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South India Travel
Bangalore
Named Bendakalooru, the Town of Boiled Beans by its King Veera
Ballala, who was hungry and famished, received a meal of boiled beans from a
kindly woman. Bangalore since then has become the Garden city of India. Among
the places of interest are Vidhan Soudha, Lalbagh Botanical gardens spreading
over 240 acres, the Fort, Tipu Sultans summer Palace originally built in Mud in
1537 was rebuilt by Haider Ah, a couple of centuries later and bull temple which
has a huge monolithic statue of Nandi. more...
Bijapur
The great monuments built by the Muslim rulers of Bijapur, The Adil
Shah Sultans are masterpieces of islamic architecture. They represent a contrast
to the region's Hindu temples but nonetheless make a powerful impact: Standing
on the formidable fort walls that enclose the "City of Victory" is the great
cannon known as the Malike - Maidan. The Gole Gumbaz, The great Mausoleum of
Ibrahim's successor, Muhammand Adil Shah III is also an acoustical
marvel. more...
Badami
Badami is famous for its exquisite 6th century A.D. Hindu and Jain
cave Temples. Also known as Vatapi it is a lovely land with the Hindu and Jain
temples carved out of sandstone Hills, beneath which is the ancient Bhuthanatha
Lake. The masterpiece in the famous cave temples of Badami, is the well known 18
armed Nataraja who strikes 81 dance poses. more...
Chennai
The Gateway to South India with their rich architectural heritage,
culture and civilization and the fourth largest city of India, Chennai is a
center for culture, rich in its vibrant traditions of music and dance crafts
that have retained their pristine purity. The city has a rich Dravidian
heritage. It traces its origins to ancient times when it traded with the Far
East and the West in perfumes, spices, silks and skins. It's the land of Bharat
Natyam, the most popular classical Indian dance today. Among the major places of
interest are fort St. George, St. Mary's Church, Santhome Cathedral - The
remains of St. Thomas were kept here, Government Museum, Kapaleeswarar Temple,
Anna Zoological Park, and Marine Beach - the most prominent feature of Chennai
and the second longest beach in the world, which runs from the harbour in the
north to the Cathedral in the south. more...
Cochin
A myriad of tiny islands set in the shimmering blue Arabian Sea,
against lush green back drops, forms the for Cochin or Kochi as it is known. It
has one of the most beautiful harbours on India's west coast. Among the places
of interest are Jewish synanogue - the oldest synanogue in the entire
commonwealth. St. Francis Church, St. Mary's Cathedral, Cochin Harbour,
Terminus, Chinese Fishing Nests, Mattancherry Dutch Palace built by the
Portuguese is known for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the
Mahabharata and dresses and palanquins used by Cochin's erstwhile
rulers. more...
Hampi
Hampi the 14th century capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire lies in
the Deccan heartland, in the state of Karnataka. The ruins spread over an area
of more than 26 sq kms. protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the
north and by rocky granite stones on other three sides. There is a magical
quality to the ruins of Hampi even 650 years after the empire of Krishna -
devaraya disintegrated. Among the places of interest are Vittala temple,
Purandaradasa Mandapa, the Sule and Hampi Bazaars, Lotus Mahal and the Queen's
bath. more...
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