India’s Spice Coast Guide: Kerala + Goa Tour
India’s Spice Coast (Kerala + Goa) supplied Europe for centuries. Here’s the modern visitor’s guide to spice tourism.
Kerala spice route
Fly into Kochi (Cochin), historic spice trading port. Stay in Mattancherry/Fort Kochi for colonial heritage + Spice Market visits. Day trip to Munnar (4 hours) for tea + cardamom hills + spice plantation tours.
Best spice plantation tours
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary spice gardens (Thekkady). Vandanmedu (cardamom capital). Kumily (cardamom + pepper). Munnar Mattupetty + spice farm tours. Most offer 2-hour walks ($5-15) + identify 20+ spices growing on tree.
Goa spice farm tours
Sahakari Spice Farm (Ponda). Spice Plantation Tropical Spice Plantation. Pascoal Spice Village. ~$10-15/person includes tour + traditional Goan lunch + buffet.
Cooking classes with spices
Mahalaya Cooking School (Kerala). Spices Cooking Class (Munnar). Pankaj’s Cooking School (Goa). 2-4 hour classes $20-40 — you’ll learn 6-10 dishes + how to use 15+ spices.
What spices to buy
Cardamom (small green, premium grade). Tellicherry black pepper. Kashmiri red chili. Turmeric (fresh-ground). Mustard seeds. Curry leaves (fresh: won’t last). Pack in vacuum-sealed bags for travel. Customs declare if buying $100+ worth.