South India
Southern Part of India has witnessed many Dynasties and thus represents different Cultures. It is still untouched, green and pure. The delightful south; almost untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other regions of the country.
This is a land of temples, a land of the devout where new wonders await - the profusion of orange flowers, the shade of the banyan tree, and the soft beat of distant drums as yet another festival starts... A Myriad of Temples.
The devout Dravidian people of the south live and breathe their ancient religion. Nothing, however, can really prepare a visitor for the temples, where images of the quiet bustle of the vast halls, the huge gopurams completely covered by colored sculptures of gods and goddesses, the sight of bare feet walking across cool slabs, the heady smell of incense and the chime of the temple bell rung by priests and the faithful leave entrancing impressions. Rustic carts were drawn by oxen with their brightly colored painted horns, smiling villagers harvesting the hay at the side of the road - there will be some of the memorable features of the short journey from Madras to the famous temple town of Mahabalipuram.
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A swim off the glorious beach will refresh you after absorbing the wonders of the romantic shore temples and of Arjuna's Penance, the huge rock carvings of animals and gods.
There are so many impressive temple towns in South India - nearby Kanchipuram with its spectacular gopurams visible from miles away, or other magical sounding places - Chidambaram, Tanjore, Tiruchirapalli, and, most of all, the pilgrim center of Madurai - one of the oldest cities in Southern India - with its dramatic and lively Meenakshi temple, dedicated to the fish-eyed goddess.
Alternatively, for a different style of relaxation, visit the attractive French-style coastal town of Pondicherry, south of Madras. In the neighboring state of Karnataka lie the stone-carved temples of Belur and Halebid. Relive the exciting era of the Hoysalas, who flourished around the 12th century, by examining the endless stories in which the sculptural detail portrays the war, the hunt, the animals, the dancing girls and, of course, the gods.
Hill Stations Tour
