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South India Travel Guide
Bangalore
Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka State, is one of Indias most charming
cities. Aptly named "Garden City", it boasts of an amazing number
of flowering trees and parks. With splendid pink cassias and golden acacias
blooming, with jacarandas flowering in purple majesty and the gulmohurs
lighting the roads, with their flame-orange brilliance, the city is a sheer
delight to simply wander around in. From a sleeping city, to the Silicon
Valley of India, the momentum of India's 5th largest city's industrial and
commercial growth remains unequalled in the country. 
Chennai
Chennai, the cultural centre of South India and gateway to the state of
Tamil Nadu, is a fascinating jumble, dominated by glittering high-rise emporia
and corporate buildings. Cinema and politics, are the major beats on the
streets. But between the psychedelic flashes, you can catch a glimpse of
the special-toned charm of colonial history, splendid strains of classical
music and sniff a heady compound of jasmines and spices, Chennai still retains
a traditional charm of its ancient past. Shored along the Bay of Bengal,
Chennai has evolved from a tiny fishing village to the countrys fourth-largest
metro.Coimbatore
One of the most industrialised cities in the state, Coimbatore, is known
as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South. The
headquarters of the Nilgiri region, the city is located in the shadow of
the Western ghats. It enjoys a pleasant climate the year round, aided by
the fresh breeze that flows in through the Palakkad gap, The centre of textile
manufacturing in the state, Coimbatore is primarily a business centre with
a strong economy.
One of the most industrialised cities in the state, Coimbatore, is known
as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South. The
headquarters of the Nilgiri region, the city is located in the shadow of
the Western ghats. It enjoys a pleasant climate the year round, aided by
the fresh breeze that flows in through the Palakkad gap, The centre of textile
manufacturing in the state, Coimbatore is primarily a business centre with
a strong economy.
Coonoor
A quiet hill station ,an hour away from Ooty, and reached by a delightful
toy-train, Coonoor nestles snuggly in the lap of the famous blue Nilgiri
hills. A delightful town with exquisite scenery all round, there is much
to see at this idyllic, lesser-known retreat covered by grassy meadows,
a profusion of sunflowers, marigolds and rhododendrons, all growing wild.
With steep hills and valleys carpeted with tea bushes, interspersed with
eucalyptus and silver oak, life moves at a gentle pace in this town of tea
estates. Commanding a breathtaking view of the Coimbatore plains, it is
a paradise for avid trekkers and naturalists with its vast stretches of
undisturbed shoals forests. An essentially small tea garden town, the weather
remains pleasantly cool throughout the year.
A quiet hill station ,an hour away from Ooty, and reached by a delightful
toy-train, Coonoor nestles snuggly in the lap of the famous blue Nilgiri
hills. A delightful town with exquisite scenery all round, there is much
to see at this idyllic, lesser-known retreat covered by grassy meadows,
a profusion of sunflowers, marigolds and rhododendrons, all growing wild.
With steep hills and valleys carpeted with tea bushes, interspersed with
eucalyptus and silver oak, life moves at a gentle pace in this town of tea
estates. Commanding a breathtaking view of the Coimbatore plains, it is
a paradise for avid trekkers and naturalists with its vast stretches of
undisturbed shoals forests. An essentially small tea garden town, the weather
remains pleasantly cool throughout the year. Karnala / Idduki
Karnala is a famous bird sanctuary located a little away from the city towards
the south. It is a delightful picnic spot especially popular with schools
who bring their students here so that they can have an encounter with nature.
For the adventurers - one could take a trek to the top of the hill where
there is a temple on the top and a cool spring as a reward for ones effort.
Karnala is a famous bird sanctuary located a little away from the city towards
the south. It is a delightful picnic spot especially popular with schools
who bring their students here so that they can have an encounter with nature.
For the adventurers - one could take a trek to the top of the hill where
there is a temple on the top and a cool spring as a reward for ones effort.
Kanniyakumari
Famous for its peaceful and stunning natural environment, Kanyakumari
is to the end of India. Surrounded by oceans on three sides, it is located
on the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Famous for its peaceful and stunning natural environment, this place, has
been attracting tourists, due to its geographical positioning. It is perhaps
the only place in India, when at full moon, it is possible to enjoy the
unique experience, of seeing the sun set and the moon rise over the ocean
simultaneously. The sight of Sunrise and Sunset at Cape Comorin is something,
which cannot be forgotten easily. Kanyakumari is also famous as a pilgrimage
for Hindus.
