Found in the Peninsular Deccan Plateau, bordered by the Arabian Sea, South India includes the range of mountains of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. The region tops a location of 635,780 Sq Km and consists of the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry. It likewise covers the verdant Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Karnataka is a coastal belt abundant with Hindu customs and natural appeal.
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It is house to forests like Bandipur and Nagarhole. The most popular hill station in the state is Coorg where fragrant spices and coffee plantations appeal travelers exceptionally. On the other hand, Bengaluru - the IT center of the state provides a best mix of software and sarees, bookshops and bars, custom and modernity, and everything in between. Just below Karnataka lies Tamil Nadu - that boasts many mesmerizing sculptures and temple architecture of Chola Tanjore at Chidambaram. Another city of this state that takes pride in its imaginative history is Madhurai. You can still become aware of the famous sangrams between poets and writers that happened here almost 2000 years earlier.
The most spectacular city in Tamil Nadu that would charm you with its Carnatic music and olden traditions is Chennai. Though, for many years, it has gotten a cosmopolitan glamour with contemporary restaurants and trendy night clubs, the temples, museums and other monuments of the city are worth checking out. Southern India has one of India's many gone to trip spots. The popular one being the Balaji Temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Likewise, the ancient Buddhist website of Nagarjunakonda, and the fantastic Islamic structures of the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties at Golconda Fort and Hyderabad reside here. Nevertheless, a noticeably different photo is represented by the most loved traveler locales of Kerala and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Being a symphony of evergreen forests, paddy fields, coconut palms and plantations, Kerala is a charming world of backwaters that produce a best honeymoon location.
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Here, Ayurvedic massages, houseboat cruises, wildlife sanctuaries, heritage zones and its regional cuisine overwhelm you. And, those seeking beautiful blue waters can hit the silver soft beaches and rich greenery of Andaman and Nicobar that are the last remaining virgin rain forest islands on the planet. Not to miss out on, Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 attols in the south-western coast of India that has lots of unoccupied and untrodden islands that are even more mesmerizing.
With a population of over 253 million, South India has managed to mix the cuisine and culture of its varied ethnic groups well. The variations of its dosa, sambhar, idlis and vadas have actually reached the far stretches of North and West areas. Known for its fresh seafood and coconut oil, it meals out incredible chutneys and meat curries also. Not to miss, the popular dance types of Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali that found their origin in this creatively rich and flourishing region.
Here is list of tourist places in South India
#1. Kodaikanal
At a distance of 95 km from Dindigul, 117 km from Madurai, 169 km from Coimbatore, 469 km from Bangalore,272 km from Kochi, 162 km from Munnar, 253 km from Ooty & 528 km from Chennai, Kodaikanal, likewise described as Kodai is among the very best hill stations in South India as well as among the top places to experience the Tamilnadu Tourism.
Kodaikanal, frequently described as the 'Princess of Hill stations' is situated in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Kodai is a gorgeous hill station at an elevation of about 7000 feet (2133 m) on the southern pointer of upper Palani hills. It has numerous beautiful natural attractions which are delighted in by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination.
The earliest citizens of Kodaikanal were the Palaiyar tribal individuals. Modern Kodaikanal was established by American Christian missionaries and British bureaucrats in 1845, as a haven from the heats and tropical illness of the plains. In the 20th century a couple of elite Indians began relocating to this enchanting hill station and it began ending up being popular among nature enthusiasts.
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Kodaikanal is not thoroughly commercialized like Ooty and it uses an enjoyable experience to tourists with reasonably less crowd. Apart from the enjoyable weather, Kodaikanal has several tourist destinations like Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Pillar Rocks, etc. The hills use lovely views all around, specifically from the Coaker's Walk.
Madurai is the nearby Airport to Kodai. There is no direct train center to Kodaikanal. Kodai Road, located on Madurai - Dindigul route is the closest train station. This station has excellent connectivity with major cities in India. Direct bus connection is readily available from Madurai, Coimbatore, Palani, Dindigul, Ooty, etc. Buses from Madurai to Kodaikanal begin with Arappalayam Bus Station. From Coimbatore, buses to Kodaikanal run from Ukkadam Bus stand.
