Incredible India! Alleppey - the beach town of Kerala

Fast Facts

Location: Located in Alappuzha district of Kerala

Distance: 65 kilometres from Cochin

Altitude: Sea Level

Best time to visit: Alleppey experiences a pleasant climate during the winter months especially between August – September and February – March. That is also the time when most of the festivals and events are on, so it makes for the best vacation ever.

What to carry to Alleppey?

 The rustic beauty of Alleppey is best explored on foot – walks through spice and coffee plantations and quaint villages. A good pair of comfortable shoes is a must. Also carry a binoculars to spot those pretty and rare birds on your back water cruise. To be on the safe side, carry an umbrella or raincoat, being in the coastal region, rains is pretty unpredictable.

What to wear in Alleppey? 

Cotton clothes works best in Alleppey. It keeps you feeling airy and comfortable.

Recommendation for what kind of travellers?

Alleppey is an ideal holiday getaway for families and couples. It is also safe for single back packing trips.

Overview of Alleppey

Washed by the silver waves of the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha or Alleppey is a beautiful town with palm fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses of the vibrant life of the daily country life. The mirror still lagoons, picture book lakes and long sandy beaches add magic to its rustic beauty. The backwaters are awesome and a trip down the meandering water listening to the cacophony of birds can beat any tour within India nd outside. Though Alleppey is ostracised by modernism and skyscrapers or fancy cars are seldom seen, the vibrant culture, scented forests of pepper and cinnamon, fiery cuisine, Ayurveda therapies and larger than life festivals and celebrations makes it a come through a full circle.  

How to Reach Alleppey

By Air: Two airports connect Alleppey (or Alappuzha) to major cities within India – Trivandrum (150 km) and Kochi (75 km). Pre-paid taxis can be found within the airport terminal itself and the usual going rate is Rs.15 per kilometre.

By Rail: Alleppey itself has a small railway station and regular trains run between it and the bigger railheads at Cochin and Trivandrum.

By Road: The KSRTC bus station is located 5 km from the Alleppey railway station. Regular bus services connect the town to Kollam, Ernakulam, Trivandrum and Kottayam.

Driving Directions: Alleppey is a mere 150 km away from Trivandrum, a driving distance of 3 hours. Start for the Trivandrum railway station taking the MG road out of the city. Take the NH-47 crossing Attingal, Kollam and Komalapuram and ending at Allappey.

Getting Around in Alleppey: Moving around in Alleppey is pretty easy with buses, yellow-top and tourist taxis, auto rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws readily available. The State Water Transport Department operates boat services connecting Alleppey with some other places like Kottayam, Chenganassery, Nedamudy and Kavalam.

Must See in Alleppey

Beautiful beaches, rippling canals and creeks crisscrossing water bound villages, backwaters through undulating paddy fields; Alleppey is a fragment of God’s Own Country called Kerala. Nature, wildlife, birds and temples all co-exist in harmony here.

Visit the Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. A massive oil lamp made of granite is the most prominent feature of this temple; where you can light more than 1000 wicks at one go.

The Eddakal Caves located in the Ambukuthis Hills were formed by a massive split in the side of a cliff. The two natural rock formations that resulted are a repository of well-preserved pictographs dating back to ancient times, and widely considered to be among the finest in the world. They can only be accessed by walking half a mile along a trail, ensuring a degree of solitude.

Live the grandeur of the Travencore Kings at the Kanakakkunnu Palace dating back to 1800. The red brick exterior with its gables and pagoda shape is best experienced after dark when lights turn the palace into a work of art. Crystal chandeliers and ornate furniture add to its splendour.

Visit Karaumadikuttan, a 11th century statue of Buddha, which is also the source of many wonderful legends in Keralan history.

Alleppey has also a historic lighthouse built when the Dutch invaded this beautiful coastal town.

