South India Tour
Kerala
Kerala, the land of green magic, is a narrow, fertile strip on the south-west coast of India, sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. The landscape is dominated by rice fields, mango, cashew nut trees and coconut palms. The Western Ghats, with their dense tropical forests, misty peaks, extensive ridges and ravines, have sheltered Kerala from invaders, but at the same time, have encouraged maritime contact with the outside world.
Ahead Always!
The present-day state of Kerala was created in 1956 from Travancore, Kochi (Cochin) and Malabar. Malabar was formerly a part of Madras State, while both Travancore and Cochin were princely states ruled by Maharajas. An early concern for public welfare gave Kerala a head start, and resulted in the state being one of the most progressive, literate and highly educated states in India.
Travel In Kerela
For the visitor, Kerala offers an intriguing mosaic of cultures and some unusual ways of travelling around. Perhaps more than anywhere else in India, getting around can be a lot of fun, particularly on backwater trips along the coastal lagoons.It also offers some of the best and most picturesque beaches in India, the one at Kovalam, south of Thiruvananthapuram, being the most popular. Kerala has an amenable, relaxed atmosphere making it a much sought after tourist destination. So pack your bags and head for God's Own Country. Because there is no better way to discover the soul of this rustic, enchanting, history-laden, tradition-rich state that without exaggeration seems God's favourite territory.
Kerela The Historic Trade Centre
People from distant lands have been coming to Kerala since ancient times. They came in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory. Long before Vasco da Gama led the Portuguese to India, the coast had been known to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs and the Chinese. Enduring contact with people from overseas has resulted in the successful blending of various cultures, which gives the state a cosmopolitan outlook.
Tamil Nadu
Tamilnadu is bounded by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the north and Kerala in the west. The eastern and western tips of the Tamilnadu are defined by the Point Calimere and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries while the northern extreme is Pulicat lake and the southernmost tip is Kanyakumari, the land's end. Tamil Nadu is principally washed by the Cauvery, originating in Coorg in neighbouring Karnataka. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is known for its beautiful beach resorts.
Tamilnadu - A Temple State
Tamil Nadu, the cradle of south Indian temple architecture, is a living museum of styles that originated in the 7th century and matured in the huge temple complexes studded with towering gateways-"Gopurams"-that soar above the markets of almost every town. Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Rameswaram, Palani, Srirangam, Tiruttani and Kanyakumari are some of the famous pilgrim centres in Tamil Nadu. The famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai is a must see.
History of Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties-the Cholas in the east, the Pandyas in the central area and Cheras in the west. This was during the Sangam Age-the classical period of Tamil literature-that continued for some 300 years after the birth of Christ. The Pallava dynasty was influential particularly in the 7th and 8th centuries, the testimonies to which are the monuments at Mamallapuram.In the 13th century, with threats of Muslim invasions from the north, the southern Hindu dynasties combined and the empire of Vijaynagar (also spelt as Vijayanagar), which covered all of South India, became firmly established. However, by the 17th century, due to the disintegration of the Vijaynagar Empire, various small rulers like the Nayaks ruled southern India.By the middle of the 18th century, there were frequent conflicts between the British, French, Danes, and Dutch due to their interest in these areas. The British were finally victorious, while small pocketed areas including Pondicherry and Karaikal remained under French control. Under the British rule, most of south India was integrated into the region called the Madras Presidency. In 1956, the Madras Presidency was disbanded and Tamil Nadu was established.
The Nilgiri Panorama
In the west of the state, where the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty are the premier travel attractions, sylvan hills offer mountain views and a network of trails winds through forests and tea and coffee plantations. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast spread of deciduous forest in Tamilnadu dominated by teak, offers a good chance of spotting elephants and dholes, wild pack-hunting Dogs, Tigers and Leopards. Annamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, closer to Kodaikanal in the Palani hills, is better known for its Lion-tailed Macaques (black-maned Monkeys). The wetlands of the coast provide perfect resting places for migratory birds, whose numbers soar during the winter monsoon at Vedathangal, near Chennai, and Point Calimere.
Capital of Tamilnadu
Chennai (formerly, Madras), the largest city in South India and the fourth largest city in the country, is located on the Coromandel Coast. The city's British lineage is evident in the various cathedrals, buildings in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues but there is no denying its traditional Tamil Hindu culture either. This is not surprising because this region had remained a centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here.The varied aspects of traditional South Indian culture existing alongside the lifestyle of a modern city complete with its plush hotels, restaurants offering a range of continental to typical South Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping malls, cinema halls, etc.
Festivals of Tamilnadu
The main festival of Tamilnadu is Pongal, which is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of January. Feasting, music and dance mark this festival. "Karthigai Deepam" and "Varushapirapu" (Tamil New Year's Day) are also celebrated on a grand scale. Several temple festivals are held throughout the Tamilnadu, of which The Mahamagam festival celebrated once in 12 years at Kumbakonam, Meenakshi Kalyanam festival at Madurai, Natyanjali Dance Festival at Chidambaram are the famous ones.