#2. Mahabalipuram
At a range of 57 km from Chennai, 65 km from Kanchipuram, 96 km from Pondicherry, 420 km from Madurai and 290 km from Trichy, Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) is positioned in Kanchipuram district in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is well-known for its shore temples constructed in 7th century. Mahabalipuram is among the should go to weekend vacations from Chennai for one day journey. This also a major historic/ heritage site in Tamil Nadu and among the very best places to experience Tamilnadu Tourism.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. It is an ancient historic town and was a busy seaport during Pallava kings in 7th Century AD. Inning accordance with the legend, it has been called after the satanic force king Mahabali who was renowned for his kindness. Some keep that it has actually been named Mamallapuram after the Pallava King Narasimha Varman I, a terrific wrestler with the title Mamallan.
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It is understood for its historical monuments, sculptures, beautiful appeal, culture and custom. Mahabalipuram art can be divided into 4 classifications: outdoors bas-relief, structured temples, man-made caverns and rathas (chariot temples). The famous Arjuna's Penance and the Krishna Mandapa adorn huge rocks near the centre of the village. The beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a protective breakwater. Sixteen man-made caves in different phases of conclusion are also seen, spread through the location. The striking feature is that the sculptures here are monolithic - giant structures sculpted from single rocks.
The temples of Mamallapuram, constructed mainly throughout the reigns of Narasimha Varman and his follower Rajasimha Varman, showcase the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural structures. The mandapas and the rathas formed as temple chariots are made from the granite cliff, while the well known Shore Temple, set up half a century later on, is built as a structured temple with substantial blocks of rocks following wonderful architecture. Thirukadalmallai temple, Cholamadal Artist's Village, Mahabalipuram Beach, Tiger Cave and Crocodile Bank act as popular picnic areas for people here.
Among the popular celebrations celebrated here is the Mamallapuram Dance Festival, which is arranged by the Department of Tourism every year during December - January. As part of the celebration, different dance kinds are showcased consisting of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi.
The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is in Chennai, situated about 50 km away. The nearby railhead is in Chengalpattu, close to 30 km from Mahabalipuram. It has trains from Chennai, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Kanchi, Tirupati, Ernakulum, Villupuram, Rameshwaram and Jodhpur. Buses show up here from either Koyembedu (CMBT) or Tiruvanmiyur (in Chennai) and Kanchipuram and Pondicherry.
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#3. Ooty
At a distance of 89 km from Coimbatore, 128 km from Mysore, 265 km from Bangalore,158 km from Kozhikode, 244 km from Munnar, 254 km from Kodaikanal, 18 km from Coonoor & 556 km from Chennai, Ooty is one of the best hill stations in India as well as among the leading locations to experince Tamilnadu Tourism.
Likewise referred to as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is often referred to as 'Queen of hill stations'. It is the capital of Nilgiris district in the state of Tamilnadu. Nilgiris indicates 'Blue Mountains'. A land of picturesque picnic areas & lakes, it was a popular summer and weekend vacation for the British throughout colonial days. It is positioned at an altitude of 7,440 feet (2,240 meters) above water level. Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden and Rose Garden are amongst the should include places in your Ooty tour packages.
Ooty was initially a tribal land inhabited by the Todas together with other people. The Nilgiri area came into ownership of East India Company as part of the delivered lands, held by Tipu Sultan in 1799. In 1818, Wish and Kindersley, Assistant and Second Assistant to Collector of Coimbatore visited this spot and sent their experience report to the Collector of Coimbatore John Sullivan. John Sullivan later on began the construction of his cottage at Dimbhatti the very first European home on the hills. Ooty worked as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency and other little kingdoms, much visited by British during the colonial days. Its spectacular beauty and splendid green deep valleys motivated the British to name it Queen of Hill Stations. Sullivan later on developed the town and encouraged the establishment of tea, chinchona, and teak trees.
