Incredible South India Tour

India is simply incredible and so are its southern destinations. Millions of tourists from across the
globe flock toward south India travel destinatons every year to spend some quality time in the lap
of mother nature. With south India tours you can experience nature at its best. From the temples of
Tamilnadu to the backwaters of Kerala, architectural marvels of Karnataka, and the rich heritage of
Pondicherry – South India tourism is known for true peace, spirituality, adventure and wonders. On
a south India tour one can also avail refreshing Ayurvedic Massages done by using aroma oils with
amazing fragrance. South India holidays are meant to enjoy life at its best !!

South India - Versatility Comes Naturally To It

India is simply incredible and so are its southern destinations.

Millions of tourists from across the globe head for South India every year to spend some quality time
with mother nature. If you like versatility, then no other tourist destination can be the best bet but
South India. South India is a part of India consisting of several exciting destinations such as Tamil
Nadu, Mahabali Puram, Kumbakonam, Kanchipuram, Cholamandalam, Kerela, Pondicherry and
Karnataka. These destinations have different things to offer to the travelers but one thing common
among all of them is the warm hospitality with which they welcome the travelers. Here you can
experience nature at its best. Tamil Nadu is dotted with innumerable exquisitely carved temples
instilling the sense of peace and spirituality in the hearts of the visitors; Kerala embraces the tourists
in her natural beauty, Karnataka leave you enchanted with its architectural marvels and the serene
Pondicherry gives you a real taste of simplicity. Pamper yourself with refreshing Ayurvedic
massage done by using aroma oils with amazing smell. You will surely love it.

Covering the entire Indian Peninsula, South India has the river Narmada and Mahanadi on its northern
side and Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay Of Bengal surrounding its western, southern and eastern
sides. The people of South India are called South Indians. The womenfolk here wear saree and the
men sport white dhoti or bright colored lungi festooned with batik patterns.

South India had witnessed the rule of a series of dynasties such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras,
Hoysalas and Vijayanagar. Several forts, palaces and temples were constructed during the reign of
these dynasties. South India is famous for its sun kissed beaches, picture-perfect backwaters,
beautiful hill stations and highly revered pilgrimage centers. Not only rich in culture and
heritage, South India is also a hot spot when it comes to IT Industry. Here tradition blends amazingly
with modernity.

South India is steeped in art and architecture which vividly manifests in its temples, forts and
palaces. Impressive carvings and sculptures on these structures are a testimony to the rich heritage of
South India left behind by the rulers of the bygone era. Dravida and the Vesala style of rock
architecture are noteworthy and can be seen in many temples.
The famous South Indian food includes sambhar dosa, idli, uttapam, fish, coconut, pickles and spicy
curries. South Indians are very passionate about dance and music. In almost every house children
are encouraged to learn dance and music. Several dance forms such as Bharatnatayam, Kuchipudi,
Kathakali, Theyyam, Ottamthullal, Oppama, Kerala Natanam and Mohiniaatam belong to South India.
The people here are full of zest and celebrate their fairs and festivals with utmost passion. Some of
the famous festivals of South India are Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Ugadi(the new year festival) in
Karnataka, Hampi festival and Kerala boat festival in Kerala and Tea and Tourism festival in Ooty.

South India is easily accessible through air, rail and road. You will never find it difficult to reach any
South India destination. Domestic as well as International flights to South India are available. Many
trains connect South India with other major cities of India.

Kerala – Its Charm Is Simply Unlimited!

A temptation arises when the unfathomable waves of the sea

touch your feet and you feel like embracing the entire sea, your head bows in the praise of
the Almighty for blessing the earth with such wonderful beauty. Drunk on the beauty of
nature you experience boundless joy of life in that single moment. Everything outside that
moment loses its importance  and you feel like an enlightened soul. Such is the charm of
Kerala – the God's own country.

Thinking about a rejuvenating holiday! Kerala is the best bet. It is one of the 28 states of India where
nature can be seen at its best. It is located on the tropical Malabar Coast of south western India. Its
west side is occupied by beautiful Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives. The primary
language of the state is Malyalam. Other languages including English are also spoken here. The
arresting beaches of Kerala flanked by coconut and palm tress provide the tourists an opportunity to
explore the beauty of nature. Snake Boat Races are a major attraction of Kerala. They are held
during the festival of Onam.

