Pondicherry (or Puducherry) - South India

Pondicherry 

Pondicherry being the Former capital of French territories was established by Francois Martin in 1674. Enriched with cultural wealth where you can easily witness the dominance of French practices still existing, this place remains a place close to the heart for tourist seeking calmness, cleanliness and heritage.

Apart from the pristine beauty of the city, the other factor which attracts flocks of tourist is the availability of cheap beers and best cuisine giving you the freedom to enjoy.Located in the Old Law building is the Pondicherry Museum consisting of the mesmerizing collections of the art crafts during the French Colonial period displaying Bronze and stone sculptures of the Pallava and Chola periods.

Inside the same complex would be the Romain Rolland Library having the rich collections of more than 300,000 volumes of books in both the languages of French and English. The next tourist attraction would be Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, which cloaks the Neo – Gothic brown and white Church of 1700’s, consisting the large stained glass panels where the incidents from the life of Jesus Christ is portrayed.

The most awaited destination for any tourist would be the Aurobindo Ashram, one of the best – known landmark of the town. Founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926 is considered to be a place of calmness and peaceful retreat where one can attain joy and wisdom.

Auroville considered to be the City of Dawn, was planned by Mother Mirra as the futuristic International city, where one can live in peace. Spherical marble with a crystal inside it and the Meditation centre is the main attraction. Evening walk around the French colonies and through the beach side is worthwhile and overall a place for serenity and calmness.

Best Time to Visit Pondicherry : The best time to visit Pondicherry is winter months, from November till March.

Know more.... 

Visit : https://www.south-india-tours.in/south-india/cities/pondicherry.html

Pondicherry Beach 

Pondicherry beaches are peaceful and gorgeous in their beauty where the French culture still exists. The beaches are surrounded with palm trees that reflect the sound of the waves of water in the breeze. The breathtaking vision of the sunset and dawn and the silky sand under a morning sunshine brings in liveliness and radiance to the beaches. The beaches are so clean that it is much suitable for the swimming and sunbathing or to sit leisurely and relax. The Karaikal Beach has a breathtaking view of the confluence Arasalar River and the sea and should not be missed. The boating club on this beach supplies tourists with rowing boats, pedaller boats and motorboats. Palm trees and fishing hamlets on the Mahe beach gives the beach a gracious look.

To Know More  ...

Visit :https://www.south-india-tours.in/south-india/Beaches/pondicherry-beach.html

Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu South India

Navagraha Temples

Navagraha Sthalas, the most auspicious and holy location where one can offer prayers to the nine planets, and considered to be the most important religious destination in Tamil Nadu state in South India.

All these nine temples are located in a close circuit, in and around the famous temple town of Kumbakonam. Each of these temples are unique with special features in beliefs, rituals and traditions.

The temple structures are all attractive and architecturally marvelous. The locations are all picturesque and attractive. Apart from pilgrims, many tourists loving to enjoy the nature and its gifts prefer to visit Navagraha Sthalas The name of the place itself means the location (Sthalas) of Nine Planets (Navagraha).

A pilgrimage tour to these nine temples has assured benefits in eliminating the wicked effects of the planets on the person’s life, to strengthen the planetary influences for prosperity, to weaken the bad effects and bad influences of the planets on the well being of the person and also to understand the astronomical powers and importance of the planets in the day to day life of the human populaces.

The temples dedicated to nine planets are Vaitheeswaran Koil Angaraka dedicated to Mars, Thiruvengadu dedicated to Mercury (Budhan), Keezhaperumpallam dedicated to Kethu stands for descending node of Chandra- Moon), Thirunallar dedicated to Saturn (Sani), Kanjanoor dedicated to Venus (Sukran), Suriyanar Koil dedicated to Sun (Surya), Thirunageswaram dedicated to Raagu (stands for the ascending node of Chandra - Moon), Thingaloor dedicated to Moon (Chandra) and Alangudi dedicated to Jupiter (Guru).

