hotel on a direct payment basis as they want guests to have some light food of their choice before proceeding to food, which will start approximately 17:00 and end at approximately 20:00 at Meenakshi Amman Temple.
- On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, proceed on a walking food tour.
- Evening visit Meenakshi Amman Temple and witness of lovely evening temple procession when Lord Shiva is being carried to Goddess Parvati’s silver bedroom chamber in an elaborate procession, which is worth watching.
- Return to the hotel
- Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 06 - Madurai
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, proceed to visit the local flower market. Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Later visit Thirumalanayak Temple and visit the Meenakshi during daylight.
- Evening cooking demonstration followed by dinner with an Indian family.
Day 07 - Madurai – Thekkady (approximately 4.5 hours)
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, drive to Thekkady.
- On arrival, check in at the hotel.
- Later in the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride at Lake Periyar.
- Evening, proceed to buy spices which you can take with you, as this place is very famous for spices like cardamom, pepper, turmeric, clove, etc.
Day 08 - Thekkady - Alleppey (approximately 2 hours)
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, drive to Alleppey.
- On arrival, embark the houseboat.
- The rest of the day will be spent on a houseboat at leisure and enjoying the surroundings. While your houseboat passes the small canals, you will get to see small villages and the daily life of locals.
- During the stay on the houseboat, engage yourself a bit in the kitchen, can see how they are preparing the meal.
- Evening, they will anchor the boat.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09 - Alleppey - Cochin (approximately 2 hours)
- Breakfast on board
- Post breakfast, disembark the houseboat.
- On arrival, check in at the hotel.
- Afternoon, proceed for a half-day sightseeing of the Fort Cochin area.
- Evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Fort Cochin.
Day 10 - Cochin
- Breakfast hotel
- Post breakfast excursion to Kumbhlangi Village.
- Enjoy Kalaripayattu Martial art.
- Evening cooking demonstration followed by dinner.
- Post breakfast, guests will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for their onward destination.
Day 11 - Cochin – Hyderabad by flight Departure 09:10/ Arrival 11:10
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, guests will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for Hyderabad.
- Meeting and assistance on arrival at Hyderabad airport and transfer to the hotel.
- Later visit Golkonda Fort and Qutub Shahi Tombs.
- Cooking demonstration and dinner with an Indian family.
- Overnight stay at the hotel
- Day 12 - Hyderabad
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, visit Salarjung Museum, Charminar, and Lad Bazaar.
- Food walk, local street food tasting during the visit to the Lad Bazaar.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Visit Choumuhalla Palace
- Overnight stay at hotel (they have not included dinner for tonight as some of the guests would like to keep their stomach empty before boarding the flight, or may like to have something light before an international journey).
Day 13 - Depart Hyderabad by flight
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Post breakfast, you will be transferred to an international airport.
Included excursions
- Walking or cycling tour to explore the beautiful lanes of Pondy
- Walking food tour tasting local delicacies in Madurai
- Spice plantation visit in Thekkady
- Kumbhlangi Village visit to have an insight into village life and their food habits, and style of cooking
Location
This Spicy Stories of Southern India culinary tour starts from Chennai and ends at Hyderabad. The cities you are going to visit include Pondichery, Chettinad, Madurai, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kochi.
Food
Since it is an Indian culinary holiday, the best of street and main course delicacies that Indians include in their different meal timing will be covered. The tour has generally included a breakfast meal plan with mentioned family dinner or lunch, along with a cooking demonstration. All meals at local restaurants or hotels will be on a fixed menu basis. Participants/guests are requested to let East Voyages know if they have any type of food allergies.
Food highlights
- Sumptuous dinner at Taj Coromandal in Chennai
- Have the taste of amazingly tasty food of an expert chef of one of the leading hotels and resorts of South India, CGH Earth’s hotels, and the finest and luxurious hotel of Pondicherry's Palais The Mahe
- Cooking demonstration with an Indian family in Pondicherry
- Lunch at Tanto Pizzaria, run by an Italian owner
- Lunch at Chettinad
- Cooking demonstration at the hotel, followed by dinner in Chettinad
- Walking food tour tasting local delicacies in Madurai
- 1 lunch at a local restaurant in Madurai
- Cooking demonstration with an Indian family, followed by dinner in Madurai
- 1 lunch and dinner at Thekkady's local restaurant or hotel
- During the houseboat, stay engaged in the preparation of a delicious Kerala recipe of fish
- Local dinner in Kochi
- Cooking demonstration followed by dinner in Cochin.