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Apart from pleasant weather condition, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Wenlock Downs, Pine Forest, and Emerald Lake are the popular Ooty sightseeing locations. The toy train, understood as Nilgiri Mountain Railway that ranges from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a need to be experienced. The train route wends its way through many hair-raising curves and afraid tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines loaded with verdant plant life, gurgling streams and tea gardens. The train route was established by the British engineers in 1908, covering 42 kilometers length with 108 curves, 16 tunnels and 250 bridges.
The establishment of many tea estates made Ooty popular. Lofty mountains, thick forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens welcome the visitors on most routes. The yearly Tea and Tourism Festival (Jan) and Summer Festival (May) attract crowds in substantial numbers.
#4. Vijayawada
At a distance of 37 km from Guntur, 273 km from Hyderabad, 354 km from Vizag, 453 km from Chennai and 643 km from Bangalore, Vijayawada, likewise called Bezawada, is the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh State and likewise among the top Places to visit in Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Krishna River to the South, Budameru River on the north and the Indrakiladri Hills on the west. This is the largest train junction of the South Central Railway, situated along the Chennai-Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail route.
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Legend says that Goddess Durga took rest in this spiritual place after damaging a Rakshasa and considering that then the name 'Land of Victory' or Vijayawada originated. The discovery of Stone Age artifacts along the banks of River Krishna from Machilipatnam to Nagarjuna Sagar shows that this area was occupied long previously. The Chalukyas when conquered this location and it was later part of Vengi Kindom, Eastern Gangas, Vijayanagaras and Reddy Dynasty. Finally it came under British Madras presidency.
The major destinations of Vijayawada are Kanaka Durga temple and Mangalagiri temple. Apart from these, other traveler destinations include Prakasham Barrage, Gandhi Hill, Mogalarajapuram Caves, Victoria Museum, Hazarat Bal Mosque, Rajiv Gandhi Park and Bhavani Island. The Kondapalli Reserve Forest in the western borders that stretches over a location of 121.5 sq. km is also another destination. This forest provides soft wood that is utilized for making Kondapalli Toys. There are popular Buddhist websites such as Amravati, Gudivada, Ghantasala, etc.
The Krishna Pushkaram is a popular celebration here that is held as soon as in every twelve years. Apart from this the other typical festivals commemorated here consists of Diwali, Dussehra and Makara Sankranthi.
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The Vijayawada airport lies at a range of around 20 km from the city, at Gannavaram. It has flight to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Delhi. The Vijayawada railway station is connected to several significant cities of India like Chennai, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Gandhinagar, Jaipur, Bhopal, Luknow, Jammu, Bilaspur, Pondicherry, New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Patna and Chandigarh. Vijayawada is likewise well connected by all the significant towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh. It has regular buses from Chennai, Tirupati, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Vizag.
The finest time to go to Vijayawada is from November to February while the peak season is from November to February. Normally it takes 1-2 days to go to places in and around Vijayawada. This is very humid location and summer is usually extremely hot and humid.
#5. Kumarakom
At a range of 16 km from Kottayam, 56 km from Kochi, 36 km from Alleppey, 135 km from Munnar & 164 km from Trivandrum, Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Also known as the Queen of Vembanad, Kumarakom is the most popular Kerala backwaters location for conventional houseboat flight and it is among the most checked out Tourist places in kerala state. This is likewise among the ideal weekend vacations from Kochi & Trivandrum.
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The name Kumarakom was derived from the deity of an old temple Kumaran. Arundhati Roy, author of the 1997 Booker Prize-winning The God of Small Things, was raised in the nearby Aymanam town. In order to secure the ecology of the location, the Kerala government has declared Kumarakom as a unique tourist zone. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumaramangalam Temple, Vaikom, Pathiramanal Island, Aranmula, Vagamon, and Erumeli are the popular Kumarakom tourist locations.
Kumarakom is home to a wide range of plants and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds see. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork see here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors. A two-hour rowing canoe trip is organized, and is best carried out in the night or morning.
Kumarakom's soil is incredibly fertile due to the distance to water source, this has resulted in the development of a wide array of flora in Kumarakom, especially the mangrove and coconut trees. Kumarakom is an amazingly stunning paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves. It is likewise famous for Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming.
