Cooking class in Kochi: Kerala farm lunch and demo

Cook with the farm family, eat what you make, learn why Kerala's spices matter

A four-hour cooking class at Philipkutty's Farm on an island in Lake Vembanad near Kochi, where you join the owner's family to prepare and cook a traditional Kerala meal together, then eat it. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cochin are included. Groups stay under eight people, and the minimum age is 12.

Step-by-step itinerary

Farm culinary tour and cooking demo

• Pick up from hotel in Cochin
• Drive to Phillipkutty’s Jetty
• Boat ride to the farm
• Participate in cooking activities
• Enjoy traditional Kerala meal
• Return to hotel

The experience

The farm sits on reclaimed land two meters below the lake level, growing coconut, banana, fruit and vegetables using organic methods. You're picked up from your hotel in Cochin and driven to Phillipkutty's Jetty, then take a country boat across the backwaters to reach it. The journey itself is part of the experience: the boat ride shows you the landscape the food comes from.

Once there, you become part of the cooking team. The owner's family leads you through preparing a traditional meal using ingredients grown on the farm and spices Kerala is known for: black pepper among them, a crop so central to the region's history that the English word itself traveled from the Tamil "Pippali" through Greek and Latin to reach us. You'll work with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, depending on what you choose. The family handles instruction. You handle the cooking. Afterward, you eat what you made together.

The farm operates as a working household, so expect other visitors during the lunch and cooking demo. Bottled water is provided. You'll return to your hotel in Cochin by late afternoon. The boat ride and car transfers take roughly an hour each way, though exact timing depends on traffic and the time of day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cochin.
• transport by air-conditioned vehicle to the jetty and country boat ride to the farm.
• cooking demo led by the owner's family.
• traditional Kerala lunch prepared during the class.
• bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 29 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by SITA World Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Cochin without a car. The package includes hotel pickup and the boat ride to reach the farm, so you can focus on the cooking and meal rather than logistics.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How do I get to Philipkutty's Farm from my hotel in Kochi?

Hotel pickup is included. A driver takes you to Phillipkutty's Jetty in Cochin, then you board a country boat for a short ride across the backwaters to the farm. The return follows the same route.

What is Kerala cuisine actually like compared to other Indian food?

Kerala cooking differs from North Indian cuisine and makes heavy use of spices, especially black pepper, which originated in the region. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are central to Kerala meals, and the farm prepares both depending on your preference.

Will I be cooking alone or with other people?

You join the owner's family in the kitchen as part of the cooking team. Groups are kept to a maximum of eight people per booking, though the farm also hosts other visitors during lunch and the cooking demo.

What happens if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Advise any specific dietary requirements when you book so the family can plan the menu accordingly.

Is this suitable for children?

The minimum age is 12, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The farm is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.