Kerala Beaches: -

1. Alapuzha Beach

Location -Alappuzha beach, Near Alappuzha Town, South Kerala.
Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.

Description-The Alappuzha (Alleppey) beach is one of the spectacular beaches in south India. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape. It has a long sandy beach. For the entertainment of visitors there is a Vijaya Beach Park and an old lighthouse nearby.

2. Marari beach (Mararikulam):

Location -Near Cherthala, Allapuzha Dist, South Kerala .90 kms. from Cochin International Airport
Dist from nearest apt/railway station -90 kms. from Cochin International Airport & 150 kms from Thiruvananthapuram Airport.

Description -Marari originates from "mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience to local charm and traditional kerala hospitality at its best.

3. Varkala Beach:
Location - Varkala, Trivandrum, South Kerala. 51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city and 37 km south of Kollam.
Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, nearly 57 km away & the nearest railway station is Varkala.

Description -Varkala beach is famous for mineral springs and a fantastic massage. The mineral springs here are said to have curative properties. The massage technique has been a closely guarded secret for thousands of years, but for many tourists it's a welcome revival from the toils of the road. Varkala is an important Hindu pilgrim center. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Center are the two main attractions of Varkala Beach. A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to pure the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' (destroyer of sin) for this shore.

4. Kovalam Beach
location - Kovalam beach is located at sixteen kilometers south of Trivandrum city, the capital city of South Indian state Kerala. A drive of hardly half an hour from Trivandrum is enough to reach at the celebrated Kovalam beaches.
Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, 14 km away to Kovalam. Trivandrum Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station.

Description -Kovalam beach is the most famous South Indian beach. Mainly there are two beaches in Kovalam along with many private beaches. Eve's beach is a semi-circular one, well known for its secluded location and its relatively good beach area. Another famous beach is that of Lighthouse beach where a lighthouse situates, which belong to the British period. Apart from the beach holidays Kovalam offers Ayurvedic massage, Ayurvedic rejuvenation, Yoga (Indian way of meditation) etc.

5. Cherai Beach
location - Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat (30 minutes journey) from Ernakulam.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Kochi International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.

Description - 45 kms from Ernakulam city, this lovely beach bordering vypin Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.Thick coconut groves and chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions.

6. F.Kochi Beach
location - 12 kms away from Ernakulam city
Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Cochin International Airport is 35 kms away & Railway Station is 12 kms away

Description - 12 kms from ernakulam city, a leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic fort kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first european township in india, kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the portuguese, the dutch and later the british. The result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the remains of the indo european architecture here.Cochin Carnival on the New Year eve is a colourful festival not to be missed at the beach site.

7. Bekal Beach.
location - About a kilometre from Bekal Fort, about 16 km south of Kasaragod on the national highway, Kasaragod district, north Kerala.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Mangalore about 50 km from Kasaragod town, Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod town.

Description - Kasaragod is famous as the land of gods, rivers, hills, forts and beautiful beaches. The imposing and magnificent circular fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala. The natural expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort is an exotic beach location. Besides the natural beauty and cleanliness, the Bekal fort beach is also known for hospitality.

8. Kappad Beach.
location - 16Kms from Kozhikode, North Kerala.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town & Kozhikode Railway Station is 16 kms away

Description - For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming of Kerala's beaches.
Kappad is mentioned as the gateway to the Malabar coast. Here, 501 years ago, 170 men led by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) sailed in and stepped into Kerala to create a new chapter in history.

Tamil Nadu beaches:-
1. Marina Beach.
location - 03 Kms away from the City centre,Chennai,Tamil NAdu.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The Kamaraj Domestic Airport and the Anna International Airport are located at Meenambakkam about 20 kms from Chennai city.

Description -This beach covered with the silver sands is said to be the longest beach in India and one of the longest in Asia, extends from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram. There is a drive along the beach circumscribed with palms and casuarinas running the whole length of Chennai. Silver sands, an excellent surf and a shimmering clean blue sea, this in a nutshell, is Marina beach. This beach is acknowledged as one of the longest beaches in Asia. It's 12 km-long stretch is the second longest in the world. It is located on the eastern side of the city adjoining the Bay of Bengal. To behold the sun set and rise from the beach is an enthralling experience. Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous as the undercurrent is very turbulent, even then people dare to swim here.

2. Kanyakumari Beach
location - Kanyakumari ,Tamil nadu.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram, 87 km away. Kanyakumari is spirally connected with all places by rail and road.

Description -Kanyakumari is famous for its beach and the magnificent sunrises and emotive sunsets, especially on full moon Days. Kanyakumari is also popular for its vast foliar stretches of paddy fields, rich forests, coconut groves and mineral sands. The Kanyakumari beach has an overwhelming sight with the sand which has played with the colours of the sky. The beach here does not usually offer one the opportunities to sunbathe on soft silver sands, either to frolic in the waves or in the sands. The seashore is rocky and dangerous, and there is a manmade wall running along it.

3. Mahabalipuram beach.
location - located 58-km south of Chennai, ,Tamil nadu.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport with both Domestic & international terminus is Chennai 58 kms away. The nearest Railway Stations are Chengalpattu 29 kms away and Chennai 58 kms away.

Description -The spectacular beach of Mahabalipuram attracts thousands of tourists all through the year. While at the beach you may sun bathe, relax and unwind yourself. At the same time you may explore the magnificent monuments besides the beautiful beaches. The dreamy rock cut art is an amazingly extravaganza.

4. Covlong beach
location - located 40-kms away from Chennai, ,Tamil nadu.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport with both Domestic & international terminus is Chennai 40 kms away. The nearest Railway Stations are Chengalpattu and Chennai.

Description -The vivacious village of Covelong is renowned for its fishing activities. In the fishing village the swaying palms and the beautiful beach entice people from across the globe. The environs, ambience, peace, tranquility and the infrastructure at the Covelong beach come together to make it one of the most popular beach resorts on the Coromandel Coast.

Karnataka beaches:-
1. Karwar beach.

location - located 525 kms away from Banglore & 100 kms from Goa.
Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport is at Goa, though entry points are also Belgaum and Mangalore.

Description -Karwar has all the makings of a perfect holiday with gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, silver sand, and calm, peaceful alleys. Once an important trade centre.This place offers attractions such as the Sadashivgad Hill Fort with a Durga temple, the one-of-its kind octagonal church and the 300 year old Venkataramana temple with some fine ochre paintings.

2. Marwanthe beach.
location - located 50 kms away from udupi,Karnataka.
Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport is Mangalore

Description -The endless stretch of golden sand, swaying palm trees, clear blue sky and the gush of the sea attracts a large number of tourists to this spot.
At sunset, a crimson sky and golden rays reflected both in the sea and the river convert Maravanthe into a fairyland of scenic beauty. The Maravanthe Beach is a popular picnic spot and the waters are safe for swimming with huge but gentle tides beckoning you and mesmerising you to come and play with them. The pristine beauty and peaceful surroundings of its virgin beach make it a favourite picnic spot.

3. Malpe Beach.
location - located 66 kms north of Mangalore & 6 kms away from udupi,Karnataka.
Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airports are Mangalore 66 kms & Bangalore 392 kms .

Description -The beach is blessed with a profusion of natural and untamed beauty, witnessed in the idyllic blending of the swaying palm trees, the fresh blue sky and the unsullied waters of the murmuring sea. A short journey by boat across the saline waters, can take one to the uninhabited St. Mary's Isles whose undisturbed and primitive tranquility makes it ideal for a quiet picnic. The island has an array of volcanic rocks jutting out of the rusty sands, in a variety of sizes. The time spent here gazing at the sea from amidst these pieces of earth, surely proves to be a cherished memory for a lifetime.


Pondicherry beaches:-
1. Pondicherry.
location - located160 kms from Chennai is the Union Teritorry,Pondicherry.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport is chennai 160 kms away.

Description - The sun, sea and sand are best at the beaches of Pondicherry. Serene surroundings, bracing breeze, the musical sea, they all manage to make your leisure time more fruitful. The town beach has a 4 m high statue of Mahatma Gandhi and French World War I memorial. There is a 150-year-old lighthouse also, a place not to miss.

