South India Tour Packages

South India is an unforgettable experience and an architectural treasure trove of the country. The state of Karnataka impresses with its astonishing variety of landscapes, its territory stretching from the Arabian Sea, and the slopes of the Western Ghats with plantations of coffee, spices, fruits, and flowing waterfalls from the tops of the mountains to the more arid rock plateau of the Deccan. The local historical monuments are just as diverse. These are temples, palaces, forts, and fortresses. The sandy beaches of the state stretch along the coast of the Indian Ocean for many tens of kilometres. A tour package of south India can be highly recommended for first-time visitors to the Indian subcontinent. South India exudes mystical sensuality in its temples and dances and natural exuberance in its physical geography; it preserves its own ancestral Culture tour packages, proud of its identity, but at the same time very absorbent to other foreign countries overseas, given its historical commercial vocation; and its gastronomy is the most aromatic, varied and spicy of the entire Indian subcontinent. Here are the world-famous yoga resorts and pilgrimage centers. So, an excellent program will be the South India Tour Packages.

South India

Unlike the noisy and bustling north, the south is calmer and quieter. A more tropical climate reigns here, but heavy rains compensate for the heat and humidity. The season itself runs from July to September. The south is more urbanized, and the pace of life is slower. On the golden beaches, surrounded by palm trees, you can enjoy comfortable weather to your heart's content. This is a touristy region, so living here is expensive, especially in Goa and Magical Kerala tour. Many spices, chili peppers, coconuts, and tamarinds are added to Indian dishes, and seafood is most often prepared on the coast.

Characteristics of South India

• South India is understood as the set of the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Together they exceed 600,000 km² and are called Dravida.
• The south of India is somewhat more prosperous than the northern areas, and it shows in all aspects of life. Tourists will find better conditions in hotels and trains and less poverty and dirt.
• The Deccan Plateau dominates the northernmost and inland area of ​​South India. With a height of between 450 and 700 meters above sea level, the two main cities located on it are Bangalore and Hyderabad. The Western Ghats, with elevations between 1,500 and 2,600 meters above sea level, run along the western edge of the plateau parallel to the west coast of India.
• On the east coast, mainly in Tamil Nadu, the rains arrive mainly from November to February.
• The most common ethnic groups in South India are the Telugus, Tamils, Kannadigas, Malayalis, and the Tuluvas, all of whom have their language. Urdu is widely spoken in regions of Karnataka, along with Beary Bashe.
• South India has been fundamentally agricultural (rice, sorghum, millet, cane sugar, cotton, coffee, tea, vanilla, etc.). Currently, the city of Bangalore is leading a boom in the business of new technologies that is unique worldwide. Chennai has a significant automobile industry.
• South Indian food is characterized by rice, fish, coconut milk, and spicy curry. It is also a land of exquisite teas and coffee.
• Shaivism and Vishnuism are two widely followed branches of Hinduism in South India. Jainism and Buddhism are also present. The entire region is full of spectacular temples that receive pilgrims from all over the country.

Travel to South India’s best destinations

South India has a lot of beautiful places for its visitors. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are two of the central states in this region known to have some of the best tourist attractions in South India. The region is full of cultural values ​​and abundant natural beauty. The green hill stations, the historical and religious places, the magnificent monuments, the beautiful temples, the beautiful beaches lined with palm trees, the rich flora and fauna, the colorful fairs and festivals, etc., make South India very popular with tourists. We have added Goa to this region.

Beaches of Goa

Goa's beautiful west coast, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has recently been discovered by tourists from abroad. Goa is home to the most beautiful beaches in the world. Have their unique charm for those looking for peace. Calangute beach is the most commercial and bustling while Agenda beach is a good choice. For Goa, visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, home to forests and a wealth of fauna, including deer, monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers, and black panthers, as well as the famous Indian King Cobra and several bird species.

Mysore Palace

The Royal Palace of Mysore is the second most visited monument in India and, therefore, unavoidable on a list of things to do and see in South India. It is one of India's most significant royal buildings, which was the seat of the Maharajas of Wodeyar. The lavish Indo-Saracenic interior, a kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirrors, and bold colors, often impresses visitors. But, its most notable aspect is its exterior at sunset. Exploring the massive palace and its gardens is part of a cycle tour, available once inside for free.

