South India - The Masterstroke of Nature

Like a magnet draws iron filings, South India attracts tourists in great number from across the globe. Hemmed in by the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal in the west, south and east respectively, South India is bestowed with sheer natural beauty. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Pondicherry, the main tourist destinations of South India have earned international fame because of their majestic aura.

Are you planning holidays and thinking about which destination to choose? Put all the thoughts racing in your mind to rest and straightaway head for South India. When on your tour to South India you will surely get to experience 'great diversity in a lot of things'. The rich culture of South India reflects immense diversity in terms of traditions, customs, manners, habits, tastes and languages. The striking feature of South Indian culture is that it is inhabited by people from different castes and customs.

Beauty is defined to be a harmony of all parts, in whatsoever subject it appears, fitted together with such proportion and connection, that nothing could be added, diminished or altered, but for the worse. It is a quote by Alberti, which aptly describes the architectural beauty of the architectural marvels of South India. Incredible South India is loved across the globe for its stupendous and fascinating architecture. Here each and every architectural establishment speak for itself.

The rich cultural heritage of South India can be best seen in its temple architecture. Synonymous with unsurpassed beauty, the temples of South India will leave you spell bound. Some of the celebrated temples of South India are Cave and Jain Temple at Badami, Virupaksha and Hemakuta Temples at Hampi, Chennakesava Temple at Hassan, Iskcon Temple at Bangalore, Meenakshi Temple, Rameshwaram Temple, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Mannaarshala near Trivandrum, Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayur and Vadakkunnathar Temple at Thrissur,Varadaraja temple and Villenour's Thyirukameswarar temple and the list goes on. These temples also serve as the venues for the fabulous dance performances during the fairs and festivals. Each of the temple has its own unique charm. The Dravidian and the Vesala style of rock architecture can be noticed in most of the temples.

Some of the characteristics of the phenomenal temples of South India are their exquisite carvings, monolithic pillars, sculptural motifs, meticulous designs, huge halls, big Gopuram( is the rising tower at the entrance of a temple which is decorated with carvings and painted with a variety of mythological themes), towering gateways and walled enclosures etc. Several forts and palaces in South India are its other great attractions. No wonder the craftsmen and artisans, sculptors and artists of South India were masters in the art of beauty and creativity. The history of the temples of South India dates back to over 1700 years, speaking volumes about the passion of the rulers of the bygone era about the art and architecture. Apart from the architectural jewels, South India offers tourists sun-kissed beaches, remarkable backwaters, enchanting hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, tea, coffee and spice plantations, and famous pilgrimage centers.

Plan a trip to South India to cherish and enjoy its ageless beauty engraved in its architectural marvels! Explore this destination; the options galore!