Bangalore As A Hub For South India
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.
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.
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.
