South India Tour

Starting from the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, this tour proves to be your gateway to the wonderful South India. Formerly known as Madras, this metropolitan city with a rich history accomplished a momentous place during the British Rule.

A fishermen's' village initially, the city has preserved its conventional Tamil legacy even today and has efficiently merged it with modernity to generate a distinctive amalgamation of mores. Ancient temples, magnificent museums, traditional churches and splendid forts of the city stand as mute evidence to the glorious past of Chennai.

Popularly known as the 'Queen of the Coromandel', Chennai is stretched around 19 km along the Coromandel Coast with an 8 km inland extension. A rapid leap in the automobile and software industries in Chennai have uniquely contributed to the city's eminence as the 'Detroit of the South.'

The hot tropical climate of Chennai becomes quite pleasant with the wafting in of a cool breeze from the sea. With a significant rainfall throughout the year, the city observes very little temperature variations between winters and summers.

Next on your South India Tour is Trichy or Trichurapalli resting on the banks of River Cauvery. Home to several ancient temples and imperative historical monuments, the city is also referred to as "Rock City" sometimes owing to the presence of a magnificent Rock Fort here.

Apart from these, the city also attracts the tourists for three of its other major attractions, namely, the Golden Rock Locomotive Workshop of BHEL (Bharath Heavy Electrical Limited), an ordinance factory, and the Regional Engineering College (REC).

From Trichy, one moves to Madurai--a city that has become a synonym to the Madurai Sundareshwar Twin Temple. This ancient city is located on the banks of river Vaigai. Around 2600 years old, this very old city saw the advent of Tamil traditions, and is, therefore, known as the 'Athens of the East.'

Ruled by the learned Pandya kings for a long time, Madurai provided a unique flourishing ground to Tamil Sangams. Tamil literature also reached the pinnacle of glory during their reign as various nobles and poets were patronized by these kings.

Another very special attribute of the city is an abundant growth of Jasmine flowers. Engulfed in their sweet fragrance, Madurai seems to offer eternal bliss. Also known as the 'Temple City', Madurai has also observed a constant growth in both textile and engineering industries.

From here one moves to Periyar. Famous for the Periyar Tiger Reserve lying at the Western Ghats in the Idukki District of Kerala, this reserve has a surging terrain with dendrite drainage. Serving as the dividing line between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the North-eastern boundary of the Reserve is a ridge. Although billed as a Tiger Reserve, Periyar is also famous for its wild elephants and an artificial lake around a century old.

The thickly forested setting of the sanctuary has made it a potential habitat of the Bengal Tiger. Along with Nilgiri Langoor, Nilgiri Tahr, Bison, Deer, Antelope and about 700 elephants, a trip to Periyar will truly leave an indelible print over your mind. During this tour to South India, you will also come across a perfectly rich medley of foreign and Indian architecture.

Sandwiched between the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and the emerald backwaters of Kerala; Kochi--popularly known as Cochin--has seen a constant expansion of shipping and trade in the region. With its fine bay and protected harbor, Kochi has become a favorite stoppage point for seafarers and merchant ships laden with spices, coffee and wood en route to the affluent European markets. Housing a Naval Base, Kochi has gradually emerged as one of the busiest ports and commercial centre of the country.

And from here one moves to the 'Silicon Valley of India'--the capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore. Sanctified with a salubrious ambiance, the city also houses some of the most beautiful gardens and parks, innate lakes, architectural monuments and shopping malls.

With its many music and dance concerts, stage shows, exhibitions, carnivals and conferences, the city offers relaxation to one and all equally. Also known as the 'Garden City' Bangalore has a bustling night life which attracts the fun freaks.

About 140 Kms from Bangalore stands a unique domicile of myriad splendor and magnificence--Mysore. The capital city of the Wodeyars, the city comes as a culmination of your tour to South India. The city has been enchanting the visitors with its appealing charm, rich legacy, superb palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, daunting buildings, broad shady boulevards and sacred temples.