A signature culinary journey of South India with Chef Kumar

Thali
A signature culinary journey
of South India with
Chef Kumar Mahadevan .
SEPTEMBER 2016
“Food is the essence of existence”
Kumar’s grandmother, Patti Meenakshi, who was the very salt, the prime ingredient to shape his childhood and future career.
Join renowned Chef Kumar Mahadevan
for a 13 day fully escorted culinary tour
of South India in September 2016, a journey
that will explore the country’s natural
beauty and culture and the fragrant world
of Indian cuisine.
CHEF KUMAR
Your tour escort Kumar Mahadevan has been credited
with introducing authentic Indian food to Australia and is
often referred to as “the Guru of Indian cuisine”.
He founded one of Sydney’s cult dining hot-spots, Abhi’s
in 1990 and his second restaurant Aki’s is located
at Sydney’s iconic Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo.
Both restaurants showcase Kumar’s modern interpretation
of Indian food – with light, delicate flavours and his generous use of fresh,
aromatic spices.
Sydney restaurateur Chef Kumar Mahadevan will
escort the tour, which starts where he was born
in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and winds through the
Chettinad region, into Kerala and finishes on the
Malabar Coast.
Chef Mahadevan’s passion for cooking started when he was a young boy,
when he was taught long-held family recipes in his mother’s kitchen in
Chennai. He knew then that cooking was going to be his career, and so at
17 he began his culinary studies at India’s Institute of Hotel Management.
He completed his apprenticeship at the Taj Intercontinental Hotel in Bombay,
and moved to Australia in 1985 where he soon headed up the kitchen at
the highly regarded Mayur restaurant.
Along the way Chef Mahadevan will introduce us
to some of India’s leading chefs, who will provide
private cooking demonstrations, street food walks,
and tours of fresh food markets, spice markets and
spice plantations.
Chef Mahadevan has appeared on MasterChef Australia, represented
Indian cuisine at the first Sydney International Food Festival and is a
published cookbook author. He considers his role as an ambassador of
Indian cuisine in Australia as his career legacy and he relishes in returning to
India to continue to explore historic and contemporary Indian cuisine.
On the journey we will also experience ancient
temples, Colonial and Hindu architecture, the
Periyar wildlife sanctuary, an elephant ride, a
cruise on the backwaters and the sword fighting
martial arts Kalaripayattu.
AT A GLANCE
❉ Journey along the Spice Route with
Kumar Mahadevan
❉ Delve into the delights of spicy
Chettinad cuisine
❉ Stay in heritage hotels
❉ Visit a Spice Plantation in Thekkady
❉ Enjoy a meal at a traditional working
farm house in Kerala
❉ Experience Periyar Wildlife Park
❉ Discover Moplah, Hindu Sadya and
Syrian Christian cuisine
❉ Dine with a local family
❉ Enjoy a cruise on the backwaters
of Alleppey
❉ Enjoy a walking tour of Fort Cochin
TOUR COST
$8,695.00 per person twin share
$1,500.00 single supplement
International airfares flying Singapore
Airlines are additional and available
through Wildlife Safari.
The Thali tour is a rare opportunity to get to know
India’s incredible southern region through the eyes
of one of its own leading expat-chefs.
Wildlife Safari offers extensions to travel
throughout India or Sri Lanka either
before or after the escorted tour.
Please contact Wildlife Safari to discuss
your options.
Call Wildlife Safari on 1800 998 558 or
[email protected] to learn more and
to book your place on the Thali Tour.
1800 998 558
[email protected]
❉
Itinerary
SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER – CHENNAI
Chennai
India
SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER – CHENNAI
Kochi
Madurai
Kumarakom
Alleppey
Periyar
Depart from your city in Australia to Singapore. Transit in
Changi Airport and connect on your Singapore Airlines
flight SQ528 to Chennai. On arrival after clearing customs
and immigration you will be met in the arrival hall by a
Wildlife Safari representative and transferred by private
coach to your hotel.
