Tamil Nadu & Karnataka - Audley Travel

Tamil Nadu & KarnatakaThis vast area of South India is blessedwith an astonishingly diverselandscape, ranging from the jungle-coveredhills of the Western Ghats to sweepingplains scattered with temples and thebeautiful Coromandel Coast fringed by theIndian Ocean. The Ghats have long been ahaven for wildlife and sanctuaries offer theopportunity to view elephant, gaur andeven tiger, as well as a myriad of birds.The tropical hills are ideal for the productionof tea and coffee; plantations are dotted withcolonial bungalows and towns establishedduring the Raj. While the legendarywarrior king Tipu Sultan made inroadsinto the region, neither he nor the Mughalsextended their empires deep into the south.Three powerful Hindu dynasties dominatedthis area for over 1,000 years and theirlegacy is a rich cultural heritage with awealth of Hindu art, architecture andancient temples that draws a constantstream of pilgrims. The well planned streetsand technology parks of Bangalore seem amillion miles away from the rest of Indiabut even here the inhabitants are proud oftheir heritage.50

Audley in Tamil Nadu& Karnataka23145678In this section you will find places of interestin Tamil Nadu and the southern half ofKarnataka which can both be comfortablycombined with a tour of Kerala or be visitedon their own. Karnataka’s main attractionsare located almost at opposite ends of thislarge state and information about those inthe northwest can be found on pages 42-49.To help you get the most out of your time inSouth India we plan your trip to match yourinterests and combine the well-knownhighlights of the region with more unusualexperiences. For the majority of trips, wesuggest a private car and driver leaving yourelaxed and ready to enjoy sightseeing. Insome places, we recommend that we bookan English-speaking guide for your excursionsin advance, many of whom are experts inlocal history, architecture or wildlife whileat others we give you the option ofexploring independently.AccommodationFisherman in a coracle1 MysoreVisit the City Palace on aSaturday or Sunday evening fora magical view of this beautifuledifice illuminated by thousandsof lights.2 Belur and HalebidExplore the temples of Belurand Halebid famous for Hoysalaart and decorated with exquisitecarvings of Hindu gods.3 Blue Mountain RailwayTake a journey over the hillson a steam train.4 MaduraiFollow the ceremonies inSri Meenakshi temple, a citywithin a city, filled withhundreds of pilgrims and thescent of incense.5 ChettinadStay in a village of 19th centurymerchants’ homes.6 PondicherryEnjoy a piece of France in Indiain this atmospheric formercolonial enclave.Children, Chettinad7 MahabalipuramSoak up the atmosphere andviews of the Shore Templeat sunset.8 Andaman IslandsSnorkel and dive amidst someof the best marine life off thecoast of India.Accommodation varies quite considerablythroughout the region. In the metropolitancities you will find a good range of hotels, butthose at the luxury end are often aimedmore at the business traveller. Small boutiquehotels are hard to come by in parts of TamilNadu and functional three star hotels caterfor visitors to many of the temple towns.Following the example of neighbouringKerala, some families in the border areashave opened their homes to guests andprovide an interesting insight into localculture. On the Coramandel Coast, anincreasing number of resorts are available onthe beaches while in the former colonial hillstations, tea plantations and heritagebungalows provide characterful, butsometimes simple, accommodation.Find out moreFor suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Tamil Nadu andKarnataka, please see page 61.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features,further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.☎Discuss your plans with our South Indiaspecialists 01993 838 355Flowers for sale, BangaloreBlue Mountain Railway, NilgiriTamil Nadu & Karnataka 51

