We visit Chennai, Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry), Tanjore, Chettinad, Madurai, Periyar and Cochin. We stay overnight on a houseboat in Kerala and finish with four days of relaxation and more food discoveries in Goa.
The East Coast of Southern India showcases the history of colonialism in India, with huge influences brought by the English and the French.
The southern part of India is famous for its spices and spicy cuisine. Its long past has witnessed the export of spices around the world and its cuisine has been influenced also by foreign invaders such as the Dutch, French and the English.
Some of the chief varieties of spices produced in South India include cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. South India is also known for its abundance of coconut, fish and root tubers.
Goa, at the south-west corner of India, has a remarkable history, including 500 years as a Portuguese outpost. The influence of the Portuguese can be seen in the exquisite, crumbling architecture: in the east-meets-west cuisine which combines coconut milk, palm vinegar and chillies with the refined flavours of Lisbon.
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13 days exploring South India as described below
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4 days relaxing in Goa
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2 days Chennai with cooking class and lunch
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2 days Pondicherry with cooking class, lunch and dinner
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1 day Tanjore. Visit World Heritage-listed Brihadishvara Temple
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2 days Chettinad, with cooking demonstration
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1 day Madurai including a Food Safari
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1 day Periyar, visit spice market, and watch a Kalaripayattu show
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1 overnight stay on houseboat in Kerala, including lunch and dinner on the boat
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2 days Cochin, visiting Phillip Cutty's Homestay for a cooking demonstration with lunch and a cooking class and lunch with Mrs Nimmy
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Flight from Cochin to Goa, via Mumbai
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4 days in Goa, with a cooking class and farewell dinner
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15 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels
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Air-conditioned coaches
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English-speaking guides
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Pick-up and transfer from the Chennai airport
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Pick-up and transfer to Goa airport
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Tips along the way
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Arrive Chennai and have the evening at leisure.
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Experience South Indian cuisine with a cooking class and lunch. B.L.
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Today we drive through Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry, famous for its wonderful bakeries. Enjoy a delicius dinner tonight at Palais De Mahe. B.D.
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Today we enjoy a cooking class with lunch at Sita Cultural Centre. The evening is at your leisure. B.L.
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We have a leisurely day enjoying the sites while driving from Pondicherry to Tanjore. We visit a Hindu Temple along the way. Overnight in Tanjore before driving to our next stop at Chettinad, where we enjoy a cooking demonstration with lunch and visit the famous tile factory and weaving centre. B. L. B.
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Today we travel to Madurai, visiting cultural sites along the way and in the evening we sample lots of local food on our Madurai Food Safari. B.D.
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A spice market in Theni is our next stop before alighting at Periyar for a Kalaripayattu show. B.
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Tonight will be spent on a houseboat, checking in at Kumarakom, to enjoy a scenic ride on the river with a sumptuous dinner. B. L.D.
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We visit Phillip Cutty's Homestay for cooking lesson with lunch and tour the farm before driving to Cochin. B.L.
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In Cochin we visit the fish market, watch the famous fishermen on stilts and take part in a cooking class with lunch. B.L.
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We fly from Cochin to Goa via Mumbai. Evening at your leisure. Our first day in Goa is free for you to relax and explore. B.B.
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On Saturday we meet Rita and visit the local farmers market before participating in cooking a sumptuous lunch. Have a leisurely afternoon and finish the day with a stroll through the famous Mackie's Saturday Night Bazaar. B. L.
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Enjoy a free day before meeting tonight for our farewell dinner. Tomorrow we depart for home or for your next destination. B. D.