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Ooty

State

Ooty, short for Ootacamund (an anglicized name for Udhagamandalam), is a popular hill resort in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India.

Ooty or Udhagamandalam was aptly called the "Queen of Hill Stations" by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This beautiful hill station sprawls over an area of 36 sq km and is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. Its year long pleasant weather makes it a very popular holiday destination.

The name ‘Udhagamandalam’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘Ottakkalmandu’, meaning ’a village of a single stone’, perhaps referring to the sacred stone revered by the local tribe, Todas.

History

History of Ooty is significant and praise worthy. It grabs the visitor’s attention. Vishnu Vardhana, the Hoysala King, from 1104 to 1141 AD, lines the earliest history of Ooty. Ooty came under the rule of the British East India Company and later after several years. John Sullivan, the district collector of Coimbatore started the formation of the hill station-Ooty and promoted it as an ideal summer retreat. In the year of 1812, the Assistant Revenue Surveyor, Mr. Keys and Mc Mahon, were the district collectors of Coimbatore. In the year of 1818, J.C Whish and N.W. Kinderseley visited this place and in 1819 the route to Ooty was laid as an important tourist destination. In the year of 1821, the earliest route to Nilgiri from Coimbatore was laid.

Accessibility

By Air: Coimbatore airport is the nearest airport about 105 km away from Ooty.

By Rail: Mettupalayam, which is 47 km away from Ooty, is the nearest major railway station. There are regular train services from Coimbatore and Chennai to Mettupalayam.

By Road:
Ooty is well connected with all most all south Indian cities by bus. There are regular bus services from Mysore, Bangalore, Madurai, and Kanyakumari and also from many cities in Kerala.

Shopping

Ooty and Nilgiris are well known for a variety of local products like tea, eucalyptus oil, chocolates, spices and gourmet cheese. There are a lot of shops that deal these products though you have to be careful you get an authentic product.

Shopping in Ooty would be a nice experience for the passionate shopper. Although the region does not have any specialty handicraft of its own, there are many other things for shopping in Ooty.

On the slopes of the great Nilgiri range, the region grows some of the best qualities of coffee and tea in India. The sprawling plantations and the heady smell are feast to senses. You may choose to buy some coffee or tea while shopping in Ooty.

Hand made chocolates are also popular items for shopping in Ooty. Also pick up aromatic oils and spices while shopping in Ooty.

Besides, there is the wide variety of handicrafts of Tamil Nadu. The ace craftsmen of Tamil Nadu are skilled in making fantastic Jewelry, painting, pottery, and stone crafts. Look for such artifacts as you go on shopping in Ooty. You may also come across some tribal crafts in the shops. The local bazaars are replete with private shops and Government run emporia, where you can shop till you drop. Many hotels have shopping arcades where of course the price would be a bit on higher side.

Main Bazaar: Main bazaar is the central hub and the best shopping junction of the place. All the things which are produced in the city along with all small groceries and cutlery are sold here under a single umbrella. The chief thing produced in this area is tea and all variety of tea is available for tasting as well as purchase.

Handicraft and specific paintings made by the local residents is appreciated and highly liked by several people all across the country. Special goodies for the festival are made available and clothes are available in specific local variety which has the essence of the prevalent culture of the place.

Accommodation

The picturesque hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu is a tremendously popular destination in South India. Since long, Ooty has been a favourite haunt for the hill-lovers.

There are a large number of hotels in Ooty.
From top-end luxury and heritage properties to rather economy class ones - plenty of hotels are available in Ooty.

On the green-carpeted slopes of the Nilgiri hills, hotels in Ooty promise you a tranquil retreat. Colonial influence has blended into a perfect elegance with the local culture to create a unique character in Ooty. A stay in the hotels in Ooty would offer you charming glimpses of that culture.

Here are some selected hotels in Ooty:

Luxury Hotels in Ooty
Savoy Hotel
Fortune Hotel Sullivan Court
Holiday Inn Gem Park Ooty
Budget Hotels in Ooty
Welcom Heritage Regency Villas
Nalapad Residency
Hotel Lakeview
Quite a few large Indian chains have their hotels in Ooty. Most of these hotels in Ooty fall in the luxury segment of course. Beautiful architecture, rooms with sleek décor, plush lobby, multi-cuisine restaurants, heath club, entertainment center would ensure that you spend a good time at the luxury hotels in Ooty.

Things to do

Boating
One of the leading tourist attractions in the city, the Ooty Lake is immensely popular with tourists for boating. The lake and boat houses have emerged as key tourist hangouts in the hill station. The boat house is at the far end of the Lake. Boat pageantry and boat races are held in summers in the lake when it is crowded with visitors. Fishing is also allowed in the Ooty Lake but prior permission should be sought from the authorities. The entire lake is delimited with a footpath and you can also walk alongside it.

Hand-Gliding & Angling
Ooty offers a range of adventure sports to tourists for a thrilling experience. Hand-gliding will give tourists the joy of flying high like a bird in the vast expanse of the open sky. Trained and professional hand-gliders should be guiding you when you try hand-gliding. Angling is another prominent adventure sport to experience in Ooty. There is an ample scope for fishing in the clean streams and swift flowing rivers of the Ooty hills.

Nature Walk
Ooty is an ideal destination for those who are seeking the companionship of nature. Rich in Natural splendor and adorned with phenomenally beautiful environs, Ooty has some spectacular gardens like the Rose garden for nature lovers. It is a perfect choice for those who want to absorb the sublime freshness of nature and soothe their nerves in a calm environment to beat the city stress on a vacation.