Young girl, Tipu Sultan Mahal, BangaloreThe business district, BangaloreBangaloreBangalore represents an important centre forbusiness, science and technology and is one ofIndia’s largest, wealthiest and most populous cities.With its cooler climate and endless opportunities,it attracts the young and educated from all overIndia. Once known as the Garden City, it is nowdominated by IT parks, shopping malls, trendybars and restaurants. However, the past has notbeen forgotten and the combined legacies of TipuSultan, Haider Ali and the British still live on inLalbagh Botanical Gardens, Cubbon Park and theordered tree-lined streets found all over the city.To most visitors Bangalore’s hi-tech modernitycomes as a surprise compared to the relativesimplicity of the rest of India, but with directflights from the UK and excellent road and raillinks, it is an excellent starting point for tours ofSouth India.52LAIKA, BANGALOREThis small boutique styled hotel has just eightrooms over two floors in a brick house, locateddown a quiet lane off bustling MG Road in centralBangalore. The rooms are adorned with oldKeralan beds, hand-painted, tiled mosaic tablesfrom Goa’s Portuguese era and window louvresfrom Bangalore’s old mansions. Continentalbreakfast is available in the small dining area andthere are plenty of restaurants within walkingdistance for lunch or dinner.TAJ WEST END, BANGALOREOriginally built in 1887, the Taj West End wasone of Bangalore’s first hotels and is still one ofthe city’s finest. Set in eight hectares of maturegardens, the hotel is an oasis of calm in an ideallocation, not far from the city centre. The refinedcolonial rooms are spacious and very comfortable.A swimming pool and fantastic range ofrestaurants makes the property a great choicefor your first or last night in India.Taj West End, BangaloreSeating area, Shreyas, BangaloreSHREYAS, BANGALOREThis wonderful retreat is located on theoutskirts of Bangalore and offers a mixture ofguest rooms, tents and cottages. Here the focusis very much on promoting health and wellbeingthrough yoga sessions with highly trained yogamasters, suitable for both experts and beginners.This property contrasts contemporary style withantiques, and the facilities include a swimmingpool, two yoga halls and a fully-equippedaudiovisual room. Guests are encouraged toeat together at the communal dining table,with organic home-grown vegetables alwayson the menu.

Bollywood posters, BangaloreNandi Bull, near MysoreMaharaja Palace, MysoreMysoreFamous for silk, sandalwood and incense, Mysoreis one of South India’s most vibrant and aromaticcities. For more than 500 years this was thecapital of the Wodeyar Rajas, who ruled over thesurrounding state. The Maharaja Palace, rebuilt athuge expense in 1897 after a fire, is an imposingcentrepiece, especially on Saturdays, Sundays andpublic holidays when it is illuminated by thousandsof tiny light bulbs. It is a fascinating place to visitand reflects the mixed tastes and influences of thelate ruling Maharajas. A trip to the outskirts of thetown brings you to the popular spot of ChamundiHill where, having ascended 1,180 or so steps tothe summit, you are rewarded with panoramicviews of Mysore. En route you’ll pass one ofIndia’s largest monolithic Nandi Bull statues andthe city’s most important temple, patronised bythe rulers of Mysore for centuries. Mysore isalso a great base from which to visit nearbyRanganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatnaand Somnathpur.Gitanjali Farm, MysoreAsian openbill storks, Ranganathittu Bird SanctuaryGITANJALI FARM, MYSOREAt the foot of the hills on the outskirts of Mysore,Gitanjali Farm is a family home offering warmthand hospitality. The brick farmhouse is set ingardens, with distant views to the Lalitha MahalPalace, while comfortable accommodation isoffered in four rooms in the garden. Yourcharming hosts Dalu, Muthu and their daughterYamuna are from the Coorg region. Delicioushome-cooked food featuring distinctive Coorgicuisine is served either in the family dining roomor outside in the gardens after a pre-dinner drink,and offers the chance to chat to your affablehosts about local life.Hindu temple, MysoreSrirangapatnaSrirangapatna is situated on an island in the KaveriRiver, approximately 12 kilometres from Mysore.This historic site dates back to the 10th century,although it was not until the 18th century thatTipu Sultan succeeded his father, Haidar Ali, andadopted it as his capital. It was here that hefought to his death during a bloody battle againstthe British, which left the city in ruins. Althoughsome of the sites require imagination, TipuSultan’s small Summer Palace is still intact,decorated with wonderful vivid frescoes whichdepict various battles and meetings betweenTipu and neighbouring princes.Ranganathittu Bird SanctuaryThis small bird sanctuary about 18 kilometresfrom Mysore, offers visitors the opportunity tosee some of India’s exotic birds, including paintedstorks, kingfishers and cormorants. The sanctuaryis a group of rocky and wooded islands on theKaveri River and the best way to get around isby small boat early in the morning or lateafternoon. This is an interesting and relaxingexcursion away from city life and an absolutemust for ornithologists in October andNovember, when the sanctuary attracts hugeflocks of migrating birds.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ● 01993 838 355 ● Tamil Nadu & Karnataka 53

