10 DAYS ~ FROM £1,298
Discover two different styles of cooking on this tour to Kerala. In the south spend a few days at Philipkutty’s Farm and learn the secrets of Tranvancore cuisine, heavily influenced by the Syrian Christians, and, with a liberal sprinkling of Backwater flavours. Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay on a traditional Keralan Rice Boat. Perhaps fishing for your supper! Later travel up the Keralan coastline and learn about the delicious cuisine prepared by the ‘Mopillahs’ – the Muslims of north Kerala. Rich in spices and seafood, the cuisine is sumptuous and peppery, yet there is a delicacy to it particularly with the vegetables. Don’t miss the luscious desserts and snacks.
Cochin • Kumarakom • Tellicherry • Calicut
Day 1. To Cochin
Fly from Heathrow on Emirates via Dubai to Cochin.
Day 2. To Kumarakom
Morning arrival in Cochin. Transfer to Kumarakom, thence onto Philipkutty’s Farm. Three nights at Philipkutty’s Farm.
Day 3. Introduction to the cuisine
During the day take a guided tour around the 50 acre farm. The land has been reclaimed from the Backwaters, and is made up of ridges and canals. Ridges for crops and canals for farming freshwater fish. Later watch a cookery demonstration on Backwater cuisine with dishes like Fish Molee (Keralan style fish curry) or Vegetable thorans.
Day 4. Cookery demonstrations
Help collect eggs, toddy tap or milk one of the Vechoor cows. Using fresh produce from the farm learn the subtleties of home-style Backwater cooking – many recipes demonstrated and, indeed, tasted, are family favourites. The meals are mainly meat or fish preparations with excellent vegetarian dishes.
Day 5. Houseboat cruise
Morning to relax, perhaps helping with the innumerable chores around the delightful farm. It’s truly a place to relax and unwind. Before leaving receive a small booklet containing favourite recipes. Midday board Houseboat for a cruise through the scenic Backwaters. Just sit back and watch the world go by. Overnight stay on Houseboat.
Day 6. To Tellicherry
After breakfast disembark and transfer to Alleppey railway station. Train to Tellicherry. Tellicherry is a small town in North Malabar, Kerala, and was once the largest and most famous trading centre for spices. "Tellicherry Pepper" can still be bought in the supermarkets in Europe and is celebrated for its pungency and flavour. Three nights at Ayisha Manzil.
Day 7. Excursion and Cooking demonstration
Morning guided tour of a Cinnamon plantation and local weaving centres, where you can buy exclusive cotton household linen and furnishing materials. After lunch an introduction to the cuisine and demonstration by Ms. Faiza Moosa on cooking with coconut and spices.
Day 8. Market visit and Cooking demonstration
Early morning visit to the local fish market to buy mussels, clams, oysters, prawns, seer fish, mackerel etc. for the afternoon cooking class. After lunch sea food demonstration.
Day 9. To Dubai
Morning at leisure relaxing by the pool or going down to the nearby beach, before afternoon transfer to Calicut Airport for Emirates flight to London via Dubai.
Day 10. Arrive Heathrow
Morning Heathrow arrival.
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