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From earth to sky, markets to mangroves, temples to beaches, South India soothes with a scintillating mix of elevations and experiences. Travel coast to coast to sample Tamil Nadu’s rich history and artisan culture, and Kerala’s lush jungles and beckoning backwaters. Experience Indian family life and learn how to cook South Indian cuisine with an esteemed Chettinad chef. Search for elephants and Bengal tigers high in the misty mountains, and sample cinnamon bark from the tree. Relax into the ayurvedic culture for which this area is known, and try an authentic massage. South India has it all!
Highlights:
| Day | Description | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Chennai | Chennai |
| Day 2 | Drive to Mahabalipuram | Mahabalipuram |
| Day 3 | Explore Mahabalipuram | Mahabalipuram |
| Day 4 | Drive to Chennai. Fly to Trichy. Drive to Chettinad | Chettinad |
| Day 5 | Explore Chettinad | Chettinad |
| Day 6 | Drive to Madurai | Madurai |
| Day 7 | Drive to Periyar | Periyar |
| Day 8 | Explore Periyar | Periyar |
| Day 9 | Drive to Kumarakom. Board houseboat. | Houseboat |
| Day 10 | Allepey | Allepey |
| Day 11 | Allepey to Kochi. | Kochi |
| Day 12 | Final departure |
Arrive in Chennai, the chaotic capital city of Tamil Nadu province. Spend the afternoon getting acclimated to Indian time and culture. Meet your other tour mates at a group dinner at the hotel.
Stay: Hotel Raintree
After a short drive, we will spend the day exploring Mahabalipuram (formerly Mamallapuram), the historic, picturesque town that is world-renowned for their highly skilled stone carvers. The sweeping stretch of golden sands lacing the Bay of Bengal has defied time and retained its pristine nature, and is the setting for the amazingly well preserved shore temples that date back to the 8th century. Visit the World Heritage Site Five Rathnas and you’ll see five impressive shrines carved out of pink granite and named after five famous characters from the Mahabharata. In the afternoon, watch the Indian fisherman practice the labor intensive ancient art of pulling in their haul by hand from the beach.
Stay: Ideal Beach Resort
Known for being the “City of a Thousand Temples”, it is also the home of the widely acclaimed Kanchipuram hand woven silk sarees. The temples, an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, were built by the rulers of the various dynasties over the millennia, each elevating and refining the structures to their own liking. The Vaikuntha Perumal Temple should be on everyone’s “must-see list” of South India! Then you’ll visit a silk weaving factory, a centuries-old tradition in South India, made famous here for their double warp and double weft that make these sarees some of the finest quality in all of India. Return to Mahabalipuram to spend the evening.
Stay: Ideal Beach Resort
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Chennai where you will catch a flight to Trichy. Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli or Trichy. A fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort, it is home to many churches, colleges and missions dating back to the 18th century. From here, you’ll head towards Chettinad where you’ll relax for the evening.
Stay: The Bangala
Known for its cultural heritage and culinary delicacies, Chettinad is the You’ll visit the Chettinadu Mansion, a 100-year-old architectural marvel that contains more than 100 rooms with classical features reminiscent of a bygone era. The mansion was originally created by the Chettiars, the business tycoons of the South . In the evening, you’ll learn the art of authentic South India cuisine at a cooking class, and then dine on the delicacies that you’ve helped to prepare.
Stay: The Bangala
From Chettinad, you’ll make your way to the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, Madurai. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage and glorious traditions, Madurai is considered one of the “antique” cities of India. With history dating back to the 6th century BC, it’s often called “The Athens of the East”. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the elaborate Meenakshi Amman Temple complex, which is the largest dedicated to Shiva; in the world. The soaring towers rise from solid granite bases and are covered with intricate stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colors. You’ll end the evening with an adventurous auto rickshaw ride through town, returning to the hotel for dinner.
Stay: GRT Residency
After breakfast you’ll make your way to Periyar, literally “land where pepper grows”, into a new climate, state and elevation. Located in Kerala, Periyar is home to a tiger reserve, abundant wildlife, lush forests and spice plantations. For centuries people have been drawn here by the romance and wild beauty of the land. You’ll see every conceivable shade of green in a fertile outpouring, flecked with the crimson and gold of mountain flowers.
Stay: Shalimar Spice Garden
Rising early, you will explore Periyar, searching for the wide variety of birds, reptiles and mammals that call this home. Periyar was originally the hunting grounds of the Maharajah of Travancore, and was declared a wildlife reserve in 1933. Animals you might spot include Bengal tigers, Nilgiri langur, Asiatic elephants, monkeys, hyenas, wild boar, porcupines, sloth bear, otters and numerous varieties of exotic birds. Binoculars are a must! Beginning with a three-hour cruise on a bamboo raft you will traverse a variety of habitats while searching the shoreline for signs of life. You will have panoramic views of the forest clad hills reflected on the lake. We will eat a picnic lunch en route, and make our way back to the boat landing by foot around 5:00 pm.
Stay: Shalimar Spice Garden
Stay: Coconut Lagoon or Philip Kutty Farm House
Today we will board a “rice barge” for a tour through the backwaters where land, sea and sky come together. Cruise comfortably on an air-conditioned boat through quiet canals lined with coconut palms and rice paddies. Before roads were built the waterways were the highways of South India and they still are in a different way as you’ll see.
Stay: Evergreen House Boats
After disembarking from the houseboat, you’ll travel about an hour north to Cochin, the distinctive colonial town that has been home to Jewish settlers, Portuguese and Dutch traders, Chinese visitors with threads of Syrian, Christian and Portuguese merchants. Cochin clings to its vibrant historical traditions such as Kalarippayat, a gravity-defying martial art, and a trance-induced ritual Kathakali, a blend of religion and dance.
