SOUTH INDIA ...............................................................

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South India opens the doors of mind boggling variety of landscapes , festivals, food, culture etc. Yes, this part of India stands apart from the rest with a clear difference in terms of language, culture, architecture, art, music, religion and four well developed languages :- Telungu, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil. When you cross the border of a state you enter in to a different face of life with entirely different langage and culture. Some relevant streams of Hindu philosophy originated in South India, Amazingly, Christianity took root in South India many centuries ago. Geographically, South India is a blessed region. Surrounded by the oceans, guarded by Vindhya mountain ranges on north, eastern ghats on east western ghats on west. Climatically, South India offers exciting experiences. Of the South Indian states Tamil Nadu holds an rare distinction being a land with a lot of temples. This state is a haven for the visitors who seek the soul of temple architecture. But the neighbouring state Kerala displays phenomenal difference on many counts. Monsoon of heavy downpours, hot humid summer ,chilling cold climate on hills and many more nuances of climate make Kerala a different place. Besides ,a visitor can enjoy the house boat trips on the rippling backwaters. Yes,a visit to South India assumes lot of importance with: Kerala, God’s own country with natural splendor. Tamil Nadu the land of temple architecture, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka with its festivities and cultural extravaganza,.architectural monuments, shrines and temples, historic moments and natural beauty.

Tamil Nadu
Once, this land situates on southeastern side of Indian peninsula, was known as coromandel coast. Tamil Nadu has many exceptional features to boast of: a musical language that’s rich with poetic literature over 2000 years old, Most refined and classical temple architecture in India. A glowing tradition of classical music and dance forms, picturesque hill stations and green clad agricultural lands. History of Tamil Nadu dates back to 4th century BC. Dravidians were the original inhabitants of this region. During 4th century BC Tamil Nadu was under the rule of 3 dynasties. The cultural scene of Tamil Nadu is vibrant with its rich Dravidian tradition. 85% of Tamilians are speaking Tamil, the oldest living language in India. Hindu’s constitutes 90% of population, the rest is formed of 5% Christians and considerable minority of Muslims Jains and Parcies. Moreover 18 different tribals are inhabiting on Nilgiri hills. Tamilian cuisines standout with its vegetarian dominance:- Iddlies, Dosas,Vadais,Pongal, Thali meals with vegetarian side dishes and different kinds of sweets make the Tamilian platter unforgettable.
Chennai
This coastal city is the capital of Tamil Nadu and is the fourth largest city in India. Centuries ago itself Chennai was an international trade centre.This vibrant metro city offers all the spicy elements of metro living. More importantly Chennai is nerve center of South Indian film Industry.
Places to see:
Fort St. George. Built in AD 1640 by British East India Company in the name of St. George the, paron saint of England. Fort museum : Features a distinctive collection of weapons, uniforms, coins, medals, costumes and artifacts of British period. The tallest flag staff in India and the war memorial, built in memory of warriors of first world war are the other attraction
Kaleeshwar temple: An 8th century pallava temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, with Dravidian style architecture
Sree Parthsarathi temple, built by pallavas in 8th century AD. Located at Triplicane.
Santhome Cathedral : A gothic style cathedral that was built above the tomb of St. Thomas at the Southern end of Marina. According to the annals of history St. Thomas, the disciple of Jesus Christ was killed on St. Thomas mount in 78 AD
Chidambaram: a holy place with the presence of Nataraja temple situates in an area of 40 acres of the temple makes the difference with 5 courts. The 40.8 mtr high eastern gopuram stands unique with the carvings of 108 dance poses of Bharathanatyam
Thanjavoor: Known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. During the reign of Cholas(10-14th century) the city became the center of Tamil learning and culture. More than 74 temples around Thanjavoor reflects the glory of Chola rule. The temples are known for its architectural beauty.