Andra Pradesh beaches:-
1. Bheemunipatnam beach.
location - located 25 kms from Vishakapatnam,Andrapradesh.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest city is Vishakapatnam 25 kms away.

Description - Bheemunipatnam beach is a safe beach and one of the finest sea resorts of India and is well known as Bheemli. It is a usual resort for sea bathers as it is free from dangerous depths and sharks.Nearer the sea and facing the flagstaff is a well-equipped round bungalow, which is said was originally the Vizianagaram Raja's resort. The view of the seascape from the verandah of the bungalow is captivating. This place was an important port in olden days. It has a lighthouse and it is a minor port though it is seldom used now. There is a Dutch cemetery called Hollanders Green, which overlooks the ocean.

2. Vodarevu beach.
location - located 06 kms from Chirala in Prakasam District of Andrapradesh.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Chirala and Guntur are the nearest railway stations which is 35 kms away & the nearest airport is at Hydrabad.

Description - Vodarevu beach is a nice place to move away from the noise and the fracas of the city life and back into the somber and calm quietude of the picturesque and scenic. It is a beautiful beach with a constant inflow of tourists spending their weekends in serene setting.

3. Mypad beach.
location - located 130 kms from Thirupati in Andrapradesh.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport is Thirupati 130 kms away and the railway station is Nellore 25 kms away.

Description -Mypad beach is a fine sandy beach. Tourists can enjoy the lush green vegetation, sun kissed sands and the beautiful shoreline providing a delightful view.

4. Rishikonda beach.
location - located 08 kms from Vishakapatnam in Andrapradesh.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest railway station is Vishakapatnam 08 kms away.

Description -Rishikonda Beach, a golden, unspoilt beach, washed by the sun-warmed sea.It is ideal for swimmers, water skiers, and wind surfers. Tourists can enjoy a holiday in picturesque settings.

5. Ramakrishna beach.
location - located 02 kms from Vishakapatnam in Andrapradesh.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest railway station is Vishakapatnam 02 kms away.

Description -One of the loveliest beaches on the East Coast, the Ramakrishna beach is a favourite beach resort for tourists visiting Vishakhapatnam. The Ramakrishna beach present a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty. The vast stretch of water and the accompanying calm is in sharp contrast to the scurrying activity on the road and the apartments on the other side. On the shores, it is a virtual fair with a colorful crowd of tiny tots, young and old having a fun filled time on the sand bed.

6. Manginapudi beach.
location - located 11 kms from Machilipatnam in krishna District ,Andrapradesh.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport is at Vijayawada about 85 km.away & the nearest railway station is at Machilipatnam about 15 km. away.

Description - Located at a distance of 11 km. from Machilipatnam in Krishna District, there is a lovely beach known as Manginapudi which deserves mention here not only for its picturesque locale but also for its historical importance. The beach has tremendous potential with a natural bay and comparatively shallow and safe waters. A beautifully laid park with a fountain and well lit surroundings further enhance its reputation as a place for relaxation.



In Kerala:-
1. Munnar.
location - located 130 kms from Kochi & 100 kms from Thekkady ,Kerala.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport is kochi International 120 kms .away & the nearest railway station is at Ernakulam 130kms away.

Description - A paradise for nature's lover, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. Located at 1600 meter above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Munnar is a picturesque scope of the lofty Western Ghats. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Miles and miles of unending tea plantations is the spectacular sight of munnar . Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years.The main cultivation crops in Munnar are Tea and Coffee.

2. Thekkady.
location - located 190 kms from Kochi.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airports are kochi International 200 kms away & the Madurai airport 160 kms away.

Description -Thekkady is a hill station at an altitude ranging from 700 m to 1900 m in the Idukki district. It lies on the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala. Thekkady is a rich in natural as well as cultural wealth. It boasts of the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 777 sq km, is home to elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. Wildlife is the main tourist attraction of Thekkady. Other than that there are lots of things and places which offer a perfect holiday. Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the important Tiger reserves of the country. Artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river attracts both local and foreign tourists. The place provide exciting boating experience on the lake. Elephant ride in the sanctuary is another tourist attraction. Splendid natural sites are found everywhere in Thekkady.

3. Vythiri.
location - situated in the Wayanad District of Kerala state and 85 kms away from Kozhikode(Calicut).

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Nearest Airport is kozhikode 100 kms from Vythiri & the Kozhikode railway station is 80 kms away.

Description -Vythiri is a picturesque place located in the sylvan Northern High Ranges of Kerala in Wayanad District. Exclusive, comfortable, refreshing, pollution free and inspiring.An area that breathes history and legend, Vythiri was the natural choice because of its accessibility beauty and pleasant climate. Rising 2600 ft. above sea level, Vythiri had been a retreat for English planters during colonial times. Vythiri hill station is noted for its tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber, and pepper plantations.

4. Vagamon.
location - 60 kms away from kottayam

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Kochi airport is the nearest airport and Kottayam is the nearest railway station.

Description -Vagamon hill station is also noted as the trekker's paradise. This place is suitable for mountaineering; rock climbing, and paragliding, as it has the gentle hill slopes with trekking routes. Kurisumala, Murugan hill, and Thangal hill surround Vagamon or Wagamon, making it a base hill station. Vagamon is replete with greens, gushing streams, and acres of tea estates. It lies at an altitude of 1100 meter above the sea level. It is picturesquely situated on the Kottayam-idukki border, that is, at 60 km from Kottayam and 65 km from Idukki district. The hills, covered with grass, and velvety lawns, and surrounded with soft breezing, make Vagamon a place for meditation in order to get peace of mind.

5. Ponmudi.
location - Located 58 kms away from the Capital of Kerala,Trivandrum

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Trivandrum is the nearest airport and nearest railway station.

Description -Ponmudi is one of the most beautiful and peaceful hill stations of Kerala. Ponmudi is situated at an altitude of 1,000 meters above the sea level. The hill station is at a distance of 58 kms from the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. Ponmudi offers tranquility and serenity in the lap of Mother Nature. If you want a change from the hustle and bustle of city life then a tour Ponmudi can be very refreshing. The hill station is green and the tea bushes and water ponds add more beauty to the place. It looks like a velvety green blanket spread all over the place. Ponmudi is all about pleasant atmosphere and the serene beauty of nature. The misty mornings of Ponmudi are cool and revitalizing.Ponmudi means "golden crown". You can view this golden crown at Ponmudi when the golden sunrays surround the whole hill area forming a kind of golden crown. This can be one of the scintillating experiences during your visit.The main cultivation are tea,coffee & other spices.

6. Nelliyampathy.
location - Located 75 kms away from Palakkad.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is at Coimbatore in the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu, about 55 km from Palakkad.The nearest railway station is in Palakkad.

Description -A forest range 75 kms from Palakkad, the Nelliyampathy hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations.The height of the hills ranges from 467 metres to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 metres. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential. The community hall at Kaikatty provides a good camping ground for the trekkers. The cool hills of Nelliampathy, nestling atop the Western Ghats, offer a breathtaking view of the misty mountains and enchanting valleys interspersed with sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations.

7. Devikulam.
location - Located 16 kms away from Munnar.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is kochi & the nearest railway station is Aluva & Ernakulam.

Description -Devikulam is one of the most beautiful hill resorts of Kerala.It is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. It charms you with its wild flowers, green vegetation, and birds' chirping as well. There is a clean lake in the middle of Devikulam that is hidden inside the rolling hills. There are the tea bushes in rows, combined with clusters of red and blue gum trees, giving its visitors a special pleasure.Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, around one-hour drive from Devikulam, is an ideal habitat for a number of wild animals like leopards, sambars, elephants, and gaurs. There are also endangered species like the Star Tortoise and Grizzled Giant Squirrel in this beautiful sanctuary.

In Tamilnadu:-
1. Ooty.
location - Ooty,the 'Queen of Hill Stations',is located at an altitude of 2,240 m in the Western Ghats,Tamilnadu.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is coimbatore which is 105 kms away.Ooty is connected on the narrow gauge with Mettupalayam,which is 47 km away.