Must Do in Alleppey

Surrounded in natural beauty, there is so much you can do in Alleppey. With beautiful backwaters, lagoons fringed by dense coconut trees, sparkling canals and stunning beaches, you can spend time here floating down the backwaters in a quaint ‘kettuvallam’ or the traditional houseboat for short daytrips to longer, multi-day excursions.

Or go on a cruise in the Periyar Lake for a close up encounter with wild Indian elephants. There are observation towers around as well, just in case you want to check out the local wildlife. Hit the sand at Alleppey beach, with a kid’s park on the southern side and a sea-view park with a marina at the north end. The pier is more than 140 years old, and extends out into the sea offering great views of the old lighthouse perched on the point. Go bird watching on Pathiramanal Island, a little speck of land in the middle of Lake Vembanad. This is a favourite stopping point for rare migratory birds, you have to take a boat out for these sightings.

Include a trip to the Sree Krishna Temple, a classic Keralan Temple with lively surroundings. You can offer sweet milk porridge to the god and have it too! Keep an eye out for some unique paintings that adorn the walls of the Chuttamabalam, harking back to the time when sorcerers made human sacrifices to appease the gods - a practice which was only officially banned in 1949. Continue with your religious sojourn to the St. Sebastian’s Church, considered one of the seven original churches built by St Stephen in the first century. Located 14 miles north of Alleppey, this church is considered the most important pilgrimage site for Christians in Kerala. If you’re here in January, you may be able to catch the Feast of St Sebastian, which is a major event full of processions and interesting rituals.

Also, tour a traditional coir factory, unique to Kerala. Coir is made from coconut husks which are woven into ropes and coir yarn. You may even pick up something for your house as souvenir. Trek through the Western Ghats of Kerala to see some of the wildest territory in the region. These mountains which form the eastern border of Kerala are thickly forested and have always been a natural border for the Backwaters. If you want to add some serious adventure to your visit, this is where it’s at. The waters in Alleppey are ideal to go fishing. From small fresh water fish to large sea fish and prawns, crabs etc, you can get it all. At some restaurants, you can take your own catch and have it cooked to your liking. Quite an experience, isn’t it?

Shopping in Alleppey

Alleppey is not known as a shopping destination, though you will find shops selling coir mats and carpets, coconut products, spices like pepper, areca nut, cardamom in Mullakkal Road, the central area of the town.

Eating in Alleppey

Kerela is the land of the appams - whether it be the confounding noodle shaped idiappams (to be had with hot mutton curry) or the more regular chapatti style appams (served with prawn or mutton curry), you are spoilt for choice. You should sample the fresh seafood cooked with local spices. The Vembanad Restaurant (Alleppey Prince Hotel, A S Road) is highly recommended for great food and live music. Hot Kitchen (Mullakkal Road) serves delicious Kerala breakfast. For a taste of authentic filter coffee and lazy atmosphere, head to India Coffee House (Mullakkal Road, YMCA Road). Sree Durga Bhavan Udipi Hotel (Cullan Road) serves vegetarian south Indian thalis.

Nightlife in Alleppey

A small town, Alleppey does not offer much to do at night. Of course, you can go for walks or enjoy bonfires under the starlit sky. And yes, if you are on a houseboat, you can enjoy a romantic time cruising down the river.

Events (Festivals) in Alleppey

The Nehru Trophy boat race on Punnamada Lake is a major attraction in Alleppey, which is held during the Onam festival celebrated in the second week of August. The festivities of the Mullakal temple during the month of December are highly recommended as some of India’s finest temple musicians perform in the main hall during this festival. The Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple buzzes with activity during February and March when the Bhadrakali deity, with her miraculous healing powers, is worshipped during the Chettikulangara Bharani festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/March). Arthunkal Perunnal, the annual feast of St. Sebastian is celebrated in St. Andrews Forane Church. This is a 10-day festival which falls sometime in the beginning of January. St. George's Church festival alias Edathua feast is held at St.George's Church from 27th April to7th of May (Malayalam month of Medam), during which, the statue of St George beautifully adorned with gold is carried out in procession and it is placed on a platform at the centre of the church till the concluding day.

