Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the traditional healing system of India that emphasises on a holistic way of living so as to ensure optimum health. The word Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words ayur that means life and veda that means “knowing”. In India, Ayurveda is the science of life.

Based on Astangahridaya, an ancient text written by the ancient physician Vagbhata, Ayurveda depends on the right balance of the three humours in the body- vata, pitta and kapha. The traditional Ayurvedic methods focus on proper nutrition along with the use of aromatic oils, herbs, milk and massages. These steps eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and help to improve health and longevity.

This holistic system of medicine originated in Kerala, where the abundance of forests and medicinal herbs, it was possible to follow this system of medicine. The first Ayurvedic institution in India is at Kottakal in Malappuram, where it has also a research centre and a laboratory. Some of the holiday resorts in Kerala such as Kovalam provide Ayurvedic treatment packages for the travellers. In Kovalam, there are Ayurveda centres with government approval that provides the traveller with simple massages or long treatments, depending on the need of the traveller.

Ayurvedic system has eight specialised branches:

1. Kaya chikilsa (general medicine),
2. Shalya (surgery),
3. Shalakya (ENT and Ophthalmology),
4. Graha (Psychotherapy),
5. Damshitra (toxicology),
6. Bala (Pediatrics and Gynecology),
7. Jara (rejuvenation) and
8. Vrishya (Aphrodisiacs).

Ayurvedic medicine is founded on the belief that all diseases stem from the digestive system as a result of improper digestion or improper diet that aggravates your basic dosha. The three doshas-vatta, pitta and kapha- are influenced by the rhythms of nature, seasonal changes and time of the year. Ayurveda diagnoses the dosha and advises a diet suitable for the type of dosha.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad, also known as the Pearl City, is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and the sixth largest city in India. It has a mixed culture with Hindu, Muslim, Arab, Persian and Turkish influences that is clear in its language and culture. This high-tech city is also famous for its pearls, impressive palaces and silks.

The Great India Tour Company provides you with a Hyderabad Tour lasting 4 nights and 5 days. The main attractions for the tourist are Nagarjunakonda, Anupu, Ethipothala Waterfalls, Ramoji Film City, Mecca Masjid, Salarjung Museum, Nizam Jubilee Pavilion, Charminar, Mecca Masjid and the Light and Sound Show at Golconda Fort.

Nagarjunakonda, located on the banks of River Krishna and named after the ancient Buddhist theologian Nagarjuna, house ruins of an early Buddhist settlement complete with monasteries, statues, roads and public baths. In the 1960s, these ruins were excavated during the construction of Nagarjunasagar dam. The Archaeological Museum here preserves most of the Buddhist sculptures thus excavated.

The Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad is the world’s largest film production complex that covers an area of 2000 acres. It has the world’s largest integrated film studio complex and now lets in travellers who want to experience the dream world of movies. This place has custom-made shooting locales ranging from palaces to railway stations, beautiful places to sit and quality restaurants.

The Salarjung Museum houses the enormous art collection of Salarjung III, who was the Prime Minister of Hyderabad between 1899 and 1949. The Purani Haveli, built in the Neo-classical style, was the residence of the sixth Nizam and contains the Nizam’s Museum that has rare collections of art.

The Charminar was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the eradication of plague. It got its name from the four minarets on its corners and has a prayer hall on top. Mecca Masjid is South India's largest mosque.

The Golconda Fort was built in 13th century by Kakatiyas. Here a Light and Sound Show narrates the history of its glorious past.

Chennai

Chennai is one of the major metropolitan cities of South India. The capital of Tamil Nadu, until recently it was known as Madras. During the British rule in India, it was the administrative headquarters, a powerful naval base and a modern city when compared to other parts of India. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage that has found expression in literature, music and dance.

The chief attractions for the traveller are the ancient city of Madras with its historical monuments such as Fort St. George, Freemasons Hall, Government Museum, The Senate House, places of worship and the beaches in Chennai.

Fort St. George was built by the British East India Company in 1640. It was constructed as a trading post and is now an architectural wonder from the past. Freemasons hall was finished in 1923 and is another contribution of the British to the architecture of Chennai. The Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in India. Located near the Marina Beach, The Senate House was built by one of the greatest architects of the 19th century.