Description -Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. The Government Botanical Garden is 2 km from Ooty. A fossil tree trunk almost 20 million year old is preserved in the 20-acre park. At a distance of 1 km is the artificial lake built in 1824 by Mr. John Sullivan,the then Collector of Coimbatore. Doddabetta is the highest peak of the Nigiris with the elevation of 2,623 m. It is 10 km from the main town. Mukkurthi Peak and National Park is 40 km from Ooty and located on the Nilgiri Plateau. The park is famous for the population of the Nilgiri Thars. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 321 sq km with an elevation of 1,140 m. The park has the population of Panther,Sambar,Spotted Deer,Barking Deer,Wild Boar,Porcupine,Minivets,Hornbills,Fairy Blue Birds and Jungle Fowls.

2. Kodaikanal.
location - Situated on the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills (Western Ghats) at an altitude of more than 6854 ft.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is coimbatore which is 180 kms away & the madurai airport is 120 kms away.

Description -Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station. Founded by American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal is steeped in history. Kodaikanal Hills is an idyllic getaway for regular tourists, trekker and honeymooners. Blessed with nature's breath-taking beauty, the star-shaped lake dominates this sleepy hill-station.

In Karnataka:-

1. Nandi Hills.
location - Located 60 kms north of Bangalore is the summer resort of Karnataka called Nandi Hills.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is Bangalore 60 kms away.

Description - It was one of the summer retreats of Tipu Sultan. Nandi Hills was popular with the British too who built bungalows and laid out gardens here.
Now it's a hot favourite among Bangaloreans who find this an ideal get-away for weekends. The 1478-m high Nandi Hills is the originating point of many rivers. And the forests surrounding the hills, abound with wild animals. Around the Nandi Hills are several smaller hills, which can be visited on foot.

2. Madikeri.
location - located252 kms from banglore & 136 kms from MAnglore

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is Mangalore 136 Kms away.

Description -Madikeri is the picturesque capital of Coorg, where time seems to have stopped. Dotted with a cluster of red-roofed dwellings and a bustling bazaar, the town situated at an elevation of 1525 m, has a charming old-world feel.Madikeri is an unforgettable holiday destination not surprisingly dubbed as the Scotland of India.This charming town, capital of Kodugu (erstwhile Coorg), is situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft.

3. Kodachadri.
location - situated in the midst of western ghats about 400 kms from banglore.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is Mangalore ..

Description -Kodachadri (altitude of around 1800 mts) is a beautiful relatively unexplored hill station in the Western Ghats (Sahyadris) in Shimoga dist along the boarder with Dakshina Kannada dist in Karnataka. The hill rests in 'Mookambika Reserve Forest' and in the backdrop is the famous temple town of Kollur of deity Mookambika. Atop the hill theres a temple too and half an hours climb from the temple takes you to the the peak of Kodachadri, which is most famous for sunrises and sunsets.Kodachadri is also largely a place of religious and mythological significance too apart being a heaven for trekkers.

4. Kudremukh.
location - situated 95 kms south-west of Chikmaglur town.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is Mangalore ..

Description -It overlooks the Arabian Sea and the broad hills are bound to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. Discovered by tourists, Kudremukh is a secluded hill station, which retains its serenity and natural beauty. The hill is covered by Sylvan green forests, beautified by mighty rivers, grassy slopes, exuberant cascades and rare orchids, providing a wonderful setting for trekking. Situated 1,894.3 meters above sea level, Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits.

5. B.R.Hills.
location - situated in south-eastern Karnataka.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is Banglore 247 kms

Description -The Biligiriranga Hills,commonly called B R Hills, is a hill range situated in south-eastern Karnataka, at its border with Tamil Nadu in South India.tThe Biligirirangana range of hills is beautifully situated between the Cauvery and the Tungabhadra rivers. At a height of 5,091 ft above sea level, this hill station stretches from north to south for about 16 kms. Bordered by deciduous trees, the forests are swarming with wildlife.

In Andra pradesh:-

1. Horsley Hills.
location - situated about 144 kms from Thirupati.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airports are Thrupati 160 kms & banglore 165 kms

Description -This famous hill resort in Andhra Pradesh is 144 km from Tirupati. It is named after W.D. Horsley, the Collector of Cuddapah district, who chose this spot for his summer residence. Situated at an altitude of 1,265 m. The shady slopes are wooded with luxurious vegetation.The narrow road to Horsely Hills is very scenic. It is surrounded throughout its entire length with dense growths of eucalyptus, jacaranda, allamanda, and gulmohar trees.

in Kerala:-
1. Cochin Synagogue.
location - located 10 kms away from Ernakulam.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is Cochin 35 kms away and the Railway Station is Ernakulam 15 kms away.

Description -The prosperous Jewish trading community built the Jewish Synagogue in 1568 whose links with Kerala begin in Kodungallor (Cranganore) in the north of the state. The oldest synagogue in India, it was partially destroyed in the war of 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch. In the mid-18th century the clock tower was added and the floors paved with exquisite hand-painted blue willow tiles from China. Two hundred years old, no two tiles are alike. The interior offers more beautiful surprises: a Belgian chandelier, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, and the copper plates on which were recorded the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers to the Jewish community in the 4th century. There are also five finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons. The Synagogue is opened on all days except Friday from 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM.

Mattancherry Palace, Kerala
Originally built by the Portuguese and presented to the king of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, in the year 1555 AD, the Mattancherry Palace follows an oriental style of architecture.

2. Horse palace museum.
location - Adjacent to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 1 km &Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 6 km.

Description -The Horse Palace is locally known as the Kuthira Malika Palace. It is located outside Padmanabhaswamy temple. This palace was built during the time of H.H Maharaja Swathi Thirunal the king of Travancore who was also a great poet and musician. The museum received the name "Horse Palace" because it contains 122 wooden pillars carved in the shape of galloping horses. The museum contains the collection of weapons, paintings of the Rajas and Ranis of Travancore, a solid crystal throne, full-sized Kathakali figures, and items from Italy, China, and other places belonging to the Maharajas. It also has excellent murals. Classical music is performed in memory of Prince Swati Tirunal's during the Musical Festival in the month of Feb and Mar.

3. Napear Museum & Sree Chitra Art Gallery.
location - Both Museum and Art Gallery are situated in the Napier Museum compound, right in the heart of the Trivandrum city, near the zoological park.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 2 km.& Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 6 km from the city.

Description -Napier Museum complex reveals a glimpse of Kerala's rich cultural heritage. An exceptional piece of architecture, the Museum is named after the former Madras Governor General John Napier. The Napier Museum is also called the Government Art Museum.The Museum building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Built by the 19th century British architect Chisholm, it has a unique natural air-conditioning system. A veritable treasure house for connoisseurs of art, the intriguingly eclectic collection of bronzes, historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots, it is the pride of this place.Open from 10:00 am t o 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays and Wednesday forenoon.
The Sree Chitra Art Gallery features a rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich among others, and fascinating works from the Mughal, Rajput and Tanjore schools of art. An oriental collection consisting of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali offers a visual treat and are a tribute to the art and culture of these countries.

4. Padmanabhapuram Palace
location - Situated in Thuckalay, 64 km from Thiruvananthapuram, situated in Tamilnadu, a neighbouring State.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport & railway station is Trivandrum

Description -A magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, Padmanabhapuram Palace lies at the land's end of mainland India. An enticing piece to any lover of art and architecture this old palace of the Rajas of the erstwhile Travancore (1550 to 1750 AD) is a fine specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of architecture.
The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. The palace also contains 17th and 18th century murals.inside the Palace one can see the musical bow in mahogany, windows with coloured mica, royal chairs with Chinese carvings, 'Thaikkottaram' or the Queen Mother's palace with painted ceilings, rose wood and teak carved ceilings with 90 different floral designs. Durbar Hall with a shiny black floor specially made from a combination of egg white, jaggery lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand, granite tubs to cool curd and buttermilk. The visitor is often overwhelmed by the royal splendour of erstwhile Travancore. Though the palace is situated in Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu State, it comes under the purview of the Government of Kerala's administration
The palace is opened from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays.

5. Cheruthuruthy kalamandalam.
location - Cheruthuruthy, in Thrissur District

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest railway station: Shornur, about 10 km,Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 90 km.

