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Bangalore - It City
A local chieftain, Kempegowda, built a small mud fort in 1537 around land gifted to him by the Vijayanagar emperor. It was rebuilt in stone by Hyder Ali Sultan in the 18th century, but is in ruins today. Out of this origin has grown the well laid out beautiful city of Bangalore, which has in recent years, also become an industrial and commercial centre.
WHAT TO SEE:
The Lal bagh Gardens is well-laid and beautiful. It has one of the largest collection of tropical and sub tropical vegetation, lakes and lotus- filled
pond. The Cubbon Park has one of the few statues of Queen Victoria still
standing in India today. 4 km to the south of the city is the historic Kempegowda Fort, Hyder Ali’s son and British India’s most fearsome enemy. The bull temple, the temple the Ganesh temple and the Mysore art and craft centre are also worth the visit.
EXCURSION:
DANCE VILLAGE:
Nrityagram is set on a beautiful 10-acre tract just outside the city and dedicated to continue the guru-Shishya tradition in the teaching of classical Indian dances. Concerts are held fortnightly and information is available at tourist centers.
WHITEFIELD:
16 km. from Bangalore city, this is an ashram town of satya Sai Baba, a religious leader with worldwide following. Sai Baba’s main Ashram is a 3 hours drive from Bangalore at Puttaparti in Andhra – Pradesh.
HASSAN:
West of Bangalore on the Mangalore road is Hassan-194 km. away. The town is a convenient base for a visit to temple town of Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. 51 km. south east of Hassan is Shravanabelagola the most important pilgrimage centre for Jains. 17 meter high monolith of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwara) - the youngest son of first Jain Tirthankar Adinath. Every 12 years, thousands of devotees congregate to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka- a spectular ceremony when the 100 year old statue is bathed with milk, curd, ghee and saffron. Devotees offer gold coins. The next ceremony is slated for 2005.
The temple town of Belur is 38 km. from Hassan. The chennakeshava temple, which took 103 years to complete, is one of the finest examples of Hoyasala architecture. Also worth visiting is the Veernarayana temple. In Halebid, 27 km. North West of Hassan and 17 km. east of Belur, there are the magnificent Hoysalewara and the Kedareswara temples. The walls are covered with carvings of gods, Goddesses, animals, bird and dancing girls.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEINGH TOURS:
Half day sightseeing tours of the ‘Garden City’ visiting the Lal Bagh which has a variety of old trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces and an assortment of tropical herbs. Also see the Government Buildings and the Maharaja’s palace.
LEPAKSHI:
Full day excursion to Lepakshi, an important place for worship. The place has an irresistible attraction to the tourist because of the finest architecture and paintings found in the temples here. Unlike most of the south Indian temples, the temple does not have a prominent Vimana on the Sanctum. But it has many Vimana like structures on top of the temples, indicating several cell of gods housed in the temples.
SRAVANBELGOLA, BELUR AND HALEBID:
At Sravanbelgola, hewn out of a single rock and visible from a distance of 25 km. is the statue of Lord Gomteshwara which is bathed with milk and honey once every 12 years. The chenna klasava temple of Belur built 900 years ago is an exquisite example of Hoyasala art. Halebid’s 12th century Hoyasalaewara and Kedareswara temples are masterpieces of Hindu art.
Chennai - The Temple City
The city of Madras traces its origin to ancient times. Mylai, present-day Mylapore, was an ancient city which carried on trade with the western and eastern worlds exporting spices, silks and cottons, tobacco hides and skins. Madras is today, the forth largest city in the country and the gateway to a voyage of discovery of an ancient temple-studded state, Tamil Nadu, of which it is the capital.
WHAT TO SEE:
FORT ST. GEORGE:
This 350 year old fort at one extreme of the Marina Beach is the right place to
start a tour of the city. Its 20-feet high wall dominate downtown Madras. Inside the wall is the history of British Raj, road after road. Robert Clive’s house is at the crossing on Charles and James streets. Colonel Wellesley’s later Duke of Wellington’s house is also in the fort.
