South India Temple Tour: Art and Culture

South India is a fascinating land boasting of rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders. South India Temple tour offers you a glimpse of the unique form of architecture which characterizes the temples sprinkled across southern part of Indian subcontinent. 

South India temples are specimen of pure Dravidian style of architecture dating back to medieval times. Various southern dynasties such as the Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas, Hoysala and Vijayanagar Empire have subsequently contributed to the evolution of Dravidian architecture over many centuries.

Tirumala Tirupati by vimal_kalyan (DSCF3796  Uploaded by Joschi90) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The south India temple tour starts from Tirupati. One of the most revered pilgrimage destinations, Tirupati is located in the vicinity of the Tirupati temple. The city is home to a large number of temples of which Lord Venkateshwara temple is the most popular. Some other temples that you can visit in Tirupati are Padmavati temple, Govindaraja Swamy temple, and the Kodanda Rama Swamy temple.

Another major destination when it comes to temple tours in India is Tamil Nadu. It is replete with many temples situated in various cities of this region. Kanchipuram is an ancient city that lies in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu state.  It is also known as “the city of 1000 temples“ due to the fact that it houses a large number of temples. Some of the famous temples that one can explore in Kanchipuram are Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambaranatha, Kamakshi Amman Temple among others.

Another major destination in South India is Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, a 7th century port city of the Pallava dynasty situated in Tamil Nadu. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is known for its historic monuments dating back to 9th century. Some famous temples situated in Mahabalipuram are Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and Varsha Cave Temple.

Mahabalipuram by http://www.flickr.com/photos/pnglife/ [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is another destination in South India for those on a temple tour to more than 70 temples. The Brihadeshwara temple located here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts tourists from all over the world. Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India, the history of which can be traced back to 2,500 years. The city is built around the Meenakshi Amman Temple which is the topmost attraction here.

Brahadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore by Aruna at ml.wikipedia [GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

If North India temple tour is incomplete without visiting Varanasi, the same goes for Rameshwaram in South India. Rameshwaram is a pilgrim destination which offers a dash of mythology and religion. Rameshwaram, situated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the Char Dham’s in India.  The Ramanathaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most sacred temple in the city.

Rameshwaram Temple by Nsmohan at en.wikipedia [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

You will reach Kanyakumari on the penultimate day of your south India temple tour. Located on the southernmost part of Indian peninsula, the city is mostly visited for Kumari Amman (also known as Kanyakumari temple) and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Located on the confluence of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, the temple is a Shakti Peetha dedicated to the virgin form of Goddess Parvati.

To say that south Indian temples are repository of art, culture and Dravidian tradition will not be an overstatement. With each temple draped in sheer architectural brilliance having its own mythological significance, they attract travelers and devotees alike from across the world.  Embellished with intricately carved pillars, huge gopurams and beautifully adorned idols, these temples never fail to catch the attention of the visitors and are major attractions when it comes to cultural tours in India.

Read More

North India Temple Tour: In Search of Spirituality

North India temple tour traverses the courses of these significant places which celebrate and preserve the art and culture of various socio-cultural beliefs and practices. Meticulously crafted temple tours to select destination in northern part of India is a quest to bring out the vibrant aspect of spirituality and art embedded in some glorious monuments and temples.

Evening Aarti at Bathing Ghats by the Sacred river Ganges in Varanasi

Beginning your North India temple tour from Delhi gives you flexibility and variety of choice to cover some most significant places of worship and pilgrimage. Delhi itself is home to many temples dedicated to and serving different religious beliefs. Some of the important places worth mention includes Lotus Temple (The Bahá'í House of Worship), Akshardham Temple (Swaminarayan), Birla Temple, ISKCON Temple, Jama Masjid and Chhatarpur Temple.

Located a few hundred kilometers away from Delhi are Mathura and Vrindavan. These are the places around which lord Krishna was born and brought up. These destinations are major pilgrimage sites of Hindus. Place of interest in Vrindavan include ISKCON Temple also known as Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Banke Bihari Temple, Madan Mohan temple and Sri Vrindavan-Chandra Mandir located some 145 kilometers away from Delhi. In Mathura places of interest include Dwarkadheesh temple and Govardhana Hill among others.

One of the major pilgrimage centers of international fame is located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab. Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is the most sacred temple of Sikh community. The temple is popularly referred to as Golden Temple because of the gold plating on the upper floors of the structure.