Vivanta by Taj – Connemara
Karaikudi
This morning join Kumar and your fellow travellers for
a welcome breakfast and tour briefing. We begin our
exploration of the city of architectural delights from the
colonial period and visit Fort St George, St Andrew’s Kirk
and the Church of St Mary. After a traditional vegetarian
lunch at a local restaurant we return to our hotel. This
evening stroll through the bustling Mylapore markets and
visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple followed by our welcome
dinner at Dakshin Restaurant, one of the finest Chettinad
restaurants in the city.
Vivanta by Taj – Connemara
MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER – KARAIKUDI
Leisurely breakfast at your hotel before our transfer to the
domestic airport for the fight to Trichy. On arrival we will
be met and travel by road to Karaikudi, one of the 73
villages that form Chettinad. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy
your historic Art Deco boutique hotel. This evening Kumar
and Visalam’s chef will demonstrate the mix of spices
that define Chettinad cuisine followed by an authentic
Chettinad dinner.
Visalam
TUESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER – KARAIKUDI
After breakfast, it is time to explore the ancient temples and
mansions unique to the region. Tamil Nadu was once ruled
by the Chola Dynasty, who built some of the most ornate
temples in South India. The Chettiyar were traders and
used their wealth to build opulent mansions and filled them
with antiques from their travels abroad. Continue to one
of the many unique tile factories in the region to see local
artisans hand make stunning floor tiles. This afternoon we
explore the Karaikudi produce markets to discover the
wide variety of produce and flowers. Tonight we dine
at Visalam.
Visalam
WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER – MADURAI
Morning at leisure and travel by road to Madurai arriving
at our hotel. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the amenities at
the hotel, relax by the pool or spend time at the Ayurveda
centre. Kumar will join the resident chef at Taj Gateway for
a cooking demonstration followed by an evening visit of
Meenakshi Temple and night food walk.
Taj Gateway
Itinerary
THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER – PERIYAR
MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER – KUMARAKOM
After breakfast we continue our road journey travelling
to Periyar arriving in time for a leisurely lunch at Spice
Village. This afternoon enjoy an elephant ride and visit of a
local spice farm. See how spices are grown and stop at a
local market stall to purchase your own supply of spices.
Spice Village
After breakfast board our Kettuvelum (traditional rice
barge) on a leisurely cruise of the backwaters with a local
Kerala lunch on board. Traditionally called a Kettuvelum,
or rice barge, the shallow and rounded hull of the boat is
made without using a single nail. Late afternoon return to
our resort.
Kumarakom Lake Resort FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER – PERIYAR
Up early to enjoy a nature trek with a local forest guide in
Periyar National Park. Return to Spice Village for breakfast
with morning at leisure. Travel to a working spice plantation
to experience a traditional Kerala vegetarian Sadhya meal
with a local family at Plantation House. Dinner this evening
will be at Spice Village.
Spice Village
SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER – KUMARAKOM
Depart this morning for Kumarakom, a cluster of islands on
Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala and home
to a wide variety of flora and fauna. We arrive in time for
lunch at Kumarakom Lake Resort. Afternoon to relax and
enjoy the unique surroundings. This evening Kumar will
partner with resident chef, Deepak Sundaram in a cooking
demonstration followed by a traditional dinner.
Kumarakom Lake Resort
TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – KOCHI
After breakfast depart for Kochi the cosmopolitan city
of islands and waterways famous for its spices and
silks. We travel to the home of Mrs Faiza Moosa, for a
demonstration of North Kerala Muslim cuisine where we
learn to make an authentic curry followed by a Moplah
style lunch. The Malayalam speaking North Kerala Muslims,
known as Moplahs, can trace their ancestory to the Arabs
who arrived in Kerala to trade. Generally the Moplahs,
are non vegetarians and cook predominately with fish. This
evening enjoy a performance of Kalaripayattu, the sword
fighting martial art followed by dinner at our hotel.
Brunton Boatyard
WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER – KOCHI
Morning heritage walking tour of Fort Cochin, visiting
St Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was originally
buried before his remains were returned to Portugal, the
Santa Cruz cathedral with its pastel walled interior and the
unique cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Continue to Jew
Street with its pretty Synagogue, abundant spice shops and
on to Mattancherry Dutch Palace. Visit the residence of
Mrs Nimmy Paul, a local identity for a traditional Keralan
cooking class followed by shared Syrian Christian style
lunch. Return to our hotel for our final farewell dinner.