To Visit all this Temples.. Visit 

https://www.south-india-tours.in/tour-packages/navagraha-tour.html

Top Tourist Places to Visit In South India

South India is the places where you can see the Ancient Culture  and Different Lifestyle of the peoples.There you have a lot more tourist attractions to see. Very oldest,historic temples hill stations.oldest monuments Here you have a sample video..

To  Know More.. Visit  https://www.south-india-tours.in/

Kerala listed as “The destination to watch out in 2017” by the British Travel Body [ABTA]

The God’s own country Kerala has been listed among the “12 destinations to travel in 2017”. It is the only Indian destination which claimed the spot in the list announced by the Association of British Travel Body [ABTA], the most prominent Travel and Tour operators association in Britain. No wonder, the evergreen land of Kerala has been entertaining travellers all around the world for years. It is still most sought after destination in India. Winged visitors from all parts of the world come to Kerala for a lifetime experience, let it be cruising in a houseboat on the glistening backwaters of Alleppey, strolling through the lush green tea plantations of Munnar, witnessing the life of the local residents, a wildlife jeep safari through the thick jungle of Periyar, or sunbathing at the crescent beaches of Kovalam, Kerala is a wonderland. 

Is Kerala for the foodies? Of course, Yes! Being named the “God’s own country, it for sure is a food heaven by all means. The Kerala cuisine is famous for its liberal use of spices [Well! it is the land of spices indeed] and coconut in all their dishes. The wide varieties of food and the distinct flavour offer tourists a new world of finger licking good cuisine. Kerala is not backing off in the sector of Wellness Tourism as well. Home to the Vedic knowledge of Ayurveda, people also visit Kerala to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage to relax and rejuvenate. Kerala welcomes nearly 200,000 visitors from Britain every year, accounting for 20% of the overall tourist arrivals in the state.

Head off to Kerala for an exciting holiday.



Visit south-india-tours.in for more information for travel plans to Kerala.

Top Tourist Attractions in South India

Top Tourist Attractions in South India

1.Munnar

Munnar is a place of peace, beauty and harmony. Incredibly beautiful hill town in the Idukki district is situated at a height of 6000 ft in and is the most preferred summer destination in the state of Kerala. Munnar was an ideal place even during the British period in those colonial days.Munnar is also the apt place for bird watchers as rare species of birds are found easily in the early morning hours. A perfect destination for adventure lovers, honeymooners, wildlife and nature lovers.

2.Ooty

Nestled in the green hills is Ooty, the pictorial Queen of Hill Stations, one of the favorite summer retreats of people in South India, which is at an altitude of 2240 m. Orchards of pine, conifers and Eucalyptus trees and wattle lining the landscape denotes this hill station as a unique one and the most attracted one id the tunnel shaped lavender flowers in the sloping mountains.One can watch the nature in best form however they differ in distance, topography and stature. Majestic hills are the fractions of regal Nilgiri range and a congregation for the Easter and Western Ghats.

3.Alleppey

One of the most popular beach spots which attract the tourists for the pleasant water, awesome houseboats and the palm grooves surrounding area. The pillar is 140 years old and extends into the sea

Alappuzha Beach : - Located 14 Km from Alleppey, this temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture. The palpayasam (milk dessert) offered to the Gods of this temple are famous around the world.

4.Coorg

Coorg situated on the Western Ghats of Karnataka in South India is trendy happening as it is close to Karnataka. With its natural splendor and beautiful environment nestled among the lusting greeneries offers luxurious vacation period to its guests and often praised as the 'Scotland of India' and also later known as 'Kashmir of the South' due to the majestic hill station located at an altitude in the range of 3500 ft above sea level.

Coorg is considered as a mind blowing summer retreat for escaping from the hot summer many tourists arrive in Coorg to enjoy the monsoon. For the sport lovers Coorg offers plenty of admiring facilities to the golf lovers with three golf courses. Coorg offers many exciting outdoor activities like angling, trekking and golfing for the travelers.

5.Pondicherry

Pondicherry being the Former capital of French territories was established by Francois Martin in 1674. Enriched with cultural wealth where you can easily witness the dominance of French practices still existing, this place remains a place close to the heart for tourist seeking calmness, cleanliness and heritage. 

