The Great Indian Cook-Off Tour

You will be welcomed by a Globe Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Kochi, as Cochin it is called now, offers you the best of history and culture anywhere in the state. A port town since early centuries Cochin attracted traders and invaders from the world over. One can see snippets of the different eras and influences in the many attractions in Cochin. Step out of your hotel in Fort Cochin, and you will find yourself within walking distance of attractions like the Chinese fishing nets, said to have been left behind by Chinese traders in the 15th century. Enjoy a sunset cruise in the evening. Overnight at the Fragrant Nature hotel

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cochin which will include - Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. Later this evening drive to Ezhikkara, 20 kilometers from Fort Kochi where you will embark on a charming wooden country boat, gently guided through the backwaters by a skilled gondolier. As the sun sets behind swaying palm trees and egrets glide gracefully over sandbanks, a candle-lit dinner featuring fresh local delicacies awaits on a Chinese fishing net. From prawn and vegetable curries to shallow-fried fish, every dish celebrates Kerala ' s rich culinary heritage. Beyond its serene ambiance, this experience holds deeper significance by supporting local fishing communities affected by the climate crisis. Rising tidal floods have endangered the freshwater life here, making sustainable tourism initiatives crucial for their livelihoods. You will also have the opportunity to witness the ancient Chinese fishing nets in action, marvelling at their enduring engineering from the 14th century. Overnight at the Fragrant Nature.

This morning after an early breakfast, drive to Munnar a hill station located 1600 meters above sea level. Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India it still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations, most of which are privately owned. destination. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar is an ideal holidayThis picturesque journey through the Western Ghats will take us past spice plantations and estates growing coffee and cocoa, culminating in the tea estates of Munnar. Along the way, we will make a stop to participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration at Pazhayaveedu, a charming village famous for its ancient Sreekanteswaram Shiva Temple and distinctive culinary traditions. Check into your hotel and unwind. Overnight at the Tall Trees.

This morning, you will visit the Tea Museum in Munnar. The museum set up at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea ensures that the legacy of those who worked hard to ensure the tea plantations survived this long is recognised publicly. One can observe the growth of tea estates in the area and get to watch the transition from the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully-automated tea factory. Later take a short trip to the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar mountain goat amongst others). Overnight at the Tall Trees.

This morning, after breakfast, embark on a 5-hour drive to Madurai. As you leave behind the hilly terrain of Kerala, you will notice a distinct change in weather and landscape as you enter the plains of Tamil Nadu. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the pool to unwind. In the evening, consider visiting the Meenakshi Temple to witness the 'Putting to Bed Ceremony ' , a ritual where the temple is closed for the night. While non-Hindus typically cannot enter the inner sanctum, there is plenty to engage visitors with outside. The MeenakshiSundeshwarar Temple in Madurai is renowned for its stunning architecture, highlighted by gigantic, multicoloured gopura towers that rise 46 meters above the bustling streets. These towers are adorned with intricate stucco figures depicting gods and mythical creatures. Below them, you 'll find a maze of elaborately carved pillared halls, colonnaded walkways, and interconnected courtyards where rituals unfold continuously.Despite its current status as a sprawling modern city with a population exceeding one million, Madurai retains its charm with bustling covered bazaars and traditional Udupi restaurants. It remains an undeniable highlight of India, blending ancient heritage with vibrant contemporary life. Overnight at GRT Grand Madurai.

This morning Start your day by exploring the expansive Meenakshi Temple complex and the vibrant markets that encircle its base. Later, visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a masterpiece constructed with the assistance of an Italian architect, blending Dravidian, Islamic, and European architectural styles. During its peak, this palace was celebrated as one of South India ' s marvels. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel followed by a hands-on cooking demonstration where you will be introduced to the flavourful Chettinad Cuisine. Renowned throughout India, Chettinad Cuisine is characterized by its unique blend of flavors influenced by the diverse countries visited by wealthy emigrant traders during the colonial era. Expect dishes with mildly spiced coconut-based gravies, complemented by a salty undertone from the slightly saline well water. Meals are traditionally served in an odd number of dishes, typically on vibrant green banana leaves. Overnight at GRT Grand Madurai

This morning you will This morning, drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. Go on a spice garden visit today where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. Overnight at the Niramaya Cardamom Club.

This morning, proceed for a Jungle trek. This is a conservation-oriented walking trail taking up half a day, covering 5km. The route passes through undulating terrains and trekkers obtain glimpses of the lofty escarpments bordering the park watershed and the vast plains down below. Gaur sloth bear, elephant etc. are often sighted along this route apart from birds and butterflies. This evening, you can enjoy a boat ride in Periyar Lake where you can see a number of animals inlcuding elephants; especially on the morning and late afternoon cruises where animals head for the lake to drink. Overnight at the Niramaya Cardamom Club.

This morning , proceed to Kumarakom and embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or ‘Kettuvalloms ’ are converted rice barges with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings, it’ s the life along the coast that adds a touch of the exotic to this experience. You will have the opportunity to experience a special cooking demonstration focusing on Alleppey fish curry, conducted by a local chef on board the houseboat. During this demonstration, the local chef will guide you through the preparation of the curry, a traditional dish renowned for its rich flavors and fresh ingredients. You will learn about the key spices and techniques that make this curry unique to the region. This hands-on experience allows you to immerse yourself in the local food culture while enjoying the serene surroundings of the backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat. It' s an authentic way to deepen your understanding of Kerala ' s cuisine and traditions. Overnight on the Houseboat.

This morning after breakfast, disembark at your backwater resort in Kumarakom, the enchanting backwater region of Kerala and check into your backwater hotel which is also the stage for the great cook off. It’ s time to put on your aprons and chef’ s gears and put what you have learnt to test. The group will be split into five pairs, who will compete against each other in the cook-off. Each of the five pairs will be assisted by a Commis 3 chef who will provide assistance with choosing ingredients from the store for your allocated style of cuisine. Each pair will have a separate cooking station and all the equipment required for the cook off. The whole event will be timed and each pair will have a 2-hour time frame to finish cooking and present what they have prepared to the judge. The whole event will be managed by a team of chefs and hospitality professionals and supervised by a Sous Chef The cook-off will be recorded and edited professionally and each participant will be given a video tape capturing the event at the end of the tour. Overnight at Niramaya Retreats.

This morning you will be transferred to the Airport for your return flight. Return home equipped with Indian culinary skills and memories of a lifetime.