Excursions from Alleppey

As beautiful as she is, Alleppey offers a day’s or a few hours’ excursion in the surrounding areas.

Pathiramanal is an island in Vembanad Lake which is a few kilometres from Alleppey lies Pathiramanal. For all you nature lovers Pathiramanal is a heaven for bird watchers, especially for rare migratory birds. Alapuzha Beach is located a few kilometres from Alleppey and is a beautiful stretch of golden sand, pretty shells cordoned off with beautiful palm trees. Kuttanad is a scenic countryside, with glittering waterways and lush farms in the heart of the backwaters. Interestingly, here, the farms are below sea level, so the waterways are actually above the farming land! You must visit the Krishnapuram Palace located at a distance of 47 kms from Alleppey, an age old palace built by Marthanda Varma in the 18th century. A classic example of Keralan architecture, the large incredible murals and a beautiful museum within the palace complex is worth noticing here. The Poomkavu Church is located just outside the town instead, and it’s a destination attended by Christian people, that reach the church for pilgrims and religious practices.

Top 5 to do in Alleppey

• Ayurvedic massage – Home to a science as old as the Vedic age, you cannot leave Alleppey without pampering yourself to a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul from a range of treatments for your back, head, foot etc.

• Backwater Cruise – Feel the balmy breeze and enjoy the rustic vistas of a typical Keralan village as you meander down the serene back waters except for the cacophony of birds. Enjoy nature’s best in a backwater cruise in a typical houseboat in Alleppey.

• Plantation Visit – Have you ever seen tiny bulbs of cardamom hanging from the plant? Or crossed a sweet scented cinnamon tree? Well, here’s your chance. Go to a spice plantation in Alleppey and do more than just a tour… buy some for your friends and family!

• Go fishing – Yes, why deny yourself the ultimate country life experience? Try your hands at fishing in the rivers and lakes of Alleppey and who knows, you might just ‘catch’ yourself your supper!

• Trekking – Surrounded by the Western Ghat mountains and covered with thick forests, Alleppey offers excellent trekking trails for adventure enthusiasts. A packed lunch, good pair of shoes and a pair of binoculars and you all set to discover the virgin beauty of Alleppey.

To see in Alleppey

• The Nehru Boat Race – Yes, if you chance to be in Alleppey in the second week of August, you cannot miss out on this one. The frenzy in the audience is addictive and the race is simply engrossing.

• Periyar Lake – A trip down the Periyar Lake and to the Alleppey Wildlife Sanctuary, be assured to meet and see exotic wildlife and various migratory birds. As you enter the wooded areas of the Lake, you can meet bison, deer and many other inhabitants of the forest. Besides lounging and gazing at the beautiful mountains, keep an eye out for rare migratory birds on the banks.

• Kalaripayattu and Kathakali cultural programmes – Ancient self defence mechanism and a traditional dance form, both Kalaripayattu and Kathakali are a symbolic display of a rich culture and heritage. Make sure you are a part of both in your visit to Alleppey.

• Kanakakkunnu Palace – Visit the Kanakakkunnu Palace for its regal splendour and architectural excellence of the Travancore Maharajas, with gabled pagoda style of architecture. Royal extravagance marks this beautiful place adorned with large crystal chandeliers and exquisite pieces of royal furniture.

• Kuttanad – A visit to Kuttanad is a must not only for its natural rustic beauty, but for the mere fact that the waterways are above the farming land!

Incredible India! Andhra Pradesh - The Rice Bowl of India

Fast Facts of Andhra Pradesh

Situated in: Southern Part of India

Established on: November 1, 1956

Capital City: Hyderabad

Biggest City: Hyderabad

Districts: 23

Area: 275, 045 sq. km

Population: 84,655, 533

Literacy: 67.77 percent

Official Languages: Telugu, Urdu

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

Official Website of Andhra Pradesh: http://www.ap.gov.in/

One of the southern states of India, Andhra Pradesh was created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad and the Telugu speaking portions of the former Madras state. Andhra Pradesh is bordered by the states of Maharashtra, Orissa, Chhattisgarh in the north, Tamil Nadu in the south, Karnataka in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the East. Andhra Pradesh is the fourth largest state of India by area and fifth largest by population. Andhraites are colourful people proud of their sonorous language, Telugu and love music, dance, stage play and cinema.