Trekking
Trekking is, undoubtedly, the best way to explore the exotic mountain ranges of Ooty and the picturesque landscape that makes it a thriving natural wonder and one of the most popular hill stations in India. The rugged mountainous terrain of Nilgiris hills can be trekked to view the real beauty that Ooty is celebrated for. Professional guidance should be sought by the amateur trekkers. One of the most adventurous sports, trekking the highest peaks of Nilgiris will be a thrilling experience for the trekkers.
Visiting the Church
Ooty has a lot of ancient religious places to see and the tourists are going to really enjoy this light walk into the religious history of Ooty. One of the first colonial structures of the hill station discovered by the British, St. Stevens Church is one of the heritage attractions of Ooty. The cemetery of the church has the graves of some of the famous names of Ooty. Tourist can visit two the Union and Holy Trinity churches in Ooty to see the stained glass windows.

District
Nilgiri
STD Code
0423
Termperature
Summer 10-21°C, Winter 5-21°C
Best time to visit
November to March
Famous For
Hill Resort

Mahabalipuram

State

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram as it was formerly known, is an enigma for historians.

The temple city of Mahabalipuram (also Mamallapuram) is situated just 60 km off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It extends from latitude 12°37' in the North to longitude 80°14' in the East. The city is well connected through a network of roads from Chennai and other important cities of South India. Many of the Resorts Mahabalipuram are strategically located close to the tourist spots.

History

Mahabalipuram is one of history's intriguing enigmas. The ancient Mamallapuram, as Mahabalipuram was formerly known, was flourishing port town of the Pallava rulers of south India who chiseled in stone a fabulous "open-air museum" of sculpture under the vault of a burning sky. Apart from this, nothing is known of the place. What was the purpose behind this whole exercise, and, more important, why all the royal patronage this place enjoyed suddenly disappeared, no one actually has any answer. Staying at Mahabalipuram Resorts is an unique way of experiencing its history.

Experts say that there were seven pagodas or temples on the shores of Mahabalipuram. All but one were pillaged by the rapacious sea, though there is little underwater evidence to substantiate their existence.

Most of the temples and rock carvings of this place were built during the reigns of Narsinha Varman I (AD 630-668) and Narsinha Varman II (AD 700-728). Though the initial kings of Pallava dynasty were followers of Jainism, the conversion of Mahendra Varman (AD 600-630) to Shaivism led most of the monuments to be related with Shiva or Vishnu.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International airport, which is located at 58 km away from Mahabalipuram. Chennai airport is having two terminals, domestic and International. Chennai is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities in abroad including Colombo, Middle East countries, Singapore and Gulf countries. Taxi fare from airport to Mahabalipuram is about Rs 1200.

Rail: The nearest rail head is Chengalpattu, which is 29 km away from Mahabalipuram city. Chennai is the major railway station nearby which is connected to all major cities in India by rail. Chengalpattu is connected to Chennai. The taxi fare from Chengalpattu to Mahabalipuram is about Rs 600 and Chennai to Mahabalipuram is Rs 1200.

Road: Mahabalipuram is well connected with many cities in and around including Chennai by Tamil Nadu public transport bus services. Many private tourist buses operate between Mahabalipuram and Chennai Central.

Shopping

Mahabalipuram is a favorite shopping haunt for South Indian artifacts, both wooden and granite based.

The stone artifacts made by the locals are a collector’s delight Mamallapuram Shopping Guide.

Although a popular beach destination, shopping in Mahabalipuram will be an interesting experience as it offers exquisite souvenirs and other memorabilia.

Mahabalipuram is famous for its stone and wooden sculptures. Soapstpones, granite and wood are used to carve out gods and goddesses and unique scenes captures from everyday life. Jewellery and decorative items made of seashells are also good buys to carry home as souvenirs from this seaside town. .

The main shopping areas in Mahabalipuram are on Mount Road. The most reliable places to buy handicrafts are the government emporiums.

The shopping is excellent in Mahabalipuram. Handmade crafts made by people in the region are the specialty. These handmade crafts many times come in the form of stone statues carved to look like the enormous originals that are in the area. These statues are normally carved out of granite which enhances their beauty. Many people are more than glad to travel to this region to acquire such fine artistic pieces made by quality artisans. Soapstone images, wood carvings, jewelry, and items made from local seashells are also popular items that are sold in the local shops.

Accommodation

Mahabalipuram is one of the pristine beaches in India, on the coastline of TamilNadu. Hotels in Mahabalipuram welcome the tourists who flock to this seaside town to enjoy the beaches and see the magnificent monuments and temples.

The hotels overlooking the beaches offer spectacular view. Watching the sunrise or sunset from your window will be a memorable experience. If you are a foodie, then you will enjoy the delectable range of cuisine, especially the seafood.

