Places and attractions in South India.

3 hours from Coimbatore, Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary covers 100 sq.km, offers a unique out door experience in wildlife. Jungle hut, an 18-acre estate offers basic accommodation with rustic setting. An elephant camp of 30 elephants is here. A Ganesh pooja is done by elephants on every evening. The forest is accessible on elephants. 

Mysore, the city of palaces is one of the beautiful cities of India combining ancient grandeur with modernity. Mysore palace, the Brindavan gardens with its dancing fountains built on the terraces of Krishnarajasagar Dam, Chamundi hills and the huge statue of Nandi - the sacred bull, Summer Palace and fort of Tippu Sultan and somanathpur temple are the attractions. The city is famous for its fragrant jasmine, traditional sandalwood carvings and silk. Lalitha Mahal Palace is a Heritage Hotel now. 

Enroute Mysore to Hassan, Sravana Belgola is famous for the huge monolith statue of Jaina saint Gomata 981 AD, at an elevation of 141 meter.
Near Hassan, Belur and Halebid rock temples built by Hoysala dynasty in 13th century, which carries intricate carvings in rocks, which are amazingly beautiful.

Founded in 1537 by Magadi chieftain, Kempe Gowda Banglore is one of the most enjoyable cities in India. Enlightened rulers like Tipu Sultan & Wodeyars made Bangalore blossomed into one of Asia's fastest growing cities. One of the factors that made Banglore the fifth largest city in India today is its mild and healthy climate. A large number of people, many from outside the region have thus made the city their permanent home. Thus the city has a fairly large number of people who are retired from active life and others who are here for exclusive pleasure seeking. 

Often termed as Garden City it is truly cosmopolitan in nature. It has a salubrious climate with innumerable parks, gardens, lakes & tree lined avenues giving it the sobriquet 'garden city'. Banglore is also known as Silicon Valley of India for its Software industry. It is multifaceted with major industrial and commercial centers, historic monuments, shopping plazas, bustling pubs, race course, golf courses, rustling silks, fragrant sandal wood and friendly people.

The Bull temple is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century AD. The grey granite scared bull, Nandi, is the main attraction after which the temple has been named. The Sacred bull has beeen carved out of a single granite block. It has been built by Kempe Gowda, the founder of the city.
Tippu Sultan"s Palace which is built of teakwood in 1781 - 91 . Noteworthy are the floral designs on the walls and ceilings. After Tippu's death the palace was used as a Secretariat by British until 1867.

Lal bagh, the botanical garden spread over 240 acres, was laid by Heyder Ali and developed by Tippu Sultan. It was had a profusion of red roses. It has also a green house with a collection of various kind of flora. The glass house built on the lines of the crystal palace in London is the main attraction in the park.

The Vidhan Saudha a four storied building made after the independence of India, houses the state legislative Assembly and a part of secretariat. The salient feature of the building is its architectural style which is a combination of ancient and modern styles blended into harmony. Founded in 1886 one of the oldest in the country, the museum displays a collection of archaelogical artfacts

Madras or Chennai, the gateway to south India is a centre of south Indian art, architecture, music, dance, and festivals. Fort museum, Government museum and art gallery are interesting. 

One-hour drive from Madras is the ancient seaside town of Mahabalipuram, the seat of Dravidian style of architecture, has one of the finest beaches in India. Its rock cut temples, pavilions and relief sculptures created in 8th century are among the best of their kind

80 kms from Madras, Kanchipuram one of the oldest cities of India, is a temple town with imposing shrines and famous for its silk weaving industry.
190 kms from Madras, Chidambaram is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place. Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the ancient temple of the Cholas is devoted solely to the art of Bharatanatyam dance. It is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the Lingam. Spread over an area of 40 acres with gopurams (towers) on each side, the temple is distinguished by five sabhas (courts).

Thanjavoor is famous for its exquisite handicrafts, bronze statue casting and South Indian musical instruments like Veena and Mridangam. There are many impressive temples around, including famous Brihadeeswara temple built in 1012 AD. The huge palace built in 1550 AD includes Sangeetha Mahal, an acoustically perfect music hall.

Situated on the banks of Cauvery River, Trichy known for its Rock fort and Sri Ranganatha temple.

Madurai dates back to 6th century BC with an ancient cultural heritage. Madura Meenakshi temple, a superb example of Dravidian architecture and sculpture. Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakulam, Azhagar Kovil, Tirumalai Nayickan Palace built in 17th Century and Thirupparankundram cave temple are the main attractions here. Gandhi Museum, Meenakshi temple museum and palace museums are attractive.

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