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South India Tours
The southern peninsula resembles a vast
inverted triangle. Bound by the Bay f Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Eastern
and Western Ghats it encompasses the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala
and Tamil Nadu as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry. A majority of South
Indian speak one the four Dravidian languages – Telgu, Kannada, Malayalam
or Tamil.
Kerala, "God's
own Country" is in between the western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The west
is dominated by rolling expanses of sand, sea, and coconut palms while the east
is hilly. In the middle are its famous lakes and lagoons. Kerala's performing
arts like Kathakali and Theyyam, its numerous festivals and its historic monuments,
add to its appeal.
Fairs, Festival and Cuisine
Onam (Aug/Sept) is Kerala's principal festival and festivites include long-boat
races which continue for ten days. Traditionally celebrated as a harvest festival,
its marks he homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Thrissur Pooram (April/May),
the colorful temple festival of Thrissur attracts large numbers of devotees. The
Aranmula Uthrittathi (Aug/Sept) is the most important boat race is a staple food
served with variety of fish.
Places to Visit
Many of Kerala's towns lie along its backwaters. Kerala has some exquisite beaches.
The best known are : Kovalam, Kappad, Varkala, Shankhumugham beach and Bekal.
The state is also famous for its waterfalls : some of the most visited are Vazhachal,
Palaruvi, Athirapally & Perumthenaruvi. Kerala has vast expanses of forests
and several national parks had been created. The Eravikulam National Park near
Munnar was set up for the convervation of Nilgiri Tahr. Silent Valley National
Park near Palghat encompasses India's last stretch of rainforests. Periyar wildlife
Sanctuary was created around an artificial lake and is Thekkady's biggest attraction.
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is convenient for exploring south Kerala.
You can explore central Kerala from Kochi, and North Kerala from Kozhikode.
Tamil Nadu (TN) is the cultural capital
of souh India. It is the home of Dravidian culture, characterised best by ornate
temples with their soaring multicoloured towers. A journey through the state is
basically a hop through its temple towns. With its food kiosks and water sports
it attracts hordes. The silk saris of Kanchipuram, the poetry of Thiruvalluvar
and the classical dance of Bharatnatyam are just a few of its cultural icons.
Fairs, Festival and Cuisine :
The
harvest festival of Pongal in January commences with a ritual of allowing milk
to boil over, signifyingplenty. Worship of the sun God and exchanges of gifts
between family members mark the concluding days. Kavadi Aattam is dancing in a
hypnotic ttrance to the rhythm of drums, devotees of Kartikeya climb the Palani
Hills with the 'Kavadi' (A bow-shaped flower-decked adornment) to fulfil their
vows. The nine day Navaratri festival (Sept/Oct) commemorates the worship of Goddesses
Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Coconut and tamarind and used in all dishes. Pongal
- a sweet dish is a must try. Idly, Dosa and Filter coffee are everyday delights.
Places to Visit:
Kodaikanal and Ooty
are on the crest of the Nilgiris and can be approached from both Coimbatore and
Madurai. Chennai is famous for Fort St George, St Mary's Church, Kapaleeshwara
Temple, San Thome cathedral, Parthasarathy Temple, Marina Beach, Guindy deer Park.
Around Chennai, Kancheepuram (temples), Mahabalipuram (Pallava Monuments), Thiruvannamalai
( Temples), temple Circuit of Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Thiruchirapalli, Thanjavur,
Madurai, Mamallapuram and Rameswaram are popular.
If there is one state effortlessly combines
different religions tastes, aesthetics ; it has to be AP. It has always been known
for its warm people and the musical Telugu language. The state has its unique
art forms. Kalamkari Painntings make use of vegetable dyes; Bidri sculptures use
a combination of alloys and silver wire; Cherial paintings on colth scrolls depict
mythological stories. The silk weavers from Pochampalli, Gadwal and Venkatagiri
are legendary. The art of wood carving in Chittoor district h as been handed down
through many generations. Hyderabad is famous for its pearls and crisine. AP's
contribution to performing arts has been phenomenal, Kuchipudi being the main
dance form.