Description -One of the most revered places for the traditional art forms of Kerala, the Kalamandalam is the cradle of training in India. This temple of arts has preserved and propagated Kathakali - the classical dance-drama of Kerala - for the past 78 years. Many of the internationally renowned artistes of Kerala and India have been trained here.The Kalamandalam and its surroundings reflect the simple, pure and ethnic atmosphere in which these arts have survived for centuries.Over the years this unique institution has imparted training for Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Kootiyattam, Panchavadyam, Thullal etc - following the ancient gurukula system of education.

6. Hill Palace,Cochin
location - 10 kms from Ernakulam town, Central Kerala

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Nearest Airport is Kochi 40 kms away and Nearest Railwaay station is Ernakulam 10 kms away

Description -The Hill Palace, the official residence of the Kochi royal family, is today the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Built in 1865, the Palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala, sprawled over 52 acres of beautifully landscaped terraced land which houses a deer park and facilities for horse riding. Numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants grow here. In the Ethno - Archaeological Museum are oil-paintings, murals, sculptures in stone and manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, belongings of the Kochi royal family and royal furniture including the simhasana (throne).Also exhibited are over 200 antique pieces of pottery and ceramic vases from Japan and China. Kudakkallu (tomb stone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), menhirs, granite, laterite memorials, rock cut weapons from the stone ages, wooden temple models, plaster cast models of objects from Mohanjadaro and Harappa of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The museum also houses a gallery of contemporary art.Visiting time is from 9.00 to 12.30 hrs. and 14.00 to 16.30 hrs. on all days except Mondays.

7. Bekal fort.
location - 16 kms south of Kasaragode.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Mangalore about 50 km from Kasaragod town; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod town.

Description -The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era. This foremost souvenir of the 'Gods own Country' remains undeterred over the ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yester years. The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction for historians, tourists and nature - lovers for centuries since it embodies memories of a glorious past.The Fort appears to have been built up from the seas since almost three fourth of its exterior is drenched and the waves do stroke the citadel.Bekal Fort happens to be the biggest fort of Kerala spreading over forty acres. The important features of this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the opening of the tunnel towards the South

in Tamilnadu:-

1. Bharathiyar Illam.
location - 600 kms away from Chennai.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest rail & the Flight terminus is at chennai

Description -One of the greatest Tamil poets, Subramanya Bharathi (also spelt as Bharti) was born in Ettayapuram (around 600-km from Chennai), in 1882. He was skilled enough to write verse even at the early age of seven. The last years of his life were spent in a house in Triplicane, Chennai. This house was bought and renovated by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1993 and named 'Bharathiyar Illam' (Home of Bharathiyar). It is a must-see place for those eager to know more about one of the greatest Indian poets ever. It was opened to public on 2nd October 1993. The house takes us back to the life and times of Mahakavi Bharathi. Photographs of Bharathiyar, his family, and his friends are displayed here. His hand written verses are framed and displayed. There is also a letter from Mahatma Gandhi (in Tamil) to mark the occasion of the opening of Bharathiyar Mani Mandapam in Ettayapuram, in 1947. Bharathiyar's letters to his friend Nellaiappar are also displayed.

2. Rock Fort Temple.
location -Closer to Trichy City.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest rail & the Flight terminus is at Trichy 07 kms away.

Description -The Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli is a collection of three temples - the Manikka Vinayaka temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill. This Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill in the most prominent landmark in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy); reached by a flight of steps on the way to the famous Ucchi Pillaya temple.The 83 m high Rock Fort is perched atop the only outcrop in city that rises abruptly towering over the city. It is said that the rock is about 3,800 million years old and is one of the oldest in the world. It is said to be made up of quartz and felspar.

3. Valluvar Kottam.
location -situated at Thrisulam 17 km from the Chennai city centre.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest rail & the Flight terminus is at Chennai.

Description -The Valluvar Kottam, on the corner of Kodambakkam High Road and Village Road, Chennai, is a standing memorial to immortal Tamil Poet-Saint Thiruvalluvar. It is a massive auditorium, constructed on reclaimed land from an unused lake filled with the city's garbage and debris. It was opened in the year 1976 and the auditorium is said to be the largest in Asia and can accommodate about 4000 people. All 1330 verses of the poet's epic - the Thirukkural, are inscribed on the granite pillars that surround the auditorium and it has got no pillars for support. There is a 101-feet high temple chariot structure with a life-size image of the poet in it. This chariot is a replica of the temple car of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu. The memorial is open for public access on all days, except on Fridays and National Holidays.

4. Tanjavur Palace.
location -situated at Thrisulam 17 km from the Chennai city centre.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is Trichy 58 kms away from Thanjavur .Thanjavur is directly connected with Trichy, Madurai, Nagore, and Madras by rail.

Description -The Tanjavur Palace, as it is Known, has huge halls, spacious corridors, observation & arsenal towers and a shady courtyard. Though many sections of the palace are in ruins restoration work has been taken up. The palace houses a library, a museum and an art gallery. The Royal museum displays many items from the kings who ruled the place in past. The eclectic collection of royal memorabilia can fascinate any visitor. The Royal cloths, hunting weapons, the head gears and many more such items are enough to catch the attention of any one. There are two Durbar halls where the rulers held public meetings. Though they have not been renovated, they are in good shape. The Nayak hall of the palace is occupied by the Art Gallery. This gallery has an excellent collection of artifacts from the Chola dynasty during the 8th and 9th century. The bronze and granite statues reflect the height of craftsmanship obtained during those days. The bell tower which was put under restoration work, has emerged very different from the rest of the structure after renovation. But it is worth going up the tower to have a good view of the surrounding area.

In Karnataka:-

1. Mysore palace.

location -Mysore city is located at a distance of 140 km from Bangalore, capital of the state of Karnataka located in southern part of India.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airport is the Bangalore airport

Description -The Indo-Saracenic style Mysore Palace, once the royal residence of Wodeyar Maharaja, is one of the largest palaces in the country. Also known as Amba Vilas, the original wooden palace got burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt in 1912 in its present design by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin. The palace houses a treasure of superb carvings and artistic works from all over the world. The palace is a three storeyed building with a series of square arched towers crowned by domes.The palace has now been converted into a museum, which treasures the souvenirs, paintings, jewellery, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. It is said that the palace displays the largest collection of gold items, quantity wise. The Durbar hall of the palace has an ornate ceiling and many sculpture pillars which are said to have been painted with gold.

2. Tipus Fort.
location -South west of the banglore city market

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Nearest airport is the banglore airport

Description -Tipu's Fort is known for the beautifully carved arches in Islamic style on the gate walls. Originally built in mud by Kempe Gowda in 1537 AD, the fort was extended and fortified by Tipu Sultan. Kempe Gowda built a brick and mud defence structure on this site in 1537 AD. In the 18th century, it was solidly rebuilt in stone by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. It's a sturdy, little fort, though much of it was destroyed during the wars with the British. The fort is well known for the well-preserved Ganapathi Temple within its precincts and it still attracts many devotees.

3. Kudremukh.
location -95 kms south west of chikmagalor

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Nearest rail head is mangalore

Description -The Horse-Face Hill Station 95 kms south-west of Chikmaglur town is the Kudremukh (Horse Face) range, so named because of the unique shape of the Kudremukh Peak. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the broad hills are chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. As yet 'undiscovered' by tourists, Kudremukh is a secluded hill station, which retains much of its pristine, natural beauty. Lush green forests interspersed with rivers, grassy slopes, captivating cascades and rare orchids providing an idyllic background for trekking. Kudremukh is trekker's territory with the richness of its flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. Situated 1,894.3 m above sea level, Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits.

4. Badami caves.
location -Situated in the north of Karnataka.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - The nearest airport is Belgaum -150 km.

Description -The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, Badami is famous for its cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Badami is an interesting place to visit in Karnataka what with its artificial lake, ancient temples, Museum and Hindu and Jain caves carved in the Sandstone hills. The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also a must are the Bhutanath temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples. The main attractions of Badami are the caves found there.

5. Bull Temple.
location -bangalore,Karnataka.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station - Nearest airport is the banglore airport

Description -The Bull Temple situated in Bangalore , houses the 4.57 m high and 6.10 m long image of Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull. The temple was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. The image has been carved out of single granite rock. The original colour of Nandi bull was grey which has now turned black due to the application of coconut oil by the devotees. The statue of the bull has been carved out of a the single rock statue attracts devotees from far and near. Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple. The temple is busy always with some ceremony that is on all the time at the temple premises. On weekends, musicians present their concerts at the temple.
Entry to the temple is free and the daily timings are from 6a.m. to 8 p.m.

in kerala:-

1. Periyar Tiger Reserve.
location -Thekkady is located 04 km from Kumily.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -110 km west of Madurai and 120 km southeast from Kochi.