Temples in Tnajavoor
Brihadeeshwara temple: Constructed between 1003 and 1010 during the reign of the great king Rajaraja :- the founder of Chola empire. The 66.5 mtrs high sreevimana is built in granite. The octagonal cupolic dome rests on a single square block of granite weighing 81.3 tonnes. Brihadeeshwara temple is unique in every sense; it is one of the biggest temples in south India, it displays an off the track architectural style, the tower over sanctum is unusually high(64.8mtr)is designed in such a way that the shadow of cupola never falls on the ground
Rajaraja Chola art gallery: Visit this art gallery to see stone and bronze sculptures from 9th and 12th centuries. Over 30000 Indian & European manuscripts written on palmly and paper are kept here.
Velankanny: This shrine of our lady of health is popular in south India. People offer small quality of gold and silver models of body parts for better health. Thiruchira pally: This forth largest city in Tamil Nadu is known in its short form “Trichi” situates on the banks of Kaveri river. The city takes us to the historic monuments of 12th century:- the reign of Pallavas. Places to see: Rock fort with Vinayaka temple at the top it can be reach through a tannel in rock. Midway Thayumanaswamy temple is there. It has a 100 pillar hall.
Rameshwaram :Ramanathaswami temple is unique with its magnificent corridors, massive sculptured pillars, the third corridor of Ramaswami temple is the largest one in world. Besides Rameshwaram Island offers picturesque beaches-dhanushkodi and pampan beaches are engulfed by corel reefs also its ideal for scuba diving. Kodaikanal: Once the great hill stations in India in geographic terms it’s a part of western ghats. Cool climates, forests, a lake on the top of Kodai, splendorous view points more than 300 varieties of Orchids are some of the specialities in Kodai Palani .An important pilgrim center of Hindus, Sri Dandayudha pani temple atop a 140m high hill is the major attraction. Kavadi dance – a ritual during March April and July/August is famous.
Coimbatore: This is an industrial city known as Manchestar of south. Coimatore the third largest city in Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of river Noyal. The city has history from second century.
Peur temple: The 1500 years old Marutha malai temple. Sangameswar temple is situated at the confluence of rivers Bhavani and Cauvery. Vaideki water falls, Thenga patinam beach are the other places to visit.

Hill stations
Udhagamandalam : A part of western ghats that’s comprised of Nilgiris. Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Kottagiri are the most popular and oldest hill staions in south located at an average of 2000 mtrs above sea level. Ooty has lake, botanical garden and Dodabetta the highest peak in Nilgiris, Coonoor takes pride in simspark, law’s falls, Dolphins nose and lamb’s rock. Kottagiri offers viewpoints and shoals
Thirupur: A place famous for hosiery products. Kanyakumari: Known as Cape Comorin, This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Here, 3 seas meet and this is in the southern land end of India and the confluence of bay of Bangal, Arabian sea and Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari Temple dedicated to Goddess Kanyakumari has legends connected with it.
Gandhian memorial : An architectural marvel constructed in memory of Gnadhi. Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes are kept here. And the building is designed in such a way that sunlight will fall- at a particular time- exactly on the urn in which Gandhiji’s ashes are kept.
Vivekananda Memorial: The memorial was built in 1970 on Vivekananda rock where Swami Vivekanandan meditated and got transformed
Madurai: An ancient city more than 2500 years old, It is situated on the banks of river Vaigai. Built in 6th century BC by Pandyan King Kulasekharan. And this is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu.
Places to see
Meenakshi temple : A favorite location of tourists. Its an important place of Hindu pilgrimage. Chitrai festival of Meenakshi temple falls in the month of April / May. This magnificent temple has 12 towers, the 48.4 mtr high southern tower has more than 1500 sculptures. Inside the temple, there is a golden lotus tank, Oonjal mandapam, Kilikoottu mandapam, and many other architectural and sculptural marvels.
Kalakshethra: It means the temple of art. Founded by Rukmini Devi Arudale in 1936. to give systematic training in Bharatanatyam which is a classical dace form of India. Besides classes Kalakshethra conducts music recital and dance performance throughout the year. Mamellapuram : One can see poems on rock carved out in 7th and 8th centuries . Temples in the shape of chariots, cave sanctuaries etc. will win the visitors heart. The shore temple, one of the oldest in south India is situated here . Another exciting this is the sculpture depicting Arjuna’s penance. It’s the world’s largest brass relief. And there are different kinds of engravings and sculptures based on ethics.