Devotees entering Chennakesava Temple, BelurSomnathpurSomnathpur makes a wonderful day trip fromMysore, with the one and a half hour drive tothe southeast taking you through attractivecountryside, dotted with paddy fields and tinyvillages. Surrounded by lovely gardens and palmtrees, the ancient Keshava Temple at Somnathpuris one of the best preserved and completemonuments remaining from the Hoysala dynasty.Created in 1268 by a Hoysala general, it featuresthree shrines, each dedicated to a different formof the god Vishnu. The walls are completelycovered in exquisite carvings of deities from theHindu Pantheon, episodes from the Ramayanaand other epics. Walking around the temple, inthe sacred clockwise direction, you can admireintricate carvings of a myriad of gods, goddesses,elephant, warriors and musicians that all featurein Hindu mythology.Temples at Belur54Pool at Hoysala Village Resort, HassanBelur, Halebid andShravanabelagolaThe two remote and beautiful temple sites ofBelur and Halebid at the heart of the HoysalaEmpire date from the 12th century and togetherform perhaps the richest repository of Hindu artand sculpture in India. The temple façades arerichly decorated with intricate stone carvings andthe interiors are filled with countless filigreedpillars and friezes, depicting tales from theRamayana and the Mahabharata. While travellingto this area, a visit to the hilltop town ofShravanabelagola, a significant pilgrimage centrebased around the world’s tallest monolithicsculpture, is recommended. Here, reached by635 steps, the figure of the naked Jain SaintGomareshwara stands 18 metres high and isdevoid of any decoration except creeperstwisting their way up his body.HOYSALA VILLAGE RESORT,HASSANDesigned by an award-winning Indian architect,this resort combines the geometric style ofHoysala architecture with the simplicity of localMalnad villages. The clusters of cottages, whichall have modern amenities, are set in landscapedgardens, and the use of local material gives anauthentic feel without compromising comfortand service. There is also a swimming pool,multi-cuisine restaurant and bar, all reached bymeandering walkways. Located five kilometresoutside Hassan, it makes a good base for visitingthe Hoysala temples in the surrounding area.Nagarhole National ParkAccessible from both Mysore and northernKerala, Nagarhole became a National Park in1955 and is the best place to view wildlifeduring a tour of South India. The forests andgrassland support a large population of elephantand a range of birds and mammals that can beseen either by jeep, coracle or motorboat.Please see the Wildlife section, pages 76-83, forfurther details.

School children, Dubare Elephant Camp Elephant being washed, Dubare Elephant Camp Tea pickers, CoonoorThe Nilgiri Hills around OotyCoorgCoorg (Kodagu) was a state in its own rightuntil 1956. The market town of Madikeri is thecapital of the region and is surrounded bypicturesque hills clothed in spice plantations andcoffee estates. This is a remote region and anideal area for trekking through tropical forestand plantations. It is also possible to arrangefishing or a round of golf at the 18 hole, par 70course situated in the heart of the country’scoffee gardens. Many elephant were onceemployed in the vast forests, but since logging hasstopped, some of these can be seen at DubareElephant Camp. A number of Tibetan villages inthe area, initially settled by refugees in the 1960s,and the Buddhist Monastery of Sera Je are wellworth a visit.SCHOOL ESTATE, COORGThis friendly homestay is run by the Ayyapasfamily. Their bungalow is surrounded byflower-filled gardens in a coffee estate. The fourclean guest rooms with en suite bathrooms arequaint and old-fashioned but comfortable. Thecuisine is a mix of continental and Coorgi recipes,and dinner with your hosts is an opportunity tofind out more about local customs. There areinteresting walks around the estate, a picnic bythe river can be arranged and there is a choice ofshady spots to relax with a book. Bird watchersshould also find plenty to observe here.Ooty and CoonoorOoty (Udhagamandalam) is the best known hillstation in the Nilgiri