Climate of Tamilnadu
The climate of Tamil Nadu is essentially tropical. The temperature in summer seldom 43º C and in winter seldom falls below 18º C. The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January, and the highest in April to June. The average annual rainfall, falling mainly between October and December, ranges between 25 and 75 inches. The most precipitation falls in the Nilgiris and other hill areas.
Karantaka
Karnataka, the "Lofty land" is bounded by Andhra Pradesh in the east, Maharashtra in the north and Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the south. A long coastline hedged by miles and miles of tall, waving, palmgroves frames this pretty land. The majority of the Karnataka state lies on the Deccan Plateau. Bangalore is the state capital.Karnataka boasts a diverse flora and fauna, which make it a nature tourist's paradise. The state's long and colourful history, and the many forts, temples, mosques, and churches make Karnataka a great place to explore.Garden city Bangalore, Jog Falls,the beaches of Karwar and Malpe, Golgumbuz in Bijapur, the stone temples of Belur and Halebid, Mysore Palace, the list is endless.
History of Karnataka
Karnataka's history takes us back to pre-historic times. The earliest find of the Stone Age period in India was an hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. Chandra gupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor abdicated his throne to embrace Jainism at Shravanabelagola.In 1956, the Kannada-speaking areas were grouped along with the princely state of Mysore to form what we now call Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka has the imprint of many dynasties. Prominent among them were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.
Capital of Karnataka
Bangalore, the capital goes by many names -- the Garden City of India, India's Manhattan and Silicon Valley. One of the most industrialized cities of the country, its pleasant climate makes it the seat of much commercial and cultural enterprise.Rich in Sandalwood, Rosewood and Silk, it has a lot to offer than a day or two of sight seeing. Founded by the local Chieftain Kempe Gowda in sixteenth century, Bangalore came into its own after it was converted into the summer capital of Mysore by Tipu Sultan.The Wodeyars also contributed in the city's beautification. Bangalore, is undoubtedly the trump card of Karnataka.
Occupation in Karnataka
While agriculture is the major occupation, the state boasts some of the most significant industrial growth in post independence India. Karnataka is as well known for its silk and sandalwood as for its high tech industry.Bangalore, among the fastest growing cities in Asia is home to many industries. The state is rich in mineral ore, and supplies all of India's gold.Other ores mined in the state include iron, chromite, magnesite, mica, copper, etc. The Sharavati, Kali, and the Cauvery rivers have been harnessed for electric power.
Culture in Karnataka
Karnataka possesses a rich cultural heritage. The folk theatre has an ancient and rich tradition, the two principal forms being Yakshagana and the puppet theatre.'Yakshagana' is akin to Kathakali of Kerala in the choice of its elaborate costumes and vigorous dancing. 'Bhootada Kunita' (Dance of the Divine Cult), 'Nagamandala' and the demon dance are some quaint rituals prevalent only in Dakshina Kannada coastal area. Sravanabelagola, near Mysore, has a giant 1,000-yr-old stone statue of Bahubali, the Jain saint. Huge monolithic Jain statues are peculiar to the Kannada culture.
Handicrafts of Karnataka
Karnataka is famous for its aesthetic craftsmanship in sandalwood and rosewood. Eye-catching items of furniture, in-lay work, coffee tables, wall hangings etc. are worthwhile purchases. Rich silks, wooden toys, leather puppets, Bidriware and other artefacts make ideal mementos.
Climate of Karnataka
Best time to visit Karnataka is September to February.
Tourism Offices in Karnataka
- Director, Dept of Tourism, 1st Floor, F Bk, Cauvery Bhavan, K.G.Road Bangalore – 9
- KSTDC, 104/1, Kasturba Road, Bangalore -1
- Tourism Information Counter, Railway Station, Bangalore
- Tourism Information Counter, Airport, Bangalore, Karnataka
- Manager,Tourist Cottages, Belur, Karnataka
- Tourist Cottages, Dept of Tourism, Halebid, Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh
This is a story of an ugly duckling turning into a swan. From one of the poorest and least developed Indian states to a computer-friendly one, it is a miracle of sorts for Andhra Pradesh. Situated south of the Vindhyas, it shares a common history with its neighbours, Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The medieval city of Hyderabad is its capital.
Andhra Pradesh is known for the famous Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar. Also visit the wildlife and bird sanctuaries of Kolleru, Manjira, Kawal and Papikonda. Andhra has a nearly 1000 km-coastline with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea. Famous beaches are Visakhapatnam Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.