The temples in Chennai throng with devotees. There are several churches in Chennai that were constructed during the time of the British in India. The most important churches in Chennai are Anderson Church, Andrew's Kink, Christ Church, Chinnamalai Church, Santhome Cathedral Basilica and St. George's Cathedral. The most important mosques In Chennai are Makka Masjid, Masjid Mamoor, The Grand Mosque and Thousand Lights Mosque.

Chennai has scenic beaches such as Covelong Beach, Elliot’s Beach and Marina Beach. Covelong Beach is one of the best beaches on the Coromandel Coast and is known for its serene setting about 40kms away from the Chennai City. The Elliot’s Beach is the cleanest beach in Chennai and is ideal for long walks. The most famous beach in Chennai is the Marina Beach, which is one of the largest beaches in India.

Mumbai

The Great India Tour Company takes you along Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra and the most crowded city in India, on a tour for 3 nights and 4 days. Our “Mumbai Unlimited “tour offers you a view of this metropolitan city that has the country’s financial centre, busiest port and the biggest film industry in the world.

Mumbai was occupied by the Portuguese from 1534 till 1661, when it was given to the British as part of dowry for Catherine of Braganza of Portugal. It got its named after Mumba Devi, the eight-limbed goddess worshipped by the original inhabitants of this coastal city.

Mumbai is surprisingly diverse. You can visit important places in Mumbai such as the Juhu Beach, The Gateway of India, The Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan, Elephanta Cave Temples, Hanging Gardens and Elephanta Caves. It is also known for its big shopping malls, department stores, designer boutiques as well as handicrafts.

The Juhu Beach is famous for its fair-like atmosphere and vendors selling Indian snacks. The Gateway of India is a historical landmark built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. This majestic building designed by the Scottish architect George Wittet has a beautiful view of the sea.

The Prince of Wales Museum, designed by Wittet, was named in 1905 after the Prince of Wales who later became King George V. It has three floors that contain a beautiful collection of sculptures and paintings. This museum was renamed Chatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya.

Mani Bhawan was where Mahatma Gandhi stayed from 1911 till 1934 and is now a museum. The Hanging Gardens is a big open space that provides good views and fresh air. Elephanta Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, date back to the 6th century and contain great masterpieces of Indian sculpture.

Bangalore

Bangalore, known as the Garden City and the Silicon Valley of India, is the capital of Karnataka. It has the credit of being the fifth largest city in India. Before the advent of IT revolution, it was famous for its pleasant climate and green spaces. Now because of the boom in the high-tech industry, it has become a cosmopolitan city, where a large number of young professionals are flocking together contributing to its growth.

Also known as Bengaluru, the city was founded in the 16th century by a local chieftain named Kempe Gowda. For the wandering traveller, Bangalore offers a variety of experiences such as monuments, temples, lakes, parks, exhibitions and manifestations of its culture and cuisine. The main attractions are Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and Tipu Sultan’s Palace.

The Vidhana Soudha contains the State Secretariat and the State Legislature of Karnataka. Made out of granite and porphyry, this majestic building was constructed in 1956, when the administrative power was transferred from the royal family of Wodeyars to the government of India. Constructed to “reflect the power and dignity of the people”, it has mixed styles of architectural designs.

Bangalore has two big parks- the Cubbon Park and the Lal Bagh- and several other gardens that has given the city this epithet ‘The Garden City of India’. These gardens offer a quiet space far away from the crowded streets of the city. The Cubbon Park was designed in 1864 by the British and has statues of notable personalities across the verdant spaces, The Lal Bagh is one of the most notable botanical gardens in South Asia and was designed by Hyder Ali in 1740.

Tipu Sultan’s Palace was the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, who called it “Envy of Heaven”. The citadel was built by Kempe Gowda in 1537, while the palace was constructed by Tipu in the same way as his summer palace at Srirangapatna.

Calicut

In front of a temple in Calicut

Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a busy commercial town in the northern part of Kerala. It was the capital of the kingdom of Zamorins, whose rule brought prosperity to the land. Calicut is where Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese traveller who discovered the sea route to India landed his ship.

Right in the centre of the city is the Manamchira Tank, the Town Hall and the Public Library- all examples of traditional architecture. It also has many mosques such as the Mishqal Palli that has a beautiful five-tiered tiled roof. The attractions for the traveller in Calicut are Kappad, the Science Planetarium, the Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery in East hill, Beypore, Sweetmeats Street and the beach.