The legend goes that Kerala arose from the sea when Parasurama, an avatar(incarnation) of
Mahavishnu threw his axe in it. The archaeological study has shown that the region was inhabited
even during the Neolithic times. Kerala witnessed the rule of several kings. The first kingdom of the
state belonged to the ancient Cherans. Pallavas, Chola and Pandya were the other kingdoms which
were formed later. Initially Keralite used to speak Tamil but Malayalam started developing in the 8th
century. Kerala also saw the rule of the British.

Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate and around 120-140 days per year are dedicated to
rainfall. Twenty seven percent of the total area of the state is covered with forest inhabiting a wide
variety of wildlife. These forests produces several medicinal herbs which are used in Ayurvedic
treatments

Tamil Nadu – A Big Hit With Tourists

Tamil Nadu is a land of Sun kissed beaches, ancient temples and

rich history which attracts tourists from across the globe. A home to the world's Classical
Language Tamil, Tamil Nadu is an Indian state located on the eastern coast of the southern Indian.The
people inhabiting the state are called Tamils. It is a modern state which is developing at a fast pace
when it comes to industrialization and urbanization. On of the most popular destinations of India,
Tamil Nadu is truly a nirvana for its tourists. The credit for its popularity goes to its several natural
resources, amazing wildlife sanctuaries, exciting beaches, pleasant hill stations, beautiful resorts,
flawlessly carved ancient temples and delicious cuisine.

The settlements in Tamil Nadu dates back to the prehistoric times. According to the Archaeological
surveys conducted here, it is one of the longest incessant habitations in the country. Some objects
belonging to the Neolithic period(3800 years ago) have also been found here. The several kingdoms
which prevailed here in ancient times were the Chera, Chola, Pandya and Pallavas. Many beautiful
temples and monuments were built during the reign of the rulers of these kingdoms. The year 1639
marked the arrival of the British.

Covering the total area of 130,058 sq km, Tamil Nadu has a climate ranging from dry sub-humid to
semi-arid. November to February is the best time to flock to this enchanting destination. The state
receives an annual rainfall of about 945 mm. It is an IT hub where students from all over the country
come to study and work with big compinies. Tamil is the primary language of the state.
The cuisine of Tamil Nadu is considered to be one of the oldest cuisine in the world. The cuisine of the
state mainly consists of Rice, Dosa, Idly, Uttapam, Vada which are served with Sambhar and Coconut
chutney. Fast food is also gaining popularity in the state.

Be it the arrival of Spring or festivals, birth of a child or weddings, the people of Tamil Nadu have a lot
of reasons to celebrate. The state is the proud owner of  rich literature, dance forms and music forms.
Some of the famous dance forms of the state are Bharatnatayam, Karakattam and Mayilattam. The
music is called Carnatic music which is a classical form of music. Pongal, a four day festival is the most
important festival of the state which is associated with the arrival of new opportunities.Other festivals
are Saraswati Puja, Deepavali, Christmas and Eid ul-Fitr.

Attractions
Beaches, Temples, Monuments, Pilgimages, Museums, Wildlife sanctuaries, caves and hill stations.

Shopping
Tamil Nadu is famous for the elegant Kanchipuram silk saris, metal ware, paintings, stone statues,
gold jewellery,and cotton and Khadi fabrics. Important destinations for shopping are Tamil Nadu
Emporium, Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan, and Raahat Plaza, Chennai.

Hotels and Resorts

The hotels and resorts of Tamil Nadu are famous for their beauty, hospitality and services. Spa is an
integral part of these hotels and resorts. Some of the famous accommodations in the state are Le
Meridien, Taj Garden Retreat, MGM Beach Resort, Lakeview Hill Resort and Ayurvedic Resort.

How To Reach?
Tamil Nadu has a well established transportation system that connects all parts of the state with each
other and with the other cities if India.

Air
The state has Domestic as well as International Airport. Flights to 19 countries are operated from 
Chennai International Airport at Tamil Nadu. The domestic airports are at Maduri, Coimbatore, Trichy
and Tuticorin.