Apart from the pristine beauty of the city, the other factor which attracts flocks of tourist is the availability of cheap beers and best cuisine giving you the freedom to enjoy.Located in the Old Law building is the Pondicherry Museum consisting of the mesmerizing collections of the art crafts during the French Colonial period displaying Bronze and stone sculptures of the Pallava and Chola periods.

6.Kanyakumari

The tip of peninsular where Arabian sea,Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal meets is where the land of India ends.Welcome to the land of Kanyakumari the unexplored treasures of the state.Plan an amazing trip to Kanyakumari to enjoy the land filled with leisure and entertainment. It never fails to amaze you with Kanyakumari temple the most visited pilgrimage at the seashore, beauty of sunrise and sunset, Thiruvalluvar statue, Vivekananda memorial, distinct beaches and most unexplored places to excite you like Vattakottai, twin beach, Kanyakumari pier and Thirparappu falls which is said the water from falls contains herbal value.

7.Hampi

Hampi is a significant religious centre of the Vijayanagara Empire due to the presence of the historic Virupaksha Temple along with many other monuments of the old city. Hampi was the capital of the three generations of Hindu rulers.The massive rock sprinkled mountains and the river that divides the city of Hampi compose strange scenery of this ancient city. The place has many religious, architectural and natural places which make Hampi ideal tourist destination.Krishnadevaraya and Achyuta Raya were the most illustrious rulers. UNESCO has listed the Vittal Temple and other ruins of the town of Hampi as a World Heritage Site. Hampi was pillaged by the Deccan Muslim rulers in 1565 for over a period of 6 months before it was abandoned.

8.Tirupathi

The most popular destination for destination for Hindu pilgrims in India, is Tirupati Temple the site of Shri Venkateshwara Temple situated in Tirumala hills 700m above the town. The temple dates to the 9th century,although it has often been expanded and renovated from the 15th century onwards.

 The seven “sacred hills” of Tirumala are believed to symbolize the seven – headed serpent God Adisesha on whose coils Vishnu sleeps.The aura that surrounds Lord Venkateswara as the bestowers of boons has made this temple the most visited and the richest in India.

9.Kodaikanal

The word Kodaikanal means gift of the forest in local language. Kodaikanal is the most stunning and famous hill station in Tamil Nadu located in the famous Palani Hills in Western Ghats and popularly known as the Princess of hill stations.The thick forest with many varieties of trees, the huge massive rocks in the wilderness and the cascading waterfalls makes it a real gift for the tourists visiting this place. Kodaikanal is situated about 7,200 feet from the sea level the various entertainments available to the tourist is that they can indulge in various activities like cycling, boating, horse riding and trekking.

10.Madurai

Considered to be South India’s great temple town, Madurai situated on the river banks of Vaigai river is known for its rich repository of Tamil culture and Heritage.Stunning Meenakshi Amman temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Handsome God) and his wife Meenakshi (The fish eyed Goddess) built by the Pandyas remains the most attracted sightseeing by all the tourist. The impressive 12 Gopuras the temple tank surrounded by colonnade and the architecture and design attracts most of the Western tourist.Evening ceremony is one of the special event that takes place in temple each day and thousands of people throng to attend this occasion. Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 and was partially restored in the 19th century by Lord Napier. This place has influences of the Islamic culture and has a rectangular courtyard called the Swarga Vilasam (Heavenly Pavilion)..

11.Rameshwaram

About - Rameshwaram City Guide is the most crucial part of any Hindu religious tour or any other temple tours in India. It is called "Vanarasi" of South India and is part of Char Dham Yatra. Rameswaram is believed to be the place from where, according to Hindu mythology, Rama created the bridge across the sea, to reach Lanka with the help of his Vanar Sena.It is the same place where Rama killed the demon king Ravana who abducted Lord Rama's consort Sita and hence it is a very sacred place for the devotees of Rama.The famous pilgrimage site is always crowded by the Hindu devotees who visit Rameshwaram City Guide in large numbers to offer their prayers to Lord Rama. This place also has one of the Jyotirlingas and that is why it is a sacred place for Shaivites as well. It is packed with a number of temples and Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is a must visit Rameshwaram Tour place among all of them.

