What to expect
The Thali is a dish full of flavour, spices and textures with its origins in South India. Thali, meaning plate in Hindi, is essentially a traditional meal of ten or more small portions served in tiny bowls called katoris arranged on a round tray or banana leaf. Our Thali Explorer takes you on a journey through South India for an extraordinary culinary adventure delving into the flavours of South Indian cuisine, exploring the natural beauty and cultures from Chennai to Kochi. Discover the flavours and delights of street food, fresh food markets, and enjoy many exceptional thalis along the way
Your Journey Begins
Arrive into Chennai International Airport where your Wildlife Safari representative will meet you with a warm welcome for your private transfer to your heritage hotel. Chennai, previously known as Madras, is a sprawling metropolis established on a fishing village as the first British settlement in India.
Overnight – Taj Connemara
Meet your guide for a private exploration of architectural delights of the British Raj visiting Fort St George, St Andrew’s Church, and the Church of St Mary. The city has a fine legacy of British Raj monuments, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples, and one of the longest urban beaches. Enjoy a lunch stop at a local restaurant for the first of many Thali’s.
Overnight – Taj Connemara
Private transfer to Chennai domestic airport for your short fight to Trichy. Continue by road to Karaikudi, a village in Chettinad, renowned for its unique style of cuisine and impressive 18th century mansions.
Overnight – Visalam
Morning is the time for the daily kolam, a traditional art form. Join Visalam staff as they sprinkle rice powder to create a colourful kaleidoscope of geometric patterns. Explore the temples and mansions unique to the area and wander through the Karaikudi markets to discover the variety of seasonal produce and colourful fragrant flowers.
Overnight – Visalam
Travel by road to Madurai, the oldest city in Tamil Nadu on the banks of the Vaigai River. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the facilities at your hotel.
Overnight – Heritage Madurai
Depart Madurai and continue your road journey travelling through picturesque Tamil Nadu into the lush green state of Kerala for a unique stay and nature based experience in the hills of Thekkady.
Overnight – Spice Village
Up early and head out on a nature trek with a forest guide in Periyar National Park. Continue to a working spice plantation to enjoy a traditional Kerala vegetarian Sadhya meal with a local family.
Overnight – Spice Village
Depart this morning for Kumarakom, a cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater and home to a variety of flora and fauna. Afternoon to relax and enjoy your serene surroundings.
Overnight – Kumarakom Lake Resort
After a leisurely morning travel to Phillip Kutty’s farm located on a small island. Take a boat ride across the waters to the working farm and meet Anu Mathew, your delightful host who will cook a traditional Syrian Christian meal.
Overnight – Kumarakom Lake Resort
After breakfast travel to the jetty and board a restored Kettuvelum, a traditional rice barge for a leisurely cruise on the serene backwaters.
Overnight – Kumarakom Lake Resort
After breakfast depart for Kochi the cosmopolitan city of islands and waterways famous for its spices and textiles. Kochi is a major trading port and over the years the many traders have left their mark as seen by the colonial architecture, unique Chinese fishing nets, ancient mosques and 16th century Jewish synagogue.
Overnight – Eighth Bastion
Morning heritage walk of Fort Kochi with your guide visiting St Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried, the Santa Cruz cathedral and the unique cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Continue to Jew Street with its charming blue and white Synagogue with time to shop for the fresh spices from the shops that line the street. Continue to the home of local identity, Mrs Nimmy Paul, and participate in a Keralan cooking class and enjoy an enticing Syrian Christian style meal.
Overnight – Eighth Bastion
Today is a day to wander and explore the lanes of Fort Kochi or shop for antiques, curios or textiles in Jew Town or simply relax at your boutique hotel.
Overnight – Eighth Bastian
Transfer by private vehicle to Cochin International Airport for your onwards travel arrangements.
You may want to continue your journey adding more flavour inspired days to discover the use of spices in the intriguing cuisine of Goa with its Portuguese inspired delicacies. The options are endless so speak to one of our India Experts for their culinary recommendations.
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For over 5 decades, Wildlife Safari has been curating luxury safaris and tours for the discerning traveler. We would love to chat about your next adventure. Leave us your details below to get in touch about this journey.
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Wildlife Safari established the Perth, Australia office in 1987 offering a portfolio of destinations within Africa, the Indian Ocean and India.