- Taste Hyderabad’s famous Biryani (meat cooked with rice along with some amazing Indian seasoning)
- Cooking demonstration with an Indian family, followed by dinner in Hyderabad, to understand how Nizam’s flavor influenced Andhra’s food
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Things to do (optional)
Meal and culinary activities
- Delhi
- Dinner at the signature restaurant of Delhi, “Bukhara”: USD 180 per person
- Old Delhi food walking tour with lunch: USD 90 per person
- Cooking demonstration with spice introduction lecture: USD136 per person
- Enjoy a Biryani and Kebab dinner at a famous local outlet in Delhi on your last day. Optional dinner at the airport hotel: USD 60 per person
Udaipur
- Food walk in Udaipur: USD 75 per person
Udaipur
- Dinner at Lakeside restaurant: USD 70 per person
- Lunch will be served at a local restaurant: USD 35 per person
- Cooking demonstration with a local family (Rajasthani food): USD 90 per person
- Udaipur-Jodhpur en-route lunch at Mt. Batten Lodge, Ranakpur: USD 62 per person
Jodhpur
- Dinner will be served at a local restaurant: USD 50 per person
- Lunch at a local restaurant: USD 45 per person
- Food walk in Jodhpur: USD 65 per person
- Dinner will be served at a local restaurant: USD 45 per person
Pushkar
- Lunch and dinner are included and will be served at your hotel’s coffee shop/ restaurant on a fixed menu basis. (In Pushkar vegetarian meal will be served)
Jaipur
- Lunch will be served at a local restaurant: USD 32 per person
- Evening enjoys a vegetarian platter at a local restaurant: USD 50 per person
- Optional (instead of vegetarian platter, we can include a cooking demonstration on day 8): USD 95 per person
- Enjoys a food walking tour in Jaipur on this day: USD 65 per person
- Evening, enjoy dinner atthe famous restaurant 1135 AD at Amber Fort, Jaipur: USD 120 per person
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Jaipur: USD 32 per person
- Block printing workshop in Bagru Village near Jaipur: USD 160 per person
Agra
- Dinner will be served at a local restaurant: USD 34 per person
- Enjoy Jalebi tasting and lunch on this day: USD 36 per person
What's included
- 12 nights accommodation
- Meals: On a breakfast basis
- Welcome dinner at the Taj Coromandal in Chennai
- Dinner at Palais De Mahe, Pondicherry
- Morning walking city tour with food tasting
- Lunch at Tanto Pizzaria in Pondicherry
- Evening cooking demonstration followed by dinner with an Indian family in Pondicherry
- Lunch at Chettinad Hotel, The Bangla
- Cooking demonstration followed by dinner at The Bangla, Chettinad
- Evening food walk in Madurai. Evening cooking demonstration followed by dinner with an Indian family in Madurai
- 1 lunch at Thekkady
- 1 dinner at Thekkady
- All meals are included during the stay on the houseboat
- Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant in Cochin
- 1 Lunch at Kumbhlangi Village, close to Cochin
- Cooking demonstration followed by dinner in Cochin
- All transportation, i.e., airport transfers, sightseeing, and interstate drives, will be done using the following vehicles: (2 pax using a medium car. 4-6 pax using tempo traveller (mini–van), 7-10 pax using mini coach, and for 04-06 pax they will provide services of English English-speaking local guide during sightseeing in each city, as per the itinerary different guides in each city.
- For 07 pax onwards, they will provide services of an accompanied English-speaking guide (same guide throughout the tour).
- They have included a one-time entrance fee as per the itinerary
- Bottled water and wet tissue throughout the vehicle
- All currently applicable taxes. (5% Goods and Services Tax)
What's not included
- On the arrival day in Madurai, a light lunch at the hotel will be on a direct payment basis, as for the evening
- Food walk, you need to keep your stomach light
- Domestic airfare from Cochin to Hyderabad
- International airfare
- Visa charges
- Any room service, telephone charges, mini bar, gratuities, tips
- Any expenses of a personal nature and insurance of any kind.
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Any item not specified under ‘What's included'
- Any bank charges while transferring the payment
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Chennai International Airport
10 km
Transfer included
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.