Monday, January 19, 2009

South India Tourism



South India or Deccan India consists of a peninsular and triangular region with Arabian Sea to its west, Bay of Bengal to its east and great Indian Ocean to its south. Its varied topography includes the rocky plateau region, the highlands of Western and Eastern Ghats bordering at its coastline, beautiful islands, virgin beaches, delightful plains and rich alluvial soils. Generally speaking, while talking about South India, we discuss the four states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the Union Territory of Pondicherry and the beautiful islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. The tour of South India offers a glimpse of the rich Indian culture and tradition surviving side by side the modern and scientific developments and researches that keep India at par with rest of the world.

The famous Meenakshi temple, the Rameshwaram Temple and Tirupati Balaji Temple are some its best-known pilgrimage points while Bangalore and Hyderabad are the homes of the IT world's leading giants and are known as 'Silicon Valley of India' and 'second Silicon Valley of India' respectively. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala offers glimpse of wild herds of Indian elephants and tigers in their natural habitats while cruising on 'Kettuvallams', the houseboats of Kerala on its backwaters offers you the opportunity to spot some of the rare bird species. The colorful and unexplored marine and under-water world are an attraction in Lakshadweep islands while it is intriguing to see the tribals of Andamans struggling to survive with their own unique customs and little touch with the outside world. The famous Yoga centers of Pondicherry are much-beloved tourist spots.

South India offers various adventure and aquatic sport facilities and opportunities including parasailing, angling and fishing, trekking, elephant rides, jungle activities, boating, swimming, mountain climbing and a trip to the aromatic plantations of cardamom, tea, coffee and pepper. The annual Tea and Tourism festival of Ooty is a hit among the tea lovers all over the world. Several other tourism and temple festivals attract a number of tourists from all over the world. The verdant green groves, classical Indian dance and theatrical performances, the art of yoga and meditation, the natural treatment centers of Kerala are just a few of the various attractions of this part of India. Come explore South India wit us.

Tourist Place in Tamil Nadu





Chennai CityChennai City
Chennai, the gracious capital city of Tamil Nadu is the fourth largest metropolis in India. Located on a 17km stretch of the Coramandel coast, the city is trisected by the waterways of Cooum and Adyar and the Buckingham Canal.

Chidambaram CityChidambaram City
Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since the place was originally a forest of Thillai(Excecaria agallecha)shrubs. It is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivaites as the famous Nataraja Temple is located here.

Coimbatore City
Coimbatore CityThe third largest city of the state, Coimbatore, the headquarters of a district of the same name, is one of the most industrialised cities in Tamil Nadu. Known as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South, the city is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal. Coimbatore existed even prior to the 2nd century AD as a small tribal village capital called Kongunad until it was brought under Chola control in the 2nd or 3rd century AD by Karikalan, the first of the early Cholas.

Coonoor CityCoonoor City
Coonoor is situated on the eastern side of the southern extremity of the Doddabetta range, at an altitude of 1,858 metres above the sea level. It is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. Coonoor is located 19-km away from Ooty, a famous hill station of India. Coonoor was home to the Coon hill tribe.

Kanchipuram CityKanchipuram City
Ancient Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in its outskirts. The city was the capital of the Early Cholas as far back as the 2nd century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Kanniyakumari CityKanniyakumari City
Surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies the district, 'Kanyakumari'. ( The district name is spelled as ' Kanniyakumari ' in official records which is in tune with the spoken name of the district in Tamil language) . With an area of 1672 sq.km. it occupies 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu.

Kodaikannal CityKodaikannal City
Nature at her most beautiful. Where the ochre earth sayly covers herself in emerald silk-That is studded with gems of sheer, glittering water. The mist is her shawl, covering her with mystique and magic. And amidst all this is you, nature's own creation. The place is Kodaikknal, secludely situated 2100 meters above sea level, in the beautiful palani Hills.

