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Munnar / Ooty /
Periyar / Pondicherry / Quilon /
Rameswaram / Salem /
Tanjore (Thanjavur) /
Tiruchirapalli / Tirupati /
Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) /
Yercaud
Very famous hill station.
A very popular hill station where one of the finest tea is grown. About 145
kms. from Kochi. "Nilgiri Tahr", one of the extinct species of wild animals
is seen at Eravikulam National Park near Munnar. Also numerous varieties of
rare orchids are also seen on Munnar valley.
WHAT TO SEE : MATTUPETTY : 13 km. from Munnar has the Indo-Swiss dairy farm,
a dam and government rest house. MARAYOOR : 40 km. from where relics of the
new stone age civilization were unearthed. CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY : 70
km., ideal for treks.
HOW TO GET THERE : The nearest airport and railway stations are at Kochi
(130 kms.) Other alternative is Madurai (162 kms.). Taxis and buses are
available from Thiruvananthapuram (via Alappuzha or Kottayam), Thekkady,
kochi, Theni, Palani, Madurai, Coimbatore, Kodaikanal, Chinnar, Devikulam
etc.
Queen of hill stations.
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 stopoveren-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.
SCENIC SIGHTS :
The Ooty Lake: The beautiful Ooty Lake is a favourite haunt of tourists.
There are facilities for boating on the lake and pony rides for children
around it.
Botanical Gardens: Extending over 22 acres, this beautiful garden with
exotic trees. ornamental plants and undulating lawns, was laid out in 1847.
A marvellous flower show is held here every May.
Dodabetta Peak: The highest peak in the Nilgiris.
Wenlock Downs: The undulating countryside just outside Ooty is ideal for
long walks.
ONE DAY EXCURSIONS AROUND OOTY :
Kalhatti Falls (14 km): The picturesque waterfalls come down a 36 m drop. A
popular spot for picnics and treks.
Glenmorgan (17 km): The beautiful countryside with teaand eucalyptus
plantations. undisturbed sholas and fine viewsis ideal for drives and
picnics.
Coonoor (19 km): A pretty hill town, Coonoor is located amidst tea gardens.
The Sim’s Park, established here in 1874 has fine lawns and a collection of
rare plants and trees picturesquely located along a steep slope. Scenic
waterfalls Law’s falls and St. Catherine falls and fine vantage points with
breathtaking views and amazing names like Lamb’s rock, Dolphins Nose and
Lady Canning Seat are popular picnic spots.
Pykara (21 km): The grassy meadows around the Pykara Dam and reservoir are
popular with visitors.
Avalanchi (28 km): Here, a calm lake is surrounded by forests.
Kotagiri (29km): This little hill station close by offers a quiet retreat in
beautiful surroundings. Its attractions include the Kodanad View point and
the Rangaswamy Pillar and Peak. Mukurthi Peak and Mukurthi.
National Park (40 km): Located on the south-eastern part of the Nilgiri
plateau, the Sanctuary is noted for its population of nilgiri Tahr.
HOW TO GET THERE :
Coimbatore (100 km) is the nearest airport. An interesting little hill train
links Ooty and Coonoor to Mettupalayam which is connected in turn on the
broad gauge route to Coimbatore and Chennai.
Encounters in the wild.
Periyar, best known for its wildlife, is a must-see for all visitors to
Kerala. The Periyar Lake lies at the heart of the sanctuary which is a
veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers. Where else can one view the
animals in their natural surroundings while cruising on the lake, or better
still come within a few feet of a herd of wild elephants and still be at
ease! The majestic gaur, deer, wild boar and the distinctive Nilgiri langur
are often spotted along the lake as also water birds.
Periyar wildlife variety includes the tiger, sambar, barking deer, mouse
deer, the Nilgiri tahr, wild dog, porcupine, lion tailed macaque, Malabar
squirrel and sloth bear. The reserve has also attractions for the bird
watcher as varieties of birds like the horn bull, blue winged parakeet,
whistling thrush, flycatcher and water birds are to be seen here.
Observation towers are set about the reserve for the more enthusiastic of
nature watchers and a cool summer palace of the former Maharaja of
Travancore is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
The ideal time to visit is between the months of December and May.
HOW TO GET THERE :
The nearest airport is Madurai (140 km). Easily accessible by road from
towns in Kerala.
Former French colony.
The Union Territory of Pondicherry comprises of 4 coastal regions viz.
Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanam and Mahe situated on the East Coasts in Tamil
Nadu and Andhra.Pradesh and WestCoast 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 Agusthia or and it could be the now
forgotten 'Vedhspuri' 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 whichhad 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 flavour 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 Dupleix (whose magnificent statue watches Goubert Avenue pensively
from its southern corner), the Mansion of Ananda Ranga Pillai 'the Diarist',
architecturally handsome churches and public buildings of a bygoneera, all
add up to the French connection package.
WHAT TO SEE : AUROBINDO ASHRAM : Forms the nucleus of many activities and
trade in pondicherry. It is a product of Sri Aurobindo’s inspirations and
the Mother, Mirra Alfassa’s earnestness. The main Ashram on Rue de la Marine
houses the buildings where Sir Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa lived and died.
AUROVILLE : Is an experience in International living. It is a developing
town 10 km from pondicherry. The Matri Mandir is a centre of meditation and
an architectural marvel. PONDICHERRY MARINE DRIVE : With a 1.5 km long
promenade, is the best place to stroll in on an evening. PONDICHERRY MUSEUM
: Is a treasure trove of antiques with a section on French India which is
housed in rooms done up in typical French style.
HOW TO GET THERE :
Rail : Pondicherry is connected directly from Chennai via Villupuram.
Road : Pondicherry is connected to various places of tourist interest. The
places and their distances are given below : Chidambaram 68 kms, Chennai 162
kms, Mahabalipuram134 kms, Bangalore303 kms, Madurai 326 kms, Thanjavur170
kms, Tiruchirapalli170 kms, Tirupathi 222 kms.
Gateway to Kerala’s Backwaters.
The charming old port of city of Quilon (Kollam) on the banks of the
picturesque Ashtamundi lake is now known more as the centre of cashew
industry. Traces of ones prosperous trade with China are still seen in the
form of Chinese fishing nets, huge Chinese water pots, blue and white
porcelain and sampan- like boats.
Quilon is an inviting gateway to Kerala's backwaters. For the most intense
backwaterexperience, take a regular ferry to Alleppey- a rigorous
ridelasting more than 8 hrs. As the old ferry putters from one village on
the waterfront to another you are treated to the full range of lives and
activities and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. For the less
intrepid, shorter cruises can be made in the larger comforts of the
houseboats with idyllic villages such as Alunkadavu as your launch base.
WHAT TO SEE : THANGASSERY : 5 km. from Kollam, with 18th century churches.
Visitors are allowed into the lighthouse. THIRUMULLAVARAM : 6 km northwards,
the beach here is beautiful with good facilities. Linked by bus. ARIANKAVU,
PALARUVI : 70 km on the Kollam-Shenkottai road. The chief attraction is Lord
Sastha shrine. ‘Mandala Pooja’ and ‘Trikalyanam’ (December) are main
festivals. 5 km from Ariankavu is the Palaruvi waterfalls.
GETTING THERE :
The nearest air port, Trivandrum, is 71 kms away, It takes fractionally over
an hour to get to Quilon by road or rail from Trivandrum.
Island hallowed by the Ramayana.
Rameswaram is an island hallowed by the Ramayana. A devotee who visits
Varanasi also expected to visit this place to gain the full fruit of his
prayers. This place is sacred to Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Rameswaram is
also one of the major marine food centers in the south, with much of its
fish and prawn catch being exported. An Indo-Norwegian fisheries project is
functioning at Mandapam which also has a pearl culture project run by the
Tamil Nadu Fisheries development corporation from where pearls can be
purchased. It is advisable to book hotel accommodation in advance.
WHAT TO SEE : RAMANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE : Close to the sea on the eastern side
of the island, famous for its magnificient corridors and massive sculptured
pillars lining them. It is also one of the 12 jyotilinga shrines in the
country. GANDHAMADANA PARVATAM : This stepped mandapam, about a mile and a
half west of Rameswaram temple offers an excellent view of the countryside.
There is a footprint, believed to be of Lord Rama in this shrine. PERUMAL
TEMPLE : This is 55 km away and is commonly visited by Vaishnavites.
GETTING THERE :
The closest airport is at Madurai (173 km). Two Trains connect Rameswaram to
Madurai daily. Several other trains connect it with other parts of South
India. It is connected by regular bus services to Madurai (173 km),
Kanyakumari (315 km), Tiruchirapalli (273 km) and Chennai (527 km).
Important business centre.
Salem is best known for its steel plant and stainless steel. It is an
important business centre on this circuit.