Kanjipuram : Once it was the city of 1000 temples, still we can see more than 126 temples. Kanjipuram bears the history of second century onwards. Today Kanjipuram is more famous for handloom silk sarees.
Place to see: Ekampareshwar temple. It is believed that the childless couples will have children if they perform rituals in this temple.Vikundaperumal temple: An 8th century temple with beautiful carvings
PONDICHERRY: A Union territory of India situates on the Coromandal coast and it’s 162 Kms south of Madras. Long ago, Pondicherry was a Freench settlement colony, still this place bears the marks of colonial past. Two thousand years ago , Pondicherry was an important Roman trading point, before this period Pondicherry was ruled by Pallavas and Cholas. The modern Pondicherry was set up by Francois Martin, a French man ;- in between 1673 & 1680.Today Podicherry stand apart from other places with its charming French looks.
Places to see
Aurbindio Ashram
Aurbindo the Sage and Hindu philosophar lived here, the Asram is comprised of houses of Aurbindo and the mother (Mirra Alfasa, a French woman disciple of Aurbindo
Beach
A sun kissed stretch of silver sands, veritably 1500 metres long clean beautiful beach, it borders the town on east, ideal for swimming and sun bath. The beach ois dotted with two historic monuments: a tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi, a 150 year old , 29 metre high, light house and the war memorial built by the French.
French Institute:Established by renowned French indologist Dr. Fillozet in 1995. The institute has separate sections on science , technologyecology, cartography, pedagogy, Indian languages and culture.
Churches: Church of the sacred heart of Jesus located on south boulevard. It,s built in gothic style. The three stained glass panels in a corrodor behind the altar is worth seeing.Another Church in Podicherry is the Eglise De Notre Dame des Agfnes on Rue Dumas. It was built in 1865. And it was believed to have donated by Nepolean III

KARNATAKA
South and North India merges here. Western ghats form a part of Karnataka, Eastern sides goes up to Mysore plateu.Altogether, three rivers, Kaveri, Thungabhadra and Krishna, originated from ghats. Karnataka has a history of 500000 years, its centers, round the region between the Thungabhadra. Karnataka boasts of Hoysala temples of Belur, the jain statue of Gommanteshwara, the Krishna shrine at Udupy, Bendipur wild life sancture etc
Places to see
Bangalore
The capital city of Karnataka is the nerve center of software industry in India. Cubbon park, Vidhan Soudha Government museum, Venkadappa art gallery, the Bangalore palace the fort and Tippu sulthan palace Lal bagh, the bulls temple are the major attractions in Bangalore. As a modern city Bangalore offers all lifestyle facilities in abundance. Mysore : Mysore palace, Vrindavan gardens, St. Philomina’s church, Chamundi hills are the must see places here. Hampi: Here you can see the ruins of Vijayanagara city. Hampi unveils surprises such as king’s balance, Queen’s bath with its arched corridors, balconies, lotus shaped fountains, the two storied lotus Mahal, the splendid Vittar temple with its musical pillars. Coorg: In south India, Coorg is a rarity because, Coorg retains its Original forests. Though this is a hill station, this is not as cool as other hill stations. But, Coorg offers un spoilt nature and there is facilities for trekking and fishing.
Mangalore: This is a hilly town in between Kerala and Goa. It has some old churches to see. Udupy : One of Karnataka’s important Pilgrim centers, and this place is famous for Brahmins meals.

ANDHRA PRADESH
Andhra has lush green coastal deltas; the rest of Andhra is rocky and dry. Hyderabad, Andhra’s capital is one of India’s dynamic cyber city. In ancient period Andhra was the center of Muslim rule. But, rural Andhra has Budhist centers of Nsssssagarjunakonda and Amaravathi Godavari and Krishna are the two rivers that meet the water need of Andhra. 78 million people in Andhra are Dravidians, the national language of Andhra is Telungu. Andhra food is a mix of spicy, veg. , nonveg menu. Modern Andhra pradesh was formed in 1953.
Places to see:
Hyderabad – Secondarabad : The twin cities are built on Ancient granites, Hyderabad is known for the rich resources building stones, Gems and diamonds. Today Hyderabad is a hi-tech city where world’s great software companies are housed.