Andhra Pradesh is a treasure trove of lush landscape, stalagmite and stalactite caves, fragrant and fruit-laden groves, dense forests teeming with varied wildlife, rich traditional and cultural heritage, old and new temples and magnificent forts and monuments. Besides, the state is criss-crossed by 34 big and small rivers, among them Godavari and Krishna are the largest peninsular rivers. The Godavari and Krishna rivers form large web-shaped deltas in the Andhra region, which make Andhra Pradesh’s reputation as the ‘Rice bowl of India.’

History of Andhra Pradesh

The history can be traced back to thousand years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Since its origin, Andhra Pradesh has seen a succession of dynasties such as Mauryas, Satavahanas, Ikshavakas, Pallavas, Eastern Chalukyas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Vijaynagar Kings, Qutab Shahi Kings, the Mughals and finally the Asaf Jahi Nizams.

Tourist Destinations - Andhra Pradesh

A perfect blend of old and new, Andhra Pradesh was ruled by several rulers, who built a number of temples, shrines, churches and mosques in the state. Today, people with a keen interest in architecture or archaeology visit the excavations or old sites of Andhra Pradesh. River and valleys, mystic wildlife and unexplored caves, delectable food and invigorating drinks, excellent architecture and exotic handicrafts, rich arts, crafts and culture, colourful fair and festival, together draw large number of tourists every year to the state. Popular tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh include Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Nagarjuna Sagar, Khammam, Kurnool and Karim Nagar.

Temples of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh was ruled by a number of dynasties and rulers who built several temples in this region. The architecture, sculpture and the intricate construction patterns unique to several royal dynasties are reflected in the temples of Andhra Pradesh. Although, some of the old temples are in ruins, but many of them still stand as a witness to the centuries of history and the patronage of various kingdoms such as the Cholas, the Pallavas, the Chalukyas, the Eastern Gangas and the Vijayanagar Kings. Must visit temples are Tirupati Temple, Vijayeswara Swami Temple, Vemulawada Shiva Temple, Veerabhadraswami Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, Birla Mandir and Kanakadurga Temple.

Forts & Monuments of Andhra Pradesh

Forts and historical monuments of Andhra Pradesh attract tourists from all parts of the country and abroad. Built several centuries ago by the Hindu and Muslim rulers, the forts and monuments of Andhra Pradesh retain their original charm even today. Some of the important forts and monuments are Charminar, Golconda Fort, Falaknuma Palace, Purani Haveli, Asmangarh Palace, Bhongir Fort, Bobili Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Elgandal Qila, Gandhi Hill, Khammam Fort, Kush Mahal, Kondapalli Fort, Kurnool Fort, Manthani Temples, Warangal Fort and Udayagiri Fort.

Arts & Culture of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is bestowed with a rich and varied heritage of arts and culture. Fine arts and traditional arts forms and handicrafts have been revered and treasured in the region for a very long time now. Some of the popular handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh are Kalamkari, Bidri, Himroo, Nirmal and Filigree. The beautiful state is also known for other art forms like stone-carving, wood-carving, metalware, nirmal painting and leather puppet-making. The land of Telugu speaking people is home to prominent poets of Telugu including Nannaya, Tikkana, Sri Krishna Devarayulu and several other poets. Dance and music are also an important part of Andhra’s life. Kuchipudi, a fine combination of music and abhinaya, is Andhra’s unique contribution to dance forms of India as well as world.

Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra is known for its hot and spicy cuisine, which include both the traditional Andhra cuisine and the famous Hyderabadi cuisine, with a influence of Mughlai delicacies Spices are prominently used in the traditional dishes of the state and every meal has its own specialty. Eating habits of Andhraites are quite different, majority of people prefer vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, while seafood is popular only in the coastal areas.

