The Banana Leaf
| A Culinary Tour of South India |
9 Nights & 10 Days
Destinations : Kochi – Periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kovalam - TrivandrumThe traditional food of India has been appreciated worldwide for its amazing use of herbs and spices. The cooking style varies from region to region and is largely divided into South Indian & North Indian cuisines. While the North Indian cuisines are mostly influenced by flavors from Punjab, Mughals and Persian, the south Indian food is completely different. A common ingredient in all south Indian food is coconut. From coconut chutney to coconut oil to even ground coconut put in curries and not to forget the popular coconut water, we bet you would not have come across as many flavors of coconut. On this culinary journey to South India, be ready to be introduced to a huge new world of flavors, that you would not get anywhere else in the world.
Highlights
- Explore food and spices of the southern states of India
- Learn to cook some of the most popular south Indian dishes.
- Visit to the local spice garden and plantations
- Enjoy a special south Indian meal served on a Banana leaf
- Backwaters cruise experience on a houseboat
- Short jungle trek
- Traditional dance presentation
- Explore ancient techniques of fishing
Program Summary
‘The Banana Leaf’ tour starts from the city of Kochi in Kerala with first two nights, followed by a drive to Periyar/Thekkady on the third day. Visit the spice gardens and plantations on Day four, followed by a visit to experience the backwaters of Kumarakom for a day. On day six, you will disembark the houseboat at Alleppey and drive to Kovalam for a two nights stay. Every city in this itinerary will present to you its unique food and interesting aspects related to the local cuisine.Inclusions
Accommodation with breakfasts | Ten meals | Cooking demonstration | Visit to Spice Garden | All airport transfers & Intercity transfers by Private Air Conditioned Car | All Sightseeing by Private Air Conditioned Car | English speaking guide | All monument entrances | Short Jungle Trek | Traditional dance performance | Backwaters cruise on the houseboat |Hand phone with Indian number for 24x7 customer support | All Transport Taxes, Inter State Vehicle Permit, Driver Allowance and Parking Charges | All hotel & Govt. Taxes.Exclusions
Return airfare from home country | Travel insurance | Personal expenses such as camera charges telephone calls, portage, excess luggage, laundry charges & all other items of personal nature | Food & drinks not forming part of itinerary | Any supplements for festive season charged by the hotels |Any other item which is not specifically included in ‘tour cost includes’ section.Important Information
The best months to experience this culinary journey of the south India are between November to March. It is the winter season in India and the southern part of the country remains cooler and more pleasant during winters. Indian spices are known to be very hot and all the flavors can be best experienced during winter time. Summer months and monsoon months between April to September are not recommended for this south Indian culinary tour.