Description -One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, Thekaddy is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and beautiful landscape. This sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, Entry to the Periyar Wildlfie Sanctuary: 0600-1800 hrs . Over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species. 143 species of orchids. The only south Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus grows here.mammals: 35 species including wild elephants, gaurs, langur, sambar deer and wild boars that can be sighted from the boats, the Nilgiri tahr in the higher rocky areas, the endangered lion tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors, bonnet macque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc. Birds: 265 species including migrants. The hombill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, darter, cormorant, grackle, cluster etc. Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non poisonous snakes, bicoloured frogs and crocodiles.

2. Periyar wild life santuary.
location -Thekkady is located 04 km from Kumily.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Madurai and Kochi.

Description -One of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat. The forest here, slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill. This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted here. There are boat services which takes the visitor around the lake.

3. Eravikulam National park.
location -Located 13 kms from Munnar.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The park is accessible from Kochi (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are located at about 148 Km and 175 Km respectively. The nearest railway station in Kerala is Aluva (120 Km away from Munnar) and in Tamil Nadu is Coimbatore (165 Km)

Description -Eravikulam National Park is 97 sq. km. in extent, situated along the crest of the Western Ghats in the High Ranges of Idukki district of Kerala state, India.The Park holds the largest viable population of the endangered (IUCN) Nilgiri Tahr.Eravikulam National Park harbours the largets surviving population of Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius). This endangerd animal is endemic to the southern Western Ghats. Its nearest relative is the Himalayan tahr. Mating takes place during monsoons and the birth season is January-February. The estimated population of tahr inside the park is about 700. Wild dog, leoperd and tiger are the main predators. Apart from tahr, other little known animals such as Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky striped squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.Apart from tahr, the Park is the abode of other little known fauna such as Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose,small clawed otter,dusky striped sqirrel etc.The main body of the National Park is a high rolling plateau with a base elevation of about 2000 mts. Most of the knolls and peaks rise 100-300 mts. above it with some mountains reaching altitudes of over 2500mts.The average annual rainfall is about 3000mm. January-March are relatively dry months. In winter, the temprature goes down even below freezing point.

4. Thattekkad Bird Santuary.
location -Located 13 km away from kothamangalam,Ernakulam,Kerala.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is at Kochi, 71 kms. & Aluva is the nearest railway station , 48 kms.

Description -located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar river. The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. Ali described Thattekad in the 1930's as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas. Since then much of the forest has been diverted to cultivation and teak and mahogany plantation but what survives gives a glimpse of the phenomenal bird diversity of the once widespread lowland forests of Kerala.

5. Parambikulam Wild Life Santuary.
location -Near Palakkad,Kerala.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airport is Coimbatore, 55 kms. The Nearest railway station: Palakkad, 125 kms.

Description -The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced in a valley between the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala. It abounds in a variety of trees, mainly teak, neem, sandalwood and rosewood. There are two watchtowers one at Anappadi, 8km from Thunakadavu, and other at Zungam, 5km from Thunkadavu. The rich fauna includes Bonnet Macaques, Tigers, Spectacled Cobras, Kraits, Vipers, Turtles, Darters, Little Cormorants and Black Eagles. The place is ideal for boating and trekking.

6. Chinnar Wild Life Santuary
location -situated in the Idukki district of Kerala state.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airport is Cochin

Description -Located in the rain shadow region of the western ghats, the sanctary occupies the forested region on either side of the Marayoor - Udumalped road. This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of india. The location of sanctuary offers the unique advantage of watching its fascinating wildlife at close quarters from the road without venturing deep into the jungle. The Marayoor sandal forest and the beautiful Thoovanam waterfalls are located here.Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it is spread over an area of 90,422 sq. kms. The undulated terrain with rocky patches adds to the scenic splendour of the sanctuary.
The vegetation of this forest is Thorny Scrub with Xerophytic Species,dry deciduous Forests, High Sholas And Wetlands.Mammals like Elephant, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Panther, Sambar, The Endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Hanuman Langur, Rabbit Etc are the main attraction.

7. Silent Valley National Park.
location -situated 40 kms from Mannarkad,Palakkad District in kerala state.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airport is Coimbatore 55 kms & the railway station is Palakkad 75 kms

Description -The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical forests include Rare Birds, Deer and Tiger. Perhaps, nowhere else can one also find such a representative collection of peninsular mammals as in this park, which was declared a national park in 1980. The park has a huge variety of wildlife, with over a 100 species of Butterflies and 400 species of Moths and other animals like the Ceylon Frog Moth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and the Lion-Tailed Macaque. The park has around 26 species of mammals and 120 species of avifauna, many of them considered endangered. Apart from these, there are 11 species of snakes, 19 species of amphibians, and nine species of Lizards in the park.

8. Aaralam Wild Life Santuary.
location -situated 35 kms from Thalassery in North Kerala .

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airport is Kozhikode 113 kms & the railway station is Thalaserry 35 kms

Description -Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a tranquil little sanctuary on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak of Katti Betta, covered with tropical and semi- evergreen forests rises to a majestic height of 1145 m above sea level. A variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats is found here. Herds of deer, elephants, boar and bison are quite common. The main attraction is Sloth Bear, Mouse Deer ..Leopards, Jungle Cats and various types of Squirrels have also been sighted.

In Tamilnadu:-

1. Indira Gandhi Wild life santuary & National park.
location -situated 35 kms from Pollachi.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airport is Coimbatore 75 kms.

Description -Spread over 9.58 Sq.kms., this sanctuary can be reached through Topslip in Anamalai Hills on the Western Ghats. An Ecological Paradise, this sanctuary encompasses a National Park with an area of 108 Sq.km. Abutting Kerala on the West, this hill forest boasts of thick growth of trees, folds of terrains with evergreen sholas. About 800 species of South Indian flora are distributed here.Some of the many rare and endangered species of flora are:
1. Combretum Ovalifolium, 2. Dispyros nilagrica, 3. Gymnopteris Contaimirans (Fern), 4. Habebarai reriflora (Orchid), 5. Polypodum pleroupus, 6. Alsophila sp, 7. Bulbophyllum sp., 8. Lasianthus uenuloses, 9. Angiopterris Erectra, 10. Gnetum Ula, 11. Impaliens Elegans, 12. Lycopodium cernum, 13. Ranunculus reniformis and Osmunda Regulis.

2. Muthumalai Wild life Santuary.
location -situated 65 kms away from Udagamandalam,Ooty.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airport is coimbatore 160 kms .

Description - This sanctuary is located where the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western ghats meet the eastern ghats. The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary has varied mixture of flat land, undulating parkland, open grassland, swamp, valleys and nullas. The Moyyar river in this region forms a series of spectacular cascades on its way. 65 Kms. away from Udhagamandalam and situated along the Udhaga-mandalam- Mysore highway, this sanctuary could be reached from Mysore as well. The vegetation is varied with moist deciduous. It becomes dry deciduous towards Bandhipur, mainly mixed forests with Bamboss (Bambusa arundinacea), Terminalia tomontosa, Grewia, and blooming trees like Indian labumusum.Aredesia, Solanahncea are some of the flora. The fauna include Elephants, Gaur, Bonnet Macaque, Common langur, tigers and leopards, Chital, dhole panther, Sloth Bear, Python, barking deer, Four- Horned Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (mugger), Giant flying squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Parcupine and Mongoose. The Birds in this sanctuary are Peacock - India's National bird, grey jungle fowl, the red spur fowl, the grey patridge quails, goggle eyed plower, Malabar whistling thrust, large racket-tailed dronge, the shama, the magpie-robin, spotted babbler, small green barbet, green pigeons, little brown dove, malabar grey hornbill, bulbuls, mynahs, etc. Birds of prey like eagles, hawks, falcons and king vulture and some migratory water birds can be watched.

3. Mukkurthi National Park.
location -situated 40 kms away from Udagamandalam,ooty

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airport is coimbatore 140 kms .

