India, a land of extremes and contrasts, is home to a diverse array of traditions, culture, food habits and lifestyle. This land for all seasons never ceases to amaze travelers. Being the cradle and stronghold bastion of Dravidian civilization, South India is quite unique and distinct from the rest of India. The region boasts of a glorious historic legacy dating as early as the ancient Vedic times. The geographically dispersed landscape juts out into the ocean forming a peninsula flanked by Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal on each side. Present day South India encompasses the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala together with the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry.
Andhra Pradesh – The third largest state in India, Andhra Pradesh is a land resplendent with natural beauty and historic legacy. This state with a rich cultural background was ruled by the great Hindu kings and later by Islamic rulers. Golconda, which was a famous diamond trading centre, from whence came the world renowned Koh-I-Noor diamond, is located in the state. Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Karnataka – The very name has become synonymous with the booming IT industry of India. The state is also famous for its imposing ancient temples made of rock. Several intricately carved temples dating back before 10th century lie scattered throughout the state. Karnataka is also home to the famous Carnatic form of music, now popular throughout the world. Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is the capital of Karnataka.
Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu is an ancient land with a history that goes back to several thousand years. It is accepted that all Dravidian languages originated from Tamil – the mother of all Dravidian languages. The region has seen the rise and fall of several mighty empires - some powerful dynasties ruled over the entire South India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and parts of Indonesia. Several fine monuments- temples, palaces, forts, etc., with quite a few now listed as UNESCO world heritage monuments are scattered across the terrain. Tamil Nadu has an assortment of exciting destinations for the traveler – towering ancient temples, palaces, historic monuments, beaches, hill stations – everything one can possibly imagine. Chennai (known as Madras under the British Raj) is the capital of Tamil Nadu.
Kerala – Popularly known as the ‘Gods own Country’, Kerala is a paradise for tourists. Listed as one of the 50 must see destinations of a lifetime by National Geographic – Kerala is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The scenic backwaters, tiger reserve, Western Ghats bio-diversity hotspot, picturesque beaches all add to the natural beauty of Kerala. There are several historic monuments including palaces, synagogues, colonial mansions, temples, churches, mosques, forts, etc., that stand as unique examples of the rich historic legacy of the state. Thiruvanathapuram (Trivandrum) is the capital of Kerala.