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However all the states of South India are unified in the larger cultural background of India.
As you travel in South India you will find a land where the tradition and modernity come together in unique ways. In the cities of South India you will find traditional temples and futuristic information technology companies, beautiful gardens and software parks, elegant old world bungalows and modern multistoried apartments. South India is changing rapidly while preserving its age-old culture.
Kerala: This state on the West coast of South India is one of the world's most exotic beach and rejuvenation destinations. The beaches of Kerala include the famous Kovalam Beach. The backwaters of Kerala - along which you can sail on a traditional houseboat and the hill ranges of Kerala where you can tour the spice plantations are very popular tourist attractions. You can travel to wildlife sanctuaries and see elephants and other rare creatures in the forest. You can indulge in rejuvenation therapy sessions at the Ayurveda spas and resorts in Kerala and feel completely relaxed after your travel to Kerala in South India.
Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala this city was previously called Trivandrum. Known for its mild climate, Trivandrum has several temples, museums, palaces and sights to see. It is near the popular Kovalam Beach.
Tamil Nadu: This state on the East coast of South India is known for its cultural heritage, fine textiles and film industry. The grand temple cities of Madurai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram and Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu display some of the finest examples of Dravidian temple architecture built by the Chola and Pallava rulers of South India. The fine silk saris textiles of Kanchipuram and the cotton textiles of Tamil Nadu are famous worldwide.
Chennai: The capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, previously known as Madras, is an important city in South India. Known for its long beaches including Marina Beach, Chennai has many historic attractions including churches and Fort St George. The Tamil film industry is centered in Chennai and actors from the film industry also play an active role in political life. The Memorials of Anna and M.G. Ramachandran - political leaders of Tamil Nadu are popular tourist attractions in Chennai. The famous Adayar Banyan tree, one of the largest Banyan Trees in India, in the lawns of the Theosophical Society, and the snake Park near Chennai are landmarks of Chennai, which you should see on your tour.
Karnataka: This state to the North of Kerala, on the Southwest coast of India, is known for its architectural and cultural heritage, its wildlife sanctuaries and for being home to the information technology center of India. You can see the remains of the Vijayanagar Empire in Hampi, the marvelous temples of the Hoysalas at Halebid, the palaces of the Maharajas of Mysore and the forts of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatnam. See coffee plantations in Coorg, tigers and deer in the wild in Nagarhole and Bandipur, and shop for fine Mysore silk saris and sandalwood products on your travel to Karnataka, India.
Bangalore: The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is known the world over as the Information technology capital of India. Also called India's Silicon Valley, Bangalore is known for its moderate weather all year round and its relaxed pace of life. The Vidhan Soudha, or Legislative Assembly, the Lalbagh Gardens, the Indian Institute of Science, and the Ulsoor Lake are landmarks in Bangalore.
Andhra Pradesh: This state to the North of Tamil Nadu, on the Southeast coast of India, is a mixture of cultural influences. The Vijayanagar Empire covered much of modern day Andhra Pradesh till its end in 1565. Muslim kingdoms such as Hyderabad came into existence. The Muslim Nizams of the Qutub Shahi dynasty ruled the city of Hyderabad. This mixture of cultures makes Andhra Pradesh a fascinating state to explore. From the Buddhist structures of Nagarjunasagar to the famous temples at Tirupati, to the busy coastal port of Vishakapatnam, from the pearl markets of Hyderabad to the silk weavers of Pochampalli, there's plenty to see when you travel to Andhra Pradesh.
Hyderabad: The capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, was the historic capital of the Nizams. There are many fine monuments including the landmark Charminar, the impressive Golconda Fort, the Hussain Sagar Lake with a statue of Buddha on an island in the lake, the Qutub Shahi Tombs and the Falaknuma Palace. Hyderabad also has a Planetarium, an IMAX theatre and markets where you can buy pearl jewellery and pearls and beautiful silk sarees woven by the traditional weavers of Andhra Pradesh.
These are some of the attractions, which you will see when you travel across South India, with 123 India Travel.
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