Kovalam

If you like the beach, just come to the Kovalam area, because in this area you can find three beaches at once, including Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach, and Lighthouse Beach. Kovalam is also one of the favorite tours for young people in India, especially couples. This place is very romantic to enjoy the sunset.

Chennai

You don't mind the heat a bit, Chennai is a beautiful and diverse place to visit. Marina Beach is the second largest globally and is a beautiful place to enjoy. Windsurfing, fishing, and beach volleyball are some of the activities on the beach. Huddleston garden of the Theosophical Society has the best spot for bird watchers; you can find many migratory birds here, and only one of the oldest trees in the world, which is 450 years old. Suppose you are willing to travel a bit far from Chennai. In that case, Mahabalipuram is a significant tourist spot in South India that attracts many international tourists with its collection of ancient rock temples, Beach Temple, and others. Anna Park or Vandal or Park is a significant zoo you need to visit if you travel with your children. Other places of interest include Valluvar Kottam, National Art Gallery, Nagar Beach, Crocodile Park, etc. Places in Chennai: Marina Beach, Arignar Anna Zoo, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Guindy National Park, Cove long Village, Valluvar Kottam Temple, etc.

Fort St. Angelo

If you are in the Kannur area, don't forget to stop by Fort St. Angelo because you can get very Instagram-able photo spots here. Some stairs are neatly arranged and look beautiful. This location is one of the famous spots in St. Fort. Angelo. Here you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery because the location of this fort is in the harbor; besides being able to see the open sea, you can stop by the chapel in this area.

Rameswaram

Rameshwaram is a small town located on the island of Pamban in the Tamil Nadu state of India. Dravidian style Ramanathaswamy temple has two jyotirlingas. This is a replica of the Kashi Vishwanath Stirling. According to one of the temple traditions, devotees are expected to first bathe in twenty-two bodies of water present in the temple complex and then obey the jyotirlinga. Another important landmark in Rameshwaram is the Kothandarama swamy temple, where the first Rama and Vibhishana meeting was held. Rameshwaram has many fascinating places, such as Dhanushkodi, Agneeteertham, Gandha Mathan part, Rama Teerth, Lakshman Teerth, and Pamban Bridge. This island can be reached by road in addition to direct trains from Chennai, Madurai, and Kanyakumari.

Munnar

Munnar is located in the rolling hills of the Southwestern Ghats and is unrivaled among Kerala tourist destinations. Its inescapable natural beauty attracts dozens of tourists from India and abroad every year. The highlights of Munnar are its great environment, green tea gardens, mesmerizing lakes, dense forests, and fresh, healthy climate. It is located at the three mountain rivers, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. Munnar was once the summer resort of the British Government in South India. Munnar has so much more than cannot be put into words. Be fully informed about this magnificent hilltop retreat before embarking on a tour.

Backwaters', plantations, and beaches in Kerala

It is a state in southern India, and it is a devastating land that covers around 600 kilometres of beautiful beaches overlooking the Arabian Sea. For many travelers, it is a haven of peace and tranquility. This feeling is accentuated when navigating its languid network of shimmering backwaters and visiting the tea and spice plantations that cover the mountains that rise behind them, the Eastern Ghats, with its natural reserves and cool mountain stations. It is the most beautiful and the second-most populous state in southern India, with comforting greenery in the shade of palm trees that makes the traveler reconcile after the accelerated pace of other busier areas. As Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi packages, Kerala treasures a fascinating history. Beyond the backwaters (navigable channels that run parallel to the Arabian Sea), we can find other incentives to make Kerala our ideal destination. Its consequential claims are its gently spiced cuisine and its Ayurvedic treatments (Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, was born here). We will also be able to observe wild elephants in the wild in the 110-kilometer- long Wayanad nature reserve, where exotic birds also live. And some other tiger. Suppose we do not dare with so much nature. In that case, we have exciting traditions full of colour, such as Kathakali, a mixture of theatre and dance originating in this area of ​​India that uses gestural language, makeup, and very ornate costumes to narrate epic stories. So-called backpacker havens are now on the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, until relatively recently sleepy fishing villages, now home to a thriving world of Ayurvedic and yoga therapies. Despite having over 35 million people, Kerala is possibly the most peaceful state in the country, with 900 kilometres of interconnected rivers, lakes, canals, and lagoons and surrounded by coconut trees and picturesque villages. The best way to explore this waterlogged rural world is aboard a houseboat and let the days flow by as we indulge in timeless-looking villages, seafood curry feasts, restful sleep under the stars, and much more.

