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Chef Sapna's Kerala

Kochi-Thekkady-Kumarakom-Mararikulam

CURATED BY

Sapna Nair

DURATION

10 Days

PRICE PER PERSON

$ onwards

CULINARY

CULTURE

Plan my Jrny

Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

Plan my Jrny

Chef Sapna's Kerala: Kochi-Thekkady-Kumarakom-Mararikulam

DURATION

10 Days

PRICE PER PERSON

$ onwards

Plan my Jrny

About this Jrny

Spices are at the heart of Keralan food’s unforgettable taste. Chef Sapna, the Queen of Spices, takes you on an incredible journey across her home state of Kerala, inviting you to experience the magic of spices.

Kerala’s tropical climate is the perfect environment to cultivate a variety of spices — warm, zesty, pungent, and everything in between. Our journey starts in Kochi, a port city known for its fresh seafood and fusion cuisine. We explore the spice markets of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, learning from Chef Sapna about their history and uses in different aspects of Kerala’s cuisine.

Next, we head to Thekkady, to a lush spice plantation that will be our home for the night. A leisurely walk through the spice plantation, accompanied by the aromas of cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper, reveals how our favourite spices are grown, harvested, and processed. We join Chef Sapna for an interactive cooking class where we learn to replicate Kerala delicacies at home.

A morning visit to Periyar National Park takes us on a scenic boat ride down the Periyar river, with a chance to spot some wildlife. At our next destination, Alleppey, we board a houseboat cruise that takes us to Kumarakom via serene backwaters.

Kumarakom, characterised by a labyrinth of backwaters, is part of the “rice bowl” region of Kerala. Kumarakom’s cuisine is largely Syrian-Christian, where appam, kappa (tapioca), and karimeen (pearl spot fish) are abundantly eaten, along with more fresh seafood. Throughout the trip, we also partake in traditional Keralan experiences including a mohiniyattam dance performance, an optional ayurvedic spa afternoon, and a rice-boat cruise.

We end our journey in Mararikulam, a coastal paradise known for its pristine beach and peaceful atmosphere.

Apart from culinary delights and spice explorations, this Jrny with Chef Sapna is a peek into her brilliant mind. Join us to taste Kerala's exquisite cuisine as it comes alive under Sapna's skilful hands.

Highlights

Walks through Kerala’s bustling spice markets and lush spice plantations, led by Chef Sapna
An interactive cooking demonstration by Chef Sapna, divulging the secrets of Syrian Christian cuisine
Explore the streets of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, tasting local street food
Participate in a cooking class with Chef Sapna and a local chef set in the serene backwaters
A learning session about ayurveda and spices by an ayurvedic dietician
Go on a boat ride along the waters of Periyar river for some wildlife spotting
Experience a rice boat cruise through the winding canals of Alleppey
Wind down and enjoy seafood on the beaches of Mararikulam
Savour a traditional multi-course dinner curated by Chef Sapna herself
Stay in remarkable CGH experience resorts

Inclusions:

9 Breakfasts, 8 lunches & 8 dinners
Stay in comfortable hotels with twin sharing rooms (single room upgrade available)
2 nights stay in Cochin
3 nights stay in Thekkady
2 nights stay in Kumarakom
2 nights stay in Mararikulam
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Chef Sapna's company and culinary expertise

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Kochi

Day 2

A Day in Kochi

Day 3

Kochi to Thekkady

Day 4

A day in Thekkady

Day 5

Another day in Thekkady

Day 6

Thekkady to Kumarakom via Alleppey

Day 7

A Day in Kumarakom

Day 8

Kumarakom - Marari Beach

Day 9

Free Day in Marari

Day 10

Mararikulam - Kochi - Departure

Curated By

Sapna Nair

Queen of Spices & a Chef Extraordinaire

17 Jrnys

46 Happy Travellers

Overview

Duration

10 Days

Price per person

$ onwards

onwards

Activity level

Moderate

Travel Style

premium

Suggested Ages

Min 12

Maximum Group size

Plan My Jrny

Chef Sapna's Kerala

10 Days from $ / person

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Stay

No Hotels Available.