Hills. At an altitude of 2,286metres, it is popular with both foreign and localvisitors escaping the heat of the plains. It wasfounded in the early 19th century to serve as thesummer headquarters of the British MadrasGovernment. A maze of neatly clipped teaplantations covers the surrounding hills toCoonoor and beyond and while in the area youshould experience a tasting of local Nilgiri teas.A more sedate version of Ooty, Coonoor is apopular destination for those who enjoy countrywalks, with Lamb’s Rock offering a spectacularviewpoint over the plains and a botanical gardenat Sims Park. Picturesque Coonoor, incidentally,formed the backdrop for David Lean’s 1984 film‘A Passage to India’.School Estate, CoorgBlue Mountain RailwayThe Blue Mountain Railway, completedin 1908, is one of the oldest andsteepest operating rack and pinionrailways. The original steam locomotivepushes its blue and cream carriagesfrom Mettupalayam to Coonoor, wherea diesel one completes the journey toOoty. The entire 45 kilometre routeincludes 16 tunnels, 19 bridges and11 stations (many not operational)and takes up to four and a half hoursto cover, as the train sometimes travelsat little more than walking pace. Thejourney is quite magical as you meanderthrough eucalyptus and tea plantationsto Ooty, with its subtropical vegetation,and spectacular views of the Nilgiri Hills.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ● 01993 838 355 ● Tamil Nadu & Karnataka 55

Young girl with a bike, ChettinadSri Meenakshi Temple, MaduraiMaduraiSituated on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai isone of the oldest cities in South Asia. This is adestination like no other, with the huge SriMeenakshi Temple being virtually a town in itself.Built at the same time as the Taj Mahal, it is anoutstanding example of South Indian Hinduarchitecture, with nine towering gopuramssmothered in a riot of colourful stucco images.This is a perfect place to absorb the atmosphereof Hinduism, with the dark pillared halls filled withthousands of pilgrims, bare-chested priestsconducting ceremonies, a temple elephant givingblessings, and the scent of flowers, coconut andghee. Elsewhere in the city, the Gandhi Museumchronicles the life of the great Indian leader, thereare vast markets and faded palaces to exploreand a cultural centre which showcases Tamil arts.Heritage MaduraiTemple detail, TanjoreHERITAGE MADURAI, MADURAIThis property was designed in the 1970s byrenowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawaas the Coat’s Madurai Club. It is built from avariety of local materials, including honey-colouredstone cut from the nearby hills, slabs from anabandoned mill and pillars salvaged from derelicthouses. More recently it was converted into ahotel and it now oozes character and charmthroughout, with a variety of room choices tosuit most budgets. The Banyan restaurant servescontemporary Indian and international cuisinein light and airy surroundings and there is arefreshing swimming pool.TanjoreTanjore (Thanjavur) is best known for its1,000-year-old Brihadishwara or ‘Big Temple’built by King Rajaraja I and dedicated to the godShiva. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, itstowers rise above as you approach through itsmanicured gardens. Nearby, the Nayak Palace isin a somewhat ruined state, but the atmosphereof the old durbar hall and the courtyards is veryevocative. Within the complex is the RajarajaMuseum and Art Gallery which contains somefine examples of bronzes from the Chola andother periods. There are also a number ofinteresting ancient manuscripts and drawings.Young boys, TrichyTrichyTrichy (Tiruchirapalli) is situated in the heart ofTamil Nadu and is famous for its Rock FortTemple. Perched on a large rocky outcrop, thetemple itself is a little disappointing but the climbis well worth the effort for the superb viewsacross the city and Cauvery Delta. Nearby on ariver island, the temple at Srirangam is enclosedby seven concentric walls, with each sectioninhabited by a different caste. The best views ofthe brightly-painted temple towers are from theroof, where you can clearly see the intricate andsometimes grotesque figures. It is also worth astroll along the river banks, where you maywitness fascinating ceremonies, such as childrenbeing blessed and offerings being made to Shivain the quest to find a wife.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ● 01993 838 355 ● Tamil Nadu & Karnataka 57