Fairs and Festivals of Andhra Pradesh

A land of varied people, religions, languages, culture and tradition, celebrates several festivals all through the year. Most of the Andhra’s festivals are religious, while some are exclusive to certain temples and regions. Apart from these, the Andhra Pradesh state government organizes some festivals every year. Be it the Hindu festivals of Dusshera, Deepawali, or the Muslim festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, or the Christian festival of Christmas, all festivals are celebrated by people of all religions with equal excitement and enthusiasm. Fairs and Festivals in Andhra Pradesh are characterized by colour, gaiety, feasts and various kinds of prayers and rituals. In fact, fairs and festivals in Andhra Pradesh populate the cultural scene of this state and draw large number of tourists from both far and near.

Natural Attractions of Andhra Pradesh

Lakes and Rivers - There are several lakes and rivers in the state which offer excellent boat cruising options. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation runs cruises on Hussain Sagar Lake and also in Godavari and Krishna rivers. Most important lakes and rivers include Alisagar, Ashok Sagar, Durgam Cheruvu, Hussain Sagar Lake, Osman Sagar Lake, Ramappa Lake, Krishna river and Godavari river.

Hills and Valleys - The captivating landscape of Andhra is ringed with rugged hills and mysteriously deep valleys. Some of the popular hills and valleys are Ananthagiri Hills, Araku Valley, Horsley Hills, Kailasagiri, Papi Kondalu and Talakona.

Caves - Dating back to million years Belum and Borra are most popular caves of Andhra Pradesh. Other important caves are Guthokonda Caves, Mogalrajapuram Caves, Undavalli Caves and Yaganti Caves.

Beaches - With gentle waves, miles of golden sand and a peaceful ambience, Andhra Pradesh has everything for making a perfect beach holiday. Most popular Andhra Beaches are Ramakrishna Beach, Rishikonda Beach and Lawson’s Bay. Besides, Andhra has many other beaches such as Bapatla Beach, Bheemunipatnam Beach, Kalingapatnam Beach, Koduru Beach, Kothapatnam Beach, Maipadu Beach, Manginapudi, Perupalem, Ramapuram Beach and Vodarevu Beach.

Wildlife – Andhra’s thick vegetation, moist ever green forests, dry deciduous forests of the Nallamalais and the mangrove stretch at Coringa are home to most of the wildlife sanctuaries and parks. While you visit wildlife sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh you can see a variety of wild animals like the Tiger, Wild Boar, Gaur, Wild Dog, Jackal, Fox, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear etc. Apart from these, you can also see several birds species and a lot of reptiles such as Salt-water crocodile and Fishing cats. Noted wildlife sanctuaries include Alisagar Deer Park, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolleru Lake Bird Sanctuary, Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Rolapadu Bird Sanctuary, Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary and Srisailam Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Reserve.

Shopping in Andhra Pradesh

A trip to Andhra is incomplete without doing some shopping at the colourful shopping joints along the streets or the big shopping malls, or Art & Crafts village or the Governments Emporium. Andhra Pradesh offers a striking range of items, popular among them are Pearls, Silver Filigiri, Banjara Mirror work, Atar, Fabric, Kalamkari, Bidri and Nirmal toys.

How to Reach Andhra Pradesh

By Air: Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh has good air connections with major cities in India and the state. A number of airlines connect Hyderabad with Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Warangal, Tirupati, Ramagundam and Rajamundry. From Hyderabad flights are available for other countries too.

By Rail: The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are the main railway stations of the state. A number of express and super fast trains connect these cities with major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Other cities like Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Warangal have also trains from all parts of the country.

By Road: National and State Highways connect cities and town of Andhra Pradesh with each other and neighbouring states. All places of tourist interest are connected by good roads with regular bus services. The Andhra Pradesh Travel and Tourism Development Corporation organizes conducted tours to the tourist destinations of the state and also outside the state.