Kappad was where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. On the beach, there is a memorial monument of this historical event that marked the beginning of colonization in India. The Science Planetarium has shows on the beginning of the Universe, the stars, planets and the Solar System.

The Pazhassiraja Museum, located in East hill, offers you beautiful works of art such as wood and metal sculptures, miniature temples and miniature people from different parts of India, coins and ancient murals. The Art gallery situated next to the Museum contains paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, the great nineteenth century artist from the Travancore royal family.

Beypore is a village in Calicut that finds reference in old Greek and Roman texts. It is famous for its traditional shipbuilding centre, where dhows are made in the traditional methods that are passed from generation to generation. The Sweetmeats Street sells the famous Calicut halwa, spices such as cloves, cardamom, pepper, turmeric and coffee.

The beach in Calicut is long stretch of sand that offers you with beautiful views at sunset. The traveller can enjoy the evening at the Lighthouse, the Lions Park for children and the Aquarium.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the state capital of both Haryana and Punjab and was built by the world famous architect Le Corbusier in the early 1950s. This city is unique in that it was the first modern city of post-independent India envisioned by the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. This city planned by the French architect Le Corbusier is in the shape of a grid that is divided into 57 equal sectors.

The best time to visit Chandigarh is between the months of August and November. For the traveller, this “City Beautiful” holds many architectural and aesthetic delights such as the Rock Gardens, the Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, the Capitol Complex that consists of government buildings and finally a taste of the traditional Punjabi cuisine as well as Chinese and South Indian food.

The Rock Gardens is an interesting sight for the traveller. Created by an ex-road inspector Nek Chand, the garden has lovely spectacles such as hills, waterfalls and caves other than sculptures made of discarded material. The Sukhna lake is man-made and has a beautiful atmosphere about it especially during the sunsets when the sky lits up with strange hues and the nearby hill station of Kasauli shimmers in the dark.

The Rose Garden is part of the enormous Capitol Complex and has over 1000 variety of roses that bloom among beautiful paths and fountains. In February, every year, the Rose Garden is venue for the annual rose festival that attracts huge crowds from across Chandigarh. The Capitol Complex has the Secretariat, Assembly and High Court Buildings along with shopping areas that contain good food and clothes. The shops offer the traveller with varieties of Indian food including the traditional Punjabi delicacies such as butter chicken, black lentils, pureed mustard greens, smoked aubergine, corn bread and lassi.

Varanasi

Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh also known as Kashi or Benares ,is considered the holiest among the Hindu pilgrim sites of India. By the holy river Ganges that can purge all earthly sins, Varanasi has a religious and spiritual significance no other place in India has for a Hindu. According to Hindu belief, dying in Varanasi is believed to bring salvation or moksha from the eternal cycle of life and death. With as many as 90 ghats that extend to about 6km by the River Ganges, this city has about 700 temples and shrines that uphold the Hindu rites and rituals performed for attaining salvation.

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities of the world dating back to the 7th century BC. Religion was always a part of its culture. So was learning and philosophy. It is also famous for its textiles especially fine cotton weaves and elaborate silk brocades. It also offers the traveller with collections of brocade saris, scarves and fabrics made in the Tibetan style.

The chief attractions of Varanasi for the traveller are the Viswanath Temple, Ramlila and Sunrise Boat ride. The Viswanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Lord of the Universe as the name goes. The interior of the temple is decorated with floral carvings. Next to the temple, the ancient Jnana Vapi Well promises wisdom to those who drink the water from it. Legend has it that the idol of Lord Shiva that was placed in the original Viswanath Temple, which was destroyed by the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, lies in this well.

A speciality of Varanasi during September/October months is the Ramlila, a play that narrate the story of the Indian epic Ramayana. Another is a sunrise boat ride across the River Ganges. The sight of temples enveloped in the soft morning light is surely an enchanting sight.

Chidambaram

Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu is a sacred place for believers of Hindu Religion who believe that it was in this place that Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance, which is called tandava nritya. This temple town has mythological as well as historical significance and is known for the rituals of contrition, cleansing and search for salvation in Hindu mythology. The chief attractions of this place are the Nataraja Temple, the Govindarajaswamy Shrine, the Shivakamasundari Shrine and the Subramanyan Shrine, which are all located in same temple complex.

