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South India is one of the most alluring and exotic destinations on Earth. It’s a dazzling mix of incense and romance, temples and tea, curry and coconut. Our South India Festival & Culture Tour will introduce you to the best of everything here; highlighting the uniqueness of the South with a visit to Pongal, a traditional regional harvest celebration and festival, and a special focus on the rich culture and culinary traditions in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Arrive in the eastern city of Chennai, making your way south to Mahabalipuram, home of world renowned stone carvers and ancient stone temples overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Witness the Pongal Festival, celebrating the rain god Lord Indra and the sun god Kolam with elaborate artworks and painted cattle, traditional dancing and singing, bonfires and feasting. Hop a short flight to Tiruchirappalli (or Trichy), one of Tamil Nadu’s largest cities and visit the impressive Rock Fort that presides dramatically over the town. Continue on to Thanjavur, a city which rose to glory during the late Chola period, well known throughout the world as home to Brahadeeswara temple, the magnificent palace, Rajah Serfoji’s Saraswathi Mahal Library, it’s art gallery and as a treasure of exquisite art and handicrafts for centuries. Drive to Chettinad and visit the foremost temple in the world devoted to Vishnu, Srirangam and learn to cook a traditional Chettinad meal served on a fresh banana leaf.
Move your way through Tamil Nadu, to Madurai where you will visit the Meenkshi Amman Temple, which has just undergone a recent, extensive renovation taking nearly a decade. Witness the evening prayers here and feel the energy of this powerful site visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims from all around India every day. Head west over the ghats, toward Kerala. Stop in Thekkady where you will take a boat ride on a peaceful lake and taste your way through a spice plantation, peeling cinnamon bark and sampling peppercorns off the vine. Take a cooking class with a Keralan chef at your hotel and discover the uniqueness of the regional cuisine. Spend a peaceful night aboard a kettuvallum, a traditional houseboat, where you will relax and discover some of the best seafood in South India! A local family will welcome you into their home and give you a traditional cooking demonstration and show you their culture and customs. Explore the historically rich town of Cochin, watching local fisherman pull up their nets and cruise through the centuries old spice markets where Marco Polo once roamed! On your final night enjoy a special farewell dinner followed by a performance of Kathakali, a spiritual dance. On this trip you will have the opportunity to learn to cook and eat the very best of South Indian cuisine as well as visit some of the most culturally interesting temples and cities in this 13 day/12 night itinerary.
Highlights:
-Experience the traditions of Pongal, a local harvest festival in Tamil Nadu
-Taste your way through a spice plantation in Thekkady
-Witness India’s best stone sculptors in action in Mahabalipuram
-Visit the largest Vishnu temple in the world in Trichy
-Learn insiders tricks for preparing Indian cuisine from local chefs
| Day | Description | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Chennai | Chennai |
| Day 2 | Drive to Mahabalipuram | Mahabalipuram |
| Day 3 | Drive to Chennai. Fly to Trichy. | Trichy |
| Day 4 | Drive to Chettinad | Chettinad |
| Day 5 | Attend the Pongal Festival | Chettinad |
| Day 6 | Drive to Madurai | Madurai |
| Day 7 | Explore Madurai | Madurai |
| Day 8 | Drive to Thekkady | Thekkady |
| Day 9 | Thekkady | Thekkady |
| Day 10 | Drive to Kumarakom. Board houseboat. | Houseboat |
| Day 11 | Allepey | Allepey |
| Day 12 | Allepey to Kochi. | Kochi |
| Day 13 | 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 members at a group dinner at the hotel.
Stay: Hotel Beverly (D)
Your day will begin with a morning tour of Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Visit the bronze gallery and see their superb collection of Chola art. Visit a local market, Kapeeleshwar Temple, Marina Beach among others. 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. Watch local fisherman practice the labor intensive ancient art of pulling in their haul by hand from the beach.
Stay: Ideal Beach Resort (B, D)
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.
Stay: Ideal River View (B, D)
Known for their cultural heritage and culinary delicacies, the Chettiars are widely known as the historical business tycoons of the South. What remains in Chettinad today are their architectural legacies and many of their descendents. The local village Karaikudi is famous not only for its traditional houses, but for its unique, brightly colored handmade tiles that you will see all over India. Lunch will be at the Bangala, a traditional Chettinad style restaurant overlooking a spectacular garden. Chettinad food is famous for using a variety of different spices and masalas in preparing vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, and for the beautiful banana leaf presentation. After your meal, spend some time wandering through the Shandi market seeing the unique goods that are available in this region. 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 (B, D)
Today you will travel approximately one hour from Chettinad to Nattarasankottai to experience Pongal, a traditional harvest festival unique to Tamil Nadu. This is a Hindu celebration of the harvest’s end marking the six month period Uttarayanda, the northward movement of the sun, when all important events are scheduled. This four day festival celebrates the rain god Lord Indra and the sun god Kolam with elaborate artworks of colored rice flour and colored chalk, painted, decorated cattle, dancing and singing, bonfires and feasting. Very few Westerners get to participate in this unique experience.