Accommodation in Andhra Pradesh

All the major cities including state capital Hyderabad and tourist destinations are dotted with hotels, resorts, guest houses, tourist lodges. You can stay in star categories hotels or a budget category hotel as per your requirements and budget. It is suggested to book the hotel in advance through an authorized agent to avoid the last minute hassle.

You can book a Hotel in Andhra Pradesh or tour package online through: www.makemytrip.com

Incredible India! Less Explored Destination: Adilabad - Andhra Pradesh

Fast Facts about Adilabad

Located in the State of : Andhra Pradesh

District: Adilabad

Famous for: Waterfall, Temple

Languages Spoken: Telugu, English and Hindi

Best Time to Visit Adilabad: October to March

Average Temperture at Adilabad: Summer 32 to 40°C, Winter 20 to 33°C

STD code of Adilabad: 08732

A less explored destination of India, Adilabad is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh just about 300 kms away from Hyderabad. Adilabad has become a popular tourist destination in recent years due to its natural and breathtaking scenery, and its calm and green surroundings. In fact, if you are looking is to relax after hectic schedule in office and home, Adilabad is a perfect getaway. Adilabad is visited by leisure travelers, family vacationers as well as adventure buffs in large numbers.

Besides sightseeing, you can indulge in leisure activities like bird watching and general trekking. You can even picnic in the forest cover, along with your family and can spend some quiet times alone, at peace. Adilabad is also located near two very prominent waterfalls that the region is famous for. These two waterfalls are the Pochera waterfall, and the Kuntala waterfall. The Kuntala waterfall is the highest waterfall in the entire state of Andhra Pradesh. The Pochera waterfall, on the other hand, is essentially a smaller waterfall, but the scenery around the falls is beautiful and you can experience some picture perfect moments with your family or friends here.

Best Time to visit Adilabad

The town of Adilabad has a tropical climate divided into seasons of summer, winter, and monsoon. Summers (April to June) are very hot, and travel during this time should be avoided. You can visit the town of Adilabad during the winter (October to January), as this is the best time to visit this place.

Adilabad experiences frequent rain showers during the monsoon season (July to September). These three months experience heavy rainfall. Make sure that you carry along proper raincoats and other monsoon gear if you’re planning to visit Adilabad during this time.

Place to See Around Adilabad

A visit to Adilabad gives you a wonderful chance to see the natural wonders and the religious sites as well. While visiting Adilabad you can explore the tourist attractions like Kadam Dam, Kuntala Waterfalls, Kawai Wildlife Sanctuary, Sivaram Wildlife Sanctury and Basar Sawarswati Temple.

How to Reach Adilabad

By Air: The nearest airports are located in Hyderabad and Nagpur. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is about 280 kms. away which is served by frequent domestic flights from all major cities of India.

By Rail: Adilabad has its own railway station, which is served by trains from rest of Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the country.

By Road: Good motorable roads connect Adilabad with other parts of Andhra Pradesh and nearby states. Buses to Adilabad ply from all the nearby places, and the main center from where a lot of buses to Adilabad ply is from Hyderabad. The city of Hyderabad has regular buses to the town of Adilabad, including semi deluxe buses and deluxe buses. The buses that ply to the town of Adilabad are primarily non air conditioned, as not many air conditioned coaches are available in the region. Bus fares may vary from around Rs 200 to 250 for a deluxe and non air conditioned coach. Sleeper coaches that are available may charge more.

Tourist Destinations of South India Part 3

Kodaikanal – the hill station offering Colonial touch

Cool breezes, blue-green vistas and fields full of flowers compete with Raj-era bungalows, treks through lush forests and boat rides in the lake here. Waterfalls, natural water pools and natural wonders place Kodaikanal as a must-visit destination on your itinerary. At a height of 2000 metres, Kodaikanal affords brilliant views of the plains besides offering sun-scorched citizens the delights of a hill station. After you are done relaxing, pack your gear and go trekking up the hills which provide Southern India’s best trekking.

