India Tours & Travel Packages

Tourism in States & Cities of India

Chennai		Mamallapuram		Kanchipuram		Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary		Pondicherry
Thanjavur		Tiruchirapalli		Madurai		Rameshwaram		Kanyakumari
		Kodaikanal		Ooty		Coimbatore

Chennai (Madras)

Chennai, (formerly known as Madras) the capital of Tamil Nadu, lies along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, developed after 1639 when the British East India Company established a fort and trading post at the small fishing village of Chennai. Over the past three and a half centuries, the small fishing village has grown into a bustling metropolis which is especially known for its spaciousness which is lacking in other Indian cities. This characteristic is exemplified by the long esplanade called the Marina and which is lined by impressive buildings which remind the casual visitorof the long and inseparable association the city has had with the British. Even elsewhere in the city, one cannot fail to notice the dominant British influences in the form of old cathedrals, buildings in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues. However, though the English legacy is undeniable, Madras has continued to be a centre which has blended the foreign influence with the traditional Tamil-Hindu culture. As a city it continues to maintain the best of South Indian traditions. This is not surprising because the region was an important centre of Pallava culture long before the British came here and the traces of which are to be found in the numerous old temples. Thus, the unwary visitor will find Madras more than just a gateway of South India. He shall find it a convenient base to peep into the varied aspects of traditional south Indian culture and life styles which intermingle with the modern city complete with its plush hotels and restaurants - offering a range of continental and typical south Indian cuisine, long and un crowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping centers which offer traditional handicrafts, textiles and much more peculiar to this part of India. Besides the modern city itself, there are several interesting towns like Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram, each with a rich collection of ancient temples and an array of traditional handicrafts which are very much their own. Pondicherry, famous for its Aurobindo ashram. 

Sight Seeing Places:

St. George Fort, St. Mary's Cathedra, Gandhi MANDAPAM, Anna Square, Kapaleeswara Temple, Light House, Marina Beach, Fish Aquarium, Parthasarthy Temple, San Thom Cathedral, Snake Park, Theosophical Society, Valloovar Kottam, Ripon Buildings and War Memorial Fort Museum and Govt. Museum & Art Gallery.

Excursions Tours:

Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Tirupati, Pondicherry.

Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

The renowned an ancient 7th century centre for Pallava culture and arts. Situated just 60 kms. south of Chennai city, on the Bay of Bengal coastline. Mamallapuram is a popular beach resort and culture-front, especially for the tourists who come from the world over, who love to imbibe and soak in its rich traditions ! During this time of revival, this ancient and quaint little town will get a new lease of life. Thanks to the festival ! This beach-town, saturated with ancient monuments, sculptures, caves, monoliths, temples, beaches and lots more to explore.

Sight Seeing Places:

Shore Temples, Five Rathas, Arjun Penance, Krishna MANDAPAM,  Mahishasurmardini Caves, Varaha Mandapam.

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, one of India's seven sacred Hindu cities. Historic capital of the Pallavas and thereafter the Cholas Also called as the city of thousand temples, it has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty that bear eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Notable being the Kailasnathar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, finest example of Pallava architecture. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk saris.

Sight Seeing & Religious:

Shri Kamakshi Temple and  Shri Vaikuntaperumal Temple, Shri Varadarajaswamy Temple, Kailasnathar Temple, Ekambareshwara Temple.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

80 kms away from Madras, the sanctuary is famous for migratory birds (November to February) viewing from an observation tower. It is 30 km away from its nearest railway station Chingleput.

Pondicherry

The Union Territory of Pondicherry comprises of 4 coastal regions: Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanam and Mahe situated on the East Coasts in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and West Coast in Kerala. Pondicherry is the Capital of this Union Territory. It is on the east coast about 162 kms south of Chennai located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Like most ancient .cities, the origin of Pondicherry lies hurried in legends. It could, have been the mythical 'Podhigai' said to have beech the sacred abode of the legendary Sage Agasthya or and it could be the now forgotten 'Vedspuri' a settlement of scholars well-versed in the Vedas. Excavations in the Arikamedu area near Pondicherry have brought to light the remains of a trading port which had connections with the Grecko Roman world more than a century before the down of the Christian Era. You will be bound to see the glorious remains of Arikamedu excavations in the Archaeology section of the Pondicherry Museum. Having remained the capital of the erstwhile French India, the legacies in Pondicherry have a special flavor not found anywhere in the Indian sub-continent. The French town-sense, neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beach promenade French colonial history, the eventful life of Joseph Francois Duplex, the Mansion of Ananda Ranga Pillai 'the Diarist', architecturally handsome churches and public buildings of a bygone era, all add up to the French connection package.

 

Sight Seeing Places:

Sri Aurobindo Ashram, French Institute , Museums,  Art Galleries & Promenade

Thanjavur (Tanjore)

About a thousand years ago, Thanjavur was the capital of the powerful Chola dynasty. Today, it is the little town set amidst the lush green rice fields of the Cauvery delta. Magnificent temples, still bear witness to the splendour of Chola architecture. Thanjavur crowning glory is its Brihadeshwara temple with its 66.5 m high 'srivimana' dominating the city. The monolithic granite block that forms a cupola on the top, weighs 81.3 ton, reflecting the architectural prowess of the Chola builders. Thanjavur is an established centre of learning and its Sarasvati Mahal Library instituted by the Maratha ruler Serfoji. Extensive collection of over 30,000 manuscripts, palm leaf inscriptions and books. In January, the Thiruvaiyaru Music Festival is held in honour of the composer and saint Thyagaraja.  It attracts eminent musicians and connoisseurs of Chromatic music.