Kochi

Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, it has excellent communication facilities, an international airport, excellent accommodation, modern facilities, and a host of attractive tourist spots that offer an impressive experience for its visitors and settlers. The district took its shape on April 1, 1958, by carving out the areas of the former kingdoms of Travancore, Kochi, and Malabar.

Muzhappilangad Beach

This beach, which has 4 kilometres of white sand, does have a lot of enthusiasts. Because at Muzhappilangad Beach, tourists can enjoy many beach activities, including sunbathing, riding ATVs, kayaking, and many other beach activities that you can do at Muzhappilangad Beach. Besides Muzhappilangad Beach, there are also much food and drink vendors.

South Indian coastal fish or seafood curries

Among the things to do and see in South India, the gastronomic experience par excellence could not be missing since one of the pleasures of a trip to South India is the exquisite regional cuisine based on coconut, fiery spices, rice, and lentils. The food is often served on banana leaves and eaten with the hands. South Indian coastal fish or seafood curries are reputed to be the best in the world. You have to accompany the meal with a cup of aromatic filtered coffee typical of South India.

The southern dances

Your trip south will probably coincide with many festivals, but there will always be a party somewhere if not. The Bharatnatyam dance originates from the south, and its beauty and grace permanently enchant the beholder. Enjoy Kathakali and its masks, which stage fantastic myths and legends from India, or the curious movements of Kalarippayattu, a martial art from Magical Kerala tour. The night sky is filled with fireworks, and painted elephants and cows are everywhere as people dance to miruthangam and chant Sanskrit mantras.

The climate of South India

Winter, summer, and the monsoon have three main seasons of India. From October to March, the winter months are clear and pleasant; in the northern mountains, it snows. From April to June, the summer months are hot in most parts of India, and this is when the many mountain stations offer a pleasant refuge. During the monsoon, it rains a lot from June to September on the west coast and from October to December on the east coast.

How to get to South India

Traveling to the southern part of India is relatively easy by transport, be it plane, car, train, or even water transport.

• By Air: With many airports and airlines operating southbound, air travel to South India is a breeze. Each state has several domestic and international airports. The most important are Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli International Airports in Tamil Nadu, Cochin International Airport, Trivandrum International Airport in Kerala, Kempegowda International Airport, etc. Several prominent Indian airlines connect South India with the rest of the country.
• By Train: South Indian states have unhindered rail links to almost every part of India. Major railway junctions in the south include Bangalore Mysore and Hampi in Karnataka, Kozhikode and Alleppey in Kerala, Chennai, Madurai, and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Direct trains to southern cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Cochin depart from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other major cities.
• You can also explore South India on luxury trains such as Golden Chariot, Maharajas' Express, and Deccan Odyssey; these trains run to almost all-important tourist destinations and places of interest in South India.
• By car: If you travel to South India by road, you will find an extensive network of national highways with excellent road connections. National Highway 42 through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, National Highway 44 with roads to Kerala along with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, National Highway 66 through Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa, and National Highway 32 are some of the most convenient routes for road trips to the southern region.

Several public buses run to most destinations in southern India. KSRTC in Kerala, BMTC in Bangalore and surrounding areas, and TNSTC operating throughout Tamil Nadu are some of the best-known public buses.