Stay: The Bangala (B, D)
From Chettinad, you’ll make your way to the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, Madurai. Enroute, stop at one of the five Gandhi sanghralayas (museums) in the country, and learn a bit more about India’s iconic hero. 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 late afternoon, you’ll visit the elaborate Meenakshi Amman Temple complex, which is the largest Shiva temple 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. Witness the evening prayers and feel the sacredness of this very special temple.
Stay: Sangam (B, D)
Spend the day getting a deeper appreciation for one of India’s most popular cities for Indian residents. Spend a bit more time at the Meenakshi Temple Complex, and visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, a gracious 17th century building in the Indo Saracenic style famous for intricate stucco work on its domes and arches. After lunch, take a short drive to the Thiruparankundram Temple where the Hindu got Murugan is said to have married Deivanai. The temple is the first among the six holy abodes of Murugan and the second most popular temple in Madurai. You’ll end the evening with an adventurous auto rickshaw ride through town, returning to the hotel for dinner.
Stay: Sangam (B, L, D)
This morning, take a bamboo raft on Lake Periyar, in one of South India’s most popular wildlife reserves. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars as you might spot wild elephants, gaur, deer, exotic birds and more. Afternoon free to enjoy the lush tropical gardens and grounds of your hotel, explore the town of Thekkady or rest by the pool. (B, D)
Stay: Greenwoods (B, D)
This morning, take a bamboo raft on Lake Periyar, in one of South India’s most popular wildlife reserves. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars as you might spot wild elephants, gaur, deer, exotic birds and more. Afternoon free to enjoy the lush tropical gardens and grounds of your hotel, explore the town of Thekkady or rest by the pool. (B, D)
Stay: Greenwoods (B, D)
You will depart after breakfast for Kumarakom, deep in the tropical heart of Kerala. “God’s Own Country” as the locals call it, Kerala has the country’s highest literacy rate at 91%. It’s mostly known for its lush backwaters, which are a peaceful slice of heaven far away from the clamor of India. Kumarakom is an emerald peninsula jutting into the beautiful Vembanad Lake, where you’ll see plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs through the flat lands of Kerala. Here you will board a traditional “kettuvallam” for a tour through the backwaters where land, sea and sky come together. Cruise comfortably and slowly 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. Enjoy a wonderful freshly prepared dinner that you will not soon forget!
Stay: Houseboat (B, L, D)
Disembark from the houseboat and visit the Allepey market. Experience the unparalleled magic of the narrow, shaded streets and vibrant color of this quaint town built along canals and shaded by coconut trees. Mid-day you will visit a local home, where you will eat a lovingly prepared meal and meet the family. Afterwards, you will have free time to walk in the village. In the evening, you will learn firsthand the finer points of Keralan cuisine from a local chef.
Stay: Homestay (B, L, D)
This morning, 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. Wake up and greet 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 tour of Cochin’s heritage sites including St. Francis Church (the oldest in India, built in 1506), the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and the world famous spice markets. Shopping opportunities abound! If all that shopping has you tired, indulge in one of Kerala’s famous ayurvedic massages. Cochin clings to its vibrant historical traditions such as Kalarippayat, a gravity-defying martial art. In the evening, witness another one of their sacred traditions, a trance-induced ritual Kathakali, a blend of religion and dance.
Stay: Spice Fort (B, D)
Transfer to the airport for final departure. (B)
Per person price until Dec 31, 2020
(4 and 5 STAR HOTELS)
2 – 3 participants: $3,600 USD per person
4 or more participants: $3,240 USD per person
Single Supplement: $995 USD
(All private departures)
It is best to co-incide this trip with the Pongal Festival near Chettinad which is usually in November. Inquire for dates. You may also consider the India: Coast to Coast program which is very similar to this trip. Or ask us to customize a trip for you. We’d be happy to do so.
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 this English explorer. Makalu trekking starts at a relatively lower elevation which is home to Rai’s, Gurung’s and Tamang 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 are the spectacular granite rocks and waterfalls. Finally, the villages near the Makalu Base Camp are home to the Sherpas.
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 following 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.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a lodge trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. 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. Furthermore, we will also carry tents so you may opt to sleep in tents in some of the places.
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Makalu Base Camp trek are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). It is also possible to trek to Makalu Base Camp in December but obviously it will be very cold with temperatures dipping to -20 C/, -4 F or slightly lower.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is rated “CHALLENGING”. It is rated 5 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). 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…
“The Festival and Culture Tour occurs at precisely the right time of year, during the Pongal festival, when the weather is moderate. For my wife and me, it was the perfect blend of immersion and insulation, with great local guides and charming Indian hotels. The temples in Tamil Nadu were amazing, followed by cultural experiences in Kerala: a houseboat tour through old canals and a stay in a traditional home. With our own car and driver, we had access to many places we never would have seen without the keen insight of our guides, which also enabled us to meet local people. Though the schedule is full, there was enough time built in for relaxation and contemplation. All in all, it was a perfect trip, made possible only with the knowledge and preparation of Grand Asian Journeys.”