The Nataraja Temple was built by the Chola dynasty in the 9th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form of Nataraja or the Lord of Dance. Built in the form of hut with gold-plated roof, the temple has a huge tank and four colourful towers. The eastern tower is remarkable in that it has elaborate sculptures that detail the 108 hand and feet movements of Bharat Natyam, the traditional dance form of Tamil Nadu.

The temple has five large halls or sabhas, each built with a specific purpose in mind. It was in the Raja Sabha or Royal Hall that many of the Chola emperors had their crowning ceremonies. In the Deva Sabha or the Divine Hall, the administrative functions were conducted while the Nritya Sabha or dance hall housed beautiful sculptures of dance. The Chit Sabha or the Hall of Bliss has five elemental statues of Lord Shiva. The inner shrine is veiled and concealed behind a black curtain that is removed only during the time of prayer. The fifth hall is the Kanaka Sabha or Golden Hall, the exact place where Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance.

Govindarajaswamy Shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shivakamasundari Shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva’s consort Parvati and the Subramanyan Shrine, dedicated to Lord Subramanyan are located within the same temple complex.

Delhi

Delhi is the capital and third largest city of India. It upholds the history of a nation with a glorious past through the historical monuments that form a part of the present city. The old and the new exist together- the 16th and 17th century monuments built by the Mughal emperors in Old Delhi and the colonial mansions built by the British as well as the government buildings in New Delhi. The attractions for the traveller in Delhi are the Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jantar Mantar, Qutab Minar, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and Craft Museum.

The Jama Masjid is India’s largest mosque made of sandstone and marble. This grand mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1656. It took six years and 5000 workers to finish this beautiful building with a large courtyard that can contain 20000 people on a Friday prayer session. Red Fort or Lal Qila was the seat of Mughal Empire until 1857, when the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah was dethroned by the British. The Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan in 1639. Later on the day of Indian Independence, the Indian flag was hoisted for the first time here.

Raj Ghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation” was cremated. The Jantar Mantar is a huge observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1724. It has several instruments that accurately calculate astronomical data. The Qutab Minar was built by Qutbuddin Aibak in 1193 to announce an era of Muslim sultans in India. It is the highest single tower in India. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built in 1938 by the industrialist BD Birla and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. The India Gate is a huge red sandstone arch built in memory of the Indian and British soldiers who died in the World War I. Humayun’s Tomb is the finest example of a Mughal garden tomb and was built 1565. The Crafts Museum in Delhi has a vast collection of handicrafts made by Indian artists.

Agra

Agra is located in Uttar Pradesh in India. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries until it was shifted to Delhi in the eighteenth century. Located on the banks of the River Yamuna and along the Grand Trunk Road, this city is linked with the lives of Mughal emperors such as Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, whose love for architecture is manifested in the monuments of Agra. The chief attractions for the traveller in Agra are the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Itimad-ud-Daula.

The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was constructed by the Mughal emperor in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj was completed in 1653 after 22 years of construction work involving 20,000 workers. It was built by the Persian architect Ustad Isa and houses the tomb of Shah Jahan and his queen Mumtaz Mahal. Typical of the Mughal architecture, this monument of love made of white marble is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Agra Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573. The fort is made of red sandstone and contains many buildings from the time of Akbar till the reign of Shah Jahan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses several examples of fine Mughal architecture like the Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal, Mina Masjid, the Moti Masjid, Diwan-e-Am and Diwani-i-Khas.

Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1564. Made in red sandstone, this was his sign of gratitude for having a son. Itimad-ud-Daula is the tomb of the Persian Mirza Ghyas Beg, who served in Akbar’s court, built by his daughter Noor Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir. The tomb has Pietra Dura" inlay, white marble and lattice work.

Puri

Puri is one of India’s most important pilgrim centres located on the coastal region of Orissa. It boasts of a rich cultural heritage and a long spiritual tradition of Hindu religion. It is famous for its Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach Festival and Rath Yatra.

The Jagannath Temple is named 'Lord of Universe' after Lord Vishnu and was built in the 12th Century by King Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Built in the Kalinga style of architecture, it has three presiding deities namely Krishna, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The deities made of margosa wood have huge eyes that are all-seeing and have outstretched arms that protect and bless the entire humanity. This temple was called the White Pagoda by European sailors who used it as a landmark during their voyages.

