Guroo Manzil, Dalgate, Srinagar, J&K IN
Famous for its astounding temples and sacred sites, southern India is a unique religious region. Green, red and the blue of the ocean with numerous coconut trees slash across the canvas with amazing regularity. These factors goes a long way in making a holiday so much more worthwhile and happy in South India.
The regional capital is Chennai (formerly
Madras), India's fourth-largest city and capital
of the state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai is the
cradle of the ancient Dravidian civilization,
one of the oldest articulate cultures in the
world. It is also home of the classical style of
Indian dancing and a notable center of temple
sculpture art. Sprawling over 130 sq km (50 sq
miles), the metropolis has few tall buildings
and enjoys the relaxed ambience of a market town
rather than the bustle of a huge city. From
Chennai Lighthouse there is a fine view of the
city that includes many churches which tell of
the city's strong Christian influence, first
introduced in AD 78 when the apostle St Thomas
was martyred here.
Chennai, however, is largely a commercial city
and the center of the area's rail, air and road
networks, and serves as a good starting point
from which to explore the south.
Within the state are several important
religious centers, notably Kanchipuram, which
has an abundance of temples, and whose striking
gopurams, or gateways, are decorated with
sculptures of gods and goddesses. Inland is
Madurai, with a large and bustling temple, and
Thanjavur. Also worth visiting is
Tiruchirappalli, which has a fortress built atop
a strange boulder-shaped hill that dominates the
town.
Further south, along the coast, is Pondicherry,
an attractive town with a distinctive French
style, and beyond, Rameswaram, once the ferry
link to Sri Lanka.
Known as Inspiring Awe of India The Land of
Green Magic and Back Waters with its best
To the west lies the state of Kerala, where many
of India's major coastal resorts are to be
found. Among the finest is Kovalam, offering
un-spoilt beaches with increasingly modern
amenities, including luxury bungalows and a
number of hotels (some including a swimming
pool). Only a few miles away is Trivandrum, the
state capital with its famous Padmanabhaswamy
Temple. Further inland is the Periyar Game
Sanctuary which has a rich and varied wildlife.
Other resorts include Cranganorre, Alleppey and
Kochi. The Landscape is dotted with rice fields,
Mango, cashew nut trees and coconut palms.
Kerala offers an in string mosaics of cultures
and some unusual ways of traditions. It also
offers some of the best and most picturesque
beaches in India.
Trivandrum, the capital of
Kerala, is a gateway to a world of beaches,
mountains, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries &
islands. Cochin is known as 'the Venice of the East'
& is famous for its backwater canals.
Kerala as a state will prove to be a fascinating
experience !
Further to the north is the state of Karnataka,
which has fine, unexplored beaches at Karwar, Mahe
and Udupi. The state's capital is Bangalore, an
affluent city which is the center of electronics and
engineering industries, but has many charming parks
and gardens. To the southwest lies Mysore, where
incense is manufactured.
Karnataka has a number of important religious and
historical sites, including the ruins at Hampi to
the north of Bangalore, and the vast statue of Lord
Bahubali at Sravanabelagola, north of Mysore.
The South of India includes the states of Karnataka,
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. Goa & Kerala. Chennai
(Madras) the capital of Tamil Nadu is a colonial
seafront city. The British used the hill stations,
with their breathtaking views and milder climates,
to escape the heat. Even today to a large extent one
can see their influence. The Union Territory of
Pondicherry, near Madras is a former French colony.
Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is a
multifaceted city & is also known as the city Of
drought beer. Places to see in & around Karnataka
are the ruins at Vijaynagar, Belur & Halebid for its
sculptures, the statue of Bahubali at
Sravanabelagola which is the world's tallest
freestanding monolith, Coorg which is located on the
hills of the Western Ghats, Bandipur, Nagarhole &
Bannerghatta with its wildlife & forests.
Chikmagalur is famous for its plantations & the
mountains, the Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur.
Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is a mega
city & has many beautiful monuments. The Charminar,
Hussain Sagar Lake, Mecca Masjid, Golconda Fort, the
Birla Mandir, Tank Bund, Nagarjunasagar /
Nagarjunakonda, the beach resorts of Visakhapatnam
are often compared with Goa for their scenery &
charm. Hyderabad also has a number of temples and
museums.
Day 01: Arrival in Chennai
Today after you reach the Chennai airport or
railway station, a representative from Travelogy
India takes you to a pre-booked hotel. After some
rest and relaxation, you head towards the
Kapeeleshwara Temple.
This 8th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva
and house idols of several deities, like the
Vinayagar, Annamalaiyar, Murugar, Saneeswara,
Durgai, Dakshinamurthy and Chandikeswarar. Another
interesting feature of this celestial structure is
the sixty three statues of Saivite saints. While
the Marundeeswarar Temple is unique with its 'Chaturvastam'
doom, the Parthasarathy Temple portrays tales from
the great Indian epic,
Day 02: Chennai - Kanchipuram -
Mahabalipuram
Today after breakfast you head towards the
temple city of Kanchipuram.
Your first visit is to the Vaikuntha Peruma
temple. While the three 'garbagriha' represent the
typical South Indian temple structure, the
sculptures of the shrine are rare, narrating the
history of the Pallava dynasty. Your also visit
the Varatharaja Temple, Kailasanatha Temple and
Ekambareswara Temple. Your next destination is to
the land of excavated temples, Mahabalipuram. Made
of granite blocks, the Shore temple is an
architectural masterpiece; located at the shores
of the Bay of Bengal, divinity reaches a different
dimension here.
There is an overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.
Day 03: Mahabalipuram - Tanjore
Today after breakfast you head towards Tanjore.
On the way you can rest at Pondicherry, the cloak
of universal brotherhood. The Matri Mandir, Rishi
Aurobindo Ashram, Raj Niwas and Sacred Heart
Church are the major attractions of the city.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is the heart of Tamil
architecture. This UNESCO world heritage site
features tall 'Vimana' of 66 metres. The Nandi
(Bull)) and the Royal Palace complex are treat to
your eyes.
There is an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04: Tanjore - Trichy
After relishing an authentic South Indian
breakfast today you can explore the sacred
Tanjavore paintings. Colourful paintings studded
with semi precious stones, pearls, glass pieces
and gold reflects the rich culture of South India.
Later in the day you begin your journey to Trichy,
another marvel of South Indian architecture.
Besides the historic site of Lord Clive's
residence, the old temples of the place are
divine. While the Srirangam temple is considered
to be the most important of the 108 prime Vishnu
temples, the Rock Fort Temple is a treasure of
legends.
The Ucchi Pillayar Vinayaka Temple offers a
panoramic view of the complete city, being located
on a rock, at a height of 273 feet.
There is an overnight stay here.
Day 05: Trichy - Madurai
After breakfast today you can spend some
auspicious time at the Rock Fort Temple before
heading towards Madurai.
Today you tour the most amazing shrine of South
India, the Meenakshi Temple. This 2000 years old
shrine surprises tourists with its majestic towers
and gopurams; the temple is a city in itself.
Epitome of Dravidian architectural style, the Hall
of Pillars is surprising as you get a straight
view of the pillars from every angle; every pillar
creates a different melody when tapped.
After checking out the Thirumalai Nayak's Palace
and Gandhi Museum you return to the hotel for
night stay.
Day 06: Madurai - Chennai
After breakfast today soak the beauty of
Madurai, known as the Athens of East with an
experienced guide of Travelogy India. Later in the
day you head towards Chennai. Dinner and night
stay is arranged at Chennai.
Day 07: Chennai - Departure
After breakfast you can again enjoy some
mesmerizing moments at the heavenly temples of
Kapeeleshwara, Ashtalakshmi and Sri Vadapalani
Andavar. You may spend some time shopping the
gorgeous silk of Chennai.
After a farewell dinner from Travelogy India, you
are escorted to the railway station or airport for
return journey.
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