Travelling South: Towns & Cities, Hotels

Towns & Cities
Kerala Is well known for its natural 'wellness' programmes available through Ayurveda and yoga. Kerala with its wildlife sanctuary, lush green paddy fields and hills, aquamarine lagoons, beautiful emerald backwaters, delectable cuisine, colorful festivals - you get to see ancient culture with modern cities. A land one can visit any time of the year. The backwaters can be explored aboard kettuvallum - a rice barge houseboat!

The Nehru Cup Snake boat race Alapuzha is more of a festival than just a race. Held every year during July-September, originated on Champakulam Lake. It involves immense team-work - I fact could be the world's largest team sport. The snake boat or vallamkali, race is so special that each boat carries four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen, all working in unison.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is South India's most popular wildlife sanctuary. It is home to bisons, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, languor, elephants and tigers. It can be experienced by a jungle walk, boat trip or a trek. People often use the words Kamily, Thekkady and Periyar interchangeably. Periyar is used to refer to the whole area.

The sanctuary could be toured by a two-hour boat trip on the lake; or a jungle walk for about 3 hours; Serious trekking for a couple days; or overnight stay at an observatory to watch wildlife or elephant ride for about 30 minutes!

If one has an inclination for spices - SPICE Tours are organized by local shops.

For Art and Culture lovers - Kathakali the renowned traditional dance form of Kerala can be seen at several venues throughout Kerala and particularly at Kovalam, Varkala and Kochi. Traditional performances are held in Kochi and also in the Sree Vallabha Temple, Tiruvilla.

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) (City of the Sacred Serpent) is the state capital. It is built over seven hills. The city still retains its old Kerala ambience with pagoda shaped buildings, red tiled roofs and winding lanes. It is one of India most pedestrian friendly cities.

Kanhirode

If one is shopping for high quality furnishing fabrics, sais, dhotis and fine silk fabrics Kanhirode Weavers Co-op 13 km north east of Kannur is a place to visit. One can buy directly at 20% below showroom prices.

For Sun n Sand holiday - experience the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala. Or the atolls of Lakshadeep

Lakshadeep

The palm-covered islands of Lakshadeep are only 32 kms in area - scattered around 4200 sq km of lagoon waters. Foreigners' visits are limited to day trips to Kalpeni and Minicoy islands on a boat cruise or staying in the resorts at Bangara, Agatti and Kadmat.

The archipelago has pristine lagoons, unspoiled coral reefs and inviting diving waters with an average temperature of 26 to 34 degrees from November to March. This is a place to visit for a complete break - there is no T.V. newspaper or telephone on the island (Bangar Island Resort). However, one can go diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and sailing.

Kollam (Quillon) is the southern gateway to he backwaters of Kerala and is well known for the Kollam-Allappauzha back water cruise. For those interested in experiencing a real tropical downpour one could take the 'Monsoon Package'.

From December 26 to January 10 is the Astamudi Craft and Art Festival of India which have artists from all over India. Workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions showcase the art and entry is free.

Kochi (Cochin)

The two hour drive to Fort Kochi from Nedumbassery airport is made pleasant by the cooling sight of coconut lagoons with green waters, rubber trees with creepers. Fort Kochi has evidence of the three invasions and it retains its intrinsic lifestyle along with its fabled 27 course meal.
If you are on the historical /architectural search trip - this is the place to visit - for Dutch, Portuguese, Jewish and South Indian architecture.

Andra Pradesh

Hyderabad- Secunderabad the capital city combines the influences from Hindu and Islamic traditions. Centuries old Islamic monuments stand alongside modern buildings, as the twin cities progress rapidly to keep pace with changes in the technological world. One can revisit history at the Golconda Fort through its Sound and light show.

In the city places of interest are: Charminar the landmark of Hyderabad and the Laad Bazaars; Mecca Masjid, Salar Jung Museum, Birla Temple and the Planetarium, Buddha Statue and the Hussain Sagar, Archeological Museum, the Nehru Zoological Park, Tombs of Qutb Shahi Kings an the Hitec and the Shilparaman Craft Village.