Day 1 - 2, Night

2 N

Eighth Bastion, a CGH Earth experience

Kochi

Day 3 - 5, Night

3 N

Spice Village, a CGH Earth experience

Thekkady

Day 6 - 7, Night

2 N

Coconut Lagoon, a CGH Earth experience

Kumarakom

Day 8 - 10, Night

2 N

Marari Beach a CGH Earth Experience

Mararikulam

Your Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Kochi

Welcome to Kochi, where every cobblestone street narrates tales of colonial legacies from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British eras. Our representative awaits you at the airport, ready to whisk you away to a hotel infused with Kerala's rich heritage.

Meet Chef Sapna, who will be your Jrny Maestro for the trip.

Delight in leisurely strolls through bustling markets, explore ancient forts, and treat your palate to the diverse flavours of local Malabar cuisine. Allow Kochi's enchanting spirit to captivate your senses, promising a journey brimming with history, culture, and culinary delights.

Meals Included: None

Activities

Meet and Greet in Kochi

07:00 - 17:00

Arrive at Kochi International Airport (Airport code: COK). Once you pass immigration, retrieve your luggage and clear customs, please look for JrnyOn representative holding a placard with your name. Proceed to your hotel in a pre-arranged transfer vehicle.

Day 2

A Day in Kochi

Start your day early with a visit to the Vypin Fish Market, where you can explore the bustling market and experience the local seafood trade. After the visit, enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to Mattancherry Spice Market, where you’ll have the chance to explore the vibrant spice market and visit a proper spice shop to learn about Kerala’s famous spice trade.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a cooking demonstration with Nimmy Paul, where you’ll learn the secrets behind some traditional Kerala dishes, followed by a delicious lunch. After a fulfilling morning and afternoon, take some time to rest at the hotel to recharge for the evening.

In the evening, head to Ernakulam Marine Drive Pier for a sunset cruise, where you can enjoy the serene backwaters and the beautiful sunset views. Finally, enjoy a dinner at Calicut Paragon, concluding a day full of exploration, learning, and delicious food.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Fish Market and Auctions

06:30 - 08:00

Explore the bustling Ernakulam Fishing Harbour, Kochi's largest wholesale fish market.

Mattancherry Spice Market and Jew Town

09:00 - 12:00

Explore Jew Town and Mattancherry, walking through the bustling streets and the aromatic spice markets as Chef Sapna talks about the limitless potential of Kerala’s local spices.

Cooking Class & Lunch At Nimmy Paul's

12:00 - 14:00

Nimmy and Paul have been hosting ‘At Home’ hospitality for over 12 years, sharing their Syrian Christian heritage in Kerala. Nimmy, a seasoned cookery instructor with 20+ years of experience, offers classes on traditional Kerala cuisine while serving as a food consultant to writers, chefs, and magazines. Together, they welcome guests with warm hospitality and authentic flavours.

You will be transferred from your hotel to Nimmy's residence. Spend the morning learning to make local dishes, enjoy lunch with the family, and return to your hotel.

Free Afternoon in Kochi

14:00 - 17:30

The afternoon is yours to explore Kochi at your own pace.

Sunset Cruise in Kochi

17:30 - 18:45

Enjoy a boat cruise in the beautiful Kochi harbour and witness the sun setting on this mesmerising city. Watch as the local fishermen return with the day’s catch.

Fort Paragon Restaurant by Calicut Paragon

18:45 - 20:00

Enjoy a boutique dining concept that features some of the most loved dishes from Calicut Paragon restaurants.

Day 3

Kochi to Thekkady

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Continue your journey with a drive to Pala, and then enjoy a hearty lunch at Madukakkunnu Farm, hosted at Jose Thomas Residence. After lunch, take a scenic drive to Thekkady, soaking in the natural beauty along the way.

Indulge in a delicious buffet dinner at Spice Village, where you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes in a cozy and authentic setting, wrapping up the day with a satisfying and memorable meal.

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Drive to Pala

10:00 - 12:00

Embark on a scenic drive to Pala, where the journey offers picturesque views of lush landscapes and tranquil surroundings.

Lunch at Madukakkunnu farm

12:00 - 13:30

Lunch at Madukakkunnu farm at Jose Thomas Residence.
Featuring Kerala Nazrani Sadhya served on Banana leaf.