12.kochi

Cochin remains the trading centre for spices and sea foods, has narrows islands and saltwater lagoons of the Arabian Sea. Mattancherry Palace constructed by the Portuguese in the mid 1550’s was later renovated by the Dutch people.Displays the Palanquins and textiles and Kerala’s’ temple art , all painted in red, yellow, black and white warm shades depicting the religious and mythological themes of the episodes of Ramayana.Jewish Synagogue located at the heart of the Jew Town, is one of India’s oldest synagogue. Today as an evidence only dozen of families remain from the Jew Family where the others have moved to Israel. The synagogue treasures the beautiful silver and gold torah scrolls, crafted grass pulpits, oil lamps and crystal chandeliers.

13.Goa

Goa is India’s smallest state and can be divided into the two districts of North and South Goa. Northern Goa is much more developed as a tourist destination with its roots going back to the early 1960’s. It has the widest range of accommodation available and has a greater number of small cheap hotels. Tourists come here enjoy the nightlife and to go shopping at the sprawling Anjuna markets.Calangute is Northern Goa’s most popular beach and was the centre of the hippie scene in the 1960’s and 1970’s. During the day it is busy with sunbathers, hawkers, masseurs, and hair braiders and you will find a good range of accommodation available here.

14.Wayanad

Wayanad is a district in Kerala which is the most popular tourist destination in Kerala. It occupies the border between the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Wayanad covers an area of about 2132 km ². The temperature ranges between 19 to 32 degree Celsius. Humidity is very high in this region.Wayanad receives the highest annual rainfall in the country. Kalpetta, which is the headquarters of Wayanad is a well-known hill station. This beautiful charming mountainous plateau attracts tourists from all over the world. Wayanad is a land of historical and cultural importance.The Edakkal cave which is the famous tourist spot in Wayanad is known for its cave cravings. These cave cravings are the sign and proof of human existence in Edakkal caves during the Neolithic age. The misty mountains, green valleys, beautiful lakes, and the fresh water springs are the gifts of nature to this charming land.

15.Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram, being one of the UNESCO World heritage site was developed during the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also called by his people as “the great wrestler”. A traveler can spot the rock cut caves, monolithic shrines, structural temples and huge bas-reliefs which depicts the masterpiece of the Pallava art.

Visit the shore temple built by Mamalla dedicated to Lord Vishnu while the other two shrines of Lord Shiva was added by Mamalla’s successor Narasimhavarman II.

This temple has survived the ravages of time and erosion. Later visit the five Rathas which depicts the Dravidian culture and style and the epic Mahabharata. The carvings are found outside the temple and the huge ratha among the five is the Dharmaraja Yudistar rath.

16.Tanjore

Brihadeeswara temple, a 1000 year old temple, which is now a UNESCO world heritage site was dedicated to Shiva, was built by Raja raja Chola I. Carved out of a single block of granite stand the huge Nandi weighing 25 tonnes placed near the sanctum Next destination would be the Royal Palace, which has a lot of historical significance built by Nayaka rulers used as their royal residence and later was remodeled by Marathas.The special significance is that the palace resembles the shape of a flying eagle.

Outside the palace complex is the seven-storeyed observation tower and the durbar hall built in 1684 is a feast to the people who has interest towards the culture. It has lots of paintings and decorated pillars in the walls and the ceilings. Associated to this place are the Raja raja museum and art gallery and Saraswathi Mahal library which have unique collection of antiques, vessels used by the rulers, bronze and copper collection of coins and weapons.

17.Gokarna Karnataka

Every tourist knows South India is a land of many seas, rivers, oceans and beaches and the entire South India region can be visited round the year. In a religious country like India, most of the sea beaches or rivers traditionally have temples since ages, mosques and churches since centuries and there are lots of mythological stories related to all these sites.There are many beaches located in South India and each beach has its own speciality that attracts scores of global tourists. Of all the beaches, Paradise Gokarna Beach is somehow little bit different, not because of its story of creation, but mainly for its peculiar large geographical shape that resembles to the ear of a cow.