Charminar: Built in between 1591 and 1612 by sultan Mohammed Quli. It has 56 mt tall slender minarets.
Mecca Masjid : This was completed during the period of sulthan Abdullah shah and Aurangaseeb (1614-1692)
Falaknuma palace built in classical and Mughal style.( 1873). Tomb of Michel Raymond. He was a French man who served Nissams army in 1786. The Ramoji film city. One of worlds largest film cities.
Golconda : A popular fort with tombs of Kings.
It’s the city surrouded by granite hills. Mughalarajapuram temple with ardhanareeshwara statue, 1000 years old Jain temple and Hazarbatar mosque are the major attractions here.
Vishakhapattanam: Its in a spectacular position between eastern ghats and sea Visakh has Indaia’s forth largest seaport, Ship building industries, Oil refineries, steel factories etc.Thirumalai: Thirumalai hills is a group of 7 hills, thirupathy town is bottom of hills, this town was established approximately in AD1131 Sreevenkiteshwara temple, a place that draws largest number of pilgrims in India, is situated here. People used to visit thirupathi and have ritualistic hair cuts for blessings from lord Venkiteshwara.

KERALAM
This southernmost part of India unveils experiences that are totally different. The name itself indicates the difference. The word “Keralam” means the land of coconut trees. Rated among the ten must see places in world by National geographic magazine, the cent percent literate state in India unfolds an alluring landscape dotted with hills, valleys, plains, streams, water falls, back waters, palm fringed beaches etc. Above all Kerala is greenish in every sense. Culturally, Kerala strikes a notable balance with Hindus Muslims and Christians. Elephant marches, temple festivals, music and art festivals, fascinating folk art forms, taste tickling cuisines yes, Kerala offers excitements in a row. Besides, in Kerala, well maintained, historic monuments will impart a clear picture of colonial rule and period of rule by Kings.
Malayalam the language of Kerala is one of the well developed languages in India. Kerala boasts of writer of exceptional genius. In the scenario of marshal arts Kerala has its own place. Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s own marshal arts is one of the best marshal art forms in the world:- developed during 11th century.
Kerala offers difference even in the nature of weather too. Monsoon in Kerala is so captivating, it drenches Kerala almost for six months in an year. But Kerala has two months of hot summer and mild winter season. When it comes to festivals Kerala unspools charming faces of celebrations Onam, the national festival of Kerala, Vishu the new year of Kerala, Thrissur puram a great temple festival that offers the spectacular views of elephant pageantry that features more than 36 elephants are some of the major festivals in Kerala.
South Kerala
Thiruvanthapuram : the capital city of Kerala. Mainly, it has beaurocratic and political tone. The majestic secretariat complex, old forts, palaces, museum etc. impart a touch of class to the city.
Places to see
Sree Padmanabha swami temple
Built before 16th century. It feasts the eyes of visitors with beautiful murals, sculptures carved granite pillas a seven storied tower, sacred pool, clock tower etc. Kanakakkunnu Palace : A magnificent piece of architecture. Art and Craft museum: Housed in a spectacular wooden building – in traditional Kerala style – completed in 1872. It showcases a great collection of centuries old antiques. Kovalam : A beautiful beach known around the world, for the silver sands rocky promontories, palm trees etc. Enchanting Backwaters : Kollam, Alappuzha, Kumarakam and Kochi are the major places in Kerala that are blessed with backwaters.
Ashtamudi lake
This vast expanse of backwaters has banks with coconut palms picturesque promontories, Chinese fishing nets etc. A boat cruise through the ashtamudi lake will expose one to a different face of life. Stop at chembakulam and have a look at the longest snake boat in the world, 11th century Budha statue at Karumadi, Coir processing villages in Thrikkunnapuzha, fishing activity are some other sights. Then come Harippadu, a place that offers, competitive boat races in August November/December.
Aranmula, is a place worth visiting, its near to the backwaters root. The place is famous for Parthasarathi temple, Aranmula kannadi (A unique metal mirror) snake boat race during August or September
Alappuzha : Known as the Venice of East. Once, it was an international trading point with natural port.Now it’s a major tourist attraction in Kerala blessed with a network of canals and backwaters.
