3 Day Curry Lovers' Retreat: A Culinary Getaway at The Pimenta in Muvattupuzha, Kerala, India
Hands-On Cooking Holiday India
Indulge in the magic of curry with this two-night, three-day cooking getaway. From spice secrets to hands-on sessions, savor the flavors of India. Book your culinary adventure now!
Highlights
- 2 days of activities
- 1 hands-on Keralan cooking lesson
- 1 presentation on spices
- Captivating tour through surprises of the Midlands
- Tour of the pineapple market, an old church, and a loom cooperative
- River ride along the Muvattupuzha River in a punting boat
- 2 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Accommodation
Facilities
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Terrace
- Free Wi-Fi
- Library
Accommodation is offered in The Pimenta's garden bungalows throughout the year. The Pimenta will appeal to holiday-makers and travelers who are eager to step off the tourist trail and are interested in sustainable tourism as well as local cuisine, trade, and traditions. If you like a luxury with a bohemian twist, The Pimenta could be just what you are after. The Pimenta consists of four attractive bungalows, built on the hillside a short walk from the main house. Bungalows are nestled amidst the shade of beautiful trees, providing a serene atmosphere.
Each bungalow consists of a double room with an en-suite bathroom and benefits from a spacious veranda overlooking the garden. The rooms are furnished with two comfortable twin beds, a small wardrobe, a desk, and a window seat, while the bathroom is fitted with a sink or vanity area, lavatory, and shower. The bungalows feature high ceilings and exposed brick walls, contemporary in style, they are simple, clean, and spacious.
In keeping with the eco-friendly values of The Pimenta, the bungalows and communal spaces are fitted with ceiling fans, and the hot water is solar-powered with electrical backup. The Pimenta's bungalows are clean and comfortable cottages with private verandas, built in the traditional style, overlooking the lush native forest. You will be staying in a clean and comfortable cottage on a family-run spice forest garden, equipped with a private bathroom, shower, water closet, and sink. All cottages have twin beds with private bathrooms.
The accommodation is away from the communal area, where you can be sociable or private as you wish. Hot water and filtered water, which are safe to drink, are available. The Pimenta puts emphasis on giving guests a taste of traditional Kerala country life, away from the tourist trail. You will have the option to relax, get a taste of traditional Kerala country life, and experience the friendly welcome of the people from the village.
Program
Join The Pimenta for a rejuvenating two-night, three-day residential hands-on cooking holiday where you will immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Indian cuisine. The Indian cuisine cooking holiday is perfect for all levels of cooking enthusiasts, from beginners to experienced chefs. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other. Solo travelers should feel comfortable with the possibility of one-on-one interactions.
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Arrive and check in, followed by a delectable light lunch. Take some time to unwind and relax at your leisure. Discover the Surprises of the Midlands through a captivating tour. Engage in a fascinating presentation on spices: unraveling the how and the why. Savor a flavoursome dinner.
Day 2
Start your day with a delicious breakfast. Indulge in a hands-on cooking experience lasting two to three hours, featuring recipes tailored to your skill level, ranging from six to eight. Relish a scrumptious lunch. Explore the local attractions, including the vibrant pineapple market, an old church, and a mesmerizing potter's artisan workshop. Embark on a serene river ride along the Muvattupuzha River in a charming punting boat. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner.
Day 3
Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast and bid farewell, taking with you cherished memories and newfound culinary skills.
Included excursions
Included in the price are a captivating tour to discover the surprises of the Midlands, exploring the local attractions, including the vibrant pineapple market, an old church, and a mesmerizing potter's artisan workshop, and a river ride along the Muvattupuzha River.
Location
This holiday will take place in Kerala, India. In the early 14th century, Kerala was ruled by three major kingdoms; Travancore in the south, Kochi in the middle, and Zamorin of the Calicut in the north. These kingdoms also had very powerful principalities inside them. One of the principalities of former Travancore is called Vadakkumkur, comprising the present-day Muvattupuzha, Thodupuzha, and Meenachil areas. This region was the European explorer's dream.
Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese captain, was the one who discovered Kerala and Pimenta. Today, travelers find Kerala but can rarely explore the treasure trove of the Kerala midlands, because most of the so-called guidebooks and accommodation directories have not discovered this place, or any of the other interesting places in the midlands. The Pimenta is situated on Haritha Farms, a lush 6.5-acre property less than two hours from Kochi.
The region - Muvattupuzha - is at the merger of three rivers, which makes it a wonderful place to immerse yourself in a non-touristic ambiance amongst local people, crops, and shops within walking distance or a short rickshaw ride. Hospitals are also nearby. It is also well connected with Thodupuzha just five minutes away by car and has all the facilities and even more than Muvattupuzha.
Distances
- Thodupuzha - 5-minute drive
- Cochin International Airport (COK), 50 kilometers
- Ernakulam Junction, 55 kilometers
- Kottayam Railway Station, 65 kilometers
Food
You will be served daily meals and bottled drinking water included in the price. The Pimenta is happy to accommodate special dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free requirements. Please inform them in advance during the booking process, so they can ensure that your dietary needs are catered to while still providing you with delicious Indian cuisine. The Pimenta prioritizes the safety of their guests by providing unlimited bottled water for drinking purposes. The water used for cooking is boiled, ensuring its cleanliness and safety.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Lactose Free
- Ayurvedic
Things to do (optional)
- Climb local hills and enjoy spectacular flora, fauna, and village life views
- Explore Kumarakom, Munnar, Thekkady, Idukki, Vagamon, Alleppey, Vaikom, and Cochin
- Get lost in tea gardens, pineapple groves, rice fields, and working rubber plantations
- Swim in the freshwater river
- Visit an elephant training center
What's included
- Engaging cooking sessions led by experienced instructors
- Exciting trips to local attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- 2 nights accommodation in air-conditioned garden bungalows
- All meals, expertly crafted to tantalize your taste buds
- Bottled drinking water for your convenience
What's not included
- Airfare
- Taxi fares to and from The Pimenta
- Tips and any new taxes to be levied
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Cochin International Airport
39 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by train
Please arrive at Ernakulam Junction or at Kottayam Railway Station. Transfer to and from the train station is available upon request.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% 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.