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| Bangalore
As A Hub For South India |
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No matter where
you’re going in South India it’s probably
a good idea to rendezvous in Bangalore first and
then move on. That’s because most places
are easily accessible from here and the cost of
travel is most reasonable. Though taxis are readily
available it’s best to take a train or a
public or private bus. Luckily the Central bus
stand is right opposite the City train station
which makes things convenient. |
But before you
go away and leave us don’t forget to check
out all that Bangalore has to offer . Places like
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon
Park and Museums, Bull Temple and Tipu Sultan’s
Palace are all worth visiting. So are the central
shopping locations of Brigade Road, M.G.Road and
Commercial Street. This also happens to be Pub
City so guzzle down a few at one of the city’s
watering holes. Bangalore has it all, so take
your time and enchant yourself.
There are so many interesting
places to see in Karnataka including Mysore which
is only about three hours away and full of palatial
monuments, sandalwood and incense. The famous
Hoysala temples at Halebid, Belur and Somnathpur
are also close by. Sravanabelagola, one of the
most important Jain pilgrimage centers in India
is here in Karnataka. The unique, fun-loving,
coffee growing culture of Coorg is not far away
either. Mangalore and the Western Ghats offer
some picturesque beaches. Visit the holy town
of Gokarna and experience something truly special
on Om Beach. The rock-cut temples in Hampi, once
the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire are a must-see
and transport you to another age. So does the
northern town of Badami, once the capital of the
Chalukya empire. |
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If you’ve
just about had it with India’s Silicon Valley
Bangalore and seen all there is to see in Karnataka
maybe it’s time to move north to Andhra
Pradesh or south to Tamil Nadu and then Kerala.
These four states make up what we know as South
India today. In Andhra Pradesh places to see are
the capital Hyderabad, or now more trendily known
as Cyberabad for it’s booming software and
modern infrastructure along with some famous monuments.Secunderabad
is right alongside and equally interesting. Vishakapatnam,
on the North-East corner and India’s largest
shipbuilding yard is also worth a visit. So is
Vijayawada, considered by many to be the heart
of Andhra culture and language. The famous Venkateshwara
Temple at Tirupathi beckons the religious seekers
or just people who want to see a great temple.
Sai Baba’s ashram at Puttaparthi invites
you to meet a man of miracles.
Tamil Nadu has Chennai, it’s
booming capital city and the guardian of Tamil
language and culture. Visit the fabulous rathas
of Mammalapuram and its fantastic beach. Kanchipuram,
one of India’s sacred cities is worth a
checkout.Pondicherry, once a French colony and
a charming town with an amazing ashram beside
the sea is also here. So is Auroville, a very
interesting and self-sufficient commune.The Nataraj
temple in Chidambaram is also worth visiting.
So is the ancient Chola capital of Thanjavur or
Tanjore. Visit Trichy and it’s famous Rock
Fort Temple. Madurai, one of South India’s
oldest cities and a center of learning and pilgrimage
is worth a tour. Rameswaram, the Varanasi of the
South and the Island of Prayeris home to many
a legend about Lord Rama.So is Kanyakumari, the
meeting point of India’s three oceans. Don’t
miss the hillstations of Kodaikanal and Ooty either
as they have wonderful vegetation, climate and
historic spots. |
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As far as Kerala
is concerned there are many beautiful places to
see like Trivandrum, a bustling city built over
seven hills. Kovalam has one of the best beaches
that India has to offer. So does Varkala, containing
a great sunset view of the Arabian Sea. Kottayam,
a center for rubber production and close to the
famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-see.
So is Munnar, a beautiful hill-station with sprawling
tea estates. Cochin in the north provides glimpses
of Kerala’s diversity and its little islands.
Don’t forget the famous back waters either
as they are simply out of this world.
Wherever you go in South India
it’s best to start your journey from Bangalore
because it’s right in the middle of the
action. Be it air, rail or bus, north, south,
east or west, Bangalore is the best. We hope you
enjoy the rich cultural experience that South
India has to offer. |
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