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No matter where
you’re going in South India it’s probably a good idea to
rendezvous in Bangalore first and then move on. That’s because
most places are easily accessible from here and the cost of
travel is most reasonable. Though taxis are readily available
it’s best to take a train or a public or private bus. Luckily
the Central bus stand is right opposite the City train station
which makes things convenient.
But before you go away and leave us don’t forget to check out all that
Bangalore has to offer . Places like Lalbagh Botanical
Gardens, Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park and Museums, Bull Temple
and Tipu Sultan’s Palace are all worth visiting. So are the
central shopping locations of Brigade Road, M.G.Road and
Commercial Street. This also happens to be Pub City so
guzzle down a few at one of the city’s watering holes. Bangalore has it all, so
take your time and enchant yourself.
There are so many interesting places to see in Karnataka including Mysore which
is only about three hours away and full of palatial monuments,
sandalwood and incense. The famous Hoysala temples at Halebid,
Belur and Somnathpur are also close by. Sravanabelagola, one
of the most important Jain pilgrimage centers in India is here
in Karnataka. The unique, fun-loving, coffee growing culture
of Coorg is not far away either. Mangalore and the Western
Ghats offer some picturesque beaches. Visit the holy town of
Gokarna and experience something truly special on Om Beach.
The rock-cut temples in Hampi, once the capital of the
Vijayanagar Empire are a must-see and transport you to another
age. So does the northern town of Badami, once the capital of
the Chalukya empire.
If you’ve just
about had it with India’s Silicon Valley Bangalore and seen
all there is to see in Karnataka maybe it’s time to move north
to Andhra Pradesh or south to Tamil Nadu and then Kerala.
These four states make up what we know as South India today.
In Andhra Pradesh places to see are the capital Hyderabad, or
now more trendily known as Cyberabad for it’s booming software
and modern infrastructure along with some famous
monuments.Secunderabad is right alongside and equally
interesting. Vishakapatnam, on the North-East corner and
India’s largest shipbuilding yard is also worth a visit.
So is Vijayawada,
considered by many to be the heart of Andhra culture and
language. The famous Venkateshwara Temple at Tirupathi beckons
the religious seekers or just people who want to see a great
temple. Sai Baba’s ashram at Puttaparthi invites you to
meet a man of
miracles.
Tamil Nadu has
Chennai, it’s booming capital city and the guardian of Tamil
language and culture. Visit the fabulous rathas of
Mammalapuram and its fantastic beach. Kanchipuram, one of
India’s sacred cities is worth a checkout.Pondicherry, once a
French colony and a charming town with an amazing ashram
beside the sea is also here. So is Auroville, a very
interesting and self-sufficient commune.The Nataraj temple in
Chidambaram is also worth visiting. So is the ancient Chola
capital of
Thanjavur or Tanjore. Visit Trichy and it’s famous Rock Fort
Temple. Madurai, one of South India’s oldest cities and a
center of learning and pilgrimage is worth a tour. Rameswaram,
the Varanasi of the South and the Island of Prayeris home to many a
legend about Lord Rama.So is Kanyakumari, the meeting point of India’s three
oceans. Don’t miss the hillstations of Kodaikanal and
Ooty either as
they have wonderful vegetation, climate and historic spots. As
far as Kerala is concerned there are many beautiful places to
see like Trivandrum, a bustling city built over seven hills.
Kovalam has one of the best beaches that India has to offer.
So does Varkala, containing a great sunset view of the Arabian
Sea. Kottayam, a center for rubber production and close to the
famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-see. So is Munnar,
a beautiful hill-station with sprawling tea estates. Cochin in
the north provides glimpses of Kerala’s diversity and its
little islands. Don’t forget the famous back waters either as
they are simply out of this world.
Wherever
you go in South India it’s best to start your journey from
Bangalore because it’s right in the middle of the action. Be
it air, rail or bus, north, south, east or west, Bangalore is
the best. We hope you enjoy the rich cultural experience that
South India has to offer.
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