7 to 11 persons: US$ 4,895
12 or more persons: US$ 4,545
Single Supplement: US$ 1,600
(Email us for Euro, GB Pound, Aus $ quotes)
01 - 16 December, 2010
(16 days, 15 nights)
Private trips available for groups of 2 or more.
5 star or boutique hotels
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The Complete South India Experience (16 days, 15 nights)
South India, still relatively overlooked by the masses, is steeped in rich and ancient history. From spicy culture to laid back nature, it has something for everyone. Authentic experiences await in markets, temples, kitchens, canals and jungles. Tamil Nadu is the heart of ancient India's Dravidian culture, whose legacy will be felt in the temples of Tanjore and Mammalapuram. And no South India journey is complete without Kerala, where we will float down the lush backwaters in a traditional houseboat, explore emerald green tea plantations and immerse ourselves in one of the friendliest cultures in India.
The trip begins in Chennai and ends in Trivandrum. Visas for India must be obtained prior to departure from the US and are processed by Travisa Outsourcing.
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 famous Taj Hotel.
Stay: Taj Connemara, Chennai
In the morning, we’ll visit the Kalakshetra Arts Village for an opportunity to witness the cultural traditions of South India that are being kept alive here, including music, dance and textiles. Witness the intricate details of a silk sari being woven, where beautiful designs from hand-carved wooden blocks are created. The Kalakshetra Art Village also supports the poor and destitute women of this area who have been given a chance to make a respectable living. In the afternoon, we will visit the Crocodile Bank established in 1976 by Romulus Whittaker established for the conservation and study of India’s three endangered crocodile species. Currently there are over 2,000 crocodiles along with sea turtles and more here.
Stay: Radisson Resort Temple Bay
Arjuna's penance temple complex
We will spend the day at Mamallapuram, the historic, picturesque town once known as Mahabalipuram 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. In the afternoon, watch the Indian fisherman practice the labor intensive ancient art of pulling in their haul by hand from the beach.
Stay: Radisson Resort Temple Bay
After breakfast, we will fly to Tiruchchirappali, also known as Trichy, where we will visit the Srirangam Temple, the foremost temple devoted to Vishnu in the world. It is the largest and arguably most impressive temple complex in the world spanning 156 acres and including 21 magnificent towers. Prepare to be amazed!
Stay: Hotel Parishutam, Tanjore
Tanjore is dominated by the superb World Heritage Site of Bridhadishwara Temple and Maratha Palace. We will visit both of these exquisite palaces, and enjoy the rich history and traditions there. In the afternoon, we’ll drive through beautiful landscapes as we make our way towards Karaikudi. Later, we’ll have an opportunity to walk around the quaint town, and enjoy a traditional South Indian dinner.
Stay: Bangala, Karaikudi
The 12 course meal at the Bangala
The exquisite Chettinad Palace, home of the Chettinad rajas will inspire your imagination! We will also visit a traditional South Indian family home, and in the evening participate in a cooking class conducted by Mrs. Meyappan and prepare a special meal. Chettinad cuisine epitomizes South Indian flavors. Tastebud tingling meals are based on rice, dal and sambar, Chettinad chicken interspersed with idlis and dosas. Everyone will receive a recipe book.
Stay: Bangala, Karaikudi
After a sumptuous breakfast at the Bangala, we drive to Madurai arriving in the early afternoon. Rest at your hotel, located atop a hill overlooking the city of Madurai, and prepare for your evening visit to the Sri Meenakshi temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Meenakshi is the South Indian name for Shiva’s consort Parvati. In this temple, devotees first worship Meenakshi before proceeding to worship Shiva. Over 15,000 Hindus and tourists alike visit this temple every day. A high wall surrounds the huge complex with 12 intricately carved pyramidal gateways.
