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South India - A
Heritage of Centuries
The delightful south; almost untouched by invasions
throughout its history, the Indian heritage is more intact here
than in other regions of the country. This is a land of temples,
a land of the devout where new wonders await - the profusion of
orange flowers, the shade of the banyan tree, and the soft beat
of distant drums as yet another festival starts...
Chennai - A
Kaleidoscope of Moods
Chennai is the centre of the Hindu tradition of Bharata
Natyam (classical dancing) the art of temple sculpture also
comes from this part of the country, and gives expression to
both the devoutness and the artistic skills of the Tamil people.
Chennai is the home of the ancient Dravidian civilisation, one
of the oldest articulate cultures in the world. It is a city
where the landscape of the past lives easily with more recent
history. This busy, efficient metropolis is a good centre to
plan a journey over South India. Make use of the international
and domestic airport and the massive network of trains and
buses. The friendliness, sincerity and colourfulness of the
people can slowly be absorbed while taking a stroll over the
sandy stretch of beach known as the Marina, or visiting Fort St.
George, built by the British East India Company. So many of the
street names reflect the city’s long association with other
cultures; China Bazar Road, Armenian Street, Portuguese Church
Street for instance. In 78 AD, the Apostle St Thomas was
martyred in the city, but the Christian faith now finds graceful
expression in the many churches, particularly the San Thome
Cathedral. View the whole panorama from the Chennai lighthouse,
or experience the culture from ground level in the temples, art
galleries or museums. Head off in any direction from Chennai –
even east, across the Bay of Bengal by boat or plane to Port
Blair in the Andaman Islands; a paradise archipelago, lush and
forested, home of some of the most exotic plant-life in the
world. The crystal clear waters shimmer with tropical fish, and
the islands are famous for their corals and water-sports
facilities. North of Chennai is the large state of Andhra
Pradesh, rich in archeological and architectural treasures. The
capital, Hyderabad, was once the seat of the fabled Nizams. The
Charminar is a national symbol, and the Salar Jung Museum a rich
repository of the Raj.
A Myriad of
Temples
The devout Dravidian people of the south live and breathe
their ancient religion. Nothing, however, can really prepare a
visitor for the temples, where images of the quiet bustle of the
vast halls, the huge gopurams completely covered by coloured
sculptures of gods and goddesses, the sight of bare feet walking
across cool slabs, the heady smell of incense and the chime of
the temple bell rung by priests and the faithful leave
entrancing impressions. Rustic carts drawn by oxen with their
brightly coloured painted horns, smiling villagers harvesting
the hay at the side of the road - these will be some of the
memorable features of the short journey from Chennai to the
famous temple town of Mahabalipuram. A swim off the glorious
beach will refresh you after absorbing the wonders of the
romantic shore temples and of Arjuna’s Penance, the huge rock
carvings of animals and gods, There are so many impressive
temple towns in South India - nearby Kanchipuram with its
spectacular gopurams, ’ visible from miles away, or other
magical sounding places - Chidambaram, Tanjore, Tiruchirapalli,
and, most of all, the pilgrim centre of Madurai - one of the
oldest cities in Southern India - with its dramatic and lively
Meenakshi temple, dedicated to the fish-eyed goddess.
Alternatively, for a different style of relaxation, visit the
attractive French-style coastal town of Pondicherry, south of
Chennai. In the neighbouring state of Karnataka lie the
stone-carved temples of Belur and Halebid. Relive the exciting
era of the Hoysalas, who flourished around the 12th century, by
examining the endless stories which the sculptural detail
portrays the war, the hunt, the animals, the dancing girls and,
of course the gods. Situated on top of a hill in Sravanabelagola
is the massive statue of Lord Bahubali, dwarfing the landscape.
Lose yourself in the strange and beautiful ruins at Hampi. Visit
Bangalore, the state capital, for another, different taste of
Indian urban life; the city is affluent, bustling and vibrant
and -splendidly adorned with trees, parks and gardens. It is
also the most important centre of India’s ’nonsmoke’ industries,
including aerospace, machine-tools and electronics. Further
delights are waiting in the gracious sandalwood city of Mysore,
where it is possible to stay in the one-time home of an
ex-Maharajah, now the Lalitha Mahal Hotel of gleaming white
beauty. Incense is manufactured in the city, and the sweet and
fragrant smells of jasmine and rose and musk will linger in the
air and in the memory.
The Warm Beauty
Kerala - land of surf, spice and magic, an ancient
crossroads of cultures...Chinese fishing nets drawn up on the
golden sand, Jewish synagogues, Portuguese forts, Dutch and
Syrian churches, and of course beautiful Indian temples and
palaces...backed by mountains, fringed with surf, rich in spice
plantations and coconut palms, relaxed and tranquil under the
warm tropical sun. Laze gloriously on the unspoiled and
beautiful coconut beaches of Kovalam, India’s finest beach
resort; or visit Cochin, with its beautiful waterfront, or
Trivandrum, with the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the former rulers’
place of workshop; both towns are also memorable for their
churches and museums. While in the area, move into the
hinterland and hear the trumpeting of an elephant and the
chatter of monkeys running wild in the green and watery Periyar
Game Sanctuary. Inhale the pure fresh air from the height of the
Nilgiri hills while absorbing the spectacular views in
Ootacamund or Kodaikanal, perhaps followed by a gentle trip on
the backwaters between Aleppey and Quilon, watching the
villagers at work in the lush green paddy fields.
Joyous Dance of
the South
A visit to the south may well coincide with one of the
many magnificent festivals; if not, don’t worry, as there will
usually be a celebration of some sort in every lively village
here. The Bharata Natyam dance originated in the south; the
rhythm of the music, the colours of the costumes and the grace
of every stylised movement will spellbind the onlooker.
Experience the beauty and elegance of the Kathakali mask dance,
which depicts tales of the gods, heroes, demons and fabulous
beasts of Indian legend, or the grace of Kalaipattu, the martial
art of Kerala. Join the happy and smiling throng of revellers as
fireworks explode into the night sky, brightly coloured flowers
are scattered in the air, gloriously bedecked elephants and cows
join the procession in the street, everyone dancing to the beat
of the tabla sights and sounds all entwined with the haunting
rhythm of ancient Sanskrit Mantras (chanting).
India awaits
you
Kanya Kumari (Cape Comorin) in Tamil Nadu, India’s Lands
End, washed by three seas, where at the time of the full moon it
is possible to watch the sun set and the moon rise at the same
time, a popular pilgrimage town, the end of the railway line ...
from here to Jammu and Kashmir is over 3,300 kilometers, and the
railway journey will take three days, passing through the whole
staggering diversity of India – the great plains, towering
mountains and rich forests, the serene temple towns and lively
resorts, thriving cities, tranquil hill stations and tiny
villages, the people, the history, the wildlife, the cultures...
such a wealth of beauty and mystery and laughter in this
graceful and gentle land. An experience both indescribable and
unforgettable as only India can be. She is waiting for you, and
has been for 5,000 ye |