Transfer Kochi To Thekkady

13:30 - 14:30

Head to Thekkady in the comfort of a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle. Sit back, relax, and soak in the scenic beauty of Kerala's lush landscapes. Stop for lunch en route.

Distance: 158 km / 99 mi
Duration: 4.5 hrs

Dinner at Spice Village

20:00 - 21:30

Buffet dinner at the Hotel.

Day 4

A day in Thekkady

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, enjoying a spread of fresh and local delicacies. Then embark on a Spice Plantation visit, where you’ll learn about the cultivation of Kerala’s famous spices and the region’s rich agricultural practices.

After the plantation tour, enjoy a delicious lunch at the hotel, featuring a variety of local dishes. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat cruise on Periyar Lake, allowing you to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the lake and its wildlife.

In the evening, experience a cultural showcase at Spice Village, with a Bharatanatyam dance performance. To cap off the day, enjoy a cooking demo and dinner at the hotel, where you’ll be introduced to the flavours and culinary traditions of Kerala’s tribal communities.

Meals Included : Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Spice Plantation visit

09:00 - 11:00

The plantation visit gives us an insight into the growing, harvesting, and processing of spices.

Boat cruise on Periyar Lake

15:00 - 17:00

Enjoy a Boat ride on Periyar Lake.

Spice Village cooking demo and dinner

18:00 - 20:00

Bharatanatyam performance and cooking demonstration arranged for in-house guests at the hotel, followed by a tribal cooking demo and dinner at Spice Village Hotel.

Day 5

Another day in Thekkady

Today is a free day to relax. You have the option of doing a nature walk, going birding in the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, or getting a relaxing massage at the hotel.

Meals Included : Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Birding and Walking

09:00 - 11:00

Birding and walking are excellent ways to explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, with options like guided Nature Walks and the Bird Song Trail offering chances to see birds and the forest in detail. You can spot various species like the Great Indian Hornbill and Racket-tailed Drongo, along with flora and other animals.

Day 6

Thekkady to Kumarakom via Alleppey

Embark on a scenic drive from Periyar to Alleppey, making a stop at the picturesque Harrison's Tea Plantation to enjoy the lush tea gardens and learn about tea cultivation. A brief stop for a washroom break will be made at Teyla, ensuring a comfortable journey.

In the afternoon, board a delightful cruise on Vembanad Lake. During the cruise, enjoy a delicious lunch on board, featuring fresh water prawns and other local delicacies as you glide along the serene backwaters, taking in the scenic beauty of the lake.

Continue your cruise through the serene backwaters until you reach your tranquil retreat in Kumarakom, where you can relax and unwind in a quiet, green environment. A delicious seafood dinner awaits, offering a perfect end to a day filled with natural beauty, cultural experiences, and exquisite cuisine.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Thekkady to Kumarakom via Alleppey - Day 6 image

Activities

Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey

08:00 - 12:00

Enjoy a comfortable journey from Thekkady to Alleppey in a private, chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and pleasant ride as you traverse the picturesque landscapes of Kerala.
Distance: 138 Km / 85 mi
Duration: 4 hrs

Cruise on the Vembanad Lake

12:00 - 16:00

Embark on a serene cruise on Vembanad Lake. The onboard lunch features a traditional spread, completing a delightful culinary journey on the tranquil waters.

Dinner at Coconut Lagoon

20:00 - 21:00

Embark at Coconut Lagoon and indulge in a sumptuous seafood dinner featuring a curated selection of regional delicacies. Begin with the Tender Coconut Seafood Moilee, a creamy turmeric-based seafood soup, served with freshly baked breads and lavash. Savour the Inchi Puli Prawns, spicy stir-fried shrimps in a tangy ginger-tamarind sauce, and crunchy tapioca crisps. The Regional Seafood Platter offers flavours, including jumbo prawn shutteth, lemony tiger prawns, and Neiman kizhi—a seer steak wrapped in regional masala and curry leaves. These are served alongside chilli coconut rice, Kerala parotta, and vegetable preparations. End the meal with the Lagoon Trio Platter, an exotic dessert selection featuring vattalappam (coconut milk and jaggery custard), thamukku (bananas with coconut and roasted rice flour), and coconut burfi flavoured with milk and cardamom. A perfect way to close the day amidst the serene ambience of Coconut Lagoon.