Wake up and meet the fishermen at Cochin’s famous Chinese fishing nets during their morning catch. The strong are invited to help pull in a net! Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Cochin’s heritage sites including St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and the world famous spice markets. Shopping opportunities abound! If all that walking has you tired, indulge in one of Kerala’s famous ayurvedic massages.
Stay: Malabar House
Depart from Cochin airport to home, or extend your stay with one of our post-tour extensions. (B)
Per person valid until Dec 31, 2020
STANDARD HOTELS (3 and 4 STAR HOTELS)
2 to 3 persons: $3,000 USD per person
4 or more: $2,700 USD per person
Single Supplement: $1,250 USD
DELUXE HOTELS (5 STAR AND BOUTIQUE HOTELS)
2 to 3 people: $3,500 USD per person
4 or more: $3,150 USD per person
Single Supplement: $1,650 USD
(Final prices may vary based on hotels selected. A December and January peak season surcharge may apply)
While this is a pretty comprehensive South India trip, there are lots of other areas in India you could include in your trip. We are happy to customize. Please write to us for more details.
Activity: Trekking
Destination: Annapurna
Country: Nepal
The Nar Phu trek is a beautiful trek to the Bhotia (Tibetan) villages of the Nar Phu valley in the Manang district. Manaslu and Annapurna rise above the clouds along with Himlung and several other virgin 7,000’ers including Mt. Kang Guru. This region, an ancient trading route, was opened to trekkers only after 2002. The trek begins on the trail heading north east of the Annapurna Circuit trail at Koto towards the Tibet border. Continue to Phu and Nar – the two main villages on this trek. Finally, at the end, rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail at Ngawal after crossing the Kangla pass (5,320m/17,450ft).
Fewer than half the trekkers trekking the Annapurna Circuit trek visit Nar Phu. Hence this section isn’t as crowded. This is probably because the Nar Phu valleys are restricted areas requiring extra permits. Walking along narrow gorges you will also see Khampa settlements that have been deserted. In the 1960’s the Khampas, a martial Tibetan ethnic group, had regrouped in Nepal (mostly in Mustang) to launch raids into Tibet after the Chinese occupation. They were secretly trained and funded by the CIA and India.
“When looking for a trekking service provider, don’t scrimp. You don’t want the fastest or the cheapest. You want a service that will take a small group safely, giving the time required to safely ascend and willing to be flexible to adjust to your needs. I needed an extra day to get to altitude. If I had been with a large discount guide service, I would have been on my own or worse, headed home like several people I met. Crystal Mountain’s Guides adjusted our trek to accommodate my body’s needs and I ultimately had that peak experience without jeopardizing my health. Many services just do the usual routes but CM’s guides know just about any route you’re ready to take on. I trust these guys with my life.”
Derrick M., WA, USA
“A first rate outfit. As a solo traveller from Australia doing the Three Passes Trek, CMT was fantastic to deal with. Prompt and informative responses to my inquiries. Great support in sorting out flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, plus a fantastic porter/guide who made all the difference in ensuring i completed the trek. There is a reason why they have been in business nearly 30 years – they are very good!”
Jim B., AUSTRALIA
The Nar Phu Trek is a lodge trek. Consequently, you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are basic and NOT comparable to those on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. None in the Nar Phu valley have en suite rooms. Hot showers are available for an extra fee. Meals are quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on lodge treks.
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Nar Phu trek are Spring (March-June) and Autumn (October-November).
The Nar Phu trek is rated “STRENUOUS”. It is rated 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The highest altitude reached is at Kang La (5,320 m) and the highest overnight elevation is at Phu village (4,150m/13,615 feet). Average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 9 hours on the hike over the pass. Regardless, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
Jwalant Gurung, Chief Adventure Officer at Crystal Mountain Treks, along with senior guide, Rajbir Rai, junior guide, Mandip Limbu and a couple other staff headed out on a 25 day scouting trek to Nar Phu, Teri La Pass and Upper Mustang. This video is their account of the Nar Phu trek. They began trekking in late June which is usually not ideal for viewing mountains. But this video should give our viewers good information on the trail which is our goal.
Activity: Lodge Trek
Destination: Everest
Country: Nepal
Fibers of Bhutan: Culture, Heritage and Art delves into the cultural and artistic heart of Bhutan. Traveling from west to east, you will see exquisitely built monasteries and shrines, hear the oral histories of the land and its inhabitants, and have intimate opportunities to meet the artisans and people who make Bhutan’s culture one of the most unique in the world.
In the western region of Paro, explore some of the holiest and historically significant temples and hike through breathtaking terrain. Northeast of Paro, in the capitol city of Thimphu, you will meet with a local textile designer and join her in an exclusive behind the scenes experience. You will also have time to engage in the capital’s gallery of traditional Bhutanese culture. Explore the Thimphu weekend market to shop for handicrafts and immerse with locals in their daily routines.
Continue east across Bhutan via Dochula Pass: drinking in views of the higher Himalayas. The serene views are continuous throughout the Phobjikha Valley. Your Bhutanese experience will be crowned by hiking to the legendary Taktshang Monastery, also called Tiger’s Nest, on a trail through pine trees adorned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags.
Highlights:
All our Fibers of Bhutan tours are for a minimum of two participants for a date of your choosing. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. Most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We have been in business for over 30 years and we employ only the most professional and friendly staff.
We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…