Description - Located on the high altitude of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate sholas, this park of Nilgiri Bio- sphere reserve is situated 40 kms. from Udhagamandalam. It contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus - hilocrius), Sambar, Barking deer, Nilgiri marten and otter jungle cat, jackal, etc. Laughing and whistling thrushes, woodcock, wild pigeon and black eagle, Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, Indian Fritillary, Indian Cabbage white, Hedge blues and rainbow trouts can also be seen.

4. Kalakkadu Sanctuary
location -situated in Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airports Trivandrum - 140 kms away & Madurai - 200 kms away.

Description -The santuary is situated in an area of 223 sq kms in the Thirunelveli District, at the foothills of Western Ghats and the adjoining areas. The flora ranges from forests of the tropical wet evergreen to the tropical dry decidious and thorn forests in the lower hills. The Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Sambhar, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Elephant, Tiger, Flying Squirrel, Panther, Wild Dog and Pangolin are some of the wild life seen in this sanctuary. There is also a wide range of birds and reptiles here. Trekking can be done with prior permission from the Forest Officer (Wildlife) Department.

5. Srivilliputhur Sanctuary .
location -situated in Kamaraj District of Tamilnadu

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airports Madurai - 100 kms & Railway station Srivilliputhur - 15 kms.

Description -Located in the Virudhunagar District, 45 kms off Virudhunagar Town, this sanctuary has a composition of dry decidious forests, moist mixed decidious forests and grasslands. It is the home of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel. Other interesting species that can be found her is are the Flying squirrel, Tree Shrew, Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiris Tahr, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, and many species of birds. This sanctuary can be visited all through the year.This forest is mainly dry deciduous with patches of tropical evergreen forests, Semi-evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests and grassland.

6. Vallanadu Sanctuary
location -situated in Kamaraj District of Tamilnadu

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest Airports Madurai - 100 kms & Railway station Srivilliputhur - 15 kms.

Description -It is a scrub forest area that is spread over 16.41 sq km. This sanctuary is situated in the Thuthukudi District. Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Macaques, Jungle cat, Mongoose and wild hares are the fauna that be seen in plenty in this reserve. This sanctuary can be visited through out the year.

In Karnataka.
1. Bandipur National Park
location -situated at a distance of 80 kms from Ooty.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest Airport is Banglore 204 kms away.

Description -It is the southernmost of the nine reserves specially established under Project Tiger. Stretching across an area of 874.20 sq km, Bandipur has open grassy woodlands to the south of the Kabini River. The dense deciduous forests reach as high as 30m and are home to valuable hardwood trees like teak, sandal and rosewood. It lies in the shadow of the Western Ghats and is known as one of the finest habitats of the Asian Elephants and Gaurs.
Some of the species that one can see here are Peafowls, Patridges, Quails, Hornbills, Giant Squirrels, Dholes (Wild Dogs), Elephants and Sambars (Barking Deers).

2. Nagarhole National Park
location - Nagarahole is situated in the picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore in southern Karnataka.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest Airport is Banglore 220 kms away.

Description -Nagarhole National park derives its name from the combination of two Kannada words-'Nagar,' meaning snake, and 'hole,' meaning streams. True to its name, quite a few serpentine streams fork through the rich tropical forests of the park. Nagarhole Park was set up in 1955. In 1975, its area was increased to include a greater expanse of forest reserve. The forest is home to animals like the four-horned antelope, sloth bear, jungle cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox, tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped hare, bonnet macaque, and pangolin. Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers, and several species of lizards are also found here. Among the 250 bird species found here, the prominent ones are the common babbler, bee-eater, bulbul, dove, crested serpent, hornbill, Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, warbler, great Indian reed, eagle, crested hawk, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree pie. Nagarhole is worth visiting at the height of the dry season, when wild animals can be spotted in large numbers near sources of water.

3. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
location -situated at a distance of 125 kms from Goa.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is in Dabolim (Goa) at a distance of 145 kms.By Rail - The nearest railhead is in Londa (25 kms). Other railheads are in Dharwad (57 kms) and Hubli (72 kms)

Description -Rich in both flora and fauna, the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary spans over 834 sq.km and is the second largest in Karnataka. The sanctuary was established in 1975 and undulates with lofty hills with captivating river valleys and thick forests.Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary predominantly has moist deciduous and semi-evergreen trees, with pockets of evergreen trees. Bamboo and Teak plantations are common here.Mammals in the sanctuary include elephant, gaur, wild pig, sloth bear, tiger, leopard (black panther), wild dog, jackal, slender loris, common langur, bonnet macaque, sambar, spotted deer, mouse deer, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel and mongoose. The most prominent avifauna species in the sanctuary are Magpie Robin, Blue Headed Ground Thrush, Golden Back Woodpecker, Indian Cuckoo, Crested Serpent Eagle, Pied Hornbill, and Malabar Grey Hornbill.

In Andrapradesh: -
1. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Location -East Godavari District near Kakinada port.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest Railway station is Kakinada 20 kms away

Description -Coringa sanctuary lies in the east Godavari district near Kakinada port along the Bay of Bengal. The habitat is suitable for salt-water crocodile. The area is cut up with a number of creeks of river Godavari. It was declared as a sanctuary in July 1978 to conserve the mangrove vegetation of the estuary. A part of this rich ecosystem south of Kakinada was declared as a sanctuary in 1978: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. It is renowned for its great variety of reptiles. In Coringa over 120 species of birds are reported.The habitat is suitable for the salt-water crocodiles. The water in the forest supports a variety of animals. One can find animals like the Fishing Cats, Otters, Jackals, Estuarine Crocodiles, Sea Turtles and birds like Sea gulls, Pelicans, Storks, Herons, Snipes, Ducks and Flamingos. The main species of mangrove forest are Rhizophora, Avincinia, and Sonneratia Aegiceros.

2. Alisagar Deer Park, Nizamabad
Location -located in Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest Rail station & airport is at Hyderabad 163 kms away.

Description - The Nizam constructed the Alisagar reservoir in 1931. Many natural hillocks and flower gardens dot the park adding to its attraction. The Lake and its surroundings make the park an ideal place to spend some time in the lap of nature. It is a real adventure to see the rare deer species and a nice Indian wildlife tour.The park hosts many deer species.

3. Eturnagaram Sanctuary
location -It is located at a distance of 110 kms from Warangal,Andrapradesh

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest Rail station,Warangal 110 kms away & airport is at Hyderabad 250 kms away.

Description -Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh. It is spread at a distance of 806 sq.km in Warangal district. It is located at a distance of 90 km. from Warangal and 250 km. from Hyderabad. The forest includes southern tropical dry deciduous type of teak and its associates like Thiruman, Maddi, Bamboo etc., while the fauna includes several endangered animals like Tiger, Sloth Bear, Four Horned Antelope, Chinkara, Black Buck etc .

4. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Vishakhapatnam .
location -It is located at Vishakapatnam,Andrapradesh

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest railway station & airport is at Vishakhapatnam.

Description -The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a good location to spend time with animals - particularly Sunday mornings. The one of the largest Zoological Park in Andhra Pradesh - next only to the one in Hyderabad and has a rich and varied collection of Wild Species including the Indian Tiger, Deer, Elephants and other attractions from Australia. Spread over 425 Acers of Land, the Zoo park is a host for over 400 varieties of animals.

5. Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Palamaneru .
location -located 41 Km from Chittoor ,Andrapradesh

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest railway station & airport is at Hydrabad.

Description -This sanctuary is located 50 Km from Chittoor and 120 Km from Bangalore by road. It covers an area of 358-sq-kms. The area is covered by southern tropical thorn type of forests, consisting of flora Albiziaamara, Ficusreligiosa, Ficustomentosa, Ficus Bengalensis and Bamboo. The flora also consists of a species, which is a regeneration of 'santalum' album. The habitat of Kaundinya sanctuary is rugged with high hills and deep valleys. The Kaigal and Kaundinya are two streams, which flow through the sanctuary.Tourists can find a wide variety of animals like Cheetal, Four horned Antelope, Sambhar, Mouse Deer, Hare, Porcupine, Wild boar, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Panther, Jungle Fowl, Peafowl's and Elephants.