Day 7

A Day in Kumarakom

Start your day with a Kumarakom Village visit, enjoying a scenic boat ride as you explore the local village life and picturesque surroundings. The boat journey offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the backwaters and traditional village scenes.

Enjoy a traditional Kerala Sadya lunch, featuring a variety of authentic Kerala dishes served on a banana leaf, providing a true taste of local cuisine.

Relax with Ayurvedic treatments or take a tranquil stroll along the backwaters in the afternoon.

Partake in a cooking class featuring breakfast delights like appam and stew, idiyappam, and more, guided by expert chefs. End the day with a dinner featuring menu planned by Chef Sapna, where you’ll enjoy a delicious spread of local delicacies, making for a perfect end to your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Kumarakom Village visit

09:00 - 11:00

Experience the charm of Kumarakom with a serene village visit. Begin your journey with a picturesque boat ride for pick-up and drop-off at Coconut Lagoon (CCL), soaking in the tranquil beauty of the backwaters. Explore the village by boat, gliding through narrow canals lined with lush greenery, traditional houses, and glimpses of local life. This immersive journey offers a unique opportunity to witness the simplicity and vibrancy of rural Kerala, creating lasting memories of this peaceful retreat.

Traditional Kerala Lunch

12:00 - 13:00

Enjoy an authentic Kerala feast served on a traditional banana leaf, showcasing a rich variety of local flavours and textures. A thoughtfully curated spread of dishes, from vibrant vegetables to comforting curries, reflects the region’s deep-rooted culinary traditions.

The meal unfolds in classic style, ending on a sweet and refreshing note—offering a truly immersive taste of Kerala’s heritage and hospitality.

Cooking Demo

18:30 - 19:30

Immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Kerala with an exclusive cooking demonstration at your hotel.

Kumarakom dinner

19:30 - 21:30

The dinner at Coconut Lagoon offers a memorable culinary experience with a thoughtfully curated menu. Curated by Chef Sapna, it features a taste of Kerala’s finest flavours.

Day 8

Kumarakom - Marari Beach

After breakfast, we have a talk by the ayurvedic doctor of the hotel, which will help you gain valuable insights into holistic health and wellness. We go to PhilipKutty farm for a delicious lunch.

Post lunch, we drive to Mararikulam, a coastal paradise known for its pristine beach and peaceful atmosphere. Upon arrival, you check in to your beachside resort, where you can unwind by the shore or take a leisurely sunset walk along the golden sands. The day ends with a delicious dinner, as you prepare to relax and enjoy the tranquility of Marari Beach.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

Lecture by the Ayurveda Doctor

09:00 - 10:00

Gain valuable insights into holistic health and wellness with a lecture by an experienced Ayurveda doctor, exploring the ancient practices and principles of this traditional Indian medicine. This session offers a deep understanding of how Ayurveda promotes balance and well-being in daily life.

Philipkutty Farm for lunch

12:30 - 14:30

Begin your journey to the picturesque Philipkutty Farm with a serene boat transfer, setting the tone for an immersive culinary and cultural experience. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome with a refreshing ginger lime drink, followed by a cooking demonstration showcasing traditional Kerala recipes.

Lunch at Philipkutty Farm is a feast of authentic flavors, featuring appam paired with chicken stew, a rich vegetable curry, and unique banana flower cutlets. The spread includes staples like Kerala boiled rice and dhal curry, as well as a variety of sides: vegetable thoran, ivy gourd fry, and the signature beef olarthiathu. Seafood lovers can savor fish fry and batter-fried prawns, complemented by pineapple pachadi, banana chips, pappad, and tangy pickles.

Dessert is a highlight, with a creamy coconut milk soufflé accompanied by fresh fruits. Conclude the meal with a choice of tea or coffee, enjoying the tranquil charm of the farm and its lush surroundings. This visit offers a perfect blend of Kerala's culinary artistry and serene backwater living.