Fairs, Festival and Cuisine :
Numerous festivals continue throughout the year. Srirama Kalyanotsavam
in Bhadrachalam mimics the celestial wedding between Rama and Sita in grand style.
The Lumbini festival highlights the state's Buddhist Heritage. The Godavaram Pushkaram
is celebrated once in 12 years on the banks of Godavari. The Deccan Festival (April)
reflects the culture. Ugadi is he Telugu New Year, Ushered in with a special dish
prepared from tender flowers of Neem Cooked with jaggery & tamarind. Hot and
spicy food is the speciality of Andhra Pradesh. The biryani is the most distinctive
and popular of Hyderabadi dishes.
Places to Visit:
The Charminar and Golconda are the most famous monuments. The
tombs of the Qutab Shahis are nearby. Mecca Masjid is one of the most visited
mosques in Hyderabad. Shilparamam in Madhapur is an arts & crafts village.
Rishikonda Beach, Near Vizag provides a picture - perfect setting with beautiful
cottages overlooking the sea. Simhachalam Temple is one of the most equisitely
sculpted shrines. Sankaram is a 2000-Year-old Buddhist site where Hinayana, Mahayana
& Vajrayana Buddhism flourished. Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is very
famous.
Bangalore - its capital, is one of the most tech-savy cities in the
country. The delicately sculpted temples of Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur are
the finest examples of this style. ijapur's Mughal monuments are indicative of
Islamic influences. While Bangalore represents the face of modern India, you might
still sea the occasional Yakshagana troupe performing at the launch of a high
- technology unit. It is precisely this amalgamation of the traditional and modern
that gives the state its vibrancy.
Fairs, Festival
and Cuisine :
The Dussera (October) celebration in Mysore commemorates
the victory of Goddess Chamundi over the demon Mahishasura. The Vijaya Utsav of
Hampi highlights the splendour of the Vijayanagar Empire. The town of Melkote
comes alive during the annual Vairamudi Festival (march) when Vishnu - the presiding
deity of the hill shrine is adorned with the diamond-studdes crown brought from
the Mysore Palace. In the folk dance of Yakshagana, men in elaborate costumes
play epic heroes and villains. Veeragase, Kamsale and Dollu Kunitha are also popular
dances. Most dishes are rice based. Liberal use of coconut is common. Do not miss
Idli, Dosa and Bisibelabath.
Places to Visit:
Visit Cubbon Park, lalbagh Botanical garden, The Bull temple and
Nandi Hills in Bangalore. A trip to Mysore should include Maharaja's Palace, Chamundi
Hill, Somnathpur Temple, Vrindavan Gardens and Srirangapatnam. Belur, Halebid
Sravana-belagola - Jain Monuments around Hasan are worth visiting. A trip to Coorg
is incomplete without visiting Nagarhole wildlife Sanctuary, Jain monuments of
Dharmasthala, Venur and Mudbidri are famous. Malpe & Gokarna have splendid
beaches. Karnataka also boasts of world heritage sites of Hampi, Badami, Pattadkal
and Aihole.
Puducherry consists of four small unconnected districts : Puducherry,
Karaikal, and Yanam on the Bay of Bengal and Mahe on the Arabian Sea. A remarkable
degree of french influence in Puducherry exists to this date.
Fairs,
Festival and Cuisine :
On the 14th July every year the day of
Bastille is celebrated. War veterans in French anthems in a colourful ceremonial
march. the French and the Indo Style impact have given birth to an innovative
taste that is simply marvelous.
Places to Visit:
Other than its general ambience most tourists come here to visit the Aurobindo
Ashram and its Off-Shoot Auroville (10 km from town.) Anglo - French Textile Mills,
Auroville, Bharathi Park, Btanical Garden, Chunnambar Boat House, French Institute
of Pondicherry, Kizhhur Tireaty Monuments, Pondicherry Beach, Romain Rolland Library
Santhacruz Home, and Grand Bazaar are the places of interest.
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India Tour Packages |
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