6. Kolleru Lake Bird Sanctuary.
location -located 60 km from Vijayawada ,Andrapradesh

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest railway station is at Vijayawada.

Description -The largest fresh water lake in Asia, Kolleru lake is a virtual paradise for nature lovers. Rich in flora and fauna, it attracts migratory birds from Australia, Siberia, Egypt and Philippines between the months of October and March. During this season, the lake is visited by an estimated 2,00,000 birds, which include Open Bill Storks, Painted Storks, Glossy Ibises, White Ibises, Teals, Pintails, Shovellers, Red-Crested Pochards, Blackwinged Stilts, Avocets, Common Redshanks, Wigeons, Gadwalls and Cormorants, among Others.It is known the world over for the famous Kolleru Bird Sanctuary. This 673 sq.Kms wet land marsh habitat supports a large veriety of Water birds which include Garganys,ducks,Open bill storks, Herons, Flamingos & grey pelicans.

in kerala:-

1. Guruvayoor Temple.
location -29 Kms North-West of Thrissur, Kerala
Popularly Known as : Dwaraka of the South
Dedicated To : Lord Krishna

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest international airport is at cochin (Nedumbassery) 87 kms away.

Description -A temple, famous all over India as a pilgrim centre, dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known as Guruvayoorappan. The Sreekrishna idol of this temple is believed to have been worshipped by Vasudevar and Devaki at Dwaraka. This shrine popularly known as 'Dakshina Dwaraka' (Dwaraka of south) is in the form of a rectangle. There are a lot of mural paintings around the 'Shrikovil' (Shrine).Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.In Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal for infants). It was also the hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha' , a historic movement demanding temple entry rights for the 'so called' lower castes. The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'. The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine.Punnathoorkotta, which is at a distance of 2 kms from Guruvayoor is home of 50 temple elephants.

2. CHOTTANIKKARA TEMPLE
location -Near Ernakulam,Kerala
Dedicated To : Goddess Bhagvathi,

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest international airport is at cochin (Nedumbassery) 45 kms away.

Description -Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala.
Enroute is the Poornatrayesa temple at Tripunittura. The Devi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu. Together, they are known as Lakshminarayana.
People who have mental illness seek refuge in the divine mother, who graciously cures all her devotees. Goddess Rajarajeswari is the presiding deity.
This deity is worshipped in three different forms - as Saraswati in the morning - draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in blue.

3. VADAKKUMNATHAN TEMPLE
location -Near Thrissur,Kerala
Dedicated To : Lord Shiva,

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest international airport is at cochin (Nedumbassery) 90 kms away.

Description -Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur, Kerala. This is one of Kerala's most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.The 'Pooram' festival, falling in April/ May, attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world. It is a spectacular event, combining the majestic elephant pageantry with the frenzied playing of drums and cymbals and rounded off with a fireworks extravaganza.

4. Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
location -Pathanamthitta District in Kerala.
Dedicated To : Ayyappa

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest international airport is at cochin (Nedumbassery) 106 kms away.

Description -Sree Dharmasastha Temple at Sabarimala is situated within the Reserve Forest area in Perinad village at Ranni Taluk in Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. It is believed that Lord Parasurama consecrated the deity of the temple at the foot of Sabari hills to which reference has been made in Ramayana. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh but also from the other part of the country and abroad. The unique feature of the temple is that it is open for people of all faiths and many Non-Hindus conduct pilgrimage to this temple. The secular aspect of the temple is best exemplified by the existence of the "Vavar nada" in honour of a Muslim Saint at the close proximity to the main temple (Ayyappa Swami temple) at Sabarimala by the side of Holy Pathinettampadi (Holy Eighteen steps). The pilgrims worship in this place also.Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate holding position or not master or servant, are all equal before LORD AYYAPPA and all address each other as AYYAPPA.The divine qualities like equality fraternity, tolerance, humanity etc. are shining well in the pilgrims.

5. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple.
location -Kottayam District in Kerala.
Dedicated To : Mahadeva

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest international airport is at cochin& the railway station is at Kottayam.

Description - Vaikom is situated on the western side of Kottayam district and shares its border with Vembanattu Kayal (lake). Vaikom is the oldest township in Kottayam district and amongst the oldest in Keralam. Its importance in Indian history is 'Vaikom Satyagraham' against untouchability. Leader of the Indian Freedom Movement Mahatma Gandhi participated in this struggle. It is easily accesable from Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Kottayam. Mahadeva temple is famous for Ashtami (vaikattamshtami), and the temple also known as Thekkan Kashi (Southern Varanasi). Vaikom has lots of backwaters and greenery and has a high potential for tourism. It has rail, road, and water transportation to all the nearby places. Mixture of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim residents lead peaceful life in this beautiful place.

In Tamilnadu:-

1. Meenakshi Temple,Madurai.
Location : Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Deity Worshipped : Lord Somasundara (Lord Shiva) And Goddess Meenakshi

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is at Madurai.

Description -Madurai or "the city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. It has been a center of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Legend has it, that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks, gave the city its name - 'Madhurapuri', now known as "Madurai". The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswara temple and Madurai city originated together. According to tradition, Indra once committed sin when he killed a demon, who was then performing penance. He could find no relief from remorse in his own kingdom. He came down to earth. While passing through a forest of Kadamba trees in Pandya land, he felt relieved of his burden. His servitors told him that there was a Shivalinga under a Kadamba tree and beside a lake. Certain that it was the Linga that had helped him; he worshipped it and built a small temple around it. It is believed that it is this Linga, which is till under worship in the Madurai temple.

2. Mahabalipuram Temple.
Location : 58-Km From Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is at Chennai

Description - The history of Mahabalipuram dates back to two thousand years, it contains nearly forty monuments of different types including an "open air bas relief" which is the largest in the world, for centuries it has been a centre of pilgrimage, it figures in the early annals of the British search for the picturesque in India in the 18th century, today it attracts shoals of foreigners in search of relaxation and sea bathing, and most strange of all, it has an atomic power plant for neighbour. A small library has been written on it. Over its history and that of its monuments a number of scholarly controversies rage.Mahabalipuram was already a centre of pilgrimage when, in the 7th century Mamalla made it a seaport and began to make temples fashioned of rock. It was through Mahabalipuram that many Indian colonists, who included sages and artists, migrated to Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka's national chronicle, the "Mahavamsa" testifies to this fact

3. Kumariamman Temple,Kanyakumari.
Location : 85 km from Trivandrum.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is at Trivandrum 87 kms away.

Description -Picturesquely situated overlooking the shore, this temple and the nearby Ghat attract tourists from all over the world. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniyakumari (Parvati) who stands guard over the country, the temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Shiva to come and claim her hand in marriage. When she was unsuccessful, she vowed to remain a virgin (Kanya).
The Diamond nose-ring of this deity is famous for its sparkling splendour, which is supposed to be visible even from the sea. It is believed to have (mis) guided many a ship to the treacherous rocks near the shore. Due to the grave threat of the reflected light from the nose-stud to the unsuspecting ships the door on the side facing the sea was closed for ensuring the safety of the ships.

4. Rameshwaram Temple.
Location : Island of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Deity Worshipped: Linga Of Sri Ranganatha

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is at Madurai 173 kms away.

Description -Rameshwaram is an island situated in the gulf of manner at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. A very important pilgrim centre of the Indians. Rameshwaram is the place from where Lord Rama, built a bridge across the sea to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage which is known as the Varanasi the south. Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram. The presiding deity is the Linga Of Sri Ranganatha, which happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram is also popularly referred to as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that the visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory.

5. Rockfort Temple,Trichy.
Location : located in the heart of the Trichy City, Tamil Nadu.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest rail & the Flight terminus is at Trichy 07 kms away.

Description -The stoen Rock Fort Temple at Tiruchirapalli is the most famous land mark of this busy town. It is a spectacular monument, outcropped out of a massive stone rock, which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It is as high as 83 m and as old as 3.800 million years, older than the rocks of Greenland and the Himalayas. The Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli is an aggregate of three temples - the Manikka Vinayaka temple situated at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil situated at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) situated on the hill. During the British-French struggle, the Rock Fort Temple was one of the main centers, around which, the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century.The rock Fort Temples remains open daily from 6 am to 8 pm. 6.