Brunton Boatyard
SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – KUMARAKOM
THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER – KOCHI
Leisurely morning before departing for a visit to Phillip
Kutty’s organic farm on an island in the backwaters.
Travel by small boat across the lake to the working farm
and homestay to meet Anu Mathew our delightful host who
will prepare a traditional Syrian Christian meal for lunch.
Return to our hotel for dinner.
Kumarakom Lake Resort
Day at leisure to explore the streets and shops in Fort
Cochin or relax at your hotel. Check out early evening
for our transfer to Cochin International Airport and
the end our culinary journey of discovery.
Itinerary
INCLUDES
❉ Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary with
private bathrooms
❉ All meals breakfast, lunch and dinner( indicated
)as
❉ All ground transport by air conditioned Mini Coach
❉ Escort Kumar Mahadevan will travel with the group for
the entire journey
❉ Local escort for the entire journey
❉ Bottled water provided in Mini Coach during transfers
and sightseeing tours
❉ Sightseeing tours with local English speaking guide
❉ Anytime access to a Wildlife Safari local representative
with contact to our Australia office
❉ Domestic flights as indicated in the itinerary including
ticketed taxes at current levels
❉ Porterage at hotels and airports
❉ All required entrance fees, government taxes and
statutory charges
❉ All airport transfers with our landside “meet & greet”
service on arrival and departure
❉ Wildlife Safari document wallet and luggage tags
EXCLUDES
❉ International and domestic airfares with taxes
❉ Cost of comprehensive travel insurance
❉ All items of a personal nature including beverages,
gratuities, laundry and shopping
❉ All passport and visa application fees, vaccination
and medical consulting fees
ACCOMMODATION
CHENNAI
Taj Connemara
Superior Charm
KARAIKUDI
Visalam
Standard Room
MADURAI
Taj Gateway
Executive Room
PERIYAR
Spice Village
Standard Villa
KUMARAKOM Kumarakom Lake Resort
Meandering
Pool Villa
FORT COCHIN Brunton Boatyard
Standard Sea
Facing Room
TERMS & CONDITIONS
HOW TO BOOK
CANCELLATIONS
RESERVATIONS
Complete, sign and return the booking form available from Wildlife Safari
with your $1,500.00 per person deposit plus a copy of the main page of
your current passport.
All cancellations must be received in writing by Wildlife Safari and all
cancellations will be charged a cancellation penalty based on the number of
days prior to commencement of your Wildlife Safari arrangements.
Cancellations more than 60 days prior
No refund of deposit
Reservations for Thali, a Culinary Journey can only be made through Wildlife
Safari. Wildlife Safari requires a deposit of $1,500.00 per person to confirm
your travel arrangements with balance of payment due sixty days (8th July
2016) prior to your departure date. Reservations will be cancelled if final
payment is not received by the due date with full loss of deposit. Payments
by cash, cheque, direct deposit, American Express, MasterCard and Visa
accepted. 1.5% service charge applies to payment made by MasterCard
and Visa. 3% service charge applies to payment made by American
Express. Any tour changes will incur an administrative fee of $50.00 and
any changes made within sixty days of the departure date will be charged
at the cancellation penalties outlined below. International airline tickets and
tour documents will be sent about three weeks prior to your departure date.
Cancellations 60 days
and less prior
Total tour cost is 100%
non refundable
Wildlife Safari offers extensions for travel to India or Sri Lanka either before
or after the escorted tour. Please contact Wildlife Safari to arrange.
All airfares, surcharges & ticketed taxes are current at quotation date and
may change without notice prior to ticketing. Wildlife Safari is not responsible
for changes in airline schedules, airfares, surcharges, ticketed taxes,
cancellations, frequent flyer program(s) conditions, damage or loss of any
baggage and/or flight overbooking. All claims for any loss or injury suffered
on any airline must be made directly with the airline involved.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
All participants must have comprehensive international travel insurance and
insurance may be purchased from Wildlife Safari.
