South India

South India - A major tourist destination

South India is a region of India, which includes the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Union Territory of Pondicherry. The region is visited by millions of tourists throughout the year as its houses several important tourists spots.

South India was ruled by a number of dynasties such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar, before the British rule. The forts, palaces and temples of the regions speak of its historical past. The other tourist attractions include the beaches, backwaters, hill stations and pilgrimage centres. South India is also known worldwide in the field of Information technology, as main cities of the region constitute some of India's major IT hubs. Overall South India is the perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and modernity.Shri Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

South India - A geographically diversed region

South India includes the entire Indian Peninsula, south of the Vindhya ranges. The region is bounderied by the rivers Narmada and Mahanadi in the north, while the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal form the western, southern and eastern boundaries. Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of the South India. The geographically diversed region of South India has two mountain ranges namely the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. The region is criss crossed by several rivers like Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari and Tungabhadra.

South India - Culture

South India boasts of an ancient culture and linguistic entity, which is different from the rest of India. The inhabitants of the states and union territory of this region is called as South Indians. South Indian women wear the saree, while the men wear a type of sarong, which could be either a white dhoti or a colourful lungi with typical batik patterns.

South India - Architecture

The architecture of temples, palaces and forts of South India, showcase the region's old, rich and splendid culture. These monuments and temples some dating back to more than 1700 years old, display delicate carving and sculptures. The architecture of temples bear testimony to the craftsmanship and creativity of artisans, sculptors and artists of the ancient era. The architecture of South India serve as ample evidence of the great vision of the kings and rulers of the olden times. South India has two distinct styles of rock architecture, the pure Dravida style and the Vesala style architecture. The magnificent temple sculptures of Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, Belur, Halebid, Mahabalipura, Tanjore, Madurai and the mural paintings of Travancore and Lepakashi temples are examples of these architecture.

Kathakali DancerSouth Indian Food

Rice is the principal diet, other popular food items include fish, coconut, pickels, spicy curries, dosa, idli and uttapam.

South Indian Music and Dance

The music of South India is known as Carnatic music, while the region is home to several dance forms such as the Bharatnatayam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Theyyam, Ottamthullal, Oppama, Kerala Natanam and Mohiniaatam.

Attractions in South India

The major tourist attractions are located in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. The state houses many temples, palaces, forts, wildlife sanctuary, beaches and other places of tourist attraction.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has many cities of tourists attractions, which attract large number of tourists. The state capital Chennai and the hill station of Ooty are major attraction. Other attractions include the cities like Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Thanjavur, Kodaikanal and Tiruchirappali etc.

Andhra Pradesh

The state of Andhra Pradesh is known for its temples, palaces and forts. Hyderabad the capital city has attractions like Charminar, Hussain Sagar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum and Mecca Masjid etc. Tirupati is famous for its sacred temple of Lord Shri Venkateswara situated on the Tirumala Hills.

Karnataka

Karnataka is the eighth largest state of India famous for temples, palaces, forts, gadens and wildlife sanctuaries. Bangalore, is the capital of the state, other important cities are Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli- Dharwad, Davanagere, Bellary and Belagum. Bangalore houses the attractions like Bangalore Palace and Fort , Lal Bagh , Government Museum, Bull Temple, Gangadhareshware Temple, St. Mary's, Ulsoor lake and the Vidhana Soudha. In Mysore the major attractions are Mysore Palace, Rajendra Vilas, Jagmohan Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas, Lalita Mahal etc.

Accessibility to South India

The cities and towns of South India is well connected by air, rail and road link. The tourists can easily reach any tourist destination in South India. The airlines operate domestic as well as international flights to the major cities of South India. Several trains run from South India to rest of the country. Well motorable roads and National Highways connect South India with other parts of India.

Accommodation in South India

The region is dotted with several hotels in major cities as well as towns. The hotels offer plenty of accommodation choices cater to the needs of the tourists.

Ayurveda Resorts in India

Ayurveda today has taken the whole world by storm. Westerners are arriving in India in great numbers to find cure to their ailments through this time tested science of life. Especially the south Indian states have gone global presenting their magical remedies to the world. In states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, one can find a number of Ayurveda and Spa resorts that have developed excellent ways to achieve one's health goals.