MARINA BEACH:
One of the second longest beaches in the world the area fronting the beach has been beautifully landscaped. There are statues of important personalities of Timal Nadu and a series of bronze sculptures eulogizing the dignity of labour by renewed sculptor Debi Prasad Ray Chaudhury. These apart, the beach front has some excellent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture such as the Madras University, the park Palace and Presidency College.
KAPALISWARA TEMPLE:
Mylapore, integrated into the city of Madras, is famous for this temple. The little houses surrounding the temple tank are now shops selling fascinating jewellery, silks and tradition brass vessels. The wedge- shaped Gopuram is composed of tire-after-tier of exceptional carving.
EXCURSION:
KANCHIPURAM:
The erstwhile capital of the Pallavas, the small town is dotted with temples, most of them built in the 8th century. The Kailashanatha temple still shows some of the original colouring on the carvings. The most interesting temple is Ekambareswara, dating to a later period, with its 188-feet- high Gopuram. This is decorated in tiers with excellently carved blue and yellow figures and stands besides a small stone pool. Nearby is the Vardarajaswamy temple built in 12th century its main hall is supported by enormous pillars each carved from a separate rock. The pillars are covered with carving of horsemen, lions and even a man carrying what must have been one of the earliest known rifles. Kanchi is also famous for its silks.
MAMALLAPURAM (Mahabalipuram):
Relaxing in the shadow of Casurina trees, Mamallapuram was one of the most important centers of the Pallavas. The shore Temple, surrounded by about a score of big stone bulls, contains a few stone carving. The walls of the temples itself are also sculpted.
Another attraction is the group of five block of stone called Rathas. They are carved in the form of chariots by the Pallavas and named after wives of fives Pandava princes. Adjoining the group are life size animals – a lion facing north, an elephant facing south and a bull facing the east.
Inside the town is a bunch of enormous rock casually strewn around. One of them is called Krishana’s butterball, an enormous egg-shaped rock balanced precariously on the hillside. Actually it has been there for centuries. There is also the new light house. The older one behind stands on a Shiva temple and is heavily carved. Down a few steps from the lighthouse is Mahishasurmardini Mandapam, a cave in which the legendary story of goddess Durga killing the demon-buffalo is carved. Further below is the Krishana Mandapam.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEINGH TOURS:
Half day sightseeing tour of the city visiting Museum to see the art and bronze gallery. Drive through the flower and fruit market, High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral and Snake Park.
EXCURSION TO MAHABALIPURAM:
The town of Mahabalipuram is famous for the Seven Pagodas. Here, on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock-hewn temples which are the example of Dravidian style of architecture.
EXCURSION TO KANCHIPURAM:
Visits Kanchipuram (64 kms. from Madras) ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th Century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekamabaswara, Kailasanatha, Shri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks.
Pondichery
Legendary associations trace the origin of this city of Rishi Agastya, the reserved sage of the south. Excavations near Pondichery reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2000 years ago. It became the theatre of many battles in the wars between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India before it attained independence in 1954.
It achieved fame as the centre chosen by the late Shri Aurobindo, revolutionary turned saint, who built his Ashram here which draws tourist to this day.
WHAT TO SEE:
ENGLISH DE SACRE COEUR DE JESUS:
This church on the South Boulevard is part of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Order. About 1.5 km from the city centre, it is noted for its Gothic architecture, stained glass corridors and panels depicting the life of Christ.
THE PROMENADE:
The 1.5 km long promenade along Gombert Avenue and the coast has many of Pondicherry’s little delights. The Gandhi Memorial with its carved pillars, French war memorial, the 29-metre high lighthouse and a glistening beach, among them.
SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM:
Founded by revolutionary –turned-philosopher Sri Aurobindo in 1920, the Ashram is actually called the centre of Internal Yoga. The Samadhi of Aurobindo and the Mother, a French lady who became a follower of Aurobindo and led his other follower after his death, attracts large number of devotees. The ashram has wide activities from agriculture to art and cottage industry to culture.