The temple is surrounded by a 6m wall and guarded by a pair of stone lions. It has a huge spire that is 65m tall and has one of the largest temple kitchen complexes in the world, where every day as many as 500 cooks prepare 56 different offerings called Mahaprasad for Lord Jagannath. The offerings are made five times a day and are sold at the gates of the temple.

The beaches of Puri are unspoiled and are always crowded with pilgrims. It has stretches of white sandy beaches, where the traveller can enjoy beautiful sights at sunrise and sunset or take part in activities such as swimming, surfing, catamaran rides and fishing.

The Rath Yatra or the chariot festival is held in June/July every year when the three deities are taken out in huge wooden chariots pulled by thousands of devotees to Gundicha Temple, located 2 kms away from Puri and considered to be the birthplace of Lord Jagannath. This spectacular festival attracts huge crowds of devotees from all over India.

Konark

Konark, located in Orissa in India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts of the Sun Temple, one of India’s greatest architectural wonders. The name Konark has come from the words Kona meaning corner and Arka meaning Sun and is also known as Arkakshetra.

The temple in Konark, dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, is in the shape of a huge chariot. It was built during the 13th century during the reign of King Narasimhadeva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple has sculptures of Gods, demons, kings, peasants, animals, maidens, dancers and erotic couples. The temple can be seen from the sea and was called the Black Pagoda by the European sailors who used it to locate the place.

The Temple is noted for its architectural intricacy and decorative sculptures. The chariot shaped temple has 12 pairs of wheels with spokes and designs on them. The chariot is driven by seven horses while the main entrance of the temple is guarded by two lions that crush elephants. This temple lay buried under the drifting sand until the twentieth century, when it was excavated and restored by the archaeologists.

A spectacle for the traveller at the Sun Temple in Konark is the existence of three life-size images of the Sun God made of coloured chlorite stone that are illuminated by the sunrays at dawn, noon and sunset. Equally important is the Shrine of the Nine Planets that has a large slab with deities of the nine planets.

Every December, the Sun Temple hosts the Annual Dance Festival that lasts a week and features traditional forms of dance such as the Odissi and others. The dancers perform in an open air stage against the backdrop of a beautifully lit Sun Temple. The festival also displays the finest handicrafts of Orissa and exotic Sand Art.

Bhuvaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa in India, is also known as the City of Temples because it houses more than 400 temples, among which some date back even to the seventh century. An important place for the Hindus, the city acquires its name from Lord Shiva who as Tribhubaneswar or the Lord of the Worlds presides over the place. The temples in Bhubaneswar bear witness to the power of the ancient dynasties such as Shailodbhavas, Bhauma Karas, Somavamshis and Eastern Ganges and are located in the older southern part of the city. The chief attractions in this city are the Lingaraj Temple, the Bindu Sagar Lake, Orissa State Museum, Mukteshwar Temple and the caves of Udaigiri and Khandagiri.

The Lingaraj Temple built in the 12th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva showcases the highest point in the evolution of Orissan temple architecture that easily blends sculpture and architectural design. This temple is 55 m tall and has a huge granite statue of Lord Shiva, which is bathed everyday with water, milk and bhang or marijuana. The temple has almost 150 smaller shrines in its courtyard. The Bindu Sagar Lake is believed to contain water from every sacred river in India. The Orissa State Museum has a large collection of palm leaf manuscripts, coins, Jain and Buddhist sculptures, traditional jewellery, musical instruments and other handicrafts. The Mukteshwar Temple is famous for its beautiful sculptures of women, exquisitely carved niches and architectural beauty.

The Jain monastic caves of Udaigiri and Khandagiri are located in twin hills of the same name and date back to the 1st century BC, when they served as retreats for the monks belonging to the Jain religion. Udaigiri has 18 caves and Khandagiri has 15 caves. Most of the caves were built so low making it impossible to stand upright in them and symbolise the practice of self-mortification and asceticism.

Trichy

Trichy also known as Thiruchirapalli got its name from the three-headed demon tirusira who attained salvation after he was killed by Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the River Kaveri, Trichy is one of the booming commercial centres of Tamil Nadu. The town has historical importance as it was a major place during the reigns of the Pallava, Chola, Nayaka dynasties and during the colonial rule of the British who renamed Thiruchirapalli as Trichy. Most of the present day town was built by the British in the 18th and 19th centuries. The chief attractions of this second largest city in Tamil Nadu are the Rock Fort Temple and beautiful churches such as Christ Church, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Church of St. John.