Some of the prominent hotels in Mababalipuram are:

Temple Bay Ashok Beach Resort
Fisherman's Cove

Attractions

Open Air Dance Festival: The Open Air Dance Festival in Mahabalipuram is an annual four week festival. It is held right by Arjuna's Penance. The beautiful backdrop adds to the charm of experiencing skilled dancers perform such traditional dances as Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Odissi and Kathakali. The use of this open air stage started about 13 centuries ago. Today, the best folk dancers from all over India come to perform during the festival. Other dancers come to see them dance, as do numerous tourists. The effect of skilled dancers combined with the aesthetically pleasing location ad to the special experience that is known as the Open Air Dance Festival

District
Kancheepuram
STD Code
04114
Termperature
Summer 22-37°C, Winter 19-32°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year
Famous For
Known for its sandy-sunny beaches and shore Temple

Madurai

State

The very ancient city of Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India and dates back to several centuries before Christ. Situated some 472 km from Chennai, Madurai is located on the banks of River Vaigai. Madurai is also the second largest city of Tamil Nadu after Chennai and covers an area of 109 sq km. Madurai was home to the ancient Tamil Sangam and also hosted the literary summit that produced the first Tamil epic and many other famous literary works. Madurai is also one of the most sacred temple towns of India.

History

It was the capital city of the Pandya Kings of South India. The Pandya King Kulasekara built the Meenakshi temple in the centre and around it he built a city resembling a lotus flower. The streets of Madurai go around in concentric circles, closing in on the centre.
Madurai was originally a forest called Kadambavanam. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared on the day the city was to be named. Drops of nectar fell on to the city from his locks and the city was named ‘Madhurapuri’ and eventually Madurai meaning sweetness in Tamil.

Accessibility

Air: Madurai Airport is located about 10 km from the heart of the city. Taxi charges about Rs 150 to cover this distance. Madurai is connected to Chennai by air. Chennai is the nearest international airport, which is connected to most of the Indian cities and international destinations.

Rail: Direct train services from Madurai to many cities in India are available. Many trains are running between Madurai and Chennai daily.

Road: Many private operators are providing deluxe AC and non-AC luxury coach buses from Madurai to many cities in the South India, including Chennai, Trivandrum, Coimbatore, Trichy etc. Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation buses connect Madurai with other local cities in and around. Super fast buses of TSRTC runs between Madurai and Chennai.

Shopping

Although Madurai is famous as a temple town, it is also a fascinating shopping place. Madurai has retained its fame as a textile center from ancient times. The hoards of textiles and tailoring shops around the famed Meenakshi Temple are ample proof of this.

While shopping in Madurai, you can buy locale manufactured cottons and batiks from Puthu Manadapam Market, just outside the eastern entrance of the Meenakshi Temple. The interesting things about the rows of tailoring shops here is that they can stitch a dress for you in an hour or two. You can also pick up the famed Madurai silk and handloom sarees from big textile showrooms like the famous Hajeemoosa Textiles. If you want to buy souvenirs in wood or brass, you should visit the Cottage industries emporium and other government emporiums nearby. Madurai is also famous for its ethnically crafted jewelery if you want to indulge in the pleasure of buying gold and silver ornaments.

Madurai may not be shoppers' paradise, but here you can spend your time looking around the market and just chilling out amidst the colorful chaos of the marketplace. The hustle and bustle of the market packed with myriad of people jostling about over things they love to haggle.

Indeed shopping in Madurai can be a fun. Plan a visit to Prithu Mandapam Market that is a famous market in Madurai, based just inside the eastern entrance of Meenakshi Temple. Here you can buy cotton and batiks, for which Madurai is famous. You can sit back on the Pottramarai tank and let the essence of Maduari seep in you.

Madurai has also been a textile centre for long. Here skilled tailors can reproduce your dress with cottons and printed fabrics at Puthu Mandapam. You can also visit the government Poompuhar Handicrafts shop, the Cottage Arts Emporium and the Madurai Gallery for hand-woven silks and cottons, bell-metal lamps, bronze images, wood and stone carvings.

Accommodation

The city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu is synonymous with temples. Hotels in Madurai offer a comfortable and pleasant stay for the religious tourist and the pleasure traveler alike.

Hotels in Madurai have a range of packages to suit the budget of all categories of tourists. Most of the hotels in Madurai are conveniently located in the main city near the pilgrim centers and the railway station.

Some of the prominent hotels in Madurai are:

Five Star Hotels in Madurai
Taj Garden Retreat
Three Star Hotels In Madurai
Madurai Ashok
Madura Park Inn

District
Madurai
STD Code
0452
Termperature
Summer 26-38°C, Winter 20-29°C
Best time to visit
November to February
Famous For
For Meenakshi Temple

Kodaikanal

State

Kodaikanal, meaning “gift of the forest”, is one of the beautiful hill station located in the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats. The picturesque town is spread around the man made Kodai Lake. It is a popular honeymoon destination, is rich with deep green valleys, waterfalls and trekking trails. It also has the distinction of being the only hill station in India to be established by Americans.

History

Historically, the Kodaikanal area was inhabited by various prehistoric tribes and proof of this is said to be visible with various artifacts - primarily dolmens homes made of of large stone slabs. Starting in the 14th century, various tribes including the Paliyans and Pulyans and villagers from the Palani Hills area started to colonise the Kodaikanal area as they escaped from various oppressive rulers including Tippu Sultan.

The first European visitors to Kodaikanal came in the 1820s. The first surveyor of the region was Lt. B.S. Ward who had his headquarters in Vellagavi village. Subsequently KodaiKanal, with its wonderful climate and easy accessibility from Madurai, became a popular hill station for British living in South India who sought to escape from the oppressive summer heat of Tamilnadu. American missionaries also began to frequent Kodaikanal and established numerous churches in the region.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai, at a distance of 120 km and Coimbatore at a distance of about 180 km from Kodaikanal.

By Rail: The nearest Railway station is Kodai road, which is about 80 km away from Kodaikanal. Coimbatore junction is the major rail head which is well connected to all cities in India.

