Overview

Comprising of four states, Southern India is a paradise of lush greenery fringed with beaches. Rich in its cultural heritage, it was formerly ruled by enlightened dynasties that patronised classical arts. In Karnataka, the skies take on the fragrance of sandalwood. It is an enchanting land of scenic beauty and rich in flora and fauna. In Andhra Pradesh, the Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu faiths formed a brilliant mosaic of cultures. Here, you'd find bazaars selling pearls, lacquer and glass bangles, clothes and accessories for brides. But it is the Hyderabadi cuisine that steals the show. The lush tropical forests, never ending beaches, silent backwaters, huge elephants and Ayurvedic massages makes Kerala "God's own country". Southern Temple art truly come alive in Tamil Nadu where stone temples of Mahabalipuram remains unparalleled in the world.

BANGALORE

Bangalore - "The Garden City" is a pleasant metropolis with extensive parks and gardens. Despite of the cozy atmosphere, she is a major industrial and commercial centre well known for its scientific and research institutions. Its growing software industry gives it the reputation of being the "Silicon Valley" of India.

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MYSORE

Once the capital of a princely state, Mysore is a city that retains the ambience of its royal past with palaces, parks and shady boulevards. Up on a hill overlooking the city is the temple of Chamundeshwari, its patron goddess. The main attraction here is the Mysore Palace.








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MADUMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The scenic route from Mysore to the hill station of Ooty winds through the Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is excellent for wildlife viewing and has facilities for visitors to go into the forest either on elephant back or in vehicles. Other picturesque spots in the Sanctuary include the Moyar Waterfalls, Ombetta Swamp, Theppakadu Elephant Camp etc.

OOTY

The Blue Mountains or Ooty comprises of colourful gardens, winding lanes, old churches, the Botanical Gardens and the lake surrounded by groves of eucalyptus. A fine retreat from the heat of the plains, Ooty offers scenic beauty and a relaxed ambience.

COIMBATORE

CHENNAI (MADRAS)

Rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the landscape of the past lives easily with the present in Chennai, which still exudes the charm of a traditional lifestyle. The gateway to the south and the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu, the city provides many a fascinating vignette of its varied heritage. It also has the finest sun drenched sea resorts. Marina beach with its sandy shore is the glory of Madras.

TEMPLE TOWNS

Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram and Thanjavur are good examples of temple towns near Chennai where grew a multi-layered society that preached faith and social harmony. While Kanchipuram, also called Kanjeevaram, is famous throughout the country as the centre where lustrous silk saris are woven then Thanjavur is an important centre for bronze figure casting. Mahabalipuram, with its wealth of sculptures, is located by the seaside and has excellent resorts. The town of Tiruchirapalli and Madurai are two other cities in Tamil Nadu famous for temples and a famed pilgrim centres. When the overwhelming Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple with its immense gopurams beautify Madurai, The Rock Fort and Government Museum are main attractions in Trichi .

PONDICHERRY

Pondicherry is noted for its lovely French architecture and cuisine. There are few places to visit like the Matri Mandir, Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Raj Nivas, Romain Rolland Library, Pondicherry Museum, Statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Goubert Salai, Churches, Botanical Gardens, Institute of Indology etc.







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KODAIKANAL

A charming hill station that retains much of its pristine beauty, Kodaikanal is located in the Palani Hills not far from Madurai (120km). While its magnificent landscapes provide ideal settings for the trigger-happy photographer, its wooded slopes and winding paths are excellent for leisurely strolls. The main attraction here is the star shaped lake and boating. Kodaikanal also has a fine golf course.





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KOCHI (COCHIN)

Kochi - " The Queen of Arabian Sea" is an attractive city with its serene backwaters, golden sunsets, lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms. Colonial bungalows, an old Synagogue - the worship place of the Jews, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European church in India, a medieval Portuguese palace, all reflect Kochi's historical links and tell the fascinating story of this harbour town.




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KUMARAKUM

Just 10 km away from Cochin lies Kumarakum, a delightful spot beside a lake, which is home to rare migratory water birds. Close by, is the Shiva temple at Ettumanoor with its lovely murals. Idyllic cruises are possible along Kerala's scenic backwaters. Take a traditional rice boat for a gentle ride along the limpid, palm-fringed canals near Kumarakum for an out-of-ordinary experience. Trips on the ferries between Kollam, Kottayam and Alappuzha are interesting too. Other attractions on the backwaters include the famous boat races.





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ALAPPUZHA (ALLEPPEY)

With its labyrinth of canals, bridges, and a long silver beach and with its cheerful people Alleppey is an ideal place for a memorable holiday. Alappuzha offers enjoyable boat cruises to Kollam along the scenic Vembanad Lake. The never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, the shimmering water and long canals around Alappuzha make a delightful setting for the town.





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KOTTAYAM

A pretty town in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Kottayam is a commercial centre noted for its trade in rubber, pepper, tea etc. She is also one of the main centres of the Syrian Christian faith and has some beautiful churches. They include the Valiapalli church noted for its Persian cross and the Cheriapalli church, which has fine murals, and paintings. It is possible to travel from Alappuzha to Kottayam on the ferry along the lagoons and picturesque waterways, getting a feel of the scenic beauty of this region. Kottayam is also a good base for a visit to the Periyar National Park.




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TRISSUR

A town named after Lord Shiva. Lying in the central Kerala, Trissur is known for its several popular shrines. The Vadakkumnathan Kshetram, the temple is specially known for its spectacular celebration of the Pooram festival. It is a magnificent spectacle with nightlong fireworks and a splendid procession of elephants. Guruvayur, referred to as the Dwarka of the south lies 30 to 40 Kilometers from Trissur.




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PERIYAR

Best known for its wildlife, Periyar is must-see for all visitors to Kerala. The Lake lies at the heart of the sanctuary, which is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers. One can view the animals in their natural surroundings while cruising on the lake, or better still come within a few feet of a herd of wild elephants and still be at ease. The Beautiful deer, wild boar and Water Birds are often spotted along the lake.






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MUNNAR HILLS

Close to Kochi (135 km) are the Munnar hills, covered in the velvety mosaic of the tea gardens. She is a marvellous retreat into nature with scenic views, gurgling streams and placid lakes, where the silence is broken only by the sound of the birds.






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KANYAKUMARI

The southernmost tip of peninsular India is where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. A place from where one can see spectacular sunrises and also colourful sunsets.






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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

The main entry point to Kerala and an enchanting location to view more of the palm fringed and sea washed coastline, Trivandrum is a beautiful seaside city. She is the gracious capital with its palaces, museums and the beautiful beach resort of Kovalam. Dominating the city is the Padmanabhaswamy Temple with its tall gopurams or gateways. A curve of silvery sand fringed by swaying palms, the azure sea and a marvellous resort hotel that blends into the hill side- Kovalam offers a unique beach holiday. There are facilities for water sports and a taste of Kerala culture. Which is a popular picnic spot.




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