KARNATAKA has a finely balanced mix of natural attractions and superb historic architecture. Best time to visit: September to February.

Bangalore: The capital of Karnataka is the Silicon Valley of India because of its vast Computer Industry. Bangalore is well linked by air, rail and road to the major cities.

What to see 
:: Cubbon Park :: Vidhan Saudha :: The Government Museum :: 
:: Venkatappa Art Gallery :: The Bangalore Palace :: Lal Bagh ::
::The Fort and Tipu Sultan's Palace :: Bull Temple ::
:: Shri Gangadhareshwara Temple ::

Excursions: 
:: Nandi Hills (60 kms. from Bangalore) 
:: Sravanabelagolu (150 kms. from Bangalore)
:: Halebid (216 kms. from Bangalore) 
:: Belur (222 kms. from Bangalore)

Mysore: Dussehra Festival in the first two weeks of October is a wonderful time to visit Mysore. The nearest Airport is Bangalore (140 kms.). Mysore is well connected to Bangalore by Rail and Road.

What to see 
:: The Mysore Palace :: St. Philomina's Church :: Chamundi Hills ::

Excursions: 
:: Srirangapatnam (15kms, once capital of Tipu Sultan)
:: Brindavan Gardens (19 kms.), 
:: Bandipur Tiger Reserve (80 kms.)

TAMIL NADU, in the southernmost part of India, Tamil Nadu is referred to as the cradle of Dravidian culture. The cultural icons are everywhere, huge temples with their towering "Gopurams" (Gateways), intricate Rock Carvings, evocative music and of course the complex classical dance. Main Language: Tamil, Best time to visit: October to February.

Chennai: The capital City of Tamil Nadu is a perfect launching pad to see the rest of the State. Chennai has international airport and is well connected by Rail and Road to major cities in the country.

What to see 
:: Fort St. George :: Fort Museum :: Kapaleshwarar Temple :: 
:: Sri Parthasarathy Temple :: San Thome Basilica :: Snake Park ::
:: Theosophical and Government Museums :: Aquarium :: 
:: Anna Zoological Park :: Elliots Park :: Marina Beach ::

Excursions: 
:: Mamallapuram (68 kms.) famous for Shre Temple and Rock Carved Rathas.
:: Kanchipuram (76 kms.) shop for Traditional Pure Silks. 
:: Tirupati and Pondicherry.

Madurai: Madurai is 447 kms from Chennai and 227 kms from Coimbatore. Over 2500 years old Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai. Madurai is well connected by Air, Rail and Road with important cities of South India. 

What to see 
:: Meenakshi Temple :: Thirumalai Nayalear Palace :: Koodal Alagar Temple ::

Excursions: 
:: Vaigai Dam (70 kms.), :: Kodaikanal (120 kms.)
:: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (155 kms.)

Kanniya Kumari: Kanniya Kumari is 242 kms. from Madurai and 689 kms. from Chennai. At the Southernmost land tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet lies Kanniya Kumari an important Pilgrim Center. The nearest airport is Trivandrum (87 kms.)

What to see 
:: Kanniya Kumari Temple :: Vivekananda Rock Memorial :: Gandhi memorial :: :: Vattakottai Fort ::

Rameswaram: Rameswaram is 573 kms. from Chennai and 295 kms. from Kanniya Kumari. Known as the Varanasi of the South it is an important pilgrim centre. Nearest Airport is Madurai only 167 kms. away.

What to see
:: Ramanathaswamy Temple :: Agnithertham Coral Reef :: Kurusadai Island ::

Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station at 2133 me above Sea level in the Palavi hills of Western Ghats. The nearest Airport is Madurai (120 kms), the nearest railway station is Kodai Road (80 kms) is on the Madurai-Chennai sector.

What to see 
:: Shenbaganu Museum :: Coaker's Walk :: Green Valley view ::
:: Bear Shola Falls :: Pillai Rocks ::

Udhagamandalam (Ooty): Ooty is 535 kms from Chennai.
A beautiful hill station at 2240 m above sea level in the Nilgiris. The nearest Airport is Coimbatore (100 kms.). A toy train links Udhagamandalam to Mettupalayam which is connected in turn on the broad gauge to Coimbatore and Chennai. Excellent bus services run between Udhagamandalam and Coimbatore.

What to see
:: The lake :: Botanical Gardens :: Dodabetta Peak :: Werlock Downs ::

PONDICHERRY
Home to the famous Aurobindo Ashram and is renowned for its French styled architecture and cuisine. Nearest airport is Chennai (160 kms.)

What to see 
:: Matri Mandir :: Auroville :: Raj Niwas :: Romain Rolland Library :: Pondicherry Museum :: 
:: Statue of Mahatma Gandhi :: War Memorial :: Statue of Joan of Arc :: 
:: Church of the Notre Dame des Agnes :: Botanical Gardens :: Institute of Indology ::
:: Aurobindo Ashram :: Chunnambar Beach Resort :: Water Sports Centre ::

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