Madurai CityMadurai City
Madurai, probably over 2500 years old, is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. Its origin and name emerge from a misty and lovely legend. In a forest near a lotus pond, Indra, King of Gods, Worshipped Lord Siva as a Swayambu Lingam.

Mahabalipuram City
Mahabalipuram CityWorld famous for its shore temples, Mahabalipuram, was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. 58 kilometres from Madras on the Bay of Bengal, this tiny sea side village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a boulder strewn landscape.

Mamallapuram CityMamallapuram City
Mamallapuram, 60 Kms., South of Chennai, nestling on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, was a port of the Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with Sculpture Panels, Caves Monolithic Rathas and Temples.

Ooty CityOoty City
Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam, which stands 7,349 feet above sea level in the Nilgiris, is known as the Queen of southern hill resorts of India. Ooty, as it is popularly known, spreads over 36 square miles, and the temperature ranges from 25 degree celsius in summers, to near freezing in winters.

Rameshwaram CityRameshwaram City
Rameswaram, a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a major pilgrim centre .It is connected to the mainland by road and rail bridges. Rameswaram is holy, because Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered his thanks to Lord Shiva and performed pooja to wash away his sins which he got by killing Demon King, Ravana.

Trichy CityTrichy City
Tiruchirappalli now called Trichy is situated on the banks of the Cauvery river. Trichy, the fourth largest city in the state was a citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas.

Trave of Tamil Nadu



Travel of Tamil Nadu
– Eden of tourism delight. The beautiful beaches, the magnificent temples, picturesque wildlife sanctuaries, colourful festivals and a plethora of panoramic sites make Tamil Nadu tourism an enthralling experience. Tamil Nadu is the magnificent land of temples and a paradise for all art-lovers. A blend of ancient and modern world, Tamil Nadu offers you myriad of breathtaking sights. Tour Tamil Nadu and relish its natural beauty. Tamil Nadu shares boundaries with three bedazzling state- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.

TamilNadu is full of surprises! The intrepid tourist, who has heard and read about Tamil Nadu expects to see Lots of Temples. Several Monuments perhaps. Then the surprises begin, 1000-km-sunkissed-beaches, magnificent historical monuments, eternal rhythm of the gurgling waterfalls, wondrous wildlife & bird sanctuaries, emerald green natural habitats, artefacts, paintings, dance forms , the colour and pageantry of festive days with good network of road, rail and air linking all the destinations in the country. Major airlines in the world link Tamilnadu with the other parts of the world.

For a tourist, the best locales to visit is Chennai, the enchanting capital city; Mamallapuram, the beach resort; Kanchipuram, the land of 1000 temples; Madurai famous for the Meenakshi temple; Rameshwaram, Tiruchirapalli and Thanjavur, the temple trio; Chettinadu palaces, the charming hill resorts of Yercaud, Ootacamund and Kodaikanal and Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India, famous for its fantastic sunrise and sunset.


Tamil Nadu has a history that dates back to a thousand or more years. It is a land of a heady combination of traditions and culture which until now continue to live in harmony. The state is the cradle of the Dravidian culture and tradition and has long been a leader of peace and knowledge.

Tourist of Tamil Nadu


Tamil Nadu is referred to as the “Land of Temples” for housing more than 30,000 temples. Each temple has its own story of religious, artistic and cultural accomplishment and specialty. These temples are only part of the many tourist attractions of the state.


Another spot that tourists might want to explore in the state is the beaches. The place has a long coastline stretching nearly 1000 kilometers. One of the frequently visited spot is the island of Sri Padaparai, associated with the goddess Parvati. It is known as the Vivekanada Memorial at the Southern tip of India.

Traditions would have it that the philosopher Vivekanada spent time in this place meditating on India's plight and the nature of Hinduism before going to the World Parliament of Religions Conference in Chicago where he became famous.

Tamil Nadu



Tamilnadu - A Temple State
Tamil Nadu, the cradle of south Indian temple architecture, is a living museum of styles that originated in the 7th century and matured in the huge temple complexes studded with towering gateways-"Gopurams"-that soar above the markets of almost every town. Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Rameswaram, Palani, Srirangam, Tiruttani and Kanyakumari are some of the famous pilgrim centres in Tamil Nadu. The famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai is a must see.

