Culinary Tour of Kerala

Day 01 Arrive Calicut
Arrive Calicut by international flight. Upon arrival receive a traditional welcome with assistance and transfer to ‘Ayesha Manzil’ home stay (known to be International Cookery School run Ms. Faize Moosa) This coastal strip is famous for its fish, caught daily in the warm waters that lap the heavenly Malabar coast and sold right off the boat on the local beach. It is here that a particular style of Indian cooking has been developed, quite different from elsewhere on the subcontinent. Named after the 'MOPILLAS' or 'MUSLIMS OF NORTH KERALA"..... "Mopilla cuisine is the tradition that Faiza Moosa teaches in her home kitchen. Evening join Mrs. Moosa for culinary lessons on Mopilla cuisine followed by dinner with Moosa family. Overnight stay.

Day 02 Calicut
Today morning after breakfast explore Thalassery by visiting Muzhappilangad Beach (the best 4 kms drive-in beach of Kerala), Beedi Factory, handloom weaving Centre and local fish market Return to Ayesha Manzil in time to join Mrs. Moosa for culinary lessons on Mopilla cuisine followed by lunch. After the lunch we proceed to Mahe, (earlier a French Colony within the British India and now comes under Pondichery), to visit a local school where French is still one of the mediums of instuctions. Also visit St. Theresa’s (Mother of Aliva) Church. Overnight stay.

Day 03 Calicut-Kumarakom
Today morning transfer to railway station to board train for Kottayam. PARASURAM Express (16649) Calicut/Kottayam 0905/1500 On arrival transfer straight to your back water resort in Kumarakom. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight stay

Day 04 Kumarakom
Today we concentrate on cooking demo on 'Vegetarian Sadya" specially served on a plantain leaf and eaten with hand, sadya is the traditional feast of Kerala, a three course meal, includes 40 vegetarian delights. This is at end rounded off with different varieties of payasams (sweet deserts). The afternoon is at leisure to experience the Ayurveda massage in the spa of your resort. Overnight stay.

Day 05 Kumarakom-Periyar
Today morning board the houseboat for day cruise on backwaters through the narrow canals. Lunch on board the houseboat . Disembark by afternoon & drive towards Periyar (4 hours approx.) On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 06 Periyar
No cuisine can be learned without knowing what to cook with. After quick and early breakfast at the hotel, the day session starts with a visit to vegetable farms in Cumbum valley, which is nourished by the waters of Periyar Lake. As the day proceeds, we take a walk at the local vegetable market to see, feel and buy the vegetables the way a Kerala housewife would. Later, we take you on a fascinating and informative visit to the neighboring spice garden whose owners pride themselves on their adaptation of organic farming methods, including the use of methane gas produced from cow dung to provide energy for their household needs. A must for anyone who cares of taste and flavors, the spice garden visit enables you to get a deeper understanding of how the spice used in everyday cooking throughout the world are grown, harvested and processed before they find their way to your local supermarket. The visit also provides you with a first hand idea on the wonderful world of spices and its history, cultivation, medicinal values and economics, etc. In the afternoon, test your cooking skills under guidance of chef. The knowledge you have acquired during your first few days unfolds in front of you in the form of dish cooked by you. Enjoy the dinner relishing the dish you have cooked. Overnight stay.

Day 07 Periyar -Mararikullam
Today morning drive to Mararikullam (4 hours drive). On arrival check in at your resort. Afternoon visit the Arthungal Church by bicycles. Evening cooking demo by chef on Sea Food Grill, Marari Fish/prawn curry or "Meen Pollichthathu"... fish cooked/baked with banana leaf and difference spices. Overnight stay.

Day 08 Mararikulam
Entire day at leisure in Marari beach to relax by the beach. Overnight stay.

Day 09 Mararikulma-Kochi
Today morning after a leisurely breakfast, drive to Kochi (2 hours drive). On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue - (which remains closed on Friday, Saturdays) St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. While driving along the coastline, at the Harbour's mouth, one can also view the unique and still-in-use "Chinese Fishing Nets" which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved. Overnight stay

Day 10 Kochi- Coocking class
Today morning after breakfast proceed to Nimmy Paul Kerala home for Syrian Christian Cooking demo with 3 different varieties. Nimmy is a renowned cooking teacher for more than 2 decades and she has conduct cooking classes in India & abroad. Post cooking class, lunch with the family. Afternoon is at leisure for last minute shopping etc. Overnight stay.

Day 11 Leave Kochi
Today in time transferred to Kochi airport to board return flight to home.