HEALTH
Participants are required to be reasonably fit. If you have any doubts about
your level of fitness you may be required to have a doctor’s appraisal. For
the overall benefit of everyone on the tour members must have a moderate
level of mobility including the ability to negotiate airports without wheelchair
assistance, use combined shower/bath facilities (we cannot guarantee walk
in showers), undertake walking tours possibly over uneven surfaces, embark
and disembark coaches and other methods of transport without assistance as
well as handle your own luggage.
Please ensure you are aware of all health requirements and consult with your
doctor or specialist in travel medicine for advice about vaccinations and other
health related matters. Always drink bottled water and ensure the bottle has
been properly sealed.
PASSPORT, VISAS AND VACCINATIONS
All participants must have a valid passport with a six month validity from tour
date of entry. You must obtain a tourist visa for travel to India. The India Visa
is not included in the tour cost and can be arranged online prior to departure.
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
There is no refund for any unused portions of your arrangements once travel
has commenced. Cancellation penalties on airfares are additional and are
excluded from the above cancellation charges. Cancellation insurance is highly
recommended and may be purchased from Wildlife Safari.
Wildlife Safari reserves the right to cancel this tour for any reason (such
as failure to reach minimum tour participant numbers) and this tour will not
operate with fewer than ten paying passengers. This tour will operate with a
maximum of fourteen passengers.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The accommodations confirmed may not always be available and may be
substituted for comparable accommodations. All costs are based on known
costs and rates of exchange at quotation date and significant changes beyond
the control of Wildlife Safari will be passed on. Wildlife Safari reserves the
right to alter any travel arrangements due to local conditions beyond our
control. Wildlife Safari retains the right to refuse any person from joining or
continuing any travel arrangements for any reason or if the person causes or
is deemed to cause any hazard, damage or inconvenience to him/her, third
parties, staff, flora, fauna or property.
Luggage is limited to 30 kilograms per person for International flights. Within
India for domestic flights the luggage allowance is restricted to 15 kilograms
for checked in baggage plus 1 piece of hand baggage that must not exceed
7 kilograms.
Please ensure you advise all food allergies, health issues and any other
concerns of this nature on your booking form at the beginning of the booking
process, so that this can be managed effectively throughout and suppliers/
restaurants etc can be advised. Every effort is made to meet your expectations
during this experience, but it is necessary for you to make any special
requirements known prior to arrival.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
Wildlife Safari (Australia) Pty Ltd and its agents act only as agents for the
traveller with respect to services provided, including, but not limited to,
accommodations and meals in hotels, resorts, lodges, camps and restaurants,
as well as all transportation and activities. All services are provided by
suppliers who are independently owned and operated and are not controlled
by Wildlife Safari (Australia) Pty Ltd. Wildlife Safari (Australia) Pty Ltd takes
all precautions with the selection of various suppliers but is not responsible
or liable for any loss or damage incurred by the traveller and caused by any
independent supplier.
Wildlife Safari (Australia) Pty Ltd takes all reasonable precautions to make
our travel arrangements as secure as reasonably possible for all passengers
and others. But Wildlife Safari (Australia) Pty Ltd and its agents shall not be
responsible or liable for any injury, loss, damage, delay or inconvenience
arising out of, or in connection with, any defect in any vehicle or any act,
including any acts of terrorism, industrial action, government directives,
war, civil disturbances, acts of God, neglect, accident, error or omission
for the provision of any travel arrangements. All travel involves possible
personal risk that travellers must determine. Wildlife Safari (Australia) Pty
Ltd suggests consulting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their
travel advisories www.smartraveller.gov.au. Wildlife Safari (Australia) Pty Ltd
reserves the right to accept or decline any person from joining or continuing
on any tour arrangements.
The sole and exclusive responsibility and liability of any participating airline
shall be in accordance with and as limited by the contract of carriage in the
passenger’s ticket, the applicable tariffs and the provisions of the Warsaw
Convention. The airlines are not responsible or liable for any act, omission
or occurrence during the time passengers are not on board their aircraft.
Independent contractors that do not act on behalf of the airlines and who do
not have a direct business association or relationship provide the tour services
other than air transportation provided by the airlines.
WILDLIFE SAFARI (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
213 Railway Road, Subiaco WA 6008
ABN 053 908 964 | ATAS A10649
Free Call 1800 998 558
T (08) 9388 9900
[email protected] | www.wildlifesafari.com.au
TO1053