By Road: Tourist bus services are plenty to reach Kodaikanal from Madurai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Kochi and Chennai.

Shopping

Kodaikanal is a hill resort famous for its mesmerizing beauty. Although not particularly a shopping destination, you can buy some souvenirs and curios from this hill resort.

While shopping in Kodaikanal, you will be fascinated by the homemade chocolates, marshmallows and cheese that you find in the bakeshops in the town. If you are interested in aromatherapy, you can also choose from a range of oils and herbs in shops exclusively selling natural products. Eucalyptus oils found here are quite popular.

In Kodaikanal, you can also shop for handicrafts and handlooms, which you can buy at Khadi Emporium, Handloom Co-operative Stores and Government Sales Emporium. You can also pick up gifts and curios from the craft shop run by a volunteer group called Corsack. Kodaikanal also has a number of general stores, which stack everything from matchsticks to sweaters.

Accommodation

Kodaikanal offers good accommodation facilities to the tourists. Hotels in Kodaikanal give a picturesque view of the hills around. This coupled with the salubrious climate and delectable range of cuisine, makes your stay in Kodaikanal a memorable one.

Some of the prominent hotels in Kodaikanal are:

The Carlton, Kodaikanal
Hotel Kodai International
Paradise Inn, Kodaikanal
Valley View Inn, Kodaikanal

Things to do

Trekking
The Pillar rocks are three granite boulders which are seen standing vertically shoulder to shoulder and it is now a very famous tourist spot for many visitors. These rocks are measuring a height of about 400 feet from the ground and the chambers that are seen between the two pillars are known as Devil's Kitchen. The Pillar Rocks have gained popularity as the years have passed by and during the peak season there is a huge rush of visitors to this place. The shady woods that are in the vicinity of these huge boulders are a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.

District
Dindigul
STD Code
04542
Termperature
Summer 20-11°C, Winter 8-20°C
Best time to visit
April To June And September To October

Kanyakumari

State

Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here.

Kanyakumari weaves a magical spell over all those who visit this mesmerizing place blessed with nature's beauty in excess. Kanyakumari has that imposing splendor of striking sunrise and the soft sunset that simmer over the confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the India Ocean, whose every grain seems to seep inside your body, refreshing you to the core.

History

Kanyakumari was once referred to as the Alexandria of the east. This place has been a great center for art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years. It was also a famous center for commerce and trade. During the early part of the eighth century AD Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and missionaries. Through St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, Christianity arrived in this area in AD 52. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have greatly contributed to the architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place. Kanyakumari was also under the control of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks who were great rulers of south India. The architectural beauty of the temples is the work of these rulers.

During the British Raj, Kanyakumari was bestowed the dry title of Cape Comorin, necessitated perhaps by the Englishmen's inability to pronounce local names.

Legend has it that Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was to wed Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. The rice and cereals meant for the marriage remained uncooked. Even today, one can buy stones there that look exactly like rice and cereals. Local folks believe that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. As for the princess Kanya Devi, she became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest Airport is Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance of 87 km from Kanyakumari. Trivandrum airport is well connected with many major cities in India and abroad. Direct flights from many gulf countries are available from Trivandrum. Tourist taxi charges about Rs 1500 from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari.

Rail: The Kanyakumari Junction is just one km away from the central bus stand. The major railway station near Kanyakumari is Trivandrum Central, which is connected to all parts of India by rail. There are many staring trains from Kanyakumari, including trains to Delhi, and Bangalore.

Road: Lots of public and private bus services are available from Kanyakumari. Kerala and Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses connect Kanyakumari with many cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Deluxe and super deluxe bus services are available from Kanyakumari to Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum.

Shopping

Kanyakumari is not really a shopping destination. However in Kanyakumari, shopping for seashell items can be fun. What better gifts and souvenirs to carry home form this popular beach destination than beautiful trinkets made from seashells!
While shopping in Kanyakumari, you will come across beautiful decorative items made of wood and bamboo. Palmleaf drawings are also unique buys from Kanyakumari.

Accommodation

Kanyakumari is a famous Hindu pilgrim center besides being a popular beach destination, which offers beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. Some of the hotels in Kanyakumari, which face the sea, offer magnificent views of the sunrise and the sunset. You will enjoy the range of delicious cuisine especially if you are fond of seafood.

Some of the prominent hotels in KanyaKumari are:

Hotel Singaar International
Hotel Cape Residency

District
Kanyakumari
STD Code
04652
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-35°C, Winter 17-21°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Southernmost tip of India.

Kancheeppuram

State

Kanchipuram is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and the seat of the Shankaracharya.

History

Kanchipuram or the Golden City of Temples is one of the most important centers of Hindu religion and also one of the most picturesque. The place is one of India's seven sacred cities and the second holiest after Varanasi.

The city was once the capital of the Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagar rulers. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century AD but, during that period, was also briefly occupied by the Chalukyas, and the Rashtrakutas. Many of the temples situated here are the work of the Pallavas and later Cholas.

The remains of a few Buddhist stupas are indication that Buddhism also prevailed here for a little while. One of the four seats of Sri Adi Shankaracharya (a great Hindu sage), the Kanchi Kamakotti Peetham is situated here. It has been a center for Tamil learning and culture for centuries and presents the glorious Dravidian heritage of the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Vishnu) and Shaivites (worshippers of Shiva).

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Chennai International airport, which is 75 km away from Kanchipuram. Prepaid taxi fare is about Rs 1100 from airport to Kanchipuram.