Stay: Taj Madurai, Madurai
Driving through the picturesque Western ghats of South India, past rice fields and tea plantations, we’ll depart Tamil Nadu and arrive high in the mist-shrouded hills of Kerala. One of India’s premier tea growing regions, Munnar’s hills are some of the most picturesque in India. At the Windermere Estate we will be welcomed by the fascinating physician-turned-spice-gardener owner Mr. Simon before retiring to the private balconies of your rooms overlooking the local tea plantations.
Stay: Windermere Estate, Munnar
The province of Kerala is known as “God’s Own Country” because of its natural beauty, and it also boasts the highest literacy rates in India. Munnar is many people’s favorite place in Kerala because of its picturesque beauty, ample opportunities to enjoy nature, a cooler climate than the coastal regions, and a rich history of tea culture. Here you can see tea farmers doing their magic on the tea trees and taste the garden fresh specimens, or even take a short hike and stop en-route to enjoy a tour of a working tea estate.
Stay: Windermere Estate, Munnar
Bamboo raft crossing
Today we will make our way to Kumily, home of India’s most popular wildlife reserve. Our hotel offers a spectacular opportunity to indulge in an authentic Keralan-style ayurvedic massage or other treatment in first class luxurious style after learning a bit about the ancient technique. This evening we’ll view a first-class Bharatnatyam performance, one of the oldest classical Indian dance styles accompanied by classical Indian music.
Stay: Spice Garden, Kumily
Rising early, we 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! After lunch, we will visit Mr. Abraham’s spice farm to learn about the many varieties growing there. Tasting the spices you use every day – like cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves - growing fresh from the garden is a sensory explosion!
Stay: Spice Garden, Kumily
Today we will board a “rice barge” for a tour through the backwaters. This is, after all, the main attraction of a trip to Kerala. Cruise on a comfortable, air-conditioned boat through quiet canals lined with coconut palms and rice paddies. Eat the most delicious Keralan food, perhaps even buying fresh seafood from the fishermen still in their boats! Before roads were built the waterways were the highways of South India. This is a peaceful slice of heaven in a world far away from the clamor of India.
Stay: Evergreen Tours boats
Arrive in 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 theyyam, a trance-induced ritual Kathakali, a blend of religion and dance. Beautiful!
Stay: Malabar House, Cochin
Chinese fishing nets, Kochi (Photo: Jwalant)
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, Jew Town, 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, Cochin
A quiet, unspoiled seaside town, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Varkala is an important centre for Hindu pilgrims, with the 12th Century Janardhanaswamy Temple and an even older Lord Vishnu shrine at the heart of their pilgrimage. Brahmin priests dot one end of Papanasam Beach performing centuries-old rituals on behalf of the devotees. There are mineral springs at the beautiful beach which is fringed by majestic red cliffs. Relax, pamper yourself, and watch the birds drift on by at eye-level from high above this pristine beach.
Stay: Taj Varkala, Varkala
Short bus ride to Trivandrum. Transfer to the airport for final departure.
Application:
Email us and we will send you an application form.
Payments:
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. Balance payment is required 60 days prior to the trip start date.
Cancellation Policy:
The $500 deposit is non-refundable. Cancel 60 to 30 days before departure: 50% of tour price is subject to refund; No refunds will be provided for any unused services or for cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure.
Crystal Mountain organizes treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet for hundreds of satisfied travelers each year. Feel free to ask us for references who can tell you about their experience with us.
Pam cozying up with a Bengal Tiger
Pam Perry developed a deep love of India while traveling through the country extensively in recent years. Her passion for finding the authentic events and people in all regions are highlighted in the tour's itinerary. Her career started 15 years ago in tourism, and with a detour through the business world, she's thrilled to be combining her love and skills on this tour. She's studied Indian culture, yoga, history and religions, and is dedicated to developing an understanding and appreciation of different cultures in each person she encounters. From temples to food to wildlife, Pam relishes the sensory joys of India. She's still waiting for a glimpse - in nature - of the elusive Bengal tiger.
Feel free to get in touch with Pam: pam@crystalmountaintreks.com
Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Phone
Land Line: + 977 1 4416813
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