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Vembanad Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in India. The significant sightseeing alternative at Kumarakom is boat cruise in backwaters of Vembanad. There are Country boats and Houseboats for the boat cruise experience. A Houseboat cruise along the backwaters is truly a fantastic experience for every single tourist to Kumarakom. Outstanding marine and freshwater fish consisting of tasty karimeen, shrimp, and prawns are readily available in the area. Kumarakom is the location for Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race kept in September during Onam festival. More than 1000 oarsmen in boats of different sizes and shapes will get involved in this occasion.
Cochin International Airport is the closest airport at a distance of 74 km to reach Kumarakom. Kottayam is the nearby railway station to Kumarakom (16 km). Kumarakom is also available by boat from Alappuzha. Kumarakom is connected by frequent bus service from Kottayam. KSRTC bus service connects Kottayam to all cities in Kerala. Private run deluxe A/C buses connect Kottayam with significant cities like Chennai, Mangalore, Bangalore and Trivandrum.
#6. Trivandrum
At a range of 85 km from Kanyakumari, 385 km from Coimbatore, 204 km from Kochi, 400 km from Trichy, 266 km from Madurai, 770 km from Chennai, 622 km from Mangalore and 746 km from Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, likewise referred to as Trivandrum, is the capital of the state of Kerala and the headquarters of Thiruvananthapuram district. It is also one of the popular Kerala places to visit. The city and the suburban areas cover an area of about 250 sq. km, situated in between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
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Thiruvananthapuram implies City of Lord Anantha in Sanskrit and Malayalam. The name derives from the divine being of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple located in the city. Trivandrum is found on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland.
The city once formed a part of the kingdom of Travancore, which had its capital at Padmanabhapuram. Even now most of the buildings in the city have the royal heritage of the Travancore Kings. According to historic records, Thiruvananthapuram was a popular port city throughout 1050 BC and it maintained trade relations with the Middle East and Mediterranean nations.
Trivandrum is well-known for its captivating traveler spots including worldwide popular beaches like Kovalam, historical monuments with Gothic architecture, lakes/ backwaters, untouched mountain ranges and so on. Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Science and Technology Museum, Kowdiar Palace, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Happyland Amusement Park, etc. are some of the traveler attractions in the city.
Trivandrum is a popular medical tourism location and receives chartered flights for medical tourism, as there are more than hundred recognized Ayurveda centers around the city. Medical tourism is additional promoted by contemporary medical hospitals in the City. Recuperation facilities are available at 5 star beach resorts and hill stations nearby. It is likewise thought about as one of the cleanest cities in India.
The significant celebrations in the city are Onam, Attukal Pongal & Aaraat of Padmanabha swami Temple. Attukal Pongal is a 10 day annual celebration which, is held at the Attukal Temple in Thiruvananthapuram every year.
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Trivandrum is easily accessible by air, rail and roadway. The city has an international airport understood linking significant cities in India in addition to international locations. There are direct trains from Trivandrum Central to all the major cities in Kerala like Chennai, Mangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Madurai, and so on
. Trivandrum is well connected by bus from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Kochi, Mangalore and Mumbai. The city has two significant bus stations. Cross country buses operate from the Central Bus Station at Thampanoor, Short range buses operate from the City Bus Station.
#7. Madurai
At a distance of 464 km from Chennai, 136 km from Trichy, 169 km from Thanjavur, 170 km from Rameswaram, 114 km from Kodaikanal & 209 km from Coimbatore, Madurai is the 3rd biggest city in Tamilnadu and among the most famous centers of trip in India as well as the prime site of heritage in Tamil Nadu. The city is extremely well known for Madurai Meenakshi Temple and is among the top Places to go to in Tamilnadu.
Located on the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai is also referred to as Athens of the East and Temple Town. Madhurai is the oldest constantly inhabited city in the Indian peninsula, with a history dating all the way back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian age. It has actually been populated given that a minimum of the 3rd century BCE. It is thought about as the cultural capital of Tamilnadu.
