Gourmet South India

Day 1 : Bengaluru

You will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Bengaluru

Enjoy a walking tour today of Bengaluru, one of India’s most progressive and developed cities. You’ll visit lovely parks and see striking Victorian-era architecture including the beautiful St Marks Cathedral, Queens Park, the Government Archaeological Museum and 300 acre Cubbon Park. This evening try an ethnic South Indian seafood dinner experience on a traditional banana leaf just like the locals.

Day 3 : Bengaluru > Mysore

Drive to Mysore via the deserted fort town of Srirangapatna located on an island in the holy Kaveri River. The town is of religious, cultural and historic importance. The ramparts, battlements and some of the gates of the fort still stand, as do a few monuments. This afternoon visit Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill, and enter the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple. Enjoy a royal dinner in Lalitha Mahal Palace, a shimmering white palace set in sprawling terraced and landscaped gardens.

Day 4 : Mysore> Ooty

Drive to the hill station of Ooty, a fascinating blend of Indian bustle and ancient temples with natural flora and charming British Raj Era houses. Visit the Observatory and watch the sun set over the Nilgiri Hills. Dinner this evening is in the Summer Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore Fernhills Royal Palace.

Day 5 : Ooty > Coonoor

Visit the Botanical Garden and enjoy a boat ride on Pykara Lake. Visit Willy’s Coffee Pub to enjoy coffee or tea and snacks before joining the heritage steam train to Coonoor Hill Station.

Day 6 : Coonoor > Kochi

Visit Highfield Tea Estate this morning before driving to Kochi, one of the first European colonies in India. A Kathakali dance show and Keralan dinner will round off your day.

Day 7 : Kochi

Bicycle ride (or walk) on a heritage tour of Fort Kochi. As you pass the beach, see the iconic Chinese fishing nets before visiting Santa Cruz Cathedral. Drive to Mattancherry Palace and visit the oldest existing Jewish Synagogue, as well as the spice markets where shopkeepers explain to you the importance of various spices. This evening join a cooking class and afterwards, taste the fruits of your labour.

Day 8 : Kochi > Munnar

Drive to Munnar stopping at Mundackal Estate Farm for a South Indian cooking class with lunch. The family estate grows everything from coconuts and cardamom to black pepper.

Day 9 : Munnar

Munnar was developed to cultivate spice and tea plants since the British Raj. Enjoy the area this morning and visit Eravikulam National Park for a glimpse of the rare Nilgiri Tahr. A banana leaf dinner will introduce you to the paper-thin Dosa bread of the region.

Day 10 : Munnar > Alleppey > Kerala Backwaters

Drive to Alleppey and join your traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Set sail, relax and unwind as you cruise slowly through the narrow canals and backwaters. Join the chef on board in a cooking class with freshly caught fish.

Day 11 : Kerala Backwaters > Alleppey > Trivandrum

Disembark in Alleppey this morning before travelling to Trivandrum. The afternoon is free to relax at your beachside retreat where you can partake in optional activities such as Indian yoga or traditional Ayurveda massage.

Day 12 : Trivandrum

Visit the 5,000 year old temple of Padmanabhaswamy, Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Savour a farewell lunch at the 18th century Dutch Manor House Villa Maya. Each dish has been carefully handpicked for its cultural heritage and significance in the trading history of the region.

Day 13 : Trivandrum

Transfer to the airport where arrangements end.