Transfer to Mararikulam

14:30 - 18:30

Private transfer to your resort in Mararikulam

Day 9

Free Day in Marari

You wake up to the soothing sound of waves and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your beachside resort. Today is all about relaxation as you spend time at Marari Beach, where golden sands and swaying palms create a perfect retreat. You can take a refreshing swim, lounge under the sun, get a massage, or go on a nature walk. As the day winds down, you watch a breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Sea, embracing the peaceful charm of Mararikulam.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Day 10

Mararikulam - Kochi - Departure

It’s time for your magical journey to come to an end. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where you will board your international flight back home. Once on the flight, you can begin to plan for your next JRNY!

Meals included: Breakfast

Mararikulam - Kochi - Departure - Day 10 image

Activities

Departure transfer to Kochi Airport

09:00 - 11:00

We depart from Mararikulam and drive to Kochi (airport code: COK) in a private, chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy the scenic journey through Kerala’s lush landscapes as we head towards the airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transfer for your departure.

Note: Please book your departure flight time in the afternoon.

Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 78 kms / 48 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

- You are deeply passionate about food and culture, and love exploring a place through its flavours, people, and traditions.

- You’ve always wanted to go beyond the tourist trail, seeing destinations through the eyes of locals and connecting with their daily lives.

- You have a special love for local cuisine, always hunting for hidden gems and lesser-known dishes with rich stories behind them.

- You’re curious about the people behind the food — the farmers, cooks, and families who grow, prepare, and share it with heart.

- You are excited to meet like-minded travellers who care about conscious, sustainable travel and authentic experiences.

- You’re ready to roll up your sleeves, try something new, and dive into adventure with an open mind (and an even more open appetite).

- International and domestic flights

- Visa fees

- Video and photo camera charges during sightseeing

- Tips for driver and local guide

- Optional activities

- Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary

All foreign travellers will require a valid passport. The passport should have a validity for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. All foreign travellers will require a visa for entry into India. It is recommended to check the latest requirements on the official Embassy website. Each passenger must be personally responsible for ensuring she/he possesses valid travel documentation.

Travel insurance is mandatory to protect against loss of personal valuables, illness or unforeseen late cancellations. While suppliers make every effort to ensure guests' safety, we cannot be held responsible for events beyond our control. For those looking for an insurance supplier, we can recommend Insurance Nomads. Write to them at [email protected] with your Jrny details for insurance options.

The tour starts and ends in Cochin. So you should arrive and depart from Cochin Airport. The airport code is COK.

Yes, private arrival and departure airport transfers are included in this tour between the airport and the tour hotel. These transfers will be shared with other members of your tour.

There are no activities scheduled on Day 1 of the trip. So you can arrive anytime. Hotel check-in time varies and generally will be around 2:00 pm.

You can depart in the afternoon. As you have a transfer back to Kochi in the morning.

Absolutely, please rest assured we will try our best. From flavourful vegetarian dishes deeply rooted in local culinary traditions to specially curated menus, we ensure a delightful array of vegetarian choices on all our tours.

We try and cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on regional local cuisine. So there will be limitations. Please write to [email protected] with your booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.

Please read through the itinerary in detail. Overall for the tour on a scale from 1 - 5, a fitness level of 2 would be ideal.

Please refer to the daily activities in the itinerary, where the driving distance and duration for each day are given. The longest drive on this tour approx 4 hrs (depending on traffic).

Normally, yes! In some cases if the exact hotels are unavailable for any reason, we'll make sure you're put up in hotels that are equivalent to the original in terms of location and facilities. Rest assured, your stay will be as promised.

Children under 12 are not allowed on this Jrny. Children above 12 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

No mandatory vaccinations are required. We advise you to check with your doctor incase you have any personal requirements. Also check with your local clinic or doctor a few weeks before the trip for any change in recommendations.

We require a 35% advance payment at the time of booking.

The remaining balance needs to be paid in full at least 50 days before the date of travel.

We have the following cancellation terms for this tour:

Cancellation up to 91 days from the date of travel: 10% cancellation charges (as per the total trip cost) will be levied, the rest will be refunded to you.

From 90 - 46 days from the date of travel: 30% cancellation charges will be levied

45 days or less from the date of travel: 100% cancellation charges will be levied.