Conclusion

The Indians of these regions are much more respectful of a surprised traveler before the ancestral rites of their temples or their ancient fishing techniques. This was our journey through the southern states of India. Each one has a unique attraction. Each traveler is interested in certain aspects when visiting a destination, and we believe that our expectations were met on our tour packages of south India. Imbued in Dravidian culture, south India is a collection of different states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana as well as the union territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Even though there is an evident contrast to its northern counterpart in terms of terrain and culture, it’s still as beautiful if not more. One can stroll through the emerald tea plantations or go on an exploration of the historical ruins or just relax at the beach. South India offers everything that a tourist can ask for. Many towns in south India still preserve their colonial culture and architecture, their archaic nature making those locations look even more beautiful. Below listed are the 15 places that you can visit in South India. Take a look! Mysore- Located in the state of Karnataka. Mysore, also known as the ‘the city of palaces' was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore for almost 600 years. Ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty who were patrons of art and culture, this city is rich in both. Mysore palace present in the center of the city is the main attraction, although the original palace was burnt to ashes in a fire in 1896, the Wadiyar kings reconstructed this beautiful palace and further expanded it in 1930, the artwork on walls and roofs of the palace is spellbinding. This palace hosts almost 6 million visitors every year making it the second most visited monument in India. Jaganmohan palace which was the house of the ruling regime during the reconstruction of the Mysore palace is now an art gallery and an auditorium. This art gallery contains one of the largest collection of artifacts in South India whereas the auditorium hosts cultural dance programs and music festivals. Mysore zoo is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India making it a popular attraction, with a wide array of inmates; this zoo is also home to an artificial lake and an artificial island. St. Philomena’s cathedral, constructed in neo-gothic style inspired by the Cologne cathedral in Germany is one of the tallest churches in Asia, making it an integral part of the diverse tourism in Mysore. Must visit sites: Mysore palace, Jagmohan palace, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, Mysore zoo, Devaraja Market Nearest airport: Mandakali Airport Distance from city: 10 Kilometers Ooty- Located 128 kilometres away from Mysore in the state of Karnataka. This town is located in the Nilgri hills, meaning the “blue mountains”, named so due to the Kurunji flower which blooms every twelve years giving the slopes a bluish tinge. Founded as a British Raj summer resort, Ooty enjoys favourable weather conditions all year round. Ooty lake, an artificial expanse that was created for fishing purposes also hosts boating, this is thoroughly an enticing experience that is very memorable to the visitors. Ooty botanical garden, maintained by the Tamil Nadu department of horticulture, is a major attraction that constitutes of ferns, Italian gardens, a prehistoric tree fossil that is believed to be 20 million years old and a plethora of beautiful flora. A yearly flower show that happens during the summers is also a major attraction. Ooty is also home to the only meter gauge rack railway track India, this train known as the ‘toy train’ is very popular amongst tourists and the tickets usually get sold out within minutes. This train ride offers a picturesque view and a memorable journey to its passenger. Must visit sites: Botanical Garden, Ooty lake, Rose Garden, Emerald Lake, Nigiri Mountain Railway Nearest airport: Coimbatore Airport Distance from city: 88 Kilometres. Alappuzha (Alleppey)- Located in the Alappuzha district in Kerala, this city is famous for its serene boat rides on tranquil backwaters where tourists can sit back and relax while enjoying the lackadaisical pace of the city. The modern house boats are equipped with all the facilities like bathrooms, lavish beds etc. One can relax on their boat trip while savoring birdwatching and lush green surroundings. Alappuzha is also famous for its religious sites including St. Andrew Basilica, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna temple, Chettikulangra temple which represent the South Indian culture tour packages despite of their religious diversity. One of the main attractions of Alappuzha is the beach, with a pier that is almost 150 years old and a light house that was built by the Portuguese atop of which you can get a bird’s eye view of the Laccadive Sea, giving this beach an archaic look. Must visit sites: St. Andrew Basilica, Am Alappuzha Sri Krishna temple, Chettikulangra temple, Revi Karunakaran temple, Alappuzha beach. Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport Distance from city: 75 Kilometres. Andaman & Nicobar Islands- With beaches like Radha Nagar beach which has been awarded the blue flag for adhering to a standard of cleanliness by fee and the historic Cellular jail where majority of the freedom fighters were sentenced to solitary confinements, this archipelago is a tourist’s paradise. You can still find the ruins of many colonial buildings on Ross Island. Beaches here maintain a standard of cleanliness and some of them seem void of any human footprint, but one can still enjoy many water sport activities including, boating, water skiing, snorkelling etc. Must visit sites: Ross Island, Cellular jail, Radha Nagar beach, Mahatma Gandhi marine national park, Jolly buoy island. Nearest airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport Distance from city: 2 Kilometers from Port Blair (Capital) Mahabalipuram- Also known as Mahabalipuram, this city is located in the Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu. This town in South India is a religious hub, home to many famous mythological sites including, Pancha Rathas- an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture depicting chariots, Mandapas- cave temples known for their rock cut carvings and architecture, the giant open-air rock relief and the shore temple dedicated to Hindu gods. Beaches here are fringed with casuarina trees and portray a dreamy look. Five Rathas and the shore temples have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites. Must visit sites: Sea shore temple, Pancha rathas, India seashell museum, Krishna’s butter ball, Arjuna’s penance. Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport Distance from city: 58 kilometres. Pondicherry- This Union Territory is known for preserving its French legacy. With Café's serving French cuisine on three-lined streets, surrounded by mustard-coloured colonial villas and chic boutiques, this city recreates the experience of being in France. The rock beach in white town is a popular attraction, even though swimming is not allowed in these waters, the imagery of water hitting big black rocks is very peaceful and picturesque. One of the most famous spots that can be found here is Auroville, an experimental township where the residents live in peace and harmony, above all caste, creed and religion. Activities like yoga and meditation are very prevalent in Auroville. In the southern boulevard of Pondicherry, you will find Basilica of the sacred heart of Jesus, an oriental church of the Gothic architecture this church contains rare, stained glass panels depicting events from life of Christ and saints from the catholic church. Must visit sites: Auroville, Rock beach, the Basilica of the sacred heart of Jesus, Seaside promenade, Arulmigu Mahakala Vinayagar Temple Nearest airport: Pondicherry airport Periyar- Periyar tiger reserve is located in the mountainous western ghats of Kerala. Christened after the Periyar river that flows through it, this national park is famous for elephant sightings and boat safaris. It was declared as a national park in 1982. You can also find rare animals like lion-tailed macaque and snakes like king cobra in the enclosed area. A part of Cardamom hills that are present inside the park are the most exotic part of the park, visitors can camp overnight and connect with nature. The Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple that is open just once a year during Chitra Pournami festival in the month of April or May is once in a lifetime experience. Nearest airport: Madurai Airport Distance from park: 140 kilometres. Nagar hole- Nagar hole National Park is located in the middle of Kodagu and Mysore district in Karnataka, India. The name is derived from Naga which means snake and hole which means streams. It is one of India's premier Tiger Reserves along with the adjoining Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys and waterfalls. The park has a healthy predator-prey ratio, with many tigers, gaurs, elephants, Indian leopards and deer. It was set up in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary and was upgraded to a national park in 1988. In 1999 it was declared as a Tiger Reserve. The park remains closed from June to August. Nearest airport: Kempegowda international airport Distance from park: 280 kilometres. Kovalam- Kovalam means a grove of coconut and as the name suggests this village in Trivandrum, Kerala, is fringed with coconut trees. Kovalam is famous for its beaches and its ayurvedic centers. It’s 17- kilometer coastline consists of 3 beaches namely, the lighthouse beach, Samudra beach and Hawa beach. Lighthouse beach as the name implies consists of a Lighthouse that offers a bird’s eye view from atop of it, the Samudra beach is the most popular beach amongst tourists, swimming is allowed here and it nests many resorts and shacks on the beach, last but not the least is the Hawa beach which where you can find fishermen singing local songs, husting and bustling, and going about their business. Must visit sites: Samudra beach, Lighthouse beach, Hawa beach, Kovalam fish market. Nearest airport: Trivandrum Airport Distance from city: 15 kilometers Rameshwaram- Located in Tamil Nadu this city is considered as one of the holiest places for Hindus. It has a lot of mythological significance relating to the epic of Ramayana, it’s said that lord Ram with the help of Hanuman and his army built a bridge to cross over to Sri-Lanka using floating stones to rescue his wife Sita. One of this floating stone can still be found in the five-faced hanuman temple. The Ramanathaswamy temple, devoted to lord Shiva is part of a holy pilgrimage for Hindu’s is famous for having the longest corridor amongst all Hindu temples. Must visit sites: Ramanathaswamy temple, Dhanushkodi