18.Hyderabad

One of the prime attractions of the tech city Hyderabad is the Charminar. Over the years, Charminar - Hyderabad has earned huge popularity and has become a major landmark of the city. The very name of Hyderabad associates Charminar with it. It stands as structure that tells us about the glory and the rich cultural heritage of the Hyderabad city. You can not imagine Hyderabad without Charminar- it has become an integral part of the city.Charminar in Hyderabad was constructed by the eminent architect named Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in the year of 1591. This magnificent edifice of granite, lime, mortar or pulverised marble was built as soon as he shifted his capital to this city.

19.bangalore

Bangalore is a vibrant cosmopolitan and fifth largest city in India, with the growing population of young IT professionals and formally awarded as the “Garden City”.Visit the Vidhana Soudha, built of granite and porphyry the Secretariat and the State Legislature of Karnataka constructed in 1956. The most notable one is the Rajasthani Jharokhas and the Indo – Saracenic pillars and the wood works inside the place is noteworthy.Next will be the Bangalore Palace built in 1880 modeled on Windsor Castle, with towers and turreted Parapets. Remains one of the famous spot for shooting Indian films. Tipu Sultan Palace stands as a good example for finely embellished balconies, arches and pillars and a replica of Daria Daulat Bagh in Srirangapatna which was once served as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan.

20.Bandipur National Park

BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is the abbreviation for Biligiriranga Hills. Biligiri is the name of white rock face that constitutes the major part of the hills. BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka.This sanctuary is located at the height of 5091 feet and is spread over an area of 540 Sq Km. Under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 it is a protected reserve and in 2010 it was declared a Tiger Reserve BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary has majorly scrubs, deciduous forests, riparian and evergreen vegetation, shola forest, grasslands and dense forest vegetation. Apart from this there are around 800 species of plants in this sanctuary.

KERALA & ITS BEST

Classic Kerala - Ever Best Places to Visit

Better known as God's own country, Kerala is a tropical paradise with palpable beauty and boast of the highest literacy in India. Kerala renowned for its bewitching backwater countries and tropical atmosphere is always in the list of the tourists coming to India for Kerala tour. Often referred as the land of Ayurveda', Kerala's climate, rich forests and the cool monsoon season (June-November) are best suited for ayurvedic healing and restoration. 

Coconut is an integral part of the cuisine of the people of Kerala. Chili's, curry leaves, mustard seeds, tamarind and safetida happen to be other vital ingredients in the hot and spicy dishes from Kerala. Fish and rice form a part of daily meals of the people. The fascinating and tranquil backwaters add to the glory of Kerala Tour.

If you wish to see a state where nature speaks at its best then it is hard to find a better place than Kerala. Also known as ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is a magnificent blend of different cultures and vibrant festivities and other tourist Places Kerala. Our ‘Classic Kerala Tour’ will allow you to explore the classical allures of Kerala in a pleasant way.

https://www.south-india-tours.in/tour-packages/classic-kerala-tour-packages.html

The most sought after leisure activity in Kerala. A huge number of people from all parts of the World visit Kerala every year to enjoy a ride through this shimmering waterways sidelined by dense tropical greenery. Houseboats are always in demand by honeymoon couples, and families as well. You will have a pure ethnic Kerala cuisine on the boat prepared with freshly caught fish of your choice. Houseboat cruising through these unique backwaters is recommended to be experienced at least once in a lifetime, to enjoy the everlasting love of our Mother Earth. The overnight stay in a houseboat at the middle of the Alleppey backwaters is for sure a moment to cherish all along our life journey.

https://www.south-india-tours.in/tour-packages/kerala-backwater-tour.html

South Indian Cultured Festivals

SOUTH INDIAN FESTIVALS

South India cannot run short of options for tourists when it comes to beaches. From silky sand beaches to wet landscapes from the beautiful view of the sparkling blue lagoons and the sea to beaches where rivers meet with tremendous energy, from relaxing palm fringed beaches to beaches associated to pilgrimage is all available in South India. Has a lot to offer the tourist like adventure sports, snorkeling, water skiing, scuba diving, sightseeing, swimming, yachting and parasailing. Basically beaches in South India are a lavish combination of crystal clear water with hard water rock beds and lush green palm trees is always breathtaking making one's holiday a cherish able one.