Madurai was the catbird seat of the Pandyan Empire. It was built by the Pandyan king Kulasekhara and was the capital city of the excellent Pandya kings of South India. It was later on ruled by Cholas, Later Pandyas, Madurai Sultanate, Vijayanagara, Madurai Nayaks and lastly British. Pandyas and Nayaks contributed tremendously to the advancement of Meenakshi Amman Temple and Madurai city.
Meenakshi Amman Temple (called Madhurai Meenakshi) is the greatest landmark of Madurai. It is one of the biggest temples in India. The temple has a stunning architecture and a substantial testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins for their master architecture in sculpting this temple. The core city of Madurai is developed parallel to the streets of Madhurai Temple.
In Addition To Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal & Koodal Alagar Temple are other essential locations to visit in Madurai. Madurai is likewise a base station to visit Trichy, Thanjavur, Rameswaram and kodaikanal.
The Sangam period poet Nakkeerar is related to some of the Tiruvilayaadal episodes of Sundareswarar - that are enacted as a part of temple festival customs even today.
Madurai has a number of bus stations. Many of the cross country buses and inter-state buses begin with Mattuthavani Bus Terminus (8 km from Railway Station). Buses to Chennai, Bangalore, Trichy, Rameswaram, Thanjavur, Tirupathi, etc begin with here. Arappalayam Bus Station is another significant bus station (3 km from Railway Station) with connection to Kodaikanal, Palani, Theni, Dundigal, and so on. Periyar bus station near Railway station is the hub for local city buses.
#8. Rameshwaram
At a distance of 562 km from Chennai, 227 km from Tirunelveli, 311 km Kanyakumari, 387 km from Pondicherry, 230 km from Trichy, 171 km from Madurai, 371 km from Trivandrum and 607 km from Bangalore, Rameshwaram is among the most famous Pilgrimage centers in South India & likewise a Jyotirlinga, positioned in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. Rameshwaram is also one of the best Tourist places in Tamilnadu.
Rameshwaram Temple is one of the most famous Shiva shrines in India. It is substantial for Hindus as a pilgrimage to Banaras is insufficient without a Pilgrimage to Rameswaram. According to the legend, Rameswaram is the location from where Lord Rama, built a bridge across the sea to save his consort Sita from Ravana. This is likewise the location where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of eliminating Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this trip which is referred to as the Varanasi of South. Rameswaram in addition to Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath form the four Char Dhams.
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Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Kothandaraswamy Temple and Erwadi are the popular and the most gone to pilgrimage tourist attractions of Rameshwaram. Sri Ramanathaswamy temple (Rameswaram Temple) is among the most interesting temples in entire India. This is renowned for its magnificent passages and enormous sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one worldwide. The administering deity here remains in the form of a Linga with the name Sri Ramanathaswamy, it also occurs to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This temple stands as an epitome of Dravidian architectural style of the medieval ages.
There are about 64 thirthas situated in Rameshwaram, which, 24 are thought about as crucial. Bathing in these Tirthas is a major aspect of the pilgrimage to Rameswaram and is considered equivalent to penance. Twenty-two of the Tirthas are within the Ramanathasvami Temple. Ramanathapuram, Tirupullani, Uthirakosamangai, Sethu are the neighboring tourist attractions to Island of Rameshwaram. Stunning beaches at Olaikuda, Danushkodi and Pamban are other tourist attractions apart from the spiritual point of view. Scuba diving and Migratory birds seeing throughout winter season are the activities here.
Rameshwaram lies on the Pamban Island, which lies at the very idea of the Indian peninsula in the Gulf of Mannar. Pamban Island, which is separated from the mainland of India by the Pamban Channel, is linked by the Pamban Bridge or Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge.
The closest airport to Rameshwaram is at Madurai, which is situated at a range of 176 km. Rameshwaram Railway Station is well connected by rail to major cities of Tamil Nadu like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Thanjavur and Trichy. Rameshwaram is well connected by bus with Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Pondicherry, Trichy and Thanjavur.
For more information on South India tour packages from Delhi and any other holiday packages like, heritage, temple, culture, family and more contact Swan Tours Delhi, India or call 011 23415601.