Must Visit and Do in and around Kodaikanal: Kodai Lake (go boating!), Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk (stunning views), Byrant’s Park (scenic splendour)

Getaways around Kodaikanal: Chennai. 500 kms. Big city with urban fun. Feast on idlis and buy silk sarees.

Coorg – The land of spice and coffee plantation

Greener than green, this verdant region is redolent with the aromas of coffee and cardamom. Relatively undiscovered, and one of the most beautiful areas of Southern India, there is nothing much to ‘do’ in Coorg, but to relax in the untouched surroundings. The Coorgis have a distinct culture and lifestyle that sets them apart and the area makes for some fascinating travelling. Come to Coorg not for sightseeing but to breathe in the fresh, cool air, trek through the surrounding ridges, go golfing, angling or simply unwind amidst the forests and rice fields.

Must Visit in and around Coorg: Madikeri (capital city), Abbi Falls, Omkareshwara Temple (mingling of cultures)

Getaways around Coorg: Nagarhole National Park. 95 kms. One of the best game sanctuaries in India. Untouched. Watch elephants, rhinos, tigers and deer.

Ooty – A British Era Hill Station

An erstwhile home of the Toda Hill tribe, the town was developed by British wayfarers looking to make a fortune with tea plantations. Miles and miles of tea estates make Ooty a picturesque spot. The fun begins on the way itself where the hairpin turns on the road make for an adventure ride while the surrounding beauty soothes your senses. A Raj-era mood adorns the town, complete with an artificial lake, Victorian churches and houses built in stone. Tea plantations here roll down undulating hills and green grasslands proliferate.

Must Visit in and around Ooty: Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta, Adventure! (go paragliding, angling or horse riding)

Getaways around Ooty: Avalanche Lake. 28 kms. Scenic lake with breathtaking beauty and great trout-fishing opportunities.

Kovalam – A Beautiful Fishing Village

Picturesque fishing village turned hip resort town. Although only 10 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam offers an entirely different experience. The beaches are beautiful with white sands as well as plenty of surf and sun. Local kiosks sell trinkets and psychedelic clothing, shacks ring with music and offer excellent sea food. Come here for some seaside revelry with cheap prices and lots of coconut water.

Must Visit in and around Kovalam: Beaches (Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam Beach, Samudra Beach), Padmanabhapuram Palace, Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kumari Amman Temple

Getaways around Kovalam: Kanyakumari. 87 kms. Stunning stone temples stand on the shores where three seas meet.

Tourist Destinations of South India Part 2

Tanjore - The City of Ancient Temples

Established by the Chola dynasty in the 10th century, this ancient city is home to one of the most stunning stone temples, the Brihadishwara Temple. A marvel of engineering, it was designed so that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground. The temple is intricately carved and has colonnaded corridors, one of which is supposed to be longest in India. Matching this in size are the Shiva lingam and the image of Nandi, which are one of the largest monoliths in India. Come to Tanjore to appreciate stunning architectural wonders.

Must Visit Places in Tanjore: Brihadishwara Temple, Royal Palace Compound & Saraswathi Mahal Library

Nearby Getaways around Tanjore: Thiruchirapalli. 55 kms. 10th century impregnable citadels and 18th century quaint churches.

Warangal - The Home of Ancient Shrines

More than a millennium old, Warangal is home to numerous ancient shrines. The buildings have Indo-Islamic architectural styles because the city changed hands many times between Dravidian and Isalmic rulers. A thriving city in Southern India, Warangal attracted invaders again and again which accounts for the state some of its monuments are in. But when you start exploring you will discover a treasure trove of stunning marvels in stone.

Must Visit Places in Warangal: Warangal Fort, Shiva Temple (thousand pillared!) & Ramappa Temple

Nearby Getaway around Warangal: Pakhal. 50 kms. Wildlife sanctuary around manmade lake. Tranquil.