Capital of Andhra Pradesh
A revolution in etiquette is under way, recasting values. The yuppie ethos has invaded the city and western haute couture is slowly being preferred over the sherwani and burqa. This is the city that has even been the home of a Miss World. Fortunately, gourmets have not let the Deccani cuisine, the Hyderabadi biryani in particular, pass into legend.
History of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was, in fact, created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telegu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras. The Chalukyas held sway till the 10th c. when the Cholas seized power. In the 14th c., Muslim power reached this southern state and for centuries ruled over this princely state. It was finally was taken over by a General of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The General's successors, called Nizams, ruled the state till Independence.
Society
Friendly and warm, the Andhras are an ancient people, who can trace their roots and history to the Mauryan period, an interest in arts, crafts and dance. Andhra Pradesh is also a rich mosaic of cultures. Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus live in relative peace and harmony. The Tirupati is, however, the trump card for the state's tourism industry drawing people from all over the country and worldwide. Donations from Tirupati alone, have led to the establishment of a university, several hospitals & schools.
Culture of Andhra Pradesh
Beautiful crafts, vibrant religious festivals, a varied cuisine and the sonorant mother tongue, Telugu, are some of the indelible impressions of this state. Kuchipudi is the famous classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. Tribal dances contribute in equal measure to the artistic heritage of Andhra Pradesh. Tholubommalaata, a shadow puppetry theatre is a fascinating folk art.
Andhra's Handicrafts
Lacquer toys, Anakapalli articles, Ikat weaving, Pembarthi Sheet Metal Ware, Nirmal pottery, Bidriwork as well as Gadhwal, Pochampalli and Dharmavaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts Andhra Pradesh is renowned for. Durgi, Allagadda and Tirupati are three of the major centers of stone art. Telengana is particularly well known for its folk paintings. Banjara needle craft, Kalamkari, the pen-painted fabrics of Machilipatnam and Kalahasti; Silver Filigree of Karimnagar and Budithi handicraft of Srikakulam are other handicraft specimens.
Occupation in Andhra
More than 70 per cent of its population live by agriculture, growing rice, other cereals and pulses. The major bulk of India's virginia tobacco crop is grown in Andhrapradesh. Industrial growth has transformed the landscape into precious pits of copper, mica, coal and manganese.
Climate of Andhra Pradesh
varies from 41-20 degree centigrade in summer (March to May) to 32 -13 degree centigrade in winter (january to February). June to December are the monsoon months and the weather remains hot and sultry. October to February is the best season.
Festivals of Andhra Pradesh
The Deccan Festival, with its cultural programmes is celebrated in February. Bakri-Id is celebrated with ritualistic fervor in Andhra Pradesh and in particular, the old city of Hyderabad. The Andhra Ugaadi which heralds the New Year also means a season of mango-pickling and more literary pursuits such as poetry competitions.The state also observes typical indian festivals such as Nag Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Gandhi Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti and others.
Pondicherry
The Great Transformation
Legend has it that the great sage Agastya came to Vedapuri, by which name the present Pondicherry was once known, only to worship Vedapuriswara, one of the oldest deities worshipped here. The deity, Lord Shiva, the presiding spirit of Vedapuri, was also known as “Agatiswara” the Lord of Agastya. Pondicherry was traditionally a seat of learning and Vedic culture. Such a tradition must have developed from the presence of a great sage in a remote past, surrounded by seekers and disciples living in his Ashram. Pondicherry is just a speck on the map of India. Yet, men have been fascinated by this speck from time immemorial. It attracted to its shores the Romans and the Chinese. It saw the advent, rise and fall of Buddhism, the resurgence of Hinduism and the penetration of Christianity and Islam through two millennia.
An Ancient Roman Settlement
Known as ‘Poduke’ to the classical geographers of Greece and Rome, the ancient port of Pondicherry flourished from the 2nd century BC. It has now been established that the place had a Roman settlement about 2,000 years ago. Excavations at Arikamedu, near Ariankuppam, on the outskirts of the present city prove that the Romans settled here and regular commerce was carried on between the port of Pondicherry and the Roman cities. The area later formed part of the kingdom of the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Vijayanagar rulers and the Nayaks. The French came following the Portuguese and the Dutch, and took root here. In the 18th century, in the wake of wars between England and France, the city changed hands several times. At last, the French took it over on 26th September 1816 and continued to rule for one hundred and thirty eight years, till they left the shores on 31st October 1954, following the transfer of power. Thus, the region, which saw the confluence of different peoples, has grown into a repository of a very high standard of art and culture.
Unity In Diversity
Pondicherry is the corruption of “Puducherry”, which means a new hamlet. The fact that people speaking 55 different languages reside here and that Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, French and English are the five official languages certainly raises eyebrows. In spite of this linguistic plethora, there is no confusion but absolute harmony.There are very few streets in the town not sanctified by the precincts of a temple, a church or a mosque. Many temples here are ten centuries old and a few churches date back to the end of the 17th century. Festivals are recurrent; people from all religions regardless of their caste and creed join the celebrations, and thereby spread a festive mood all around. In fact there is no place in India where religious harmony is so natural.