beach, Pamban bridge. Nearest airport: Madurai airport Distance from city: 149 kilometers Hampi- Located in east-central Karnataka, Hampi or Hampe is the pilgrimage center of Hindu religion. With an expansive and prosperous history that is enumerated by the chronicles of Persian and Portuguese travelers, this town still maintains its cultural significance, it is now considered as an open museum where the tourist can visit more than 100 sites. Hampi has been recognized by the UNESCO as a world heritage site. Many efforts have been taken to restore Hampi to its former glory, limited amount of modern construction has been allowed to maintain the archaic nature of this city. Must visit sites: Monkey temple, Vijay Vittala temple, Virupaksha temple, Matanga hill, Elephant stables Nearest airport: Bellary airport Distance from city: 60 kilometres. Cochin- Cochin is popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea because it boasts one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Cochin is also a city full of culture, Mattancherry Palace also known as the Dutch Palace features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the rajas of Kochi. Religious sites in Cochin include the Paradesi Synagogue- it was built by Spanish-speaking Jews hence it attained the name ‘Pardesi’ which translates to foreigner, this is the only functional synagogue in Kochi with a minyan, this synagogue houses many objects of antiquity including Scroll of the law, several gold crowns received as a gift, Belgian chandeliers and many more. St. Francis CSI Church in Fort Kochi, originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent, one can also tour the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi. Hill Palace- the largest archaeological museum in Kerala consisting of 49 buildings in the traditional architecture style was the official residence of Cochin Maharaja. Another enthralling sight in Cochin is the Chinese fishing nets, a type of stationary lift net introduced by the Chinese explorers who landed in Kochi in the 14th century. Must visit sites: St. Francis CSI church, Hill Palace, Marine Drive, Mattancherry Palace, Pardesi Synagogue Nearest airport: Cochin international airport Chennai- Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in southern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is the biggest educational cultural and economic center of south India. The city is home to Fort St. George, built in 1644 and now a museum showcasing the city’s roots as a British military garrison and East India Company trading outpost, when it was called Madras. This city also houses many beaches including, the Marina beach which is the longest urban a href="https://www.delightindialeisureholidays.com/the-ultimate-beach-tours-in-india-your-gateway-to-south-indias-coastal-splendor/" title="Discover Paradise: Unveiling the Ultimate Beach Tours in India – Your Gateway to South India’ s Coastal Splendor!">beach tours in India. Religious sites include, Kapaleeshwarar Temple - dedicated to lord Shiva, this temple constructed in the typical Dravidian architecture style is adorned with carved and painted gods, and St. Mary’s, a 17th-century Anglican church which is famed for solemnizing the marriage of Elihu Yale, who founded the foundation of Yale university in the U.S.A. Must visit sites: Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church, Kapalishwaran Temple, Valluvar Kottam, Vivekanandan Illam and Sri Parthasarathy Temple. Nearest airport: Chennai airport Madurai- Madurai is an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. Millions attend the processions and ceremonies of April's Chithirai Festival celebrating Meenakshi and Lord Vishnu. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal- a 17th-century palace erected in 1636 AD by King Thirumalai Nayak, considered a wonder of the south in its prime because of its ginormous size, a king of Madurai's Nayaka dynasty who ruled Madurai from 1623–59, this palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles. Madurai has played a paramount role in promoting the Tamil language and preserving Tamil language. Must visit sites: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal Nearest airport: Madurai airport Wayanad- Wayanad is a district in north-east Kerala set amid the knotted jungles and beautiful valleys. It’s famous for providing tourists with an experience that connects them to nature. Waking up to the beautiful call of birds, enjoying a walk in the nature while viewing the chirping birds roving across the tangled forests. Natural water expanses including, Lake Pookot- a freshwater lake where the visitors can enjoy boat riding, amid fresh air and green ambiance, this lake forms the shape of Indias map, it’s positioned at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level, and Soojipara waterfalls also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls with its mammoth 3 storied structure surrounded by evergreen montane forests, are sumptuous to one’s eyes. Waynad also houses caves including, Edakkala Caves- these are 2 natural caves known to be 7000 years old, these caves are very popular amongst tourists. Waynad is home to Pakshipathalam- a bird sanctuary that is popular amongst ornithologists, adventure tourists, and nature lovers. Must-visit sites: Lake Pookot, Soojipara waterfalls, Edakkala Caves, Pakshipathalam Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport Distance from city: 100 kilometers.