MUSEUMS:
The Pondicherry Museum contains some specimens of Pallava and chola art from Pondicherry and karaikal. The archaeological sections display findings from sites such as Arekamedu. The French Gallery of the museum brings to life art and artifacts of French India. One of the famous inhabitants of Pondichery was Subramanya Bhariti, Tamil’s best known modern poet. The Bharati Museum displays the patriotic and romantic compositions of the poet. The Bharatidasa Museum preserves the poet’s literary achievements.
EXCURSION:
AUROVILLE:
To carry its experiment in international harmony further, Sri Aurobindo Ashram conceived the idea of an international city during the Mother’s lifetime. It was envisaged that people from all races and nationalities would live and work together. In 1968, Aurovile or city of Dawn was inaugurated with the President of India and dignitaries from across the world, bringing soil for a user to symbolize the city’s ideal of harmony. From the initial dedication ceremony, today there is crater-shaped amphi-theatre with a lotus centre containing the world of 125 countries which participated in the inauguration festivities.
In the original design, seen at the model kept at the town, by French architect, Roer aryer, the 800-care complex spirals out from a central Matrimandir into five main zones: work, dwelling, education, society and world. There are about 40 settlements. These settlements are engaged in a variety of activities such as forestation, farming, education and handicrafts.
Lakshadeep
WHAT TO SEE:
Perhaps the charm of Lakshadweep islands lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track, they attract no hordes of merry makers to their shores. Or perhaps it is the beauty of the islands-densely covered with coconut palm, and threaded by an un broken line of creamy sand, each island floating serenely in a sea whose waters range from palest aquamarine and tuequoise to deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli.Whatever the reason for Lakshadweep’s magic, one fact in certain-it is the big destination of tomorrow.
EXCURSIONS:
KAVARATTI:
The administrative capital, Kavaratti is the most developed of the island, with the highest percentage of non-islanders as residents. Fifty two mosques are spread out over the island, the most beautiful being the Ujra mosque. A well within its precincts is believed to contain water of curative powers. The ujra mosque has an ornately carved from a piece of driftwood. Kavaratti also has an aquarium with several colourful species of fish, and cruises and a floating restaurant built as a traditional country craft and an array of remarkable coral formations that provides a back ground to the lagoons and the islands within them.
KALPENI:
Kalpeni has three uninhabited, satellite island, all surrounded by an immense lagoon of spectacular beauty. Sunlight on the water causes it to sparkle and flash like a million aquamarines. Koomel, the gently curving bay where the tourist facilities are located, directly overlooks Pitti and Tialkam, two of the islands. This lagoon is particularly rich in coral life.
KODAMAT:
A particulary fine lagoon, of even depth, and an endless shoreline, perfect for swimming, makes kadamat a haven of solitude. The tourist huts are situated some distance away from habitation, with only the splash of the waves to break the silence. The only island with lagoons on both east and west sides. Watersports facilities are available and a water sports institute has been set up.
MINICOY:
Farthest from Kavartti island, 200 km away to the south and also nearest to the Maldives, Minicoy has a lighthouse built by the British approximately a hundred years ago. Visitors are allowed up, right to the very different from any of the other islands- dress, language, food, differs for Minicoy has a cluster of 9 villages, which are called Athinis, each presided over by a Moopan. A walk through the winding lanes of the villages is an indication of the culture here. Minicoy is renowned for its dance tradition.
BANGARAM:
There is something indescribably romantic about the very notion of an uninhabited island and Bangaram justifies that feeling. Tear drop shaped, it is encircled by a continuous halo of creamy sand. Like all the other island of Lakshadweep, luxuriant Plantations of coconut provide coolness even during the hottest part of the day, and the inland lake in the heart of Bangaram reflects the blue sky and graceful palms that surround it. There are three uninhabited island in the same atoll consisting of Tirmakara, Parali- 1, parali-2 and Bangaram, perfect for a day’s outing. All the island share the same lagoon, an enormous bowl of turquoise blue.