History of Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties-the Cholas in the east, the Pandyas in the central area and Cheras in the west. This was during the Sangam Age-the classical period of Tamil literature-that continued for some 300 years after the birth of Christ. The Pallava dynasty was influential particularly in the 7th and 8th centuries, the testimonies to which are the monuments at Mamallapuram.

In the 13th century, with threats of Muslim invasions from the north, the southern Hindu dynasties combined and the empire of Vijaynagar (also spelt as Vijayanagar), which covered all of South India, became firmly established. However, by the 17th century, due to the disintegration of the Vijaynagar Empire, various small rulers like the Nayaks ruled southern India.

By the middle of the 18th century, there were frequent conflicts between the British, French, Danes, and Dutch due to their interest in these areas. The British were finally victorious, while small pocketed areas including Pondicherry and Karaikal remained under French control. Under the British rule, most of south India was integrated into the region called the Madras Presidency. In 1956, the Madras Presidency was disbanded and Tamil Nadu was established.



The Nilgiri Panorama
Nilgiri Hills In the west of the state, where the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty are the premier travel attractions, sylvan hills offer mountain views and a network of trails winds through forests and tea and coffee plantations. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast spread of deciduous forest in Tamilnadu dominated by teak, offers a good chance of spotting elephants and dholes, wild pack-hunting Dogs, Tigers and Leopards.

Annamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, closer to Kodaikanal in the Palani hills, is better known for its Lion-tailed Macaques (black-maned Monkeys). The wetlands of the coast provide perfect resting places for migratory birds, whose numbers soar during the winter monsoon at Vedathangal, near Chennai, and Point Calimere.

Capital of Tamilnadu
Chennai (formerly, Madras), the largest city in South India and the fourth largest city in the country, is located on the Coromandel Coast. The city's British lineage is evident in the various cathedrals, buildings in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues but there is no denying its traditional Tamil Hindu culture either. This is not surprising because this region had remained a centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here.

The varied aspects of traditional South Indian culture existing alongside the lifestyle of a modern city complete with its plush hotels, restaurants offering a range of continental to typical South Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping malls, cinema halls, etc.






Festivals of Tamilnadu
The main festival of Tamilnadu is Pongal, which is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of January. Feasting, music and dance mark this festival. "Karthigai Deepam" and "Varushapirapu" (Tamil New Year's Day) are also celebrated on a grand scale.

Several temple festivals are held throughout the Tamilnadu, of which The Mahamagam festival celebrated once in 12 years at Kumbakonam, Meenakshi Kalyanam festival at Madurai, Natyanjali Dance Festival at Chidambaram are the famous ones.

Climate of Tamilnadu
The climate of Tamil Nadu is essentially tropical. The temperature in summer seldom 43º C and in winter seldom falls below 18º C. The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January, and the highest in April to June. The average annual rainfall, falling mainly between October and December, ranges between 25 and 75 inches. The most precipitation falls in the Nilgiris and other hill areas.

Tourist Place in Andhra Pradesh



Hyderabad Tour
Tirupati Tour
Nagarjunsagar Tour
Vijaywada Tour
Puttaparthi Tour
Visakhapatnam Tour
Secunderabad Tour
Vizianagaram Tour
Srisailam Tour
Tirupati Tour
Warangal Tour

Andhra Pradesh Travel Tips



Andhra Pradesh is a place of rich tradition , breathtaking natural beauty, historical significance and pilgrimage center. In Andhra Pradesh you will find people from all religions like Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists.

Now on the path of technological innovations Andhra Pradesh tourist Attraction is set to achieve new goals in the field of modernization. In fact Hyderabad is often called Cyberabad now.

