Culinary Tour Of South India

Culinary Tour Of South India

15 Days / 14 Nights

Overview

Set off on a culinary journey through South India and immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. While most global Indian restaurants focus on North Indian cuisine, the southern states offer a dramatically different gastronomic landscape. Here, food traditions center around rice-based delicacies, vibrant spices, coconut-rich curries, and fresh seafood dishes—a reflection of local ingredients and centuries of history. From banana-leaf thalis in Chennai to Syrian Christian recipes in Kerala, this tour offers an opportunity to experience South India’s traditional cooking styles and discover their cultural significance. Whether it’s learning from expert chefs or enjoying street food under temple lights, this is a truly immersive food and culture experience you won’t forget.

Detailed Itineary

  • Day 1 : Chennai Arrival

    Upon your arrival in Chennai you will be received by one of our Indian Panorama representative and you will be assisted with your transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai.

  • Day 2 : Chennai

    After your breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Chennai, including a visit to Fort St. George, the city's colonial-era stronghold, and the Vivekananda House, once home to the esteemed Indian philosopher. Sample your first traditional Tamil Thali, a vibrant platter featuring an array of chutneys, gravies, and rice-based dishes, traditionally served on a banana leaf. Anna Lakshmi, one of Chennai’s most famous restaurants, offers a memorable introduction to authentic Tamil cuisine. Overnight stay in Chennai.

  • Day 3 : Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

    After your breakfast, travel inland to Kanchipuram, the divine temple town known for its ancient shrines and silk sarees. Continue to Mahabalipuram, an enchanting beachside town. Located nearby the Bay of Bengal makes Mahabalipuram an ideal location to enjoy fresh seafood dishes—choose your own fish and at your preference at one of the several beachfront restaurants. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

  • Day 4 : Mahabalipuram

    After your breakfast, begin the day with a visit to Dakshinachitra, a living heritage museum showcasing South Indian crafts and traditions. Later, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments of Mahabalipuram, including ancient temples and detailed rock carvings. Once a thriving port city, Mahabalipuram is now a peaceful town steeped in historic charm. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

  • Day 5 : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry

    After your breakfast, head south to Pondicherry, a former French colony where colonial architecture, gourmet cafes, and Old-world alleys offer a European vibe in India. Walk through the French Quarter on foot, then explore the Tamil Quarter, a significant marketplace filled with Indian character and charm. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

  • Day 6 : Pondicherry- Tanjore

    After your breakfast, proceed to Tanjore (Thanjavur), home to the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural masterpiece of the Chola dynasty. Witness the temple at sunset for a spectacular experience. Overnight stay in Tanjore.

  • Day 7 : Tanjore - Chettinad

    After your breakfast, begin with a morning excursion to Alangudi, where a village walk experience offers insight into traditional rural life and farming practices. End the walk with a local cooking demonstration and lunch at a host family’s home. Drive onward to Chettinad, known for its ornate mansions and vibrant culinary heritage. Stay in one of the grand 40,000 sq. ft. Chettiar homes and explore tile-making workshops, bustling markets, and village life. Overnight stay in best heritage hotel Chettinad.

  • Day 8 : Chettinad

    After your breakfast, spend the day immersing in village life with activities like a bullock cart ride or even a session of quirky ‘parrot astrology’. Discover the distinct Chettinad cuisine, known for its bold spices and rich, meat-centric dishes—spicy yet delicately balanced. Enjoy hands-on cooking sessions and traditional meals prepared by local chefs. Overnight stay in a best heritage hotel Chettinad.

  • Day 9 : Chettinad - Madurai

    After your breakfast, drive to Madurai, a bustling city blending commerce with spirituality. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, famed for its colorful gopurams, and the majestic Tirumalai Nayak Palace. Explore local flower and vegetable markets, and join a Madurai food safari led by locals, where you’ll sample the city’s best street food and regional specialties. Overnight stay in Madurai.