Railway
Tamil Nadu has 532 railway stations. The railway system connects the state to the main cities of
India.
Karnataka - "The Priceless Gift Of Indulgent Nature"

Rich in culture and heritage, Karnataka is one of the famous

travel destinations of India. The word Karnataka has originated from the Kannad words 'Karu' and
'Nadu' which mean 'elevated land'.  Originally, Karnataka was known as the state of Mysore.
Enveloped in the radiant past and rich present, the state is famous for its Gold. This land produces
silk, khadi, sandalwood, coffee and cardamom in abundance. Covering an area of 191,791 sq km, it is
bordered by the Arabian Sea in the west. The official language of the state is Kannad. The traditional
dress of the womenfolk of Karnataka is sari which is worn in different styles in different regions. The
men wear Dhoti(Panche). The people residing in big cities also wear Salwar Kameez, Shirt and Pants.

According to archaeological studies the history of Karnataka dates back to the stone age. According to
historic records the people of the state were good at using iron instruments. Karnataka saw the rule of
some of the most powerful empires of India. Some of the rulers who greatly contributed to the rich
culture and heritage of Karnataka were Maurya, Chalukyan, Hoysalas, Bahamani, Ali Shahi,
Sattavahanas, Nandas, Pallavas and Ganga rulers. Even during the British rule the state developed.

Karnataka is dotted with some of the premier industries of India. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited,
Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited and Hindustan Machine Tools are a few to name. The state has
contributed a lot to the Indian Dance and Music. The Mysore style of Bharatnatyam and Dollu
Kunitha are the two famous dance forms. It also occupies a proud place in the world of Indian classical
music. Carnatic and Hindustani styles of music are famous here.

The cuisine of the state mainly consists of rice, ragi, sorghum, bisi bele bath, jolada rotti, ragi
mudde, uppittu, masala dosa, maddur vada. The famous sweets are  Mysore peta and pak and
dharwad pedha. If you want to see the richness of the culture of the state then do participate in its
Hampi festival(most popular) held in the month of November every year. It is dedicated to dance and
music. Other important festivals are Pattadakkal Dance Festival, Makar Sankranti, Hoysala Mahotsav
and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Twenty percent of the total area of Karnataka is occupied by forests where a rich variety of flora and
fauna are found. The Bandhipur and Nagarahole National Parks are a part of Nilgiri Biosphere 
Reserve in 1986, a UNESCO designation. The wonderful beaches at Karnataka are Karwar beach,
Maple beach, Maravanthe beach and Murudeshwar beach.
The most famous shopping items in Karnataka are sweet smelling sandalwood objects ,beautiful silk
saris of Mysore with gold thread and brocade work., metal ware, wood crafts, lambani jewellery and
kinnala paintings.

Hotels
The facilities provided by the hotels in Karnataka will make you visit to these hotels again. The famous
accommodation options are Hotel Le Meridien and Lalitha Mahal Hotel.
 
Climate
Air conditioned city is the word used for describing the climate of Karnataka. The climate differs
according to the different seasons. It becomes a little humid during monsoon.(June-July). Best time
to visit to the state is from October to March. In winters temperatures ranges from 32 degrees
Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius.

How To Reach
By Air: Regular flights are available from the Bangalore International Airport. They connect the state
with major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Trivandrum, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
Bu Rail: The railway station at Bangalore connects with all the main cities of India.
By Road: Several state and national highways connect the state with rest of India.

Pondicherry – A Perfect Blend Of Indian And French

Culture

Pondicherry – a destination which has earned boundless love and

admiration of tourists for its beauty and serenity. Every year millions of tourists snatch some
days from their busy schedule and throng in here for vacation. Pondicherry is a Union Territory of
India and was originally known as Puducherry, meaning 'new village'. Come to this tranquil land and
delve into its impressive architectural marvels, historic sites, mesmerizing beaches and wonderful
climate. The cool breezes at the beaches are highly refreshing. Botanical gardens are a pleasant
experience for nature lovers.
Pondicherry was once the capital of the French colony in India. Its history can be traced back
to the 2nd century. Archaeological evidences indicate that it was once the trading centre dealing in the
import of Roman goods in the first century. It witnessed several battles between the French and the
British. The French had left a deep influence on Pondicherry during their rule. The Union Territory is
sectioned into two parts: one is the Indian Quarter(Black town) and the other is French Quarter(White
town). Both the regions have differences in their architectural style. People are liberal in approach
here.

