South India is a dream. It is not to be explained, but to be experienced. Out here, you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. Brimming with unbridled energy, this southern side of incredible Indian sub-continent embodies the finest of both worlds.
South India is a tourist's paradise with its tropical climate, lush evergreen vegetation, moist, deciduous and montane rain forests. South India is a major center of wildlife & eco tourism. It has invigorating forests with natural landscapes of babbling brooks and beckoning hills. South India offer exciting Jeep safaris into the forests, elephant rides, boat and coracle rides, guided treks, water sports, snorkeling, para sailing and much more. Your trail to this beautiful land will take you to a magnificent past, which will invigorate your senses. Temples of south India are worth visiting. These temples have huge gopurams, gigantic sculptures and more than anything fragrant peaceful atmosphere that will dissolve all your worries. People of South India are warm and welcoming and offer you help at any point. In short, South Indian holiday is like no other.
HERITAGE
South India has an illustrious history of two thousand years, which has seen the rise and fall of a number of dynasties and empires. The Satavahanas were the first native Indian rulers to issue their own coins with portraits of their rulers. Pandyas, Cholas and Cheras were the three ancient Tamil kingdoms who was in power in South India until end of the 15th century. The Pallavas were another great south Indian dynasty who ruled between the third century. Kadambas, another dynasty ruled during 345-525 CE. Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Kakathyas and Hoysalas were other prominent rulers who made their mark in the South Indias' History. These South Indian dynasties have contributed a lot to this part of the world South India, despite the fact that these kingdoms constantly fought amongst each other and against external forces that invaded south India. When the European powers arrived during the 16th century CE, the southern kingdoms were not powerful enough to resist the new threat and eventually succumbed to British occupation. The British created the Madras Presidency, which covered most of south India directly administered by the British Raj, and divided the rest into a number of dependent princely states. After Indian independence South India was linguistically divided into the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
HIGHLIGHTS
The architectural remains of South India have attracted tourists from all over the world. The ruins of Hampi, the medieval capital of the Hindu empire Vijayanagara attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Charminar, the monument built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the eradication of plague is a mosque with four minarets, located in the City of Hyderabad. The historical sites of Hassan & Halibid are popular among tourists. In Sravanbelgola, one can find the extraordinary eighteen-meter high monolithic statue of a naked male figure, Gomateshvara, which is the largest freestanding sculpture in India. Royal city of Mysore, the Temple town of Srirangapatnam and the ancient port city of Mahablipuram will treat every tourist with its charm. Apart from this, backwaters of Kerala, wildlife sanctuaries of Nilgiris, and beaches of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep are some of the best things you can explore in this part of the world.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
South India is a land of abundant and varied flora and fauna. It's known for some of the finest wildlife and bird sanctuaries of the world. The landscapes of south India are full of lush green sceneries and are known for its natural beauty and charm. Most of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in south India are located in scenic destinations. South India also enjoys a moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year making a perfect holiday destination for wildlife lovers.
The most famous wildlife sanctuaries in south India are Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. Thekkady and Bandipur are also two of the famous tiger reserves of India, covered under the Project Tiger Plan. Periyar National Park is world-famous for Asiatic elephants. Watching and photographing elephants at close quarters in the park can be a great and rewarding experience for the wildlife lovers. With thickly wooded hills, plateaus, deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, marshes and streams, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary also offers a perfect holiday retreat. Other important wildlife sanctuaries in south India are the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Silent Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, the Pulicat and Srisailam wildlife sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh and the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
HILL STATIONS
The southern side of India is famous for its much-celebrated evergreen hill stations. Situated amongst the beautiful western ghat, more popular as NIligiri mountains, will leave with an unforgettable vaction packed with relaxation, adventure and serene beauty. Kodaikanal, developed by the Americans, is popular a spot with vacationers and newlyweds alike. Here, you can visit the star shaped lake, walk through thick forests, take a boat ride or go for a horse ride through the countryside. Munnar, Kerala, is known for its sprawling tea and spice plantations with waterfalls and Neel Kurinji flowers. Set in a picturesque backdrop of blue mountains, tea gardens and descending clouds, Ooty is a popular summer retreat in Tamil Nadu. Now here's another hill station that leaves you breathless - Coorg. Wide expanses of evergreen mountains in the distance; the air flavored with aroma of coffee beans, spices and herbs, exotic flowers unheard of before drape the roadsides. Its perennially cool weather, an interesting past of struggle for autonomy, the colorful Huthri festival and seamless trekking opportunities are worth any day under the sun.
MAJOR FESTIVALS
South India is a land of exuberant festivals and fairs that are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, prayers and rituals. Travelers are struck by the scale and multiplicity of Indian festivals that have evolved in the society. Every day of the year there is a festival celebrated in some part of the country. Onam is the most popular and much celebrated festival in this part of the country, especially in Kerala. During Onam, nature is divinely beautiful and the people decorate their houses with floral arrangements on floor to welcome Mahabali - the legendary king. A grand lunch with 21 curries and three types of sweet porridges or `payasam´ are prepared and enjoyed with fervour. Pongal is another South Indian festival to give thanks for the harvest. While Pongal is predominantly a Tamil festival, the same period also marks similar festivals celebrated in several other places under different names. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the harvest festival Sankranthi is celebrated. Dussera is another festival celebrated with much enthusiasm in this part of the country, especially in Mysore - the cultural capital of Karnataka. The festival showcases the spectacle displays the richness of the Kannadiga culture, by the folk dancers and the folk artistes of the various districts performing throughout the procession.
Best Time to Visit
All year except from mid-April to end June (state depending).
Visa Requirements
All non-residents require visas for India, which must be obtained prior to departure. Tourist visas for British passport holders are usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue and currently cost £30.00 per person. Passports must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for 6 months after your return from India.
Flying Times from the UK
Chennai: 9 hours 40min direct non-stop
Bangalore: 9 hours 35mins direct non-stop
Goa: Approx. 10 hours not direct
Cochin: Approx. 10 hours not direct
Local Time
India is 5 1/2 hours ahead of GMT
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