Relish Mama Food and Culture Tour
Essence of South India: Food & Culture Tour
Join this incredible tour of South India - Tamil Nadu and Kerala
MARCH 2 - 14 2026
13 days / 12 nights of food, culture and belonging with Nellie Kerrison
South India ~ lived and shared
"From busy spice markets heavy with cardamom and chilli, to the quiet of temple courtyards where incense drifts in the air, South India is a place that doesn’t just feed you — it teaches you. Here food is memory, ritual, and connection, and every meal tells a story that reaches far beyond the plate. I created this tour to share the South India I love — not as a tourist skimming the surface, but as someone welcomed into kitchens, villages, and lives. Together we’ll cook with locals, wander through bustling bazaars, taste dishes layered with history, and sit at tables where strangers become friends. This is not just a tour. It’s an immersion into the heart of South India — and it will leave its mark on you long after you return home.."
Nellie Kerrison - Relish Mama
What You'll Experience
- Stay in boutique heritage hotels and peaceful retreats
- Explore ancient temples and colourful street shrines
- Wander through villages where traditions still shape daily life
- Join hands-on cooking lessons with locals and chefs
- Discover the spice trails — from bustling markets to fragrant kitchens
- Share meals that carry centuries of history and hospitality
- Glide through Kerala’s backwaters on a traditional houseboat
- Watch the sunrise over rolling tea plantations and hills
- Stroll vibrant markets where flowers, silk, and spices spill onto the streets
Our Itinerary - Coming Soon
Day 1: Chennai
Arrive in vibrant Chennai, where we’ll gather for a warm welcome dinner of Tamil favourites and our first taste of South India’s hospitality.
Day 2: Mamallapuram
Discover the UNESCO treasures of Mamallapuram – the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and Pancha Rathas – before stepping into a local home for a hands-on cooking class and shared Tamil lunch.
Day 3: Puducherry
Wander the French Quarter’s bougainvillea-lined streets, visit Auroville and the Matrimandir, and end the day with a stroll along the seaside promenade.
Day 4: Swamimalai (Heritage Stay)
Settle into a beautifully restored Chettiar mansion. Explore village life at a gentle pace with pottery, artisans, and evening rituals in rural Tamil Nadu.
Day 5: Thanjavur & Chettinad
Marvel at the mighty Brihadeeswarar Temple before arriving in Chettinad for a traditional cooking class inside one of its grand mansions.
Day 6 & 7: Madurai
Step into the spiritual heart of Madurai with a visit to the dazzling Meenakshi Amman Temple, alive with colour and devotion. By night, dive into the city’s flavours on a guided street food walk through its bustling bazaars. The next morning, breathe in the perfume of jasmine at the flower market and wander the lively tailor’s lanes, with the afternoon free to relax or explore more of this ancient city at your own pace.
Day 8–9: Periyar (Thekkady)
Travel into Kerala’s spice-scented hills, where cardamom and pepper plantations carpet the landscape. Explore the plantations, take part in a cooking class, and be captivated by a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. The following day, choose your own pace — a guided jungle trek or a peaceful boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — before unwinding with the restorative touch of an Ayurvedic massage.
Kerala backwaters
Board a traditional houseboat and glide through the serene canals of Alleppey. Sunset on the water is magical, with dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 11–12: Kochi
Arrive in the coastal city of Kochi, where cultures have mingled for centuries. Explore Fort Kochi’s Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, and spice-scented lanes before witnessing the drama of a traditional Kathakali dance performance. The next day, uncover the city’s layered history at the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and lively markets, before gathering for a celebratory farewell Sadya feast served on banana leaves.
Day 13: It's time to say farewell to India & to treasured new friends
After breakfast, transfers to Kochi Airport. We part ways with memories of temple bells, spice-scented air, and the warmth of South India’s people.
What's included & Pricing.....Coming Soon
Inclusions
- 13 days / 12 nights carefully selected accommodation
- Guided tours & cultural experiences with local guides and hosts
- All activities listed on itinerary
- All transfers, entrance fees & porter gratuities
- Hosted & led by Nellie Kerrison
Exclusions
- Flights to/from India (flying in to Chennai and out from Kochi)
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- E VIsa (compulsory)
Pricing
- Cost: 7,250 AUD pp twin share
- Single Supplement: $1,835
- Deposit: $3,000 AUD per person secures your place
- Final balance due: 15th Jan 2026
- Payment plans are available
What past travellers say
“Nellie’s tours are warm, beautifully curated and filled with unforgettable experiences. The food, the laughter, the friendships — I’ll treasure it always.”
“This was more than a holiday. It was a true connection to people and culture, led with such generosity by Nellie.”
"Wonderful tour. Superb tour leaders. You will see all of the main attractions plus so much more. You will feel cared for and nurtured. Excellent ‘bespoke’ itinerary."
Frequently Asked Questions
JUNE 2 - 12 2026
Ready to Experience This Incredible tour of South India
Join Nellie Kerrison for 13 days through the South of India. A journey you will never forget or regret.
Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to gift you an unforgettable adventure in India.
Spots are limited to just 10-14 guests to keep the experience intimate. Book now to avoid missing out.
- Cost: $7,250 AUD per person (twin share)
- Single Supplement: $1,835 AUD
- Deposit: $3,000 AUD per person secures your place
- Final balance due: 15 Jan 2026 (payment plans are available)