Famous for its peaceful and stunning natural environment, Kanyakumari
is to the end of India. Surrounded by oceans on three sides, it is located
on the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Famous for its peaceful and stunning natural environment, this place, has
been attracting tourists, due to its geographical positioning. It is perhaps
the only place in India, when at full moon, it is possible to enjoy the
unique experience, of seeing the sun set and the moon rise over the ocean
simultaneously. The sight of Sunrise and Sunset at Cape Comorin is something,
which cannot be forgotten easily. Kanyakumari is also famous as a pilgrimage
for Hindus. Kannur
Bounded by a wealth of natural beauty, days of glory of Kannur were under
the Kolathiri Rajas. Noted by Marco Polo as a spice trading port, it is
a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage
of the State. Though various colonial powers, including the Portuguese,
Dutch and British, exerted their influence over this rich Malabar Coast
region, Kannur enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful
folk art and folk music of Kerala. Most of the sites of Kannur are a few
Km out of town. Formerly a major port area, Kannur is now a city known for
its handloom and beedi industries. Some of finest weavers of Kerala come
from this district.
Bounded by a wealth of natural beauty, days of glory of Kannur were under
the Kolathiri Rajas. Noted by Marco Polo as a spice trading port, it is
a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage
of the State. Though various colonial powers, including the Portuguese,
Dutch and British, exerted their influence over this rich Malabar Coast
region, Kannur enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful
folk art and folk music of Kerala. Most of the sites of Kannur are a few
Km out of town. Formerly a major port area, Kannur is now a city known for
its handloom and beedi industries. Some of finest weavers of Kerala come
from this district.
Kochi
One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi has been
a port of call, for foreign traders from early times. One of the most interesting
towns in South India; its cosmopolitan character is reflected, in its low
rise, picturesque buildings and structures. A prime tourist destination
and commercial hub of Kerala; with its wealth of historical associations
and its settings, in a stunning location, between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters,
the city of Kochi, perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. A city
of peninsulas and islands, it is one of the largest ports of India, a major
naval base, and one of the finest natural harbours in the world.
One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi has been
a port of call, for foreign traders from early times. One of the most interesting
towns in South India; its cosmopolitan character is reflected, in its low
rise, picturesque buildings and structures. A prime tourist destination
and commercial hub of Kerala; with its wealth of historical associations
and its settings, in a stunning location, between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters,
the city of Kochi, perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. A city
of peninsulas and islands, it is one of the largest ports of India, a major
naval base, and one of the finest natural harbours in the world.
Kodaikanal
One of the best hill stations in India, Kodaikanal or Kodai is a very beautiful
place in the western ghats. Wrapped in mists, covering her with mystique
and magic and the ochre earth covered in emerald silk studded with gems
of sheer glittering water; Kodai is sure to leave you enchanted and enthralled.
Surrounded by lush green forest and dotted with numerous walks where one
can have a pleasant morning stroll, the wooded hills, pleasant walks, picturesque
waterfalls and a magnificent lake where you can spend the evening watching
the sun go beyond the hills, add to the attraction of the place. An ideal
place for trekking, Kurinji, a plant special to Kodai region, turns the
slopes into a sea of purple once in 12 years!
One of the best hill stations in India, Kodaikanal or Kodai is a very beautiful
place in the western ghats. Wrapped in mists, covering her with mystique
and magic and the ochre earth covered in emerald silk studded with gems
of sheer glittering water; Kodai is sure to leave you enchanted and enthralled.
Surrounded by lush green forest and dotted with numerous walks where one
can have a pleasant morning stroll, the wooded hills, pleasant walks, picturesque
waterfalls and a magnificent lake where you can spend the evening watching
the sun go beyond the hills, add to the attraction of the place. An ideal
place for trekking, Kurinji, a plant special to Kodai region, turns the
slopes into a sea of purple once in 12 years!
Kottayam
Situated in the Backwater circuit, the populace of Kottayam is marked by
the presence of the Syrian Christian community. A beautiful town situated
in the hills, Kottayam is surrounded by some of the most fertile and beautiful
scenery in the state with serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and
the Western Ghats on the east. Well known for its churches, most of the
natural rubber of India originates from the acres of well-kept plantations
of Kottayam. An important commercial centre of India, Kottayam is home to
the Rubber Board, one of the Primary Commodities Board of the country and
the headquarters of the daily newspaper Malayala Manorama.
Situated in the Backwater circuit, the populace of Kottayam is marked by
the presence of the Syrian Christian community. A beautiful town situated
in the hills, Kottayam is surrounded by some of the most fertile and beautiful
scenery in the state with serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and
the Western Ghats on the east. Well known for its churches, most of the
natural rubber of India originates from the acres of well-kept plantations
of Kottayam. An important commercial centre of India, Kottayam is home to
the Rubber Board, one of the Primary Commodities Board of the country and
the headquarters of the daily newspaper Malayala Manorama. Kovalam
Sparkling blue waters, silvery white sands, swaying coconut palms... Kovalam
is a dream. Once a serene and secluded beach, it is now a busy tourist site,
haunted by foreign habitués who spend hours on the beach, sipping
coconut water, watching the fishermen go out to sea, gorging on fantastic
seafood or splattering on an anti-tan and dozing off under a beach umbrella.