WHAT TO SEE : SALEM STEEL PLANT : Is the main attraction here and can be
visited by getting prior permission from the concerned authorities. Besides
one can visit the Sunganeswar Temple, The Kurumbapatty Zoological Park, The
Mariamman Temple and the Government Museum.
GETTING THERE :
The nearest airport is at Tiruchirapalli (140 km). An alternative is to use
Coimbatore airport (160 km) away or Bangalore (205 km), which is the next
closest airport. Regular bus and train services for transfer from
Tiruchirapalli and Bangalore are available. The easier way, however, is to
take a train or bus from Chennai.
The pride of the chola dynasty.
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's crowning glory is its Brihadeeshwara 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 tonnes, reflecting the architectural prowess
of the Chola builders.
Thanjavur is an established centre of learning and its Saraswati Mahal
Library instituted by the Maratha ruler Serfoji, hasan extensive collection
of over 30,000 manuscripts, palm leaf inscriptions and books.
In January, the Thiruvaiyaru Music Festival is held in honour ofthe composer
and saint Thyagaraja. It attracts eminent musicians and connoisseurs of
Carnatic music.
WHAT TO SEE : SRI BRAHADEESWARAR TEMPLE : The temple built by a great chola
king, Raja raja, in the 10th century A.D. is an outstanding example of Chola
architecture. THE PALACE : Located near the temple, has huge corridors and
spacious halls. ART GALLERY : The Palace houses an interesting art gallery,
which contains several granite and bronze statues of the Chola period.
HOW TO GET THERE :
By Air : The nearest airport and major rail-head-Trichy is 58 km away.
By Rail : Thanjavur is directly linked by rail to Madurai, Tirupati,
Rameswaram and Chennai.
By Road : Thanjavur is connected with all major cities.
An ancient citadel.
Tiruchirapalli also known as ‘Trichy’ is situated in central Tamil Nadu, on
the banks of the Cauvery river. It is 320 km from Madras and 150 km from
Madurai. It was a Chola citadel during the Sangam age and was also briefly
ruled by the Pallavas and the Pandyas.Today Trichy is a blend of history, a
pilgrim centre and a thriving commercial city.
WHAT TO SEE : ROCK FORT : At the centre of the city, it is a prominent
landmark. There is a Vinayaga Temple on the top. The temple is reached by
climbing 437 steps cut into a tunnel in the rock. SRIRANGAM : Just 10 km
from the city is well known for its Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord
Ranganathaswamy. TIRUVANAIKKAVAL : Situated 7 km north-east of Trichy town.
The temple here has a Shiva Lingam almost submerged in water, which flows
from a subterranean spring in the sanctum.
GETTING THERE :
By Air : Tiruchirapalli has an airport, Indian Airlines connects
Tiruchirapalli with Chennai, Madurai, Bangalore and Colombo. Air Lanka also
connects Trichy with Colombo.
By Rail : Tiruchirapalli is an important junction on the Southern Railway.
It is connected to Chennai, Thanjur, Chidambaram,Madurai, Tuticorin,
Rirunalveli, Tenkasi, Kollam, and Rameswaram on the metre gauge and
Bangalore, Coimbatore, Ooty, Kochi, Kanyakumari and Mangalore on the broad
gauge of the Souther Railway.
By Road : Tiruchirapalli is well connected by road with all towns.
The temple town.
The temple towns of Tirupati -Tirumala are located about 572 kms from
Hyderabad and 149 kms from Madras city. The universally known temple of Lord
Venkateswara situated at Tirumala is known as Balaji in the North and
Srinivasa Perumal in the extreme South. Tirumala has seven magnificent hills
and hence the God is called "Edukondalavadu", the God of seven hills. It is
one of the oldest pilgrim centres in India with an average of 40-50 thousand
pilgrims visiting daily. Dotted with natural waterfalls and endowed with
divine beauty, the place has well-laid gardens.
The Varahaswamy temple, situated near the Venkateswara temple on the banks
of Pushkarani Tank is said to be even more ancient. This shrine is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu in the form of Varahaswamy. Other famous shrines in Tirupati
town include the shrine of Govinda -raja Swamy temple and the sacred Kapila
Teertham.