The Promenade
Pondicherry is oval-shaped with parallel streets cutting each other at right angles. The long canal street, that runs from north to south was constructed on purpose to separate the Black town lead to the Promenade, via the White Town. The Promenade, one of the finest in the whole country, is 1,500m long. It is an irresistible attraction for the young and the aged alike.At the southern tip of the Promenade stands the statue of Monsieur Dupleix, the greatest French Governor of Pondicherry whose majestic presence reminds the natives that he was once the king of their land. Further to his back is the port with a new pier, a 284m long structure in concrete. At the northern tip of the Promenade is the Distillery.Midway on the Promenade stands the 4.25m tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi flanked by eight exquisitely hewn monolithic pillars facing the sprawling Gandhi Maidan, where the status of Jawaharlal Nehru stands. Facing the waves of the Bay of Bengal is the Town Hall, once known as ‘Hotel de Ville’ and ‘Mairie’. To its left is the War Memorial erected by the French to honour the Pondicherry soldiers who died in the First World War.
The Government Square
The 200 year old ‘Raj Niwas’, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor; the ‘Cercle de Pondichery’ where the moneyed and the people of alien cultures drink, gamble and dance; the Assembly Hall that remained shut for years together but is now in full swing; the General Hospital and the Maternity Hospital, that are heavily crowded round the clock, and the ‘Chamber of Commerce’ are so lined up on three sides as to form the Government Square or Park. Some charmingly chiselled pillars bought from Gingee to Pondicherry after the capture of its Fort in 1751 adds beauty to the Park. As the centre of the Park, formerly the ‘Royal Garden’, stands a small surprise. Surprising indeed, for it is a monument built not in honour of a queen or of an empress but of a harlot. The fact that Napoleon III, Emperor of France, who reigned during the later half of the 19th century, was responsible for erecting this building to commemorate a 16th century harlot adds to our curiosity. The harlot belonged to Pondicherry. Her charitable nature had made direct supply of water to the town possible.
Ashrams Characteristics
To Sri Aurobindo, one time National leader, Pondicherry was something more than a political asylum. It was here he did his Integral Yoga and wrote his literary and philosophical works. With the advent of a French lady, Madam Mirra Richard, later known as the Mother, who had followed the same spiritual path on her own, Sri Aurobindo started his Ashram to train others in his comprehensive and world-accepting system of spirituality. The Samadhi that houses the bodies of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, in the main premises of the Ashram, is always decorated with a wide variety of flowers in charming patterns hundreds of devotees visit this holy place every day.
Auroville - Pondy’s Other Half
8-km north of Pondicherry is Auroville. The foundation was laid on 28th February 1968, when a boy and a girl representing each of 124 countries of the world poured a handful of their native soil into a concrete lotus, symbolic of their support of the project. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity.The harmonious urban development is divided into four zones: Union Zone, with international pavillions, congress halls, etc., Cultural Zone, with schools theatres, studios and Residential Zone with homes, supermarkets, etc. There is also an International University perhaps the first of its kind in the world. The township has done commendable experiments in living, agriculture, gardening and other useful fields.“Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progessive harmony”, such was the Mother’s vision of it.The time is ripening to make the Ashram and Auroville examples to the world of a new life in which men will realise their souls and find no use for their weapons with which they are fighting today.
Lakshadweep
People and Culture
Ethnically, the people of the islands are very similar to the people of Kerala, even their language is the same except in Minicoy where Mahl is spoken. As Muslims, they have conservative customs and traditions and yet they are liberal in approach. Each island, has several mosques. Ladies are not permitted to enter.Non-availability of drinking water accounts for a number of islands being uninhabited. After many difficulties he was able to carry out his mission, and to this day, the people of Lakshadweep follow Islam. Traces of the old culture still linger however; despite the influence of Islam, a caste system still prevails based on occupation- landowners, sailors and cultivators. Although Madrassas in all the islands impart religious instruction to school-going children, many individuals bear two names.
Not much is known of the early history of Lakshadweep. From the 7th century onwards, however, enough evidence exists to piece together a history of the islands. The people converted to Islam under the influence of Hazrat Ubaidullah who set off from Mecca after Prophet Mohammed appeared to him in a dream, commanding him to leave for distant shores to propagate Islam. The ship on which Hazrat Ubaidullah was sailing was wrecked and after drifting on a plank of wood he reached the island of Amini where his mission met with fierce opposition. History comes alive in folk ballads that women chant during their house - hold chores. Events of the past - the arrival of Hazrat Ubaidullah in Lakshadweep, the plunder of the islands by the Portuguese, have been perpetuated by the balladeer.
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