Rail: Kanchipuram rail line is connected to Chennai, Pondicherry, Nagaercoil and Madurai. Only few trains run through Kanchipuram.

Road: Many buses are available between Kanchipuram and Chennai. State owned public transport system connects Kanchipuram to many cities in and around Chennai. Private tourist bus services are also available from Kancheepuram to Chennai and also to Bangalore. It costs about Rs 3 per kilometer.

Shopping

Kanchipuram is synonymous with silks and silks! The Kanjeevaram saris of Kanchipuram are the finest and the most beautiful in the world. In India they are usually passed on as heirloom from mother to daughter.

Kanchipuram has a history of weaving dating back to about 400 years with silk weavers settling in this temple town. Even today there are more than 500 families engaged in the exquisite art of weaving silk. Kanchipuram silks are woven from silk worms bred purely on mulberry. Kanchipuram silks saris are woven using a dazzling array of colorful threads and fine golden thread or zari into alluring patterns depicting traditional temple motifs.

Shopping in Kanchipuram for silk saris and fabrics can be done at handloom co-operatives who run their retail outlets. Besides silks, you can buy artifacts like fruit baskets, candle stands, and jewelry boxes and idols of gods and goddesses. These made of stone, bronze, brass, copper and jute make good gifts and souvenirs to carry home from Kanchipuram.

Accommodation

There are good hotel accommodations in Kanchipuram from deluxe hotels to the budget hotels. Hotels in Kanchipuram are known for their traditional warmth and hospitality. For those who enjoy south Indian cuisine, you can savor the range of delicious cuisine at the hotels in Kanchipuram.

Some of the prominent hotels in Kanchipuram are:

Jayabala International
T M Hotels
Babloo Soorya Hotels
M M Hotels

Attractions

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
The temple city of Kanchipuram is also the silk city of India. It has a thriving handloom industry with an enviable reputation as the producer of the best silk sarees in India. The silk weavers of Kanchi settled more than 400 years ago and kept up an unflinching tradition of producing impeccable silk sarees.
Each of the Kanchipuram silk saree is unique in itself since it is entirely hand woven with dyed silk yarn with interleaved designs made with 'Zari' - a Silk thread twisted with thin Silver wire and then gilded with pure Gold.

District
Kanchipuram
STD Code
04546
Termperature
Summer 21-36°C, Winter 19-28°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year
Famous For
Kanchipuram is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and the seat of the Shankaracharya.

Chennai

State

Chennai, located on the stretch of Coromandel coast, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and is the gateway to South India. It also has the distinction of being called the automobile capital of India with around 40% of automobiles giants having a plant there. Kollywood, the Tamil film industry is another energetic aspect of the people of Chennai. The city boasts of a long history from ancient South Indian empires through colonialism to its evolution in the 20th century as a services and manufacturing hub.

History

Chennai, formerly called Madras, has been present since times immemorial. Whatever is known about the capital city of Tamil Nadu, presently serves as the history of the modern city. Originally Chennai was a cluster of villages, perched amidst paddy fields, bordered by palm trees. The Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Vijaynagar Empire, all the popular dynasties of South India, have had an influence over the city. The origin of the metropolitan city started in 1639, when Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, two merchants of the East India Company, started a factory-cum-trading post here.

A settlement was built to serve as the control centre and it was completed on 23 Apr' 1640, St George's Day and was named as St George's Fort. The native town, officially called George Town, was established outside the ramparts of the Fort. George Town had several crowded lanes and each lane dealt in special trade, serving the British colonists. The Colonial decree made connections with the villages, together with the settlement at San Thome that was established by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

The 7th century Pallava Port, Kapalesvara Temple and Parthasarathi Temple are standing testimony to the fact that Chennai had been present since ages. In 1746, Chennai, along with Fort St George, came under the sway of the French, who ransacked the town and the nearby villages. The British again got command over Chennai in 1749, attributable to the Treaty of Aix-la-Chappell. They fortified the area so that this time no pirate could conquer it. By the late 18th century, they were able to overpower most of the region around Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and founded the Madras Presidency.

During the British rule, Chennai went under drastic changes, to become a prominent city, with strong naval base. With the introduction of railways in the late 19th century, Chennai got linked with other important cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. Facilities of trade and communication in the city boosted, connecting it with the hinterland too. Chennai was the only city of India that was attacked during the World War.

When India became independent in 1947, Chennai city was declared as the capital of Madras State, which was later renamed as Tamil Nadu in 1968. In 1997, the Government of Tamil Nadu officially changed the name of Madras to Chennai. However, it is the colonial rule which developed Chennai into a major commercial center. In the present day, George Town houses most of the pioneer business headquarters, while the State Government has its nerve centre in the Fort St George.

Accessibility

Air: Anna International Airport at Chennai is connected to many important cities in abroad including Singapore, Colombo. Kamraj Domestic Airport in Chennai is well connected to all major cities in India. All the major airlines provide their service from Chennai to other cities. Prepaid taxis are available and fare about Rs 250 to 300 from Airport to Chennai Central.

Rail: Chennai has 3 railway stations. They are Central, Egmore and Tambaram. Chennai Central is well connected to all the major cities in India.

Road: Chennai metro city is connected to all parts of the India by road. TSTC and other private bus services provide services to all cities in the state. Deluxe Volvo bus services are available from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin and Coimbatore.