There are great day trips out of Hyderabad to other places of interest Nagarjuna Sagar Dam the world's largest masonry dam; here one can take a cruise.

The Buddhist site of Nagarjuna Konda and the Ethiopotala waterfalls. The majestic tombs of Qutb Shahi kings and the Golconda Fort can be done in one day trip.

Other places of interest are the temples of Kondapur and Lepakshi, the latter has the largest Nandi in India. The deer park (13 km), Ramoji Film City and the Himayat Sagar are popular picnic spots.

Tirumala and Tirupati the 'holy hill' of Tirumala in the extreme south-east of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in India. The Venkateshwara temple here is acclaimed to be the busiest in the world in terms of the number of pilgrims who visit.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is culturally rich and vibrant land, retaining its Dravidian legacy along with its modernity. This is the land which was known as Lemuria or Kumarik Kandam and has been inhabited by the Dravidian or the Tamils since 4th millennium B.C.

It is a tropical state in the southern peninsular India, surrounded by the Western Ghats on the west, the Bay of Bengal on he east, the Indian Ocean on the south and the Deccan plateau on the north. With its diverse and varied topography allows for exciting range of flora and fauna to thrive.

A tourist may chose from the following circuits -

Heritage sites - Architecture

The finest of historical monuments can be seen at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) with the splendid specimens of Pallava art which flourished from about 600-750 AD. The 7th century rock cut monuments of Mamallapuram, today is a World Heritage Site. The sculptures are breathtakingly real and artistic.

The Shore Temple originally built around 7th century and later rebuilt by Pallava King Narasimha Varman II is one of the oldest temple magnificently located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The temple is a World Heritage Monument.

Arjuna's Penance also called Bhagiratha's Penance is one of the largest and the finest bas relief sculpted on the face of the two enormous adjacent rocks.

Ganeshratha shrines which is cut-out of a single rock resembles a chariot. There are various architecturally distinctive Mandapas scattered over the main hill; as well as various Rathas - chariots.

Temple Architecture Tamil Nadu has been the centre of south Indian religious development and the ruling dynasties have left behind many incredible temples, icons of traditional art and culture. The most notable being the temples at Kancheepuram, Srirangam and Vellore in the Vijaynagar style whereas the temples at Madurai were built by the Nayaks.

Other Monuments and Temples
The Meenakshi Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Mahal at Madurai, Fort St. George in the 17th century British military architecture; the Chettinad Houses - the mansions of the fabulously wealthy Chettiars which express a conglomeration of building styles and cultures, at Karaikudi; and also at Devakottai, Kanadukathan, Kothamangalam, Kuliparai and Pillayarpatti. The Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, Brihadeshwar Temple at Thanjavur; Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram.

Kancheepuram the city of a thousand temples the some of them are Ekambareswarar Temple, Panguni Uthiram, Kailasanatha Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Amman. Kancheepuram, 75 km west of Chennai is easily accessible by road and rail.

Dance and Music

For four weeks each January, the Mamallapuram Dance Festival showcases dances from allover India, including the Bharata Natyam (Tamil Nadu), Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh) tribal dance, and performances including Kathakali Kerala drama), Puppet shows and classical music. Many events take place against the backdrop of Arjuna's Penance.

Detailed information is available at the tourist office. Local Hotels can assist with programs and tickets.

Health Care from modern facilities to traditional and natural systems

There are numerous places offering massage, reiki, yoga and other ayurvedic practices. Krishna at Sri Murugan Guest House is recommended for both male and female travelers. ******Details through LEISURE HOLIDAYS if you have any tie-up/ arrangement with any hotel PLEASE INSERT

The Capital city is Chennai (Madras) the gateway to the South. It still represents the distinct aspects of the highest form of Dravidian culture and heritage. The history of Chennai spans nearly 2000 years from the time of the Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar.

Valluvar Kottam built in 1976, stands memorial to the immortal poet, who lived around 1 BC in ancient Mylapore. The memorial is shaped like a temple chariot, it is 2700 ton 35 m granite replica of the temple chariot of Tiruvarur which carries the life size statue of the saint. The 133 chapters from his famous work Tirukurral, consisting of 1330 verses have been inscribed in bas-relief in the front hall corridors of the chariot. The auditorium with a capacity of 4000 is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia.