Bangaram is also an experience of yet another kind. Of matchless peace and tranquility, of a sense of severance from the civilized world. To the sensitive and the romantic, embroided in the cacophony of crowded cities, it offers a memorable escape into isolation, a moment of harmony with nature, an experience quit beyond anything similar on the mainland. The Bangaram island Resort is fast becoming a byword among the island hoppers of the world. Opened few years ago to foreign tourists, the resort with its simple, but attractive housing and kitchen has already become a circled spot in the brochures of tour operators and travel agencies all over.
WATER SPORTS:
High quality equipment of international standard has been imported for water sports. This includes snorkels, glass bottomed boats, rowing and motor boats, equipment for wind surfing, scuba diving, Para-sailing and water skiing. It is the jewel in the crown of the islands, attracting tourist from all over the world.Traditional folk dances of the island are performed by local men. Performances are available on the request. No other form of entertainment exists.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is acity of synthesis, where the north and the south meet as do its Hindu and Muslim cultural strains. Present day Hyderabad goes back to the 16th century, to the Quli Qutb Shahi dynasty, and later to the Nizam who proclaimed their independence from the Mughals. The last Nizam was considered to be the richest man in India.
WHAT TO SEE:
CHAR MINAR:
Hyderbad’s most popular monument, Char Mina, is an immense arch almost
200 feet high. Quili Qutab Shah, the fifty of the seven kings who ruled the region in the 16th and 17th centuries built it to mark the the end of a plague. All around are bazaars, including the famous Lal Bazaars, a street of bangle-seller.
MECCA MASJID:
One of the biggest mosque in Asia, the Mecca Masjid, near Char Minar, can accommodate 10.000 worshipers at one time. Its lofty colonnades and entrance arches are made of single slabs of granite brought from a stone quany 11 km away. It was started in 1614 by Abdullah Qutub Shalar of the Qutub shalri dynasty, and completed in 1687 by Aurangezeb when he annexed Golconda.
GOLCONDA FORT:
This legendary fort, once famous for its diamond market, was the capital of the Qutub Shalri kings who ruled the region from 1518 to 1687 AD. Now partly in ruins, it was a massive structure with a walled enclosure with light gates. The fort originally belonged to the Kakatiyas who ruled from Warangal, they ceded it to the Habmam’s who changed its mud construction to martan masonmy. From the Bhamam’s the fort passed on to the Qutab Shais. Aurangzeb annexed the fort in 1687.
EXCURSIONS:
AMRAVATI:
About 350 km from Hyderabad and 34 km. from Guntur, Amravati is an ancient Buddhist site, in fact the centre of Buddism in south India. The famous Mahachaitya that the Andhra Kings had built in the 2nd century BC was even bigger than the Sanchi Stupa. Nearly a 5 meter wide ambulatory path and 4.5 meter high surrounding railings were added between 150 AD. And 200 AD. The beautifully sculpted railings, relief medallions and carving stone slabs are among the greatest work of out of ancient India.
NAGARJUNAKONDA:
Closer to Hyderabad, about 150 km, the Nagarjuna Hill is situated 10 km. beyond the Nagarjunsagar reservoir dam. Excavations carried out in the valley have unearthed a Mahachaitya. This was also the palace for a Buddhist university with its Viharas or monasteries. There are Hindu temples and a ashwamedha sacrificial altar also. Paleslithic and Neolithic implements have been found at lower level of excavations. The entire area is named after the famous Buddhist scholar Nagarjunacharya who lived in the area in the 2nd century AD. Downstream from the reservoir is the 21-metre high Ethipothala waterfall formed by the Chandraanka.
WARANGAL:
About 150 kms. from Hyderbad, Warngal is best known for its beautiful lakes and temples. The most famous one is the 1000 pillar temple perched elegantly on the slopes of Hamamkonda. Each pillar is elaborately carried in the Chalukya style.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Half day sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Charminar-rectangular four arched monumental gate often described as the “The Arch of triumph of the East”, the Mecca Mosque and visit the salar jung Mesum- one man collection of Manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and curios. Later drive past the high court buildings.