The official languages of Pondicherry are Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and French. English is also
spoken here. It is the land where the celebrated Freedom Fighter and Spiritualist Sri Aurobindo lived
in the past. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is mostly visited by the tourists who are inclined towards
Philosophy of Life. The famous festivals of Pondicherry are Villianur Temple Car Festival(May),
French Food Festival(August), and Fire Walking Festival. Dance and Music forms of  this Union
Territory are mainly the extensions of other South Indian dance and music.

The cuisine of Pondicherry is highly influenced by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and more
importantly the French. Here you can savour both Indian and French food. Chutnies and curries of the
Union Territory are quite famous. Some of the delicious culinary delights are  Coconut curry, tandori
potato, soya dosa, curried vegetables, stuffed cabbage and Italian baked beans

Shopping
Shopping is a memorable experience in Pondicherry not only because of the beautiful handicrafts
available here but also because of their low prices. Leather items, Jams, handmade paper, pickles,
incense sticks, perfumed candles and pottery are the famous here.

Accommodations
The absence of luxury taxes in Pondicherry add more charm to the stay here. Hotel Ram International,
Hotel Annamalai, Sea Gull Chunnambar beach resort, Kailash beach resort and Hotel Pondicherry
Ashok are a few famous accommodations available here.

How To Reach?
Pondicherry is connected with the Indian cities and the countries of the world through the airport at
Chennai(Tamil Nadu). It is accessible from Chennai by trains and buses
 TEMPLES IN SOUTH INDIA
Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple

Cocooned in aesthetic significance which speaks oodles about the

greatness of the traditional Dravadian style architecture, Meenakshi  Sundareshwar temple is
located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple was built in the honour of the goddess Meenakshi, the
consort of Lord Shiva. The word Meen means fish and Akshi means eyes. Originally it was  constructed
by Kulasekara Pandya but the brownie points for its lavish aura goes to the Nayaks who was a great
ruler of Madurai. His rule started in the 16th century and came to an end in the 18th century. The
complex of the temple is very huge.

Kanyakumari Amman Temple

Kanyakumari Amman Temple is not only famous for its

architectural beauty but also for its  picturesque location. It is located on the shore where the
three oceans meet: the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. It is dedicated to
goddess Bhagavathy Amman, an incarnation of goddess Parvati. The foundation of the temple was laid
by the Pandyas. Later new additions were made by the Nayaks. The sanctum sanctorum houses a
very captivating idol of the goddess. The nose-ring of the goddess shines brilliantly as if enveloped
with some divine power. Tourists from across the globe come to Kanyakumari to see this beautiful
temple. Goddess Bhagavathy is also known as Devi Kanya Kumari and is a symbol of a Hindu Nun. Her
only desire is to keep chanting God's name. She is a model to the Hindu Women.
ISKCON Temple

The spiritual aura of the ISKCON temple in Bangalore will surely

make you feel at peace. It is an extremely beautiful temple which is held in high esteem by Hindus.
ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Every day around 12,000
devotees come to the temple for darshan. The shrine houses mesmerizing idols of Lord Krishna and
Radha. The heavenly beings are dressed in colourful clothes and are also adorned with stunning
jewellery anf garlands. The temple is located on a seven acre hillock which is known as the Hare
Krishna Hill.

Cave Temple Bedami

Cave temples are the landmark of Badami. Located on a hill, they

were scooped out of the sandstone hills. Displaying the brilliant example of Indian rock-cut
architecture, the cave temples consist of four caves. These temples were built in the 6th century. The
entrance of these caves is marked by porch decorated with stone columns and brackets. A little ahead
is the mandap with numerous columns. This mandap leads to a small shrine(square in shape) located
deep into the cave. Reflecting secular nature, the cave temples are dedicated to different deities. Out
of the four temples, two are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one to lord Shiva and the fourth one is a Jain
temple. The architectural style of the temples is a marriage between North Indian Nagara style and
South Indian Dravadian style. Each temple houses a shrine, a mandapa, a porch and several pillars.
The carvings, sculptures and murals inside the temples leave the onlookers under the spell of their
sheer beauty