Pongal Festival In Tamilnadu

The Pongal festival which normally falls during the second week of January every year. This is otherwise called as the Harvest Festival or the Thanksgiving ceremony. Farmers offer their prayers to the Sun God for the abundant harvest in the most recent season and also they worship Him for a prosperous season ahead. The Pongal festival is celebrated in a grand manner in Tamil Nadu and the other states across the country.

The Indian Diaspora in other countries also celebrate Pongal Festival in a very significant manner. From 2017 onwards, January 14 has been observed as Pongal Day as per the bill passed in the American Senate.Pongal is actually a four days long celebration. According to Hindu Philosophy, the day of Pongal is actually called as Makar Sankranti when the Sun starts its journey towards the Equinox termed as Utharayanam. 

Diwali Festival In Tamilnadu

Diwali is a national festival of India, which is celebrated all over the country will all fervor and happiness. Diwali is also known as festivals of lights and on the day every house is adorned with lovely cute oil lamps. People exchange sweets and gifts with neighbor and relatives.

This festival is celebrated to signify the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ramana. People spend lots of bucks on crackers on this day and the whole night sky will sparkle with colorful night crackers on this day. Lights are lit in every house to signify the eradication of evil.

Chithirai or Alagar Festival

Madurai Is The City Of Festivals And Is Always Busy With Decorations And Preparations. Chithirai Festival That Falls In April Is The Longest Festival In The World That Lasts For A Month. During This Period The Whole City Turns To Be A Boisterous One And Is Filled With Josh. First 15 Days Is Dedicated To Goddess Meenakshi And The Rest To Lord Alagar And On Every Evening There Is God And Goddess March Which Is Accompanied By Thousands Of People. Visit The City During This Colorful Month And Enjoy Yourself To The Core.

Maha Shivaratri

As the name suggests this festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, there is a belief that if we lie wide awake and meditate towards Lord Shiva on this day it will be equal to spending 1000 years in penance towards the Lord. There will be music, dance and fun on this day’s night. Mostly this fete is celebrated during February or March

This festival is solely dedicated to lord Shiva “the Ultimate God”. In Tamilnadu there is a custom that, during Maha Shivaratri, everyone should visit their native temple and spend the whole night there by chanting the mantras of God. 

On Maha Shivaratri, all Shiva temples are flocked by devotees. Pious devotees will fast throughout the day and night. 

On this day, they perform rudrabhishek, Anna abhishek, Vibhuti abhishek and lot more to the Shiva Lingam. Leaves of Bael tree are also offered. The devotees chant the mantra \"Om Namah Shivaya\" during the Abhishekam.

Onam Festivals In Kerala

The whole Kerala is emblazoned with flowers and colors during Onam festival. This is the most vibrant festival in Kerala; the whole state turns out to be boisterous mob during the 10 Days of this festival indulging themselves in dancing, boating and merrymaking. In Kerala, Onam is the harvest festival commemorated in the month of Chingam (The first month in Malayalam Calendar = the month of August or September as per the English calendar). 

The legend has it that King Mahabali ruled kerala in a most efficient way but was tinted with ego. Seeing all this Lord Vishnu decided to teach him a lesson, so he disguised himself as a petite Brahmin and demanded three steps of land from Mahabali. Hearing this Mahabali laughed at him and asked him to ask more because he can afford even thousand little steps of land.

Thai Poosam Festival In Tamilnadu

Be a part of the celebrations at Palani in Tamilnadu where Lord Muruga is worshipped by lakhs of devotees in the Tamil month of Thai. In 2018, the festival falls on 31st January. The temple atop the hill housing Lord Murugan as the presiding deity witnesses devotees carrying bedecked wooden decks, milk pots on their heads and lances pierced in their bodies. As an offering to the God for their prayers responded, devotees undergo these rituals and surrender to his feet.