A sheltered natural bay, there are a number of Ayurvedic centres, providing
herbal treatments, to rejuvenate your tired muscles with ayurvedic massages
and oil treatments. Kovalam is also the venue, to indulge in many water
sports, including kayaking and water skiing. From the beach, you can also
make inland backwater tours in the country or hire pedal boats.
Sparkling blue waters, silvery white sands, swaying coconut palms... Kovalam
is a dream. Once a serene and secluded beach, it is now a busy tourist site,
haunted by foreign habitués who spend hours on the beach, sipping
coconut water, watching the fishermen go out to sea, gorging on fantastic
seafood or splattering on an anti-tan and dozing off under a beach umbrella.
A sheltered natural bay, there are a number of Ayurvedic centres, providing
herbal treatments, to rejuvenate your tired muscles with ayurvedic massages
and oil treatments. Kovalam is also the venue, to indulge in many water
sports, including kayaking and water skiing. From the beach, you can also
make inland backwater tours in the country or hire pedal boats. Kozhikode
Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and
the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, Kozhikode or Calicut has
all the elements, that fascinate a visitor. There is an abundance of wild
and marine life here. Though wild elephants and bisons, are occasionally
seen in the forests, tigers and leopards are very few and rare. Barking
deer, Mouse deer, Monta lizards, Malabar squirrels, black and grey monkeys,
hares and porcupines, as well as, a large variety of avions are found in
abundance. The British and Portuguese - along with other Europeans, Americans
and Japanese - can still be seen in plenty, tanning themselves on the beaches,
strollingthrough the markets, or getting a nice hot oil massage, in one
of the many health resorts that have mushroomed in the tiny beach resort.
Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and
the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, Kozhikode or Calicut has
all the elements, that fascinate a visitor. There is an abundance of wild
and marine life here. Though wild elephants and bisons, are occasionally
seen in the forests, tigers and leopards are very few and rare. Barking
deer, Mouse deer, Monta lizards, Malabar squirrels, black and grey monkeys,
hares and porcupines, as well as, a large variety of avions are found in
abundance. The British and Portuguese - along with other Europeans, Americans
and Japanese - can still be seen in plenty, tanning themselves on the beaches,
strollingthrough the markets, or getting a nice hot oil massage, in one
of the many health resorts that have mushroomed in the tiny beach resort.Kumarakom
On the shores of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is where time slows to a crawl
as you travel through the narrow backwater channels. Silence rules. Only
bird calls and the click of the shutter break it.
Temperatures in Kumarakom range from a maximum of 37°C in summer to a minimum of 16°C in winter. There is generally a cool breeze blowing in from Lake Vembanad.
On the shores of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is where time slows to a crawl
as you travel through the narrow backwater channels. Silence rules. Only
bird calls and the click of the shutter break it. Temperatures in Kumarakom range from a maximum of 37°C in summer to a minimum of 16°C in winter. There is generally a cool breeze blowing in from Lake Vembanad.
Munnar
Paradise of nature lovers , Munnar was the summer resort of the British
government in South India. Surrounded by the Annamalai Hills, this hill
station offers spectacular views of the craggy peaks, manicured tea estates,
picturesque towns and winding lanes. Munnar in the wee hours of the morning
is a dream, covered in mist. Among the exotic flora found in the forests
and grasslands is the flower Neelakurinji, which bathes the hills in blue
once every twelve years. It will bloom next in 2006 AD. Tiger, sambhar,
bison, spotted deer, leopard, malabar flying squirrel, stripe-necked Mongoose
etc. can also be spotted in the forest. The crisp mountain air and the serenity
of the hills make Munnar an ideal getaway. It may be the commercial centre
of the tea growing estates but it still retains its old world charm. Munnar
also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which is excellent for
trekking.