EXCURSION TO GOLCONDA FORT:
Half day visit to Golconda Fort situated on western outskirts of Hyderabad. The Fort built in the 13th Century, served the kings as a stronghold, administrative centre and market place see the expensive roof gardens. Also visit the tombs of Qutub Shahi Kings in beautiful domed mausolea surrounded by gardens. The tombs follow certain patterns with Hindu style ornamentation, while important ones have their own mosques.
Mysore
Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is acity of synthesis, where the north and the south meet as do its Hindu and Muslim cultural strains. Present day Hyderabad goes back to the 16th century, to the Quli Qutb Shahi dynasty, and later to the Nizam who proclaimed their independence from the Mughals. The last Nizam was considered to be the richest man in India.
WHAT TO SEE:
CHAR MINAR:
Hyderbad’s most popular monument, Char Mina, is an immense arch almost
200 feet high. Quili Qutab Shah, the fifty of the seven kings who ruled the region in the 16th and 17th centuries built it to mark the the end of a plague. All around are bazaars, including the famous Lal Bazaars, a street of bangle-seller.
MECCA MASJID:
One of the biggest mosque in Asia, the Mecca Masjid, near Char Minar, can accommodate 10.000 worshipers at one time. Its lofty colonnades and entrance arches are made of single slabs of granite brought from a stone quany 11 km away. It was started in 1614 by Abdullah Qutub Shalar of the Qutub shalri dynasty, and completed in 1687 by Aurangezeb when he annexed Golconda.
GOLCONDA FORT:
This legendary fort, once famous for its diamond market, was the capital of the Qutub Shalri kings who ruled the region from 1518 to 1687 AD. Now partly in ruins, it was a massive structure with a walled enclosure with light gates. The fort originally belonged to the Kakatiyas who ruled from Warangal, they ceded it to the Habmam’s who changed its mud construction to martan masonmy. From the Bhamam’s the fort passed on to the Qutab Shais. Aurangzeb annexed the fort in 1687.
EXCURSIONS:
AMRAVATI:
About 350 km from Hyderabad and 34 km. from Guntur, Amravati is an ancient Buddhist site, in fact the centre of Buddism in south India. The famous Mahachaitya that the Andhra Kings had built in the 2nd century BC was even bigger than the Sanchi Stupa. Nearly a 5 meter wide ambulatory path and 4.5 meter high surrounding railings were added between 150 AD. And 200 AD. The beautifully sculpted railings, relief medallions and carving stone slabs are among the greatest work of out of ancient India.
NAGARJUNAKONDA:
Closer to Hyderabad, about 150 km, the Nagarjuna Hill is situated 10 km. beyond the Nagarjunsagar reservoir dam. Excavations carried out in the valley have unearthed a Mahachaitya. This was also the palace for a Buddhist university with its Viharas or monasteries. There are Hindu temples and a ashwamedha sacrificial altar also. Paleslithic and Neolithic implements have been found at lower level of excavations. The entire area is named after the famous Buddhist scholar Nagarjunacharya who lived in the area in the 2nd century AD. Downstream from the reservoir is the 21-metre high Ethipothala waterfall formed by the Chandraanka.
WARANGAL:
About 150 kms. from Hyderbad, Warngal is best known for its beautiful lakes and temples. The most famous one is the 1000 pillar temple perched elegantly on the slopes of Hamamkonda. Each pillar is elaborately carried in the Chalukya style.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Half day sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Charminar-rectangular four arched monumental gate often described as the “The Arch of triumph of the East”, the Mecca Mosque and visit the salar jung Mesum- one man collection of Manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and curios. Later drive past the high court buildings.
EXCURSION TO GOLCONDA FORT:
Half day visit to Golconda Fort situated on western outskirts of Hyderabad. The Fort built in the 13th Century, served the kings as a stronghold, administrative centre and market place see the expensive roof gardens. Also visit the tombs of Qutub Shahi Kings in beautiful domed mausolea surrounded by gardens. The tombs follow certain patterns with Hindu style ornamentation, while important ones have their own mosques.
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