The temple will be kept open throughout the day of Thaipoosam. You have the options of climbing the 700 steps to reach the temple along with the other devotees carrying their offerings or you can go up by the rope car and winch. You need to walk around half a kilometer from the parking zone to the foot hills. You must be patient enough to get your turn to use the winch or rope car as the crowd will be in the order of thousands.

https://www.south-india-tours.in/south-india-festivals.html

Top Tourist Attractions In Karnataka - South India Tours

Best Of Karnataka - Places to Visit in Karnataka

The state of Karnataka is known for the glorious traditions and marvels of modern engineering. It is bounded by Andhra Pradesh in the east, Maharashtra in the North and Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the South. The majority of the Karnataka state lies on the Deccan Plateau. Bangalore is the state capital. Its long and colourful history, and innumerous forts, Karnataka temples, mosques, and churches make Karnataka a great place to explore.

Location

Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka and is the seventh largest city in India. Bangalore city is located 3,113 feet (949 m) above sea level, on top of a ridge in the Karnataka plateau.

Modes of Transportation

» By Air - The Indian Airlines and some private domestic airlines connect Bangalore to all the major metropolitan and other cities of India like Thiruvananthpuram, Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Mangalore.

» By Rail - A good rail network connects Bangalore to various parts of Karnataka Tourism. The major Indian cities connected with Bangalore through regular trains are Chennai, Mysore, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

» By Road - There are national highways and a number of other roadways leading to the major cities and important towns. There are also regular bus services to and from Bangalore for the nearby cities and towns.

Karnataka Tourist Attractions

Karnataka Beaches : A trip combined with a beach holiday is one of the most exciting and enjoyable ways of spending a vacation of your Karnataka tourism. Karnataka has a 320 km long coastline, freckled with numerous beaches. The tranquility and immaculate charm of the area, coupled with the spontaneity of the coastal folk, and their delicious cuisine is awesome. Some of the popular Karnataka beaches are Devbagh Beach, Om Beach & Kutle Beach, Panambur Beach, Ullal Beach, Murudeshwar, Maple beach and more.

Karnataka Temples : Karnataka Tourist Places are known for historic and religious importance. The great Acharyas, Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhva, preached in this region. Great reformers like Sri Basaveshwara, mathematicians like Bhaskaracharya, commentators like Sayana, saint poets like Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa, and great writers like Pampa, Harihara and Kumara Vyasa have all adorned the heritage of Karnataka Tour Package. Karnataka temples at Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal in Bijapur district have great significance for art connoisseurs. The temples of Halebid, Belur and Somanathapura are architectural splendour. The Bull Temple is the most popular temple in Karnataka.

Karnataka-Wildlife-Sanctuary:

Karnataka has a rich and distinctive variety of wildlife. The thick jungles of the Western Ghats house many rare species of birds and animals. The famous Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuaries are Bandipur, Nagarhole and Dandeli and the Ranganathittu Bird's Sanctuary. The placid Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is reputed as the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. Some other sanctuaries are Bheemeshwari, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Biligiri Rangana Hills and Kambini.

Some other important Attractions are

The world famous Hampi captivates each travellers to Karnataka tourist places. It is one most exquisite in India which is more than enough to explain the glorious past of India. Belur is situated around 38 kms. from Hassan, which is 187 kms. from the capital Bangalore. Halebid is famous for its Hoysaleswara temple. The construction of the Hoysaleswara Temple was started in AD 1121 and continued for around 90 years, but was never completed. Shravanabelagola is famous for the statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwara). The place is an important Jain pilgrimage center and has a long history. Aihole is situated on the banks of river Malaprabha at a distance of 483 km from Bangalore. Other attractions are Gulbarg, Badami etc.

Tourist Attractions in Karnataka :

1.Bangalore 2.Badami  3.Belur 4.Bijapur 5.Halebid 6.Hampi 

7.Dandeli Sanctuary 8.BR Hill and Wildlife 8.Nagarhole National Park  9.Karwar Beach

10.Gokarna Beach 11.Mangalore Beach 12.Mysore