WHAT TO SEE : TIRUPATI : The abode of Lord Venkateswara, housing the richest
temple in the world is Tirumala, where celestial Gods and divine nature meet
to create a heavenly aura. TIRUMALA TEMPLE : Lord Venkateswara temple on
tirumala hills is one of the most venerated shrines in India. On an average
over 50,000 devotees visit the temple everyday. TEMPLES OF TIRUPATI : A
thriving city in the foothills of Tirumala, Tirupati is famous for number of
shrines. GOVINDARAJA SWAMY TEMPLE : Is a marvelous structure. The temple of
Goddess Almelumanga, the divine consort of Lord Venkateswara at truchanur is
a must see for pilgrims. SRI MANGAPURAM TEMPLE : situated 12 km from
Tirupati is surrounded by lush greenery and wooded hills. KAPILA THEERTHAM :
Here, the waterfalls cascade from the celestial hills of Tirumala surrounded
by lush greenery. The sacred Kapila Theertham tank is both a tourist and
pilgrim spot. CHANDRAGIRI FORT : Located 11 km away from the temple town of
Tirupati, Chandragiri was once a strong hold of the Vijaynagar empire. The
remnants of this fort have been built on a huge 56m high rock dating back to
1000 AD which stands as a testimony to the glorious past. OTHER SIGHTS WORTH
SEEING ARE : Kailasanatha Kona, Sri Kalahasti, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary,
Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, Mypad Beach, Talakona, Gudimallam Temple,
Narayanavanam, Nagalapura.
HOW TO GET THERE :
By Air : Tirupati is connected with Hyderabad, Madras and Bangalore.
By Rail : Tirupati is connected by rail with all cities in India.
By Road : Tirupati is linked with important places Hyderabad, Chennai,
Bangalore, Chittor, Vijayawada etc.
The verdant capital.
Formerly known as Trivandrum, it is a gateway to one of the most beautiful
states in India – Kerala. The climate is pleasant all the year round, though
June to November could be very wet. Thiruvananthapuram opens the gates to a
world of beaches, mountains, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and islands.
The city of Thiruvananthapuram presides over one of the most scenic states,
stretching along the southern coast of the country, with the backwaters of
the Arabian sea reaching deep into the verdant countryside, Kerala affords a
fascinating experience. The city once formed a part of the kingdom of
Travancore, which had its capital at Padmanabhapuram (now in Tamil Nadu).
Most of that royal heritage of fine buildings and palaces now houses the
State Secretariat and other offices. But the beauty of the city is still
intact, in the wide open avenues, parks, gardens, cultural institutions and
undulating countryside.
WHAT TO SEE : SRI PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE : Devoted to Lord Vishnu, is the
city’s most dominating feature. The profusely carved seven-storey mandapam
is a fine example of South Indian sculpture. THE PUBLIC PARK : In the city
centre has a variety of institutions like Napier Museum with a collection of
Kerala bronzes, ornaments, costumes and a model of ‘Tharawad’, a traditional
Nair family home; Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the centerpiece being the
collection of works of Raja Ravi Varma’s of Travancore, Mughal and Rajput
miniatures; Observatory Hill and the Zoo, set in 50 acres, with an
artificial island, hanging bridge and aquarium.
SHOPPING : Carved rosewood, teak furniture and decorative items, masks
depicting various mythological characters (worn by Kathakali performers,
Theyyams and other classical dances) are important products. Coir
handicrafts include table and floor mats, hand knitted in exquisite designs.
Bell metal vessels made by moosaris is another traditional craft of the
state.
ACCESSIBILITY :
By Air : An International airport. On the domestic route, Thiruvananthapuram
is well connected with major Indian cities.
By Rail : It is an important railway terminus with train services linking it
to all parts of the country.
By Road : Connects some important towns in kerala and neighbouring states.
Quiet hill resort.
Yercaud is a quiet hill resort in the Servaroyar hills. The mild climate ,
combined with breathtaking views makes yercaud a must for tourist.
WHAT TO SEE : A prominent feature of Yercaud is its lake, surrounded by lush
vegetation. Here 4 seater and 2 seater pedal boats and 4 seater rowing boats
are available on hire. Nearby is Anna park. LADY’S SEAT : A view point, has
a telescope house with a panoramic view of distant Salem and the winding
road up. Atop the Servaroyan Hill, the third highest in this range is the
Servaroyan Temple, a cave temple with a modern façade.
GETTING THERE :
By Air : The nearest airport is at Tiruchirapalli, 180 kms. away.
Alternatively vsistors may use Coimbatore or Bangalore for convenient air
connections.
By Rail : The nearest railhead , Salem, 32 kms. away is served by a number
of mainline trains. The Yercaud express is the most convenient train
connection from Chennai.
By Road : There are frequent buses from Salem. Bus services are available
from Chennai and several other important points.
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