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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: Lodge Trek
Destination: Everest
Country: Nepal
The Gokyo Lakes trek is a great alternative for those who wish to avoid the popular (and busy) trail to Everest Base Camp. Moreover, the views from Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft.) and Renjo La pass (5,465m /17,930ft) are arguably better than those from Kalapathar. A little above Namche, the trail to Gokyo splits from the trail to the Everest Base Camp. Head North, following the Dudh Koshi river to its source near the Ngozumpa glacier. Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes allows you to enjoy views of giants such as Everest, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Pumori, Amadablam, Thamserku, Tarboche, Cholatse etc.
From Namche, head north west following the Dudh Koshi river to its source near the Gokyo Lakes. The Gokyo Lakes trek culminates at Gokyo on the banks of the third lake. Here, we will spend three nights exploring the area. On our second day at Gokyo, hike to either Gokyo Ri or Renjo La pass for views of the lakes and the mountains (see photo above). On the third day, hike to the 5th lakes for up-close views of Cho Oyu and other mountains.
It is possible to combine trekking to the Gokyo Lake with the Everest Base Camp trek. Check out our 19-day Everest Base Camp Trek or the 15-day Everest Base Camp – fast paced trek. Also, if you have more time and wish to be more adventurous, check out the Ultimate Everest Trek. This involves crossing two passes: the Cho La pass (Everest Base Camp to Gokyo lake) and the Renjo La pass (from Gokyo lake to Thame). Furthermore, an even more physically challenging trek is the Everest Three Passes Trek. No climbing skills are required for these treks. We are also happy to customize any of these treks for you. Click on the options tab to check out more options.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a lodge trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are quite comparable to those on the Everest Base Camp Trek. And quite a few of them have en suite rooms with hot showers. Meals are also quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on Everest treks.
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the trekking to the Gokyo Lakes are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). It is also possible to do this trek in Winter months of December, January and February if you do not intend to cross the passes. While it will obviously be very cold (upto -20 C/, -4 F), it will be less crowded and there aren’t as many trekkers in the area.
The Gokyo Lakes trek is rated “STRENUOUS”. It is rated 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). While the highest altitude reached is at Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), the highest overnight elevation is at Gokyo Lakes (4,750m/15,500 feet) which is much lower than on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 7 hours on the day hike to the 5th lakes. It is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
All our Gokyo Lakes Treks are private treks 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…
Activity: Trekking
Destination: Makalu
Country: Nepal
On the Makalu Base Camp trek, participants get up-close with the fifth highest mountain in the world – Mt. Makalu (8,485m). Eric Shipton was the first outsider to have trekked in the region in the 1950’s. Consequently, the Shipton Pass on this trek was named after him. The first climb on Makalu was made by an American team led by Riley Keegan and Sierra Club members including Bill Long and Allen Steck. They attempted via the southeast ridge but they turned back at 23,300 ft. due to bad weather. The first ascent of Makalu was by a French expedition team on May 15, 1955.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek starts at a relatively lower elevation which is home to Rai’s, Gurung’s and Tamang people. The last permanent settlement is Tashigaon which is the home of the Sherpa people. Ascending slowly, the trek follows a trail through the beautiful Makalu Barun National Park which is home to diverse flora and fauna. Continue to trek past the Barun river along spectacular granite rocks, pastures and waterfalls.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is quickly emerging as a popular trekking destination especially among trekkers who prefer solitude. Trekking to Makalu is a great alternative to the more busier treks in the Everest and Annapurna region. And with daily flights available to Tumlingtar, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is also quite easily accessible. It has all the makings of an epic Himalayan trek including stunning snow-clad mountain scenery, high passes, intriguing mix of Nepal’s culture and soaring Himalayan peaks.
The journey begins with a 35-minute flight to Tumlingtar from where we drive to the road-head on a chartered vehicle. The lower parts of the Makalu region are quite hot and humid with lush rhododendron and oak forests, cardamom plantations. Ascend slowly over several passes and follow the Barun river valley to the Makalu Base Camp. Return to Tumlingtar is along the same trail but vistas are quite spectacular in both directions. For more information, do check out Jwalant’s blog: My Makalu Base Camp Trek
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a combo Lodge Trek/Camping Trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail and also in tents where necessary. The lodges on this trek are quite basic. Meals are not as varied as on the Everest or the Annapurna treks but options do include rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. On this trek, we will carry some food to supplement what’s available at the local lodges and a certified trekking cook will accompany the group to prepare more varied meals. Furthermore, we will also carry tents so you may opt to sleep in tents in some of the more basic places.
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Makalu Base Camp trek are Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November).
The Makalu Base Camp trek is rated “CHALLENGING”. It is rated 5 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). While it does NOT involve crossing 5,000 meter mountain passes, it is probably the MOST CHALLENGING trek in Nepal in terms of daily elevation gain/loss. No technical climbing experience is required but some sections of the trail (all stair-cases) are almost 50 degrees steep. The highest overnight altitude reached is at Makalu Base Camp (4,800 m/15,750ft) and the highest elevation reached is at the view point above base camp (5,300m/17,400 feet). There are two acclimatization days to allow for proper acclimatization.
Trekking to Makalu involves average daily hiking or around 6 hours with a few longer days of around 7-8 hours. Also, this is a relatively long trek in a remote area. Regardless of the rating, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a private trek for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – 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. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff. We are also proud to give back to our community through our giving arm – 3 Summits For Nepal – managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…