Schoolgirls riding bicycles, PondicherryPondicherryArriving in Pondicherry feels like stepping intoFrance with typical blue road signs, police withgendarme caps and tax-free wine. The city hasmuch more to offer than just its colonial past, andthe restoration of the traditional Tamil merchants’houses is visible on a guided stroll around thecentre, ending with an evening promenade alongthe seafront past the huge statue of Gandhi.Outside Pondicherry is one of the most unusualsmall towns in India, the international communityof Auroville, whose members seek an alternativelifestyle. Visit and you will be able to see aninteresting exhibition and learn about the variousprojects that the community undertakes, includingenvironmental regeneration and healthcare.MAISON PERUMAL, PONDICHERRYMaison Perumal opened in 2008 and is tuckedaway in the quiet Tamil quarter of Pondicherry.It is a lovingly converted, traditional courtyardhome and maintains the character of the originalbuilding. The mix of Tamil and French influencesranges from the street veranda to the archedwindows, while even the food is Creole, with acombination of both Tamil and French styles.With only ten rooms set around the courtyards,Maison Perumal is an intimate and welcominghotel that continues the eco-friendly aim of theCGH Earth Group, who also own some of ourfavourite properties in Kerala.58The Dune, near PondicherryTHE DUNE, NEAR PONDICHERRYThe Dune is an eco-friendly beach resortcomprising individually decorated beachbungalows, spread out over a 12 hectare site.Some bungalows are partly built using reclaimedbuilding materials from colonial houses, Chettinadpalaces and Keralan planters’ mansions. Theproperty has a yoga and ayurvedic massage centre,as well as an organic farm and vegetable gardento promote a healthy stay. There is a beautifulswimming pool overlooking the beach, with asmall poolside bar that serves drinks and snacks.Maison Perumal, PondicherrySacred art andarchitectureSouth India abounds in sacred art andarchitecture. For thousands of years,successive rulers donated vast sums ofmoney to the construction, decorationand adornment of religious structures.Early rock-cut temples were succeededby stone ones with structures andiconography conforming to a set of rulesdefined by priests and based oncosmology. Central to each temple is asacred deity and the finest of thesesculptures are the 9th to 11th centuryChola Bronzes. Difficult to view in dimtemple light, the Chola Bronzes are bestseen in the museum collections inTanjore, Chennai or Delhi.

Shore Temple, MahabalipuramKrishna’s Butter Ball, MahabalipuramKailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram Bharatha Natyam dancers, Mahabalipuram Silk drying, KanchipuramMahabalipuramMahabalipuram was the second capital andseaport of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Itwas at the height of its political power and artisticcreativity between the 7th and 9th centuries AD,during which time the Pallavas establishedthemselves as patrons of early Tamil culture. Thenature of the area, with its two vast granite-gneissmounds, lent itself to rock-cut architecture andthere are many fascinating sites including thestriking Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance, oneof the world’s largest bas reliefs. Mahabalipuramis a good base to explore the region on day tripswhilst enjoying the leisurely atmosphere in thisbreezy coastal town on the Bay of Bengal.Radisson Temple Bay, MahabalipuramVIVANTA BY TAJ – FISHERMAN’SCOVE, MAHABALIPURAMLocated 38 kilometres south of Chennai on theway to the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram,Fisherman’s Cove is one of the most luxuriousbeach resorts in Tamil Nadu. Built around theruins of a Dutch Fort, all 88 air-conditionedrooms and cottages are beautifully positionedwithin the tropical gardens or beside the Bay ofBengal. The spacious rustic cottages have anoutdoor sitting area and open-air gardenshowers. Restaurants include Bay View wherefresh and locally caught seafood can be enjoyedin an open-air setting and Seagull, an all daymulti-cuisine restaurant.RADISSON TEMPLE BAY,MAHABALIPURAMThis airy hotel is within easy walking distance ofthe sights of Mahabalipuram and located above abeautiful beach. Set in 18 hectares of landscapedgardens, the rooms and cottages are decorated inbright colours with large picture windows and abalcony or deck area overlooking the sea orgardens. Some rooms have their own plungepool. A large pool and a wonderful infinity poolare perfect for a dip after sightseeing. Otherfacilities include a health