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Maestro Jrnys

Chef Sapna's Kerala

A Spice Trail

LED BY

Sapna Nair

TRIP DATES

25 Feb 26 - 03 Mar 26

PRICE PER PERSON

$ 1,995

CULINARY

CULTURE

Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

Bookings Closed

Chef Sapna's Kerala: A Spice Trail

TRIP DATES

25 Feb 26-03 Mar 26

PRICE PER PERSON

$ 1,995

Bookings Closed

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.

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 spice 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
Savour a traditional multi-course farewell dinner curated by Chef Sapna herself
6 nights stay in remarkable CGH experience resorts

Inclusions

Meals as per itinerary

Premium Stays

Airport Transfers

Maestro's Expertise

Led by Jrny Maestro

Sapna Nair

Queen of Spices & a Chef Extraordinaire

12 Jrnys

46 Happy Travellers

Overview

Dates

25Feb’26 - 3Mar’26

Suggested Ages

12+

Duration

7 days

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

6 - 16

Travel Style

comfort

Price per person

$1,995

Itinerary

Wed 25 Feb

Arrive Kochi

Thu 26 Feb

A Day in Kochi

Fri 27 Feb

Kochi to Thekkady

Sat 28 Feb

A day in Thekkady

Sun 01 Mar

Thekkady to Kumarakom via Alleppey

Mon 02 Mar

A Day in Kumarakom

Tue 03 Mar

Depart Kumarakom - Kochi

From Chef Sapna's Kerala's Jrny

Everything was beyond my expectations... the food especially!

Soraya Hamid

Chef Sapna's Kerala

This was my first time to India, and I was so blown away...

Dora Khoo

Chef Sapna's Kerala

A wonderful experience journeying with Chef Sapna. She puts her heart and soul into curating our spice tour and always gave more and more. Thanks to Sanjith for making this happen and for Jenesh and Krishna for supporting roles in getting us safely from place to place!

Visiting the families was the best part... It exceeded expectations and will be an experience I'll remember and recount for a very long time!!!

Cindy Chia

Chef Sapna's Kerala

Overall the entire trip exceeded by expectations. I was so impressed with the entire organization and attention to detail. Going to length to make it so enjoyable and safe for all of us. I loved the boatride on the backwaters. Mr. Sanjith was amazing. He truly made the whole Jrny wonderful. Chef Sapna Anand is an inspiration to all of us. She was the reason for our trip and she was outstanding! Will definitely be looking forwards to many many more trips with JrnyOn.

Harjit Kaur Perdamen Singh

Chef Sapna's Kerala

We thoroughly enjoyed the onam lunch and also all the home dining. Sapna and Sanjith ensured that we were all well taken care of. Sapna is very passionate about food and never fails to explain the cooking process, ingredients etc.

Aichoo Teh

Chef Sapna's Kerala

I'm glad I came on this wonderful trip organized by JrnyOn and Chef Sapna. Everything was beyond my expectations... the food especially, and the people that we met. As the saying goes - 'Food connects'... and I made many connections through food.

Soraya Hamid

Chef Sapna's Kerala

Stay

CHECK IN 25 Feb

2 N

CHECK OUT 27 Feb

Forte Kochi

Kochi

CHECK IN 27 Feb

2 N

CHECK OUT 01 Mar

Spice Village, a CGH Earth experience

Thekkady

CHECK IN 01 Mar

2 N

CHECK OUT 03 Mar

Coconut Lagoon, a CGH Earth experience

Kumarakom

Your Daily Itinerary

Wed 25 Feb

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.

Thu 26 Feb

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.

Fri 27 Feb

Kochi to Thekkady

After breakfast at the hotel, 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 miles
Duration: 4.5 hrs

Dinner at Spice Village

20:00 - 21:30

Buffet dinner at the Hotel.

Sat 28 Feb

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.

Sun 01 Mar

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 5 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 miles
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. A perfect way to close the day amidst the serene ambience of Coconut Lagoon.

Mon 02 Mar

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 farewell 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 Sadhya Lunch at Coconut Lagoon, served on a traditional banana leaf. This is a feast that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Kerala.

Cooking Demo

18:30 - 19:30

Immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Kerala with an exclusive cooking demonstration at Coconut Lagoon.

Kumarakom Farewell dinner

19:30 - 21:30

The farewell dinner at Coconut Lagoon offers a memorable culinary experience with a thoughtfully curated menu. A perfect way to bid farewell with a taste of Kerala’s finest flavours.

Tue 03 Mar

Depart Kumarakom - Kochi

Start your day with a lecture by the Ayurveda doctor, offering valuable insights into the principles and practices of Ayurveda. Gather with the group for a goodbye talk from Chef Sapna, reflecting on your experiences and the memories created during your stay.

Transfer to Philipkutty Farm by boat for a delightful lunch with a cooking demonstration. Enjoy a unique culinary experience as you participate in the cooking demo and savour traditional Kerala dishes at the farm.

Afterward, embark on a scenic drive to Kochi, followed by some free time at Lulu Mall to shop or relax. In the evening, make your way to Kochi airport for your return flight home, concluding your memorable journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Activities

Lecture by 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.

Transfer to Philipkutty Farm for lunch

12:00 - 12:30

Begin your journey to the picturesque Philipkutty Farm with a serene boat transfer.
Lunch at Philipkutty Farm is a feast of authentic flavours, featuring appam paired with chicken stew, a rich vegetable curry, and unique banana flower cutlets.

Transfer from Kumarakom to Kochi

15:30 - 17:30

Travel in comfort and style in a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic route.

Distance: 49 km / 30 miles
Duration: 1.5 hrs

Departure Transfer to Kochi airport

19:30 - 20:30

We'll ensure a smooth journey to Kochi Airport (airport code: COK), providing you with comfortable and convenient transportation for your departure.

Duration: 1 hour 10 min
Distance: 43km/ 26 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

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

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. JrnyOn does not sell travel insurance since we want you to be able to choose a policy that meets your requirements. 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.

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 late evening. As you have activities until late afternoon.

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.

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.

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

Absolutely! Solo travellers are more than welcome on this trip. Many of your fellow travellers will be travelling solo, making it a brilliant opportunity to meet like-minded people while discovering destinations together.

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

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 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).

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

The remaining balance needs to be paid in full at least 45 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

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