Shopping

Chennai is a good place to shop for a large variety of items-- traditional bell metal items, bronze icons, and stone sculpture, as well as other crafts of the southern region at the local shops of Chennai. Besides these, the city of Chennai is famous for the beautiful Kancheepuram hand woven silk sarees.

A wide range of craft shops and various government emporia along Anna Salai specialise in conventional souvenirs and handicrafts made of rosewood, sandalwood, ivory, bronze and silver. Leather goods, silk and hand-woven fabrics, saris and jewellery are available at most of the upmarket shopping centres. The Victoria Technical Institute, run by nuns on behalf of development groups sells traditional crafts, handmade clothing, batik greeting cards, embroidered upholstery and finely carved wooden furniture besides other items. One can visit the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in Temple Towers, Anna Salai, and Nandanam for the choicest arts and crafts. Superbly decorated, it has an excellent range of handicrafts from all over India. For exquisite silks and cottons the government - sponsored Handloom House in George Town, or the more expensive India Silk House on Anna Salai are the right choices. Locals and visitors alike visit Kumaran and Nalli silk stores. In George Town near the Parry's corner are the self-styled duty free shops, which sell electronic goods, sweets and chocolates. Footpath stalls along Anna Salai or in front of Egmore station, are excellent places to pick up cheap 'export reject' clothes.

Burma Bazaar: Chennai is one of the important trade centers of south India and is a good place to shop for a large variety of things. One of the famous shopping places is Burma Bazar, where one can find all sorts of imported goods ranging from electronic gadgets to readymade and perfumes. Trading in almost all kinds of goods from plastic goods to textiles and stationery, and from ready-made garments to household items can be had here for reasonable prices. There are many new shopping complexes that offer a large range of shopping to be done under a single roof, have come all over the Burma Bazar. This is shoppers' paradise.

Second Avenue: Avenue is a common name given to sector of a township, like Anna Nagar, KK Nagar, Besant Nagar etc., in Chennai. Second Avenue means second sector of the specified township. Second Avenue of Anna Nagar has blown up to very famous with its shopping markets. Anna Nagar today is a self-sufficient township with its family entertainment centers, clubs, super markets, restaurants, theatre in addition to religious abodes and the beautiful parks. Anna Nagar is a second hub in Chennai. The Second Avenue in Anna Nagar has converted itself into something similar to a high street. The national and multinational big companies that have put up shop in Second Avenue include Food World, Pizza Hut, Gautier, Crocodile, Hutch Shop and Damro Furniture. Second Avenue became a shopping paradise and all tourists prefer Second Avenue for their shopping in Chennai.

The Weaver's Centre: The Welfare centers for handloom weavers instituted to promote, advance and facilitate the continuous growth of the handloom industry to compete in the global market are the so-called Weaver Centers. Weavers' Service center in Chennai is one of the first four Centers initially established throughout India in 1956. This center is the Headquarters of the Weavers Service Centers in South Zone. Organizational philosophy is "Friend for guidance and partner in progress through skills & technological up gradation and product development" and this center is the symbol and flagship of the victory of cooperation and sincerity.

Accommodation

Chennai Hotels are a perfect blending of tradition and modernity. There are plenty of hotels in Chennai ranging from five star deluxe hotels to the economic budget hotels. There are also beach resorts in Chennai quite popular with corporate executives as they have a variety of stress busting and rejuvenation packages.

FIVE STAR DELUXE HOTELS

Park Sheraton and Towers
Le Royal Meridien
Taj Coromandel

FIVE STAR HOTELS

Chola Sheraton
Fisherman's Cove
Taj Coromandel

BUDGET HOTELS

Aadithya Hotel
Hotel Breeze
Quality Inn Sabari

Attractions

Cuisine - Delight For Tongue
South Indian cuisine from Chennai could be the best memory that you take away from here. From the idlis and vadas, to idiyappam and dosa, Chennai is so full of different delicacies that once you have a taste of them, you will be left asking for more. Having your lunch on a banana leaf might not be on your wish list before you come to Chennai , but after one experience, it will definitely be there on your favorite's list, right on top. For the best in town vegetarian, you can go to Madras Cafe or Raj Restaurant. And for sumptuous non-vegetarian Chettinad cuisine which is considered to be a specialty in Tamil Nadu, Sea food restaurant-Kayal is a great option. Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai, is famous for its filter coffee called as 'Kaapi' without which your trip to Chennai is not complete.

District
Chennai
STD Code
044
Termperature
Summer 38-42°C, Winter 18-20°C
Best time to visit
November to February
Famous For
Capital of Tamil Nadu. Gateway to South India

Ranthambore

State

Ranthambore is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the jungle, bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. It was the erstwhile hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur until 1955 when it was declared as a game sanctuary. It is also the site for one of the largest banyan trees in India.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nh53/5154880781/

History

The Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The region of Ranthambore is rich in history. This region was under the control of the Rajput King Hamir but was defeated by Ala-ud-din Khilji's army in AD 1301. The history of Ranthambore reached the pinnacle of its glory when Emperor Akbar captured it in 1569 AD. He also took over the control of the fort from the Rajputs. The painters and artists have painted this event in miniature paintings of the Akbarnama. The fort was transferred to the Kachwaha rulers of Jaipur later and remained under their control till 1949 when Jaipur was made the part of Rajasthan.

Accessibility

Air: Sanganer Airport located at Jaipur is nearly 180 km from the Ranthambhore city and taxi fare is about Rs 3500 from Airport to the city. Jaipur airport is connected to metro cities Mumbai and Delhi. Foreign travelers can take connection flights from Delhi international airport, which is nearly 425 km away from Ranthambhore. Taxi charges about Rs 7500 from Delhi to Ranthambhore.