Ramoji Film City - Hyderabad

Ramoji Film City is the world's largest film production centres. Spread over a complex of more than 2000 acres, it is home to undulating hills, grasslands, rolling gardens and lakes. There are many entertainment options here such as vintage film city coaches, tours of studios, a prop shop with actors' costumes which can be tailor made for you, a nursery with exotic plants, several restaurants as well as gymnasium. Its biggest attraction, however, lies in its cinema based options such as the prop shop and the studios.

Nagarjuna Sagar - The City of Victory

This ancient city was once called Vijaypuri, the city of victory. Today, it is also known for the Nagarjuna dam, one of the tallest dams in Asia. But Nagarjuna Sagar has the distinction of having had one of the largest Buddhist settlements in India in about 2 AD and is named after Nagarjuna, a venerated Buddhist monk. The city was the centre of Buddhist learning with its four viharas and other monuments. Roam through these or go on a cruise down River Krishna in a luxury liner!

Must Visit Places: Ethipotala Waterfall, Nagarjuna Dam & Nagarjunakonda (island museum, preserving ancient Buddhist relics)

Nearby Getaways from Nagarjuna Sagar: Anupu. Reconstructed 3rd BC Buddhist university. Relive history.

Srisailam - A Holy Place for Hindus

Steeped in mythology, Srisailam remains one of the holiest spots for Hindus. It is said that the lingam at the Srisailam Devastanam was installed by Lord Rama himself and that later the Pandavas performed rituals here too. Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient religious shrines of India too and attracts devotees from all over the country. The origins of the temple are not known but there is a chapter in the Skanda Purana dedicated to this shrine, underlining its antiquity.

Must Visit Places in Srisailam: Srisailam Devastanam (the venerated temple), Srisailam Dam (picturesque views and a crocodile breeding programme!)

Nearby Getaways from Srisailam: Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary. Varied wildlife and green, tranquil surroundings.

Tourist Destinations of South India Part 1

Hyderabad – The City of Nizams

Fondly called the ‘City of Nizams’, Hyderabad is one of the fastest growing cities of India. A historic city, Hyderabad has had a rich Nawabi past and is bejewelled with an eclectic culture that marries the Nizam past with its growing breed of IT and Biotech companies.

Charminar of Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the place to be when you want to witness the emerging face of India, of professionals with their laptops and mobile phones who mingle effortlessly with traditionally attired men in the old city. Despite being tech-savvy, Hyderabad still remains the city of minarets and palaces. And the succulent Hyderabadi biryani will surely leave you amazed.

Must Visit Attractions: Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Laad Bazaar (old quarter – relive times gone by), Birla Temple, NTR Gardens, Hussain Sagar Lake.

Famous Nearby Getaway: Ramoji Film City. 35 kms. Watch dreams being shot at the largest studio complex in the world, film sets, and beautifully managed gardens.

Mysore – The City of Tipu Sultan & Palaces

Mysore, a city with an old world charm is charming with its leafy boulevards and grid like layout. This verdant city offers beautiful 19th century palaces and a thriving incense and silk industry. What Mysore instantly evokes is the smell of sandalwood and jasmine, encountered in its vibrant bazaars that are thriving. Mysore also preserves old houses and a stroll through this quarter remains mellow and nostalgic.

Mysore Palace of Mysore

Must Visit Attractions: Maharaja's Palace, Chamundi Hill, Keshava Temple, Government Silk Weaving Factory, Mysore Zoo

Famous Nearby Getaway: Sravanabelgola. 100 kms. Jain temples with interesting architecture.

Bandipur – The Home of Exotic Animals

Famous for its famous national park, Bandipur lies at the foot of hills, a part of the Western Ghats. The wildlife sanctuary was created from the erstwhile maharaja's hunting grounds and has a variety of animals such as deer and langurs. However, the biggest attractions here remain wild elephants that frolic through the greens and splash in River Kabini.

Must Visit Attractions: Rolling rocks (awe inspiring views of valleys), Gopalswamy Betta

Famous Nearby Getaways: Nagahole National Park. Another part of the Nilgiri Bioshpere Reserve with varied wildlife.