suite, a multi-cuisine cafeoverlooking the historic Shore Temple and anopen-air restaurant specialising in seafood.Vivanta by Taj – Fisherman’s Cove, MahabalipuramKanchipuramOne of India’s seven holy Hindu cities,Kanchipuram is also a wonderful example of thearchitectural styles of the Pallava and Choladynasties. There are dozens of temples, builtfrom the 7th to 15th centuries and some stillattract hundreds of pilgrims every day, makingthis an excellent place to observe the pujaceremonies of worshippers. The KailasanathaTemple is considered to be the most beautiful,with numerous small shrines and faded frescoes.The town itself is a key silk production area anda fantastic place to watch the skilled artisanscreating the delicate saris and shawls that areworn throughout India.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ● 01993 838 355 ● Tamil Nadu & Karnataka 59

Santhome Church, ChennaiChennaiFounded in 1639 by the East India Company,Chennai (or Madras, as it was formerly known)grew from the small British settlement ofMadraspatnam to encompass all the surroundingvillages and the neighbouring Portuguesesettlement. The striking Indo-Saracenicarchitecture that characterises the old city ofFort St George stands amid the hustle and bustleof modern life, creating a fascinating city ofcontrasts. From the beautiful neo-Gothic SanThome Cathedral to the Kapaleswarar temple,Fort St George to Marina Beach, Chennai’scultural history has left a wealth of sites tointerest the visitor.VIVANTA BY TAJ –CONNEMARA, CHENNAILocated in the heart of the city, this art decoproperty is the city’s only heritage hotel. Modernfacilities and comforts are coupled with old-worldcharm and the air-conditioned rooms are allbright and welcoming with spacious living areas.Restaurants include the Rain Tree, which has agarden setting with live classical dance, and theVerandah, which overlooks the attractiveswimming pool and provides dishes fromaround the world. There is also a well-stockedbookshop.60Vivanta by Taj – Connemara, ChennaiThe Andaman IslandsThe Andaman Islands are India’s secret paradise;with stunning beaches, pristine coral reefs, denseforests, active volcanoes, swimming elephant, andelusive dugongs. Located to the east of themainland in the Indian Ocean, the islands are partof India but geographically closer to Burma andThailand. Marco Polo visited the islands in the13th century and in the late 19th century theBritish took control and established a penalcolony. Today their remoteness is a blessing andthe white sands are frequented by visitorsprepared to journey to enjoy their simplicity andsnorkel and dive in the clear seas. Flights fromCalcutta and Chennai land at Port Blair, theisland’s administrative centre, where a night isusually necessary after your stay on one of theislands, before travelling back to the mainland.BAREFOOT RESORT,HAVELOCK ISLANDPerfect for discerning nature lovers, this is aneco-friendly retreat in the shadows of lush, greentropical rainforests next to a beautiful white sandybeach. Spread over three hectares, the resort isbased on the philosophy of sustainable andsocially responsible tourism. The 18 cottages andvillas are made from wood and thatch, rainwateris harvested and most staff members are from thelocal community. The resort offers many outdooractivities including diving, fishing, kayaking, trekkingand elephant rides. You could begin your daywith a yoga class, take an escorted nature walk, ordiscover the fascinating world of the coral reefs.The Andaman Islands

Suggested itinerariesTailoring your tripThe itineraries shown are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible, and are routes thatwork particularly well. We can use these as abasis to plan your trip or can design a completelydifferent itinerary to suit your tastes and interests.Please call one of our South India specialists tostart planning your itinerary.CochinChennaiMahabalipuramPondicherryTrichyTanjoreMadurai ChettinadBelurCoorgHalebidHassanNagarholeNationalPark Sultan’sBatteryPollachiMysoreOotyBangaloreIndira GandhiNational ParkMaduraiTelephone: 01993 838 355BackwatersGetting aroundBangalore and Chennai are the two maininternational access points to the region, withdaily flights to and from the UK. A couple ofadditional domestic airports connect the regionto other parts of India while passes in theWestern Ghats allow for road crossings into theneighbouring state of Kerala in the west. Thereare useful trains from Bangalore to Mysore andChennai to Madurai, but most journeys can beundertaken by road, which also allows you tostop at places of interest en route. Travel in thehills can be slow – down to walking pace on theBlue Mountain Railway – but these journeys arenot to be missed for their spectacular views.When to goJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ~ ~ ~ ✕ ✓ ✓✓✓✓ The best time to travel.