Central Malabar : The name Malabar characterizes the connection of the place with traders. Malai is the Dravidian word for mountain, while bar means number of coastal regions. Kochi : A port city, a fast emerging metro, a city hemmed in by backwaters yes, Kochi can be depicted in thousands of words.The modern Kochi is a combination of two towns- Ernakulam and Kochi. Ernakulam is a busy modern town with shopping malls, Hotels, Corporate offices and commercial activity while, Fort Kochin in silent with its historic monuments backwater and sea. Places to see
Vasco da gama square : A place that commorates the visit of Vasco da Gama in 1500 AD . Mattanchery palace
The portugese built it and presented to the king of Kochi in 1557(Circa) in1663 Dutch rebuilt it in a style of Keralas traditional nalukettu. Jewish synagogue
According to historic writings there were two kinds of juwish communities, black jews the first group was settled here in 587BC., Later came white jews with the advantage of Dutch. The synagogue near Dutch palace Mattancherry was built in1568 and rebuilt in 1662. The flooring of synagogue is of 18th century blue can
Cantonese ceramic tiles, its hand painted and each one is different. Synagogue also has original glass oil lambs, Clock tower with Roman, Hebrew and Malayalam characters
St. Francis church: Again Porutuges connection becomes relevant. It was sometimes before 1546 . This church was built in Fort Kochi, the mortal remains of Vasco de Gama is buried here. But 14 years later his body was taken to Portugal.
Islands : The landscape of Kochi is dotted with backwaters and beautiful Islands. Bolgatty is one of the important Islands; the Island has a royal landmark, the Bolgatty palace. Built in (Circa) 1745.
Willington Island , Vypin Island , Kothadu Island etc are the major island of this region.
Kottayam : This place has a rare synonym: most of Kerala’s newspapers and publications are headquartered here. Religiously this hilly region is dominated by Christians.
Places to see
Cheriyapally(Small St. Mary’s Church) 2 km away from town, this 450 years old church has vegetable dye mural painting over altar. Valiyapally, built in 1550. On two sides of altar two Nestorian crosses are carved on plats and inserted behind two side altars. Thekkady : This beautiful hilly area with a lake ( periar lake) attracts over 300000 visitors in an year. This place has nice guest houses, Hotels and resorts to stay. The wild life sanctuary bordering Tamil Nadu has elephants, Tigers, Bisons, 246 species of birds, 112 species of butterflies etc. Munnar: One of the best hill stations in India( 2000mtrs above sea level) its stands apart from the rest with 30 tea estates. Forest here has rich wild life.
Places to see : Tea estates, tea factories, top stations at an altitude of 2200 mtrs above sea level. Eravikulam national park. Setup in 1978 to protect endangered Nilgiri tahr.
Thrissur : Today, this place is known as the culture of capital of Kerala and it is the land of puram, the biggest temple festival in Kerala. The town of Thrissur is round shaped and situates on the top of the hill on which stands Vadakkumnatha temple.
Places to see : Vadakkumnatha temple, Lourdes church, Archeological museum, Cheruthuruthy (a place famous for Kalamandalam, an authentic Kathakali training center)
Palakkad: Border of Tamilnadu. Tobacco and rice cultivation are the major activities here.
Kozhikod : Vasco da gama arrived here in 1498 when Calicut was under the rule of Vijayanagar empire after that different dynasties ruled this place. Today, kozhikod is the major commercial center of northern Kerala.
Places to see : Pazhassiraja museum art gallery, Krishnamenon museum and Kappad beach.
Wynad: Another hilly area in Kerala with untouched forests, hills, lakes water falls, coffee plantations, ethnic food, tribal life etc.
Kannur : A coastal town with dominance of Muslim Community . Earlier it was the capital of north kolathiri Raja for several hundred years. Fort saint Angleo was built by Portugese in 1504. Here handloom industries flourishing. Theyyam dances a ritual dance at Parassinikkadavu temple is famous Bakel fort gives panoramic view of coat line is one of the must see places.