Tanjavur Brihadeswara Temple.
Location : located in the heart of the Trichy City, Tamil Nadu.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is Trichy 60 kms away from Thanjavur .

Description -The Big Temple. Rajaraja Cholan, the Great Chola king built Brihadeswara Temple. Big Temple is an example for the Indian sculptural architecture greatness. Temple is surrounded by moat on two sides and Grand Anaicut river on the other side. This temple is unique to have the tallest tower over the sanctum sanctorum unlike the other temples. It is 216 feet tall. The stupa at the top is made of bronze.The walls of the sanctum are covered, with the wall paintings of Chola and Nayak periods, comparable to the famous Ajanta cave frescoes.Guarding the inner shrine of the temple, is the gigantic statue of Nandi, the Bull. The Nandi is 12 feet tall, 191/2 feet long and 81/4 feet wide. And it weighs around 25 tons. Nayaka kings constructed a Mandapam for the Nandi to protect it from sun and rain.

7. Kancheepuram Temples.
Location :70 kms from Chennai ,Tamil Nadu.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Chennai (75 kms) is the nearest airport from Kanchipuram.

Description -One of the most sacred sites in India, Kanchipuram is the seat of the Shankaracharya. The city is situated around 70 kms from Chennai in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram was the capital city of the early Chola kings in the 2nd century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries. Known as the city of thousand temples, it is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centers for the Hindus. Kanchi has about 126 temples remaining in total and a few more in its outskirts.
Besides its temples, Kanchipuram is also known for its growing hand loom industry. This beautiful small city has many silk weavers residing here from more than 400 years ago. This has made it the best the producer of some of the finest silk sarees in the country.

In Karnataka:-

1. Bull Temple.
Location :Banglore, Karnataka

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is the banglore airport

Description -The Bull Temple situated in Bangalore , houses the 4.57 m high and 6.10 m long image of Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull. The temple was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. The image has been carved out of single granite rock. The original colour of Nandi bull was grey which has now turned black due to the application of coconut oil by the devotees. The statue of the bull has been carved out of a the single rock statue attracts devotees from far and near. Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple. The temple is busy always with some ceremony that is on all the time at the temple premises. On weekends, musicians present their concerts at the temple. Entry to the temple is free and the daily timings are from 6a.m. to 8 p.m.

2. Badami Cave Temples
Location :Badami, Karnataka.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is Belgaum airport 150 Kms away

Description -Badami is famous for its cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the cliff of a hill. Badami arrayed with most picturesque location is worth a visit site. The region is adorned with pristine blue lake, famous ancient temple shrines, museum and above all Hindu and Jain caves, carved out of Sandstone. The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. A reservoir thronged with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva (holy deities of Hindu's) is another attraction of the region. Also a must are the Bhutanath temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.

3. Nandi Temples
Location :Nandi Hills located 60 kms from Banglore, Karnataka.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is Banglore 140 Kms away

Description -The Nandi Temple perched on the foothills of Nandi Hills dates back to the period of the Banas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar Kings. The temple is dedicated to deities Bhoganandiswara, Yoganandiswara (Shiva). The temple received extensive patronage from the Vijayanagar Kings. The pillars and metalwork deserve special mention.

4. Sravanabelagola Temple.
Location :150 kms from BAnglore in the Hassan District , Karnataka.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is Banglore 150 Kms away

Description -This history of Sravanabelagola goes back to the 3rd century BC. Sravanabelagola near Mysore is famous for a structural marvel - a monolithic statue of Gomateswara rising up to a height of about 60 feet. This majestic statue was erected in the 10th century AD. There are several Jain temples in Sravanabelagola, some of which are built in the Hoysala style. The town is located in the midst of two hills. There is a tank in the midst of this town called "Belagola" and the town is called by the same name. It is 8 miles from Channarayapatna in Hassan district. The town's Municipality has existed for the past 70 years. Shravanabelagola is a holy place for Jains. Their Guru is residing here in a Mutt. There is a Sanskrit Patashala to study Sanskrit and Shastras.

5. Iskcon Temple
Location :Iskcon temple in the city of Bangalore , Karnataka.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -Nearest airport is Banglore .

Description -Iskcon temple in the city of Bangalore is one of the most popular and sought after pilgrimage centers in the region. This new, beautiful temple (321-956; fax 332-985; e-mail vikramkrishna@usa.net), located at Hare Krishna Hill, 1 'R' Block, Chord Rd, Rajaji Nagar, was built at a cost of around 10 million dollars. The temples has towering gopurams, gold chandeliers, delicately crafted woodwork and sculptures. The Deities in this temple are Radha-Krishnachandra, Krishna-Balarama, Gaura-Nitai, and Sri Prahlada-Narasimha. It has an interesting state of the art multimedia cinema on the Hare Krishna movement and its philosophy. It is set in beautiful gardens with water fountains. The temple is beautifully lite up at night. It has the world's tallest gold-plated Dwajastambha (flagpost) at 17m high and the highest gold plated kalash shikara at 8.5m high.

In Andrapradesh:-

1. Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati
Location :Tirupati is a town in the Chittoor district of the Southern portion of Andhra Pradesh

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is at Renigunta(15 kms) & the nearest railway station situated at Tirupati.

Description -Tirupati temple is situated in the town of Tirupati. It is located 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district of southern Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, it is a major pilgrimage center of south India. Besides, Tirupati also focous on other attraction of this place, the ancient and famous shrine of Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of Seven Hills are worth a viist.The temple is located on a hill at Tirumala. It is a conglomeration of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam having an height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. The temple boasts of a vibrant and colorful culture also speaking volumes about its grand past. It is an important pilgrimage center, where devotees stand for long hours waiting to get a glance of the presiding deity.

2. Kolanpuka
Location :Near to Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is at Hyderabad 60 kms away.

Description -At Kolanpuka, there is a famous Jain temple of Mahavira, about 2000 years old. There is a 1.5 meters high image of Mahavira here. Besides the famous Jain temple, there are other temples like the Shri Veeranarayana temple and Shri Someshwara temple. The Kolanupaka site museum is yet another attraction of this place.

3. Amaravati Amareswara Temple
Location :Near to Vijayawada , Andhra Pradesh

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is at Hyderabad.

Description -This ancient temple dedicated to Shiva enshrines a 15 feet high white marble Shiva Lingam and is surrounded by massive walls with towers. The Satavahanas and the Vijayanagar kings have made great contributions to this temple.This temple constitutes one of the five Pancharama Kshetrams in Andhra Pradesh. Amaravati is known for its archeological remains of the ancient Budhist era.

4. Dharmapuri Temple
Location :140 kms away from Hyderabad , Andhra Pradesh.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is at Hydrabad 140 kms away.

Description -Near Karimnagar, there is a temple called the Dharmapuri temple. It has the idol of the Yoga Narsimha, which is one of the avatars of the Vishnu and the Ramlingeshwara. They are related to the legend from the Ramayana.Dharmapuri is situated at a distance of about 48kms. from Jagityal town and 51 Kms. from Peddapalle railway station . Dharmapuri attained religious importance owing to the existence of the shrine dedicated to Narasimhaswamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Siva With Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka and Sapitha Mathrukas carved on a single slab of stone and Mahishasuramardhani, the sixty pillared temple, Mahalakshmi temple and Akkapalle Rajanna temple are the other temples of importance that heighten the sancity of the places of tourist interest in the State and the kalyanotsavam of Lakshminarasimhaswamy celebrated during February-March attracts nearly a lakh of piligrims.

5. Vijayawada Temples
Location :140 kms away from Hyderabad , Andhra Pradesh.

Dist from nearest apt/railway station -The nearest airport is at Hydrabad 140 kms away.

Description -In Vijayawada, there are 3 important temples, namely the Kanakdurga, the Malleshwara and the Vijayeshwara.
Kanakadurga Temple - Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

Malleswaraswami Temple - Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri hill. Mallikarjuna or the Malleswara as he is known in the Puranas is said to have been installed by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Panch Pandavas, as a token of their victory of the South.

Vijayeswara Swami Temple - The Vijayeswara temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill in Vijayawada. The installation of Vijayeswara is said to have been done by Arjuna, to commemorate his victory with Lord Shiva in the form of 'Kirata' (hunter).