Rail: Sawai Madhopur, at a distance of nearly 10 km, is the nearest railway station to Ranthambhore. This railhead is on the Broad Gauge line between Mumbai and Delhi and is connected to all cities in India by trains. Tourist taxi fare from railway station to Ranthambhore is about Rs 200.

Road: Ranthambhore is connected by regular bus services to other cities in and around. Many public transport buses connecting Ranthamabhore with Jaipur, Pushkar and Ajmer. Private bus services are available from Ranthambhore to Agra (250 km) and Delhi (400 km).

Accommodation

One can choose from a variety of accommodation options in Ranthambore. There are a number of budget hotels and resorts that provide good services. From deluxe rooms to standard suites, you can certainly be assured of a comfortable stay. Guests can also enjoy scrumptious Indian and Rajasthani cuisines at the Ranthambore budget hotels and the various resorts.

Things to do

Wildlife Viewing
Ranthambore National Park is renowned for being home to a rich and varied wildlife. The most popular attraction of this park comprises of its tigers, followed by leopards. Apart from that, you can also spot leopards, striped hyenas, nilgai, macaques, black bucks, rufous tailed hare, Indian porcupines, small Indian mongoose, Indian false vampires, Indian flying foxes, etc. Then, it houses a population of snub nosed marsh crocodiles, desert monitor lizards, tortoise, banded and common kraits, cobras, Indian pythons, north Indian flap shelled turtles, rat snakes, Russell’s vipers, and saw-scaled vipers, as well.

Bird Watching
Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is considered to be a bird watchers paradise. This is because it approximately 272 species of birds, both resident and migratory, can be seen in the park. Some of the most popular species include graylag goose, woodpeckers, Indian gray hornbills, common kingfishers, bee eaters, cuckoos, parakeets, Asian palm swift, owl, nightjars, pigeon, dove, crakes, snipes, sandpipers, gulls, etc. Malik Talao, the Ranthambore Fort, Rajbagh Talao, Padam Talao and the Jhalra area are the areas in Ranthambore that are best suited for bird watching.

Hot Air Ballooning
Ranthambore is one of the places in Rajasthan where hot air ballooning takes place. As you fly miles above the wildlife sanctuary, the lush greenery scenery surely takes you by surprise. The balloon ride also provides you with an opportunity to take some of the best photographs of the wild animals as well as birds, from above, suspended in mid air. Majority of the hot air balloon flights in Ranthambore take off from the helipad on the arterial road. However, you can also take a flight from Ranthambore Road, Madhopur, or any other destination.

Jungle Safari
One of the best ways to explore Ranthambore is through a jungle safari, which takes you as close to the wildlife as possible. It is undertaken on open-roofed canters (small trucks), which can seat 20 people at a time. These canters move on a network of four tracks that crisscross the park. Apart from that, you can also go on a jeep safari. At any given time, a maximum of three open jeeps are allowed on each trail.

Exploring Heritage
Apart from being home to a large number of wild animals as well as birds, Ranthambore National Park is also known for housing a historical monument i.e. Ranthambore Fort. Situated atop a hill, the fort is one of the best places to have a view of the entire park. It presents an architectural and historical wonder and is best visited on foot. Another attraction of the park is Raj Bagh Ruins, located between Padam Talab (lake) and Raj Bagh Talab. It includes ancient stone structures, like arches, palace outhouses, domes, and steps, all in ruins now.

District
Sawai Madhopur
STD Code
07462
Termperature
Summer 32-45°C, Winter 5-28°C
Best time to visit
September to March

Mount Abu

State

Mount Abu, literally ‘Hill of Wisdom’, is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. The ancient name of Mount Abu is "Arbudaanchal". It was the summer resort for the Maharajas and the princes to escape the sweltering desert. The gigantic blocks of rock, towering along the crest of the hill, the lush green trees and the colourful birds and animals make the place as one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Mount Abu is also a major Rajput and Jain pilgrimage centre.

History

The history of Mount Abu is wrapped up in legends. According to one, Mount Abu derives its name from Mount Arbud when the youngest son of Himalaya, along with the assistance of a snake called Arbud flooded the gorge in the area with water to save Shiva's revered bull.

On a more contemporary note, the history of Mount Abu indicates that it was once under the rule of the Chauhan dynasty and later served as summer retreat for the royalty. The British too favored this region and made it their impromptu getaway from the heat and dust of Rajasthan.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is the Dabok airport in Udaipur, which is 210 km away from Mount Abu. The airport is connected to other airports such as Delhi (760 km), Jaipur (505 km) and Mumbai (765 km). The taxi fare from airport to Mount Abu is about Rs 2000.

Rail: The nearest railhead is the Abu Road Station that is located on the main line between Delhi and Mumbai. The station well connected to all major railheads in India via Delhi and Mumbai.

Road: The tourist buses ply from Jaipur (505 km), Udaipur (185 km), Delhi (760 km) and Jaisalmer (620 km) to Mount Abu. The tariff per seat varies between Rs 3 to Rs 4 per km and the frequency varies from every day to twice a week. State owned buses connects Mount Abu with neighbouring cities

Shopping

Mount Abu is an enchanting hill resort in Rajasthan.Shopping in Mount Abu is going to be an enthralling experience as the markets of Mount Abu are stacked with a variety of handicrafts from Rajasthan and the neighboring state of Gujarat. Textiles, jewellery, curios in wood, metal and marble, you name it and they have it all in Mount Abu.