The Rock Fort Temple is located on an ancient massive rock that rises 83 m above the plains. The Nayaka dynasty, who made Trichy their capital in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, built a fortress on this huge rock that is several millions of years old. Very little remains of the fortress except the Uchipillaiyar Temple dedicated to Lord Ganapati. The summit offers a beautiful view of entire Trichy with its verdant fields and the island of Srirangam. The Thayumanaswami temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who took the form of a mother who could not assist in her daughter’s childbirth. Below this temple, there are two Pallava cave temples that dates back to the sixth and seventh centuries.

Trichy has beautiful churches from the previous centuries such as the Christ Church, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Church of St. John. Christ Church was founded by Reverend Frederick Christian Schwartz in 1766 while the Neo-Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes was built in 1840 and the Church of St. John built in 1816.

Thanjavur

Thanjavur is famous for its temples, rice fields, handicrafts and Carnatic music. Also known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, this city was the political capital of the Chola, the Nayaka and the Maratha dynasties. It was mainly during the Chola reign that lasted from the 9th century till the 13th century that Thanjavur attained its political significance. The classical music of South India, Carnatic Music that is religious in nature and uses several musical instruments to create melody and rhythm originated here in Thanjavur. The main attractions in Thanjavur are the Sri Brihadisvara Temple, the Royal Palace and the famous Thanjavur paintings.

Sri Brihadisvara Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola I of the Chola dynasty and was completed in AD 1010. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An amazing example of Chola architecture, this temple basement has inscriptions that have historical value in that they give valuable details on the administration, revenue as well as the society at that time. A huge statue of Nandi guards the sanctum sanctorum. The walls of the inner shrine are decorated with frescoes belonging to the Chola and Nayaka eras. These paintings were discovered beneath the disintegrating Maratha paintings f the 17th century.

The Royal Palace, built in the shape of a flying eagle, was built by the Nayaka dynasty but was reworked by the Maratha dynasty. The seven-storeyed observation tower, the intricately decorated but huge Durbar Hall built by the Maratha ruler Shahji II and the Rajaraja Museum and Art Gallery form the attractions of this Royal Palace in Thanjavur. The famous Thanjavur Paintings were patronized by the Maratha ruler Serfoji II. Highly ornamental, decorative and colourful, these paintings have religious themes and highly symbolic colours that represent particular deities. Most of the subjects have round bodies and faces and almond-shaped eyes.

Manali

Manali is situated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a hill station that is a famous traveller’s delight because to its scenic beauty with dense forests of deodar and pine and adventure sports for the traveller. Situated by the River Beas, this town is named after Manu, a Hindu sage who is considered to be the founding father of Manali. The main attractions of the Manali tour include visits to Rohtang Pass, Rahalla Falls, the Hadimba Temple, the Manu Temple, the Tibetan monasteries, the Roerich Art Gallery museum in Naggar Castle, Manikaran and the Parvati River.

The traveller can watch the Rohtang Pass, situated at a height of 3979 metres, which is the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti valley. Along the way, there is the spectacular Rahalla Falls. Situated amidst a virgin deodar forest, the Hadimba Temple is dedicated to Hadimba, the demoness wife of Bhima, the mighty Pandava of the Mahabharat. Built in 1533, this temple is four-tiered and its roof has the shape of a Pagoda. The Manu Temple is the only temple dedicated to Manu, the founding father of Manali. The Tibetan monasteries in Manali are many, of which Nyingamapa Gompa has a huge gold-faced image of Buddha.

Naggar was the capital of the Kullu kings when it was moved from Jagatsukh. The Naggar Castle, a World Heritage site was built in the 15th century. This building, which is now a hotel is typical of the traditional architecture of Kullu. The Roerich Museum contains the paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. By the scenic River Parvati is located Manikaran, famous for its hot springs.

Manali offers the traveller with adventure sports such as skiing, heli-skiing, trekking, hiking, paragliding, river crossing, rafting, kayaking or mountain biking. Trout fishing is another activity that the traveller can enjoy in the rivers of Manali.