Tiruchirapally (Trichy)

 Also known as 'Trichy', its most famous landmark is the Rock Fort temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive outcrop of rock, reached by a steep flight of steps. The view from the summit is magnificent. Trichy is also known for its Ranganathanswami temple which is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India, built on river Cauvery. On the opposite side, is the Sri Jambukeshwara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its excellent carvings and numerous shrines. Excursions include Tanjore, known for its silk and paintings; Pondicherry with its popular and affluent Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, designed by a French architect; Kumbakonam, known for its temples with colorful semi-erotic sculpture; Darasuram temples, a superb example of Chola architecture.
 

Sight Seeing Places:

Rock Cut Fort Temple, Sri Jambukeswara Temple, Tiruvannaikaval Temple, Srirangam.

Madurai

Madurai is one of south India's oldest cities and has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. The Shri Meenakshi temple, in the heart of the old town, is a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture. The city is one huge non-stop bazaar, full of shops, street markets, temples and restaurants. Excursions include Rameshwaram, a major pilgrimage centre, in South India; Kodaikanal, a popular hill station in the region; Tanjore, the ancient capital of the Chola kings and famous for metal, copper and bronze craft and the Kanya Kumari temple.

 

Sight Seeing & Religious Places:

Great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Tirumalai Nayak palace - A gracious building in the Indo Saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple.

Rameshwaram

The sacred island town of Rameshwaram at the extreme south-eastern limit of the Indian Peninsula, has one of India's most venerated temples. A fine example of South Indian architecture, the temple is renowned for its many pillared corridors, about 1220 meters in length.

 

Sight Seeing & Religous Places:

Kothandaramaswamy Temples, Agnitheertham Temple, Shree Ramanathaswamy Temple,

 

 

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)

Kanya Kumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India, is where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet, A place from where one can see spectacular sunrises and also colorful sunsets on balmy evenings, one can watch the sun set while full moon is rising in another part of the sky. There is a temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Kumari picturesquely located close to the sea shore. According to legend, it is here that the goddess Parvati undertook penance to gain the hand of Lord Shiva for marriage. The beautifully adorned deity has a sparkling diamond nose ring that is supposed to be visible even from the sea. On a little rocky island just off the coast is the memorial to that great Indian philosopher - Swami Vivekananda. He is supposed to have sat here in deep meditation in 1892. On the island one can also see the Shri Pada Parai - the footprints of the virgin goddess. The Gandhi Memorial at Kanya Kumari is located at the place where his ashes were kept before immersion. It is so designed that on 2nd October, his birthday, the sun's rays fall directly on the spot. Close to Kanya Kumari is also the Vattakottai  - an 18th century circular fort on the beach that is a popular picnic spot.

  

 

Kodaikanal

At an altitude of over 7,000 feet in the Western Ghats lies Kodaikanal, the beautiful and un spoilt hill station of Tamil Nadu. A sojourn away from the dust and grime of the city, Kodaikanal offers a cool respite. There is scenic grandeur and many an alluring spot including the spectacular Pillar Rocks, the serene Cooker's Walk and many magnificent waterfalls. The lake with its 5 km long promenade is popular with visitors. Kodaikanal is easily accessible by road.

 

Sight Seeing Places:

Pillar Rocks, Siver Cascade Water Falls, The Lake, Coaker Walk, & Botanical Gardens.

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 Ooty

Nestled among the hills of Dottabeta, Snow don, Elk Hill, and Club Hill in the Nilgiris ranges, Ooty is the queen of southern hill stations and a popular tourist destination of Tamil Nadu. The history of Ooty goes back to about 900 years when it was ruled by Vishnu Vardhana, the Hoysala king from AD 1104 to 1141. The city also finds mention in the writing of Jacome Ferico, the first European to visit this place in 1603. In 1799, this hilly region came under the control of the British East India Company. The British established Ooty to serve as the summer headquarters of the Madras government. A government house was built and keeping in tune with the English lifestyle, the British set up cottages and clubs, with facilities for tennis, golf, and horse riding. With the establishment of numerous tea estates in the subsequent years, Ooty made its presence felt in the tourist map of India. With the maximum temperature going up to 25°C, Ooty offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. One can visit this picturesque hill station at any time of the year though the ideal time is from February to May and September to November.

Places Of Interest:

Dotta Beta Peak, Botanical Gardens, Coonoor, Ooty Lake, Lamb Rocks, Dolphins Nose, St. Catherins Falls.

 

 

Coimbatore

Along the main route into Kerala. Coimbatore stands in the Palghat Gap of the Western Ghats. A peaceful pleasant town with shady avenues, bustling markets and a salubrious climate, it is an ideal stopover route to the Nilgiris and Ooty and also to the towns and beaches of Kerala. Coimbatore is also a major industrial centre noted for its cloth mills and engineering industry. Coimbatore known as the "Manchester of South India" is a commercial city of Considerable importance, the chief commodity being textiles.

 

 

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