Most of the shops in Mount Abu are located around the beautiful Nakki Lake, which makes your shopping in Mount Abu a pleasurable experience. Rajasthani paintings, leather articles and stone crafts make good souvenirs. If you have a fascination for textiles and fabrics, then you should check out the Kota saris, linen with Sanganeri prints or even the lightweight Jaipury quilt.

For Rajasthan Handicrafts like metal, stone and wooden curios, you can shop at the Government Handicrafts Emporium, Khadi Bhandar, Kashmir Cottage emporium and a host of other shops in the town.

Accommodation

If you want to get some spiritual solace amidst the peace and quiet of a desert, then what better idea than to check into a hotel in Mount Abu. A hill station and a pilgrimage center at once, Mount Abu is an enchanting destination.

Hotels in Mount Abu epitomize the traditional hospitality coupled with modern amenities. The delectable range of authentic cuisine will overwhelm you.

Some of the prominent hotels in Mount Abu are:

Three Star Hotels

Hotel Hilltone
Four Star Hotel
Hotel Hillock

Heritage Hotel

Cama Rajputana Club Resort
Hotel Connaught House
Hotel Palanpur Palace
Hotel Rising Sun Retreat

Budget Hotel

Hotel Shikhar

Attractions

Summer Festival
The Summer Festival is held at the lone hill Station of the Rajasthan, Mount Abu. The festival is organized every year in the month of June. The scenic town of Mt. Abu with its rocky terrain, serene lakes, arresting locations and the pleasant climate constitutes the perfect venue for the Rajasthan Summer Festival. The festival goes on for three-day and showcases the traditions, culture and the tribal life of Rajasthan. Folk and classical music is the high point of the Summer Festival.

Beginning of the Summer Festival of Mount Abu, Rajasthan is marked by the singing of a ballad. Following thereafter, are the folk dancers of Rajasthan, entertaining the spectators with their performance. There are also some sports events organized in the festival like a boat race on the Nakki Lake. Other attractions of the Summer Festival include Sham-e-Qawwali, a musical extravaganza. In this program known qawwals from all over the country perform and delight the audience. The festival reaches its end with a splendid and enthralling display of impressive fireworks.

District
Sirohi
STD Code
02974
Termperature
Summer 32-45°C, Winter 5-28°C
Best time to visit
Feb to June and Sept to December

Kumbhalgarh

State

Kumbhalgarh is the second most important bastion in the Mewar region, built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, after Chittorgarh. It is also a birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lamentables/450756032/

History

In Rana Kumbha's time the kingdom of Mewar spread from Ranthambore to Gwalior, including vast tracts of present-day Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Mewar's rulers became patrons of all that was best in Indian martial and fine arts, architecture, and learning. Of the 84 fortresses defending Mewar, 32 were designed and built by Rana Kumbha. Of these, Kumbhalgarh with its 36-kilometer long wall and soaring towers is the most impressive. Kumbhalgarh stands on the site of an ancient citadel dating back to the second century AD belonging to a Jain descendant of India's Mauryan emperors. It defined the boundaries between Mewar and Marwar and became a refuge for Mewar's rulers in times of strife. Its steel gray ramparts encircle the fertile Shero Mallah Valley, with ancient monuments cenotaphs, ponds and flourishing farms. Kumbhalgarh fell only once in its history, to the combined forces of Emperor Akbar, Raja Man Singh of Amber, and Raja Udai Singh of Amber, and Raja Udai Singh of Marwar.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport to Kumbalgarh is Udaipur, which is about 84 km from the city. Pre-paid taxi charges about Rs 1600 from Udaipur to Kumbalgarh. Udaipur is connected by air to Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Phalna, a junction railway station, which is well connected to Mumbai, Ajmer, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Road: Rajasthan State Government Roadways ordinary and deluxe buses have stop at Kumbhalgarh. It is connected to Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur and Pushkar by the state buses.

Shopping

Shopping in Kumbhalgarh may not be a very pleasant experience. It is not actually a typical shopping destination where you can shop till you drop.

Hardly anybody goes for shopping in Kumbhalgarh. But if returning from a tour without buying a few souvenirs, a handful of gifts for your near and dear ones, sound preposterous, Travel.mapsofindia recommends you to shop in Udaipur instead of shopping in Kumbhalgarh.

Udaipur is the nearest city from Kumbhalgarh and is one of the prime destinations in Rajasthan.The region has a rich tradition of handicrafts. Miniature painting is a renowned craft in the area. Paintings featuring long necks, large almond-shaped eyes, long fingers and the use of subdued colours make for excellent souvenirs. Pick up a few pieces while shopping in Udaipur.

Other popular crafts include Silver jewelry, potteries, stone carved items and Puppets. Be it for personal possession or as gifts to friends and relatives these are worth buying.

Accommodation

Most of the hotels in Kumbhalgarh fall in the heritage category since they are the old forts or palaces opened for tourist accommodation. Impressive architecture, beautiful locale and royal splendor distinctly mark the hotels in Kumbhalgarh.

Here are a few notable hotels in Kumbhalgarh

Aodhi Hotel
Kumbhalgarh Fort Hotel

District
Rajsamand
STD Code
02954
Termperature
Summer 32-45°C, Winter 28-35°C
Best time to visit
September to March
Famous For
Kumbhalgarh is famous the massive fort & the wildlife sanctuary.