✓ A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.~ Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.✕ Travel is not recommended.The two regions of Tamil Nadu and Karnatakahave different seasonal variations of weather.Tamil Nadu has two rainy seasons from May toJune and October to November, which bringtorrential rainfall and make travel difficult.Karnataka experiences a very similar pattern toKerala, with rainy seasons from May to Augustand October to November when it mainly rainsduring the night. Both regions are best visitedfrom November to April when it is mainly drywith temperatures between 20C and 35C.The far south and the Andaman Islands are attheir best between January and March.Time difference: GMT+5.5 hoursFlight time from UK: 10 hoursPricesWe offer trips to cater for a wide range ofbudgets. You can find up-to-date guideline pricesfor your trip to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on ourwebsite, alternatively please call our specialists todiscuss your plans.Temples and BackwatersThis journey across South India includes many ofits highlights and combines the rich cultural andarchitectural history of Tamil Nadu withexploration and relaxation in tropical Kerala whereyou can enjoy life on the unique Backwatersbefore finishing in colonial Cochin.Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7Day 8Day 9Day 10Day 11Day 12Day 13Fly overnight from the UK toChennai.Explore the UNESCO WorldHeritage Site of Mahabalipuram.Drive south to the former Frenchenclave of Pondicherry for a guidedtour of the colonial quarter and avisit to Auroville.Continue to Tanjore stopping toenjoy various temples and theirsacred art en route.Discover Tanjore with your guide.Drive to Chettinad via Trichy andclimb to the top of the Rock Temple.Explore the palace and abandonedbut richly decorated mansion housesof the Chettinad region.Head to Madurai and join pilgrims inSri Meenakshi Temple.Cross the Western Ghats intoKerala and spend the afternoon ona coffee estate.Transfer to the Backwaters forrelaxation at your accommodation.Board your converted rice barge fora cruise along the Backwaters.Drive to Cochin. Guided tour ofcolonial Fort Cochin.Fly from Cochin to the UK.Stay longerFor those with an interest in architecture, it isworth spending another couple of nights nearTanjore to explore Chidambaram, Kumbakonam,Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram temples.Alternatively, take a flight from Chennai to theAndaman Islands to enjoy unspoilt beaches andexcellent snorkelling and diving.South India ExploredThis tour through Tamil Nadu and southernKarnataka includes some of the rich culturalhighlights of each state, as well as offering theopportunity to explore the hills and discover thewildlife of the remoter areas.Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Days 7-8Day 9Day 10Day 11Day 12Day 13Day 14Day 15Fly overnight from the UK toBangalore.Drive from Bangalore to Mysore.Afternoon guided tour of the city.Morning excursion by boat inRanganthittu Bird Sanctuary for birdspotting on the river. Visit TipuSultan’s Summer Palace and ruinedcity at Srirangapatna.Drive north to Hassan and explorethe exquisite Hoysala temples atBelur and Halebid.Drive into the hills of Coorg.Full day in Coorg.Drive to Nagarhole for game drivesby jeep in the national park and boattrips to view wildlife.Final morning game drive beforetransferring to Sultan’s Battery inKerala.Full day in Sultan’s Battery to relax atyour homestay.Head southeast to explore thecolonial hill station of Ooty and enjoyviews of the Nilgiri Hills from theBlue Mountain Railway.Head off the beaten track to Pollachifor an afternoon of bird spotting inIndira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.Descend to the plains and joinpilgrims at Madurai’s vibrant SriMeenakshi Temple.Morning in Madurai before flying toBangalore.Fly from Bangalore to the UK.Stay longerThe hills of the Western Ghats provide numerouswalking and wildlife viewing opportunities whichcan be enjoyed by adding more days in Coorg,Sultan’s Battery or Pollachi.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ● 01993 838 355 ● Tamil Nadu and Karnataka 61