You get to visit so many tourist places in Andhra Pradesh like its
• Exotic beaches
• Hill Stations
• Wild Life Sanctuaries
• Temples
• Monuments

Andhra Pradesh's capital is Hyderabad which was built by Qutb Shahi kings . The major attraction here is the Charminar built to mark the end of the disease of plague in Hyderabad.

It has four minarets showing the four directions . You get to explore the Salarjung Museum here consisting of 35000 exhibits.

Hussain Sagar lake separates Hyderabad from its twin city Secunderabad. Go to Vishakhapatanam and see the amazing Dolphin's nose a rocky protrusion into the harbor.

Then the most revered Tirupati Temple is major tourist attraction in Andhra Pradesh . The temple houses the deity Lord Venkatweshwara .

One can also visit the tranquil Prasantha Nilayam Ashram of Lord Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi :

Who want to merge sightseeing with pilgrimage can go to Srisailam where you will find idol of Lord Mallikarjuna on top of flat Nallamalai Hills in picturesque locale.

Get to see the amazing Nagarjuna Sagar Dam one of the tallest masonry dam in the world and it's a favorite picnic spot of tourists

South India Tour Travel gives you information of tourist places in Andhra Pradesh The Nagarjuna Konda Museum displays relics recovered during excavations from all phases of Nagarjuna Konda from its inception. This is followed by a lunch break after which we move on to the Ethipothal Waterfalls, Anupu and return back to Hyderabad.

Andhra Pradesh



This is a story of an ugly duckling turning into a swan. From one of the poorest and least developed Indian states to a computer-friendly one, it is a miracle of sorts for Andhra Pradesh. Situated south of the Vindhyas, it shares a common history with its neighbours, Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The medieval city of Hyderabad is its capital.

Andhra Pradesh is known for the famous Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar. Also visit the wildlife and bird sanctuaries of Kolleru, Manjira, Kawal and Papikonda. Andhra has a nearly 1000 km-coastline with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea. Famous beaches are Visakhapatnam Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.

History of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was, in fact, created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telegu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras. The Chalukyas held sway till the 10th c. when the Cholas seized power. In the 14th c., Muslim power reached this southern state and for centuries ruled over this princely state. It was finally was taken over by a General of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The General's successors, called Nizams, ruled the state till Independence.

Capital of Andhra Pradesh
nce a medieval city, Hyderabad is a modern metropolis. Char MinarA revolution in etiquette is under way, recasting values. The yuppie ethos has invaded the city and western haute couture is slowly being preferred over the sherwani and burqa. This is the city that has even been the home of a Miss World. Fortunately, gourmets have not let the Deccani cuisine, the Hyderabadi biryani in particular, pass into legend.
Culture of Andhra Pradesh
Beautiful crafts, vibrant religious festivals, a varied cuisine and the sonorant mother tongue, Telugu, are some of the indelible impressions of this state. Kuchipudi is the famous classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. Tribal dances contribute in equal measure to the artistic heritage of Andhra Pradesh. Tholubommalaata, a shadow puppetry theatre is a fascinating folk art.

Society
Friendly and warm, the Andhras are an ancient people, who can trace their roots and history to the Mauryan period, an interest in arts, crafts and dance. Andhra Pradesh is also a rich mosaic of cultures. Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus live in relative peace and harmony. The Tirupati is, however, the trump card for the state's tourism industry drawing people from all over the country and worldwide. Donations from Tirupati alone, have led to the establishment of a university, several hospitals & schools.

Climate of Andhra Pradesh
varies from 41-20 degree centigrade in summer (March to May) to 32 -13 degree centigrade in winter (january to February). June to December are the monsoon months and the weather remains hot and sultry. October to February is the best season.

Festivals of Andhra Pradesh
The Deccan Festival, with its cultural programmes is celebrated in February. Bakri-Id is celebrated with ritualistic fervor in Andhra Pradesh and in particular, the old city of Hyderabad. The Andhra Ugaadi which heralds the New Year also means a season of mango-pickling and more literary pursuits such as poetry competitions.The state also observes typical indian festivals such as Nag Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Gandhi Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti and others.