Other places of interest are Fort St. George a legacy of the British. It houses St. Mary's Church, the India's oldest surviving English church; George Town, Parry's Court, the High Court (1892) in Indo Saracenic architectural style, Light House; Marin Beach; Nungambakkam; Santhome Basilica, Kapaliswarar Temple.

Pondicherry

A former French settlement, retained until 1954, is a union Territory 162 km South of Chennai. It was known as Vedapuri, the site where the sage, Agastya Muni had his hermitage in 1500 BC. Evidences are available to reveal Roman connections and its antiquity is considered to be before the Christian era. Romans conducted a flourishing maritime trade from nearby Arikamedu. It draws a huge crowd of tourists because of the Ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo and his disciple, a French companion Mirra Alfassa, universally known as 'The Mother', in 1926.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo, a revolutionary turned spiritual visionary, and The Mother is a centre for the practice of Integral Yoga, a synthesis of Yoga and modern sciences. Located 10 km north of the town, Auroville - City of Dawn' is envisioned as a Universal Town, under the guidance of the Mother. These have people from different nationalities, beliefs and faith living in peace and harmony. There are many activities include agriculture, alternate technology, windmills, healthcare, handicrafts, village industries, etc.

Some major cities in Tamil Nadu are Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), Rameswaram (Ramanathaswamy and Kothandaraswamy Temples), Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) with Vivekananda Mamorial and hill station Udhagamndalam (Ooty).

Andaman and Nicobar Islands These are about 500 mostly uninhabited islands with tropical fauna and white sandy beaches. One can savor the seclusion of deserted beaches, snorkel along the coral reefs and beautiful marine life. They are 1000 km off the east coast of India, in the Bay of Bengal. The Britishers used them initially to detain 'regular criminals' and later to incarcerate political dissidents - the freedom fighters for independence.

There are memorial and museums such as the Cellular Jail National Memorial, the Samudrika Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Zoo and Forest Museum, Aquarium, Water Sports Complex, Snorkeling and Diving. The Chatham Sawmill, a government operation, is the largest saw mill in Asia. Established in 1836, it employs around 2000 people. Foreigners require a permit to visit the Islands. Port Blair is the capital city.

Karnataka

This state offers a great variety for a visitor. One could start with a business meeting at Bangalore - the IT hub of India is also South Asia's most cosmopolitan and progressive cities.

Mysore - was once the seat of erstwhile Maharajas is now a major tourist attraction with its magnificent palace, buildings and gardens.

Important tourist spots are HAMPI - recognized as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Hampi has the ruins of the great Vijaynanagar empire.

The nearest airport Bangalore is 365 km away. It can be accessed by bus or even by train - closest station is Hospet - 13 km away.

Coorg also referred to as Kodagu - is the only district in Karnataka unspoilt by busy activities of railway tracks and roads being the means of access. It is the home of the river Cauvery, with its many streams, rivulets and waterfalls. Its distinctive features are the forests - including those of Bamboo, sandalwood and rosewood. The capital town of Madikeri (at 1525 m) is ideally situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats with breathtaking views and old British charm. One can enjoy sights of coffee plantations, lush pepper-vines, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla and turmeric other spices growing here!

Apart from the greenery, places of interest are: Madikeri Fort which was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan in stone from its original mud version of 1812-14. The Omkareshwara temple (1820) is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Raja's Seat atop a hill was the King's seat to enjoy the panoramic view of the mountain ranges, valleys and the spellbinding sunsets. Raja's Tomb is the resting place of Raja Virarajendra and his wife Lingarajendra. Although both were Hindus - the design of the tombs is Islamic.

The Kodagu region offers ample trekking possibilities. The high peaks of Tediyendamol and Pushpagiri (1712 m) are amongst the most popular.

Coorg Wild life Society: The wild life society organizes treks to various areas of Kodagu as well as fishing permits to the Valmur Fishing Camp near Kashalnagar. Valmur is a good place for fishing and bird watching.

Doddakalbetta (Big Stone Hill) - a trek away from Valmur is another place to watch the beautiful Coorg sunset.

Hotels