One of the most striking features of India’s rich culinary heritage is its diversity.  The infinite variety of regional cuisines reflects the country’s broad spectrum of cultures, including Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish - and influences including Chinese, Arab, Dutch, Portugese, French and British.  This trip promises a deliciously rewarding culinary and cultural feast.

This itinerary provides ample opportunity to sample the full array of colours, aromas, flavours and textures of the unique cuisines of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, from eating at 'open kitchen' restaurants to taking part in cooking classes. The best sights of south India are also included –   forts, temples and palaces, markets and bazaars, rice fields and spice plantations.

Day 1 Chennai

On arrival in Chennai you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, has a history stretching back more than 2,000 years.  In the 16^th century the Portuguese arrived, followed by the Dutch, the English and the French – each leaving their mark on the culture and cuisine of this vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

Day 2 Chennai

A day of sightseeing in Chennai, including the historic Fort St George and Vivekananda House.  Experience a traditional Thali meal at ‘Anna Lakshmi’ - one of the city’s most famous restaurants. The staple lunch of the majority of the population, it consists of a selection of gravies, chutneys and condiments served with rice, breads and rice-flour concoctions.

Day 3 Mahabalipuram

This morning visit Kanchipuram – famous for its sacred temples and for its handwoven silk.  Explore the temples and visit a silk weaving centre, before driving to the seaside town of Mahabalipuram.  In the evening, dine at one of a range of beachfront restaurants where you can select your own fish and choose the way you would like it cooked.

Day 4 Mahabalipuram

Once a trading port and dynastic capital, Mahabalipuram is renowned for its many shrines, huge rock-cut sculptures and mandapams (pillared pavilions). Visit the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance.  Later, visit the Dakshinachitra Cultural Centre – a living museum – where you may explore heritage houses, wander recreated streetscapes, view exhibitions, interact with village artisans, and witness folk performances.

Day 5 Pondicherry

Drive to Pondicherry.  A stroll through the historic ‘French Quarter’ will give you a feel for the city’s heritage charm. Shopping and eating are highlights here, with high-quality French-influenced restaurants and shops in abundance. Enjoy the festival atmosphere of the promenade at sunset – and in the morning, perhaps a coffee and croissant breakfast prior to your departure.

Day 6 Kumbakonam

Drive to Kumbakonam via the tiny village of Gangaikondacholapuram, where you visit the magnificent Brihadishwara temple, built by a Chola emperor to celebrate his conquests.  Late afternoon arrive at Paradise Resort, set amidst coconut, teak and mango groves, where your accommodation comprises a traditional home reconstructed, giving glimpses of south India lifestyle, heritage and culture.

Day 7 Kumbakonam

This morning visit the Airateswara Temple in the nearby town of Darasuram. Built by a Chola emperor in the 12^th century, this wonderful monument is renowned for the exquisite detail of its stone carvings.  Spend the remainder of the day relaxing in the tranquil environment of your resort and enjoy your evening meal in a treetop hut.

Day 8 Karraikudi

Drive to Karraikudi via Tanjore, where you explore the Palace, Art Gallery and the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple. This World Heritage listed structure is considered the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture.  Karraikudi, the heart of the Chettinad district, is famous for its ornate 18^th century mansions embellished with marble and teak - and for its unique cuisine.

Day 9 Karraikudi

Richer and including more meat than most Tamil food, the Chettinad style is famous throughout India. Here you can experience it in its purest form - spicy but not hot, with complex combinations of flavours making every dish distinct and unforgettable. Visit the markets learning about local ingredients and enjoy a cooking demonstration or lessons to prepare your own meal!

Day 10 Madurai

Drive to Madurai, famous for its Meenakshi temple, where weddings, worship and commerce take place  side by side.  There is a good chance you will see the temple elephant ‘at work’, blessing people and being garlanded. Later, explore some of the multitude of bazaars and the flower and vegetable markets and enjoy a cup of chai at a tea stall.

Day 11 Thekkady

This morning drive through the Tamil Nadu countryside and then up the steep ‘ghat road’, to Thekkady.  Spend the afternoon touring a spice plantation with a guide to see how spices such as cardamom, cloves, pepper and nutmeg grow. In the evening attend a Kathakali dance performance, where heavily made up and elaborately dressed artists play out the Hindu epics.

Day 12 Kanjirapally

Drive down the hills towards the Keralan midlands, reaching Kanjirapally for lunch. Your accommodation here, Kalaketty Estate, is surrounded by coffee, cocoa and vanilla cultivation. Enjoy the delicious flavours of typical Syrian Christian food, cooked in traditional manner using recipes that have been passed down from generations. Most of the fruits, spices and vegetables are grown organically in the farm.

Day 13 Kanjirapally

Today you can choose from activities on the estate - view rubber tappers at work, visit the goat and rabbit farms – or cycle to the local village and market.  Otherwise, simply enjoy the view from the sitting room over the rice paddy and rubber plantations.  A delicious home-cooked lunch is served on the bungalow’s sprawling lawns.

Day 14 Kumarakom

Morning drive to Kumarakom, where you will board a kettuvallum – a rice barge converted into a luxury houseboat. Your crew will prepare traditional Keralan style meals, whilst you relax in cane deck chairs and enjoy this unique and tranquil environment. During the cruise there may be opportunities to stop and see small backwater villages and local industries at work.

Day 15 Cochin

Disembark and drive to Cochin. Fort Kochi has been in the hands of the Dutch, British, Portuguese and Chinese, each having influenced its history and appearance in subtle yet unmistakable ways. Take a tour, including visits to the Dutch Palace, St Francis church and the Chinese fishing nets.  In the evening attend a demonstration of ‘Kalaripayyatu’, traditional Keralan Martial Arts.

Day 16 Cochin

Visit the fish market and the home of Nimmy Paul a renowned Keralan Chef. Enjoy a traditional "Sadhya" served on a banana leaf, an extensive meal usually served at weddings and festivals. Nimmy will explain the traditions and history behind the dishes. Afterwards she will lead a cooking demonstration - you can participate in the preparation of a special dinner.

Day 17 Cochin

Morning free to explore the quiet streets around the Chinese fishing nets or - a short auto-rickshaw ride away - Jewtown, with its antique shops and cafes.  In the afternoon  visit Cochin’s twin city, Ernakulam, where there is great shopping and a bit of a big city buzz. After a final Indian dinner, transfer to the airport for flights home.