Paradise of nature lovers , Munnar was the summer resort of the British
government in South India. Surrounded by the Annamalai Hills, this hill
station offers spectacular views of the craggy peaks, manicured tea estates,
picturesque towns and winding lanes. Munnar in the wee hours of the morning
is a dream, covered in mist. Among the exotic flora found in the forests
and grasslands is the flower Neelakurinji, which bathes the hills in blue
once every twelve years. It will bloom next in 2006 AD. Tiger, sambhar,
bison, spotted deer, leopard, malabar flying squirrel, stripe-necked Mongoose
etc. can also be spotted in the forest. The crisp mountain air and the serenity
of the hills make Munnar an ideal getaway. It may be the commercial centre
of the tea growing estates but it still retains its old world charm. Munnar
also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which is excellent for
trekking. Mysore
Once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom, the jewel of Karnataka, Mysore
is a mammoth, magnificent tourist paradise. A city of much splendour, it
has gorgeous palaces, beautiful parks, wonderful museums and art galleries,
dams, reservoirs and temples. Wide stretches of treelined avenues enveloped
with the aroma of jasmine, jacaranda and frangipani permeate the air. This
easy-going city is famous for its silk and is also a thriving sandalwood
and incense centre.
Once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom, the jewel of Karnataka, Mysore
is a mammoth, magnificent tourist paradise. A city of much splendour, it
has gorgeous palaces, beautiful parks, wonderful museums and art galleries,
dams, reservoirs and temples. Wide stretches of treelined avenues enveloped
with the aroma of jasmine, jacaranda and frangipani permeate the air. This
easy-going city is famous for its silk and is also a thriving sandalwood
and incense centre. Thiruvananthapuram
The gateway, to one of the most beautiful states in India - Kerala, the
city gets its name from the word, Thiruvananthapuram, meaning the city of
Anantha, or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha, on which Lord Vishnu,
the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Presiding over one of the
most scenic states of the country, it is a beautiful seaside city built
on seven hills. The famous Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, is dedicated to
Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Most visitors to Kerala, use it only
as an arrival point, speeding on immediately to the silvery sand beach of
Kovalam. It is slow paced and laid back, but is the political hub of Kerala
and politically very active and volatile, Thiruvananthapuram is the capital
of Kerala.
The gateway, to one of the most beautiful states in India - Kerala, the
city gets its name from the word, Thiruvananthapuram, meaning the city of
Anantha, or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha, on which Lord Vishnu,
the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Presiding over one of the
most scenic states of the country, it is a beautiful seaside city built
on seven hills. The famous Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, is dedicated to
Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Most visitors to Kerala, use it only
as an arrival point, speeding on immediately to the silvery sand beach of
Kovalam. It is slow paced and laid back, but is the political hub of Kerala
and politically very active and volatile, Thiruvananthapuram is the capital
of Kerala.Tiruchirapalli
Tiruchirapalli or Tiruchi is the fourth largest city in Tamilnadu. Once
the citadel of the Cholas, this strategic city, was much too benevolent,
under the rule of the Nayaks of Madurai. Apart from the Rock with its historicity
of spiritual significance, Tiruchi has popular institutions,
built in the second half of 18th century by the Christian Missionaries.
Being located in the heart of the State, Tiruchi has a blend of tradition
and modernity, offering a variety of attractions to tourists. for repeat
visits.
Tiruchirapalli or Tiruchi is the fourth largest city in Tamilnadu. Once
the citadel of the Cholas, this strategic city, was much too benevolent,
under the rule of the Nayaks of Madurai. Apart from the Rock with its historicity
of spiritual significance, Tiruchi has popular institutions,
built in the second half of 18th century by the Christian Missionaries.
Being located in the heart of the State, Tiruchi has a blend of tradition
and modernity, offering a variety of attractions to tourists. for repeat
visits. Varkala
Kerala's new destination Varkala, is a perfect place for those who like
to holiday in a calm and serene atmosphere. Varkala is a seaside tourist
resort and spa. A small town 55km north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is also
an important religious place for the Hindus. The Papanasam Beach at Varkala
is a quiet, secluded beach known for its white, silvery stretch of sand,
mineral springs and rocky cliffs. Varkala is also an important Hindu centre
of pilgrimage. It is the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, the
great social reformer of Kerala, is near Varkala atop a hill named Sivagiri.
High cliffs from mineral springs majestically rise is a scene typical of
Varkala. There is a nature cure centre adjacent to the beach.
Kerala's new destination Varkala, is a perfect place for those who like
to holiday in a calm and serene atmosphere. Varkala is a seaside tourist
resort and spa. A small town 55km north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is also
an important religious place for the Hindus. The Papanasam Beach at Varkala
is a quiet, secluded beach known for its white, silvery stretch of sand,
mineral springs and rocky cliffs. Varkala is also an important Hindu centre
of pilgrimage. It is the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, the
great social reformer of Kerala, is near Varkala atop a hill named Sivagiri.
High cliffs from mineral springs majestically rise is a scene typical of
Varkala. There is a nature cure centre adjacent to the beach. Do You Have Questions? Want to design a tour plan?
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