Alleppey

Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East is a beautiful town in Kerala. The long stretches of paddy fields, the beautiful backwaters and beaches as well the lush-green land full of coconuts makes it a visual paradise for the traveller. The chief attractions in Alleppey are the Alleppey beach, Ambalappuzha Sreekrishna temple, Arthunkal Church and the water carnivals, boat races and the backwater cruises.

The beach in Alleppey offers a view of the old colonial buildings of the town along with a lovely garden on the shore. The pier that extends into the sea is about 150 years old. The coconut groves and the ancient lighthouse are other attractions at the beach other than the parks with boating facilities.

The Ambalappuzha Sreekrishna Temple is constructed in the typical Kerala architectural style and is famous for its daily offering of Palpayasam, a sweet porridge made of milk and rice. The inner walls of this temple are adorned with Dasavatharam or the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Ottanthullal, a traditional art form of Kerala that satirised the contemporary social issues was performed by its originator Kunjan Nambiar in the premises of this temple.

The Arthunkal Church in Alleppey is a famous pilgrim centre of Christians. The St. Andrews Church dates back from the time of by Portuguese missionaries and its annual feast of St.Sebastian is held every January.

The large number of canals and lakes in Alleppey provide a distinctive flavour to this place. Water carnivals and boat races are held annually. During the August-September time, many boat races are held in different parts of Alleppey, for which thousands of people arrive to watch this interesting event. Every year, the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on the second Saturday of August.

A cruise in Alleppey is an enchanting experience for the traveller who can view the beautiful landscapes, the temples, churches and industries of Alleppey while travelling through the rivers, canals and backwaters.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is a major pilgrimage centre of the Hindus and considered as the mythological place from where Lord Rama built the bridge to Lanka. This place is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, the narrow body of water that separates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka.

The attractions of Rameshwaram are the Ramanathaswamy Temple and the Dhanushkodi that is the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It is considered to be a place of absolution from all sins according to Hindu religion.

Ramanathaswamy Temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century by the Chola dynasty and has lord Shiva as its chief deity. It is believed that image of Shiva in the temple was originally made by Lord Rama and it is one of the 12 Jyothirlingas in India. The key feature of the temple is a Mandapa in the form of a dice. The temple has images of several Hindu deities. It also has 22 tanks for dipping and a dip in the Agni Thirtha is believed to remove all sins.

Dhanushkodi or Rama’s Bow is the southernmost point of Rameshwaram about 18 km from the main temple. It has a beautiful beach from where the traveller can view the Adam's bridge, which is the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connect Sri Lanka to India. In the Hindu mythology, this place is known as the Sethubandhan, the bridge that Lord Rama makes with the help of Hanuman and the army of Sugriv.

Rameshwaram is known as the Varanasi of the South because of the belief that a visit to this place can provide absolution to the believer. Other than being a pilgrim centre, this place has a variety of birds such as flamingos, sea gulls and during winter some species of migrating birds as well.

Madurai

Madurai is South India’s great town celebrated for its temples like the Sree Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple. Located in Tamil Nadu, near the banks of Vaigai, Madurai has had an importance place in the Tamil cultural history as the host of the cultural groups called sangams that created many classics of Tamil literature. It was famous for trade and art even from the early 7th century. The present day Madurai is famous for religion as well culture.

Madurai got its name from the Tamil word “mathuram” that means sweetness. This name came from a legend that Lord Shiva appeared here on the day a temple was to be consecrated to him. According to legend, the drops of nectar that dripped from his hair gave Madurai its name. The key attractions for the traveller in Madurai are the Meenakshi temple, The Thirumalai Naicker Palace and The Gandhi Museum.

Sree Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple is one of the oldest temple complexes in India and is more than 2000 years old. The twin temple has Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati as the deities, though here they are known as Sundareswarar and Meenakshi respectively. The two shrines of the deities are surrounded by large gateways, halls and towers. One special feature is the Hall of Thousand Pillars that has ornate and life-like sculptures.

The Palace of the Thirumalai Naicker was built in 1636 by a ruler of that name and later restored by Lord Napier in 1872. This building, designed in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style has massive white pillars and a huge pavilion called the Swarga Vilasam. The light and sound shows held at the Palace narrate the history of King Thirumalai and his love of art and his devotion towards his subjects.

The Gandhi Museum is located in the old palace of Queen Mangammal. It has a gallery of pictures belonging to Gandhi, the freedom struggle and the Gandhian movement as well as a collection of relics and handicrafts.