  • Day 10 : Madurai – Periyar

    After your breakfast, depart Madurai and travel through scenic farmland to the Theni Spice Market, one of South India’s largest. Ascend into the Western Ghats and arrive in Periyar, a lush region known for its spice plantations. Take a guided spice garden tour to learn the origin stories of everyday kitchen ingredients. Overnight stay in Periyar.

  • Day 11 : Periyar- Pathanamthitta

    After your breakfast, drive to Pathanamthitta for a traditional Kerala homestay at Mannaas Veedu, a home built following Vasthu Shastra principles and designed in the Nalukettu style. This experience celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Kerala’s Syrian Christian community, where you can taste rare, and heritage recipes. Overnight stay in Pathanamthitta.

  • Day 12 : Pathanamthitta - Alleppey

    After your breakfast, descend to the backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha) and board a traditional Kerala houseboat for an afternoon cruise with lunch. Drift through tranquil canals and later disembark for a night at a backwater homestay or resort, where you'll enjoy classic Kerala cuisine in a serene setting. Overnight stay near Alleppey.

  • Day 13 : Alleppey - Cochin

    After your breakfast, spend your morning exploring the backwaters before driving to Fort Cochin, a historic port city. Enjoy a guided tour through its diverse landmarks including India’s oldest synagogue, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. These sites reveal the city's multicultural past and legacy as a global spice trading hub. Overnight stay in a luxury hotel at Fort Cochin.

  • Day 14 : Cochin

    After your breakfast, start the day at the local fish market, then visit the home of renowned Kerala chef Mrs. Nimmy Paul. Enjoy a festive Sadhya meal, traditionally served during Hindu special occasions on a banana leaf, and learn the history behind each dish. Then, participate in a hands-on cooking session with Nimmy and prepare a traditional dinner. Overnight stay in a luxury hotel Cochin.

  • Day 15 : Cochin

    On this day of your tour enjoy your leisure at Cochin, by relaxing or you can indulge in shopping or revisiting your favorite sights, before you get transferred to the airport in the evening for your onward journey

FAQ

A South Indian Culinary Tour offers a diverse exploration of the region's rich flavours and culinary traditions. Expect to sample authentic South Indian cuisine, participate in cooking classes in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and embark on food trails that highlight the region's spice plantations, street food, and local markets.

Some popular food trails include exploring Chettinad cuisine in Tamil Nadu, seafood in Mahabalipuram, street food in Madurai, and the spice-laden dishes of Kerala's Malabar Coast.

Authentic South Indian cuisine can be savoured at local eateries, traditional homestays, and curated culinary tours. Highlights include Tamil Nadu’s thali meals, Kerala’s Sadhya, and Chettinad’s spicy meat dishes.

Yes, the culinary tour of South India includes interactive cooking classes where you can learn to prepare Tamil Nadu’s classic curries and Kerala’s traditional seafood or vegetarian dishes under the guidance of local chefs.

South India is a culinary tourism hotspot due to its diverse flavours, regional ingredients, and rich food heritage. Visitors can explore everything from vegetarian feasts to flavorful non-vegetarian specialities.

Iconic Chettinad dishes include Chettinad Chicken Curry, Chettinadu Fish Curry, Mutton Sukka, Aattukkari Kuzhambu, Kuzhi Paniyaram, and flavorful vegetarian dishes like Mushroom Chettinadu and Vegetable Poriyal. The cuisine is known for its rich spices and unique preparation methods.

Madurai’s street food includes parottas, mutton biryani, and jigarthanda (a sweet drink). Food trails in Madurai offer an immersive culinary adventure with these iconic dishes.

Malabar cuisine features biryanis, pathiri (rice pancakes), seafood dishes like meen pollichethu, prawn curry, kallummakkaya roast, and desserts like Unnakkaya, showcasing Kerala’s use of coconut, spices, and fresh fish.

Spice plantation tours in Kerala offer insights into the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon, along with opportunities to taste and buy fresh spices.

Tamil Brahmin cuisine is vegetarian, focusing on dishes like sambar, rasam, and curd rice, made with minimal oil and fresh ingredients.

Kerala cuisine features black pepper, cardamom, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and nutmeg, which enhance dishes like fish curry, biryani, and vegetable stews.

Plan your Trip