ThaliA signature culinary journey of South India with Chef Kumar Mahadevan. SEPTEMBER 2016

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Call Wildlife Safari on 1800 998 558 or info@wildlifesafari.com.au to learn more and to book your place on the Thali Tour.

CHEF KUMARYour 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.

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.

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.

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

“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.

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.

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.

1800 998 558 info@wildlifesafari.com.au

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SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER – CHENNAI

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

SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER – CHENNAI

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

Chennai

KaraikudiMadurai

PeriyarAlleppey

Kumarakom

Kochi

India

THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER – PERIYAR

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

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

SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – KUMARAKOM

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

MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER – KUMARAKOM

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

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

THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER – KOCHI

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( )as

indicated❉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

Itinerary

HOW TO BOOKComplete, 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.

RESERVATIONSReservations 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.

Wildlife Safari offers extensions for travel to India or Sri Lanka either before or after the escorted tour. Please contact Wildlife Safari to arrange.

TRAVEL INSURANCEAll participants must have comprehensive international travel insurance and insurance may be purchased from Wildlife Safari.

HEALTHParticipants 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 VACCINATIONSAll 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

CANCELLATIONSAll 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 depositCancellations 60 days and less prior

Total tour cost is 100% non refundable

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 INFORMATIONAll 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.

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 RESPONSIBILITYWildlife 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 LTD213 Railway Road, Subiaco WA 6008

ABN 053 908 964 | ATAS A10649

Free Call 1800 998 558T (08) 9388 9900

info@wildlifesafari.com.au | www.wildlifesafari.com.au

TERMS & CONDITIONS

TO1053