Vacations in India

In Rajasthan, Pushkar is a major pilgrimage center of international renown famous for its annual fair. Brahma temple, situated in Pushkar, Rajasthan is the most prominent temple dedicated to the Hindu creator god Brahma. Just a short distance from Pushkar is Ajmer which is a major pilgrimage of Muslims. The Ajmer Sharif shrine is renowned for its secular character attracting pilgrims of all faiths.

Temple tours in India especially in the northern part, is incomplete without a visit to Varanasi. Varanasi is the most sacred pilgrimage site of Hindus. Considered one of the most ancient cities in world, the allure of Varanasi lies in its archaic temples and holy bathing ghats of Ganges. A boat cruise in the mythical river Ganges is a must to do thing in Varanasi.

Lotus Temple (Baha'i House of Worship) - New Delhi

India is home to an array of religious beliefs, creeds and practices. To say that North India Temple Tour is the best way to experience religious fervor and Indian culture will not be an overstatement. With almost every religion practiced here in India, patrons of art and culture have seen to it that multitude of religious monuments dot the length and breadth of India since time immemorial. These places are memorial of the beliefs, culture and practices of the society and temple tours in India offer a window to let you witness the rich heritage of India in these timeless monuments.

To select from an array of tastefully crafted North India tour packages, feel free to visit the website of Indian Luxury Trains.

Read More

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India

Due to its sheer size, varied geography and the climatic condition, India is loaded with a cosmic diversity of flora and fauna. Besides, this cradle of the Indus Valley civilization and region of historical trade routes and myriad empires has always been renowned for its cultural wealth.

While traveling to India for holidays do ensure that you are covered for any risks. Here's why travel insurance is important when traveling overseas. Tips on traveling with kids and keeping your home safe while traveling are provided at the end of this post.

Why should you go for tours to India?

In the recent years India has become a hotspot of the global tourism and deservedly so. People from around the globe travel to India for vacation to immerse in its diversity and myriad hues. 

Here are top 10 reasons to go for holidays in India:

Taj Mahal

Spirituality

Yoga

Rajasthan

Goa

Luxury Tourist Trains

Ayurveda & Spa

Himalayas

Kerala

Wildlife

Architectural Heritage

Taj Mahal

Sparkling like a beacon and drawing millions of tourists from around the world, Taj Mahal is most iconic symbol of India.

Build by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his favorite wife Mumtaj Mahal, this white marble wonder is voted one of the seven modern Wonders of the World and is recognized World Heritage Site.

Taj Mahal is one of the most symmetrically perfect manmade structures. Standing majestically upon red sandstone platform, Taj Mahal is made entirely of white marble and is famous for the exquisite workmanship reflected in lapidary, calligraphy, intricate carvings and pietra dura work.

It took 20 years and 20000 masons, designers, architects and workers to build this greatest symbol of love on the planet.

Need more information? Here's more on the iconic Taj Mahal.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: Taj Mahal in Agra

Return to the list of top 10

Spirituality

India has been a cradle of spirituality since the time immemorial. It is here in India that saints such as Buddha and Mahavira attained Nirvana and gave sermons to spread the fruits of spirituality. It is here that Hinduism is practiced not as a religion but a way of life.

Varanasi – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities located at the confluence of Holy Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati River – is the spiritual nerve center of Hinduism and beckons people with its offer to salvation.

People from around the globe come to India in their quest for spirituality and self discovery. Major spiritual centers in India include Bodhgaya, Benares, Pushkar, Rishikesh, Hardwar, Auroville and Dharamshala.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: Evening aarti at the ghats of holy Ganges in Varanasi

Return to the list of top 10

Yoga

India is known for its ancient knowledge of Yoga all over the world. Celebrities singers like the Beatles and the Donovan have also visited this place in quest of spiritual awakening.

Originated in India, Yoga is an ancient art of transforming the static body to the level of vibrant mind in order to unite one’s body and mind into one with the tranquility of the self or soul.

Yoga tours provide both physical and mental therapy. India has been the land of saints and sages who mediated, practiced and perfected Yoga.

Yoga and meditation are India’s gift to the world and the Rishikesh and Hardwar, situated at the bank of the holy Ganges are the ideal place to visit for those looking for a spiritual awakening.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: Yoga session at Ananda in Himalayas, India's first destination spa

Return to the list of top 10

Rajasthan

One of the most vibrant states in India, Rajasthan conjures up images of glittering saris, prismatic turbans, resplendent fortresses and camels promenading through undulating sand dunes.

A trip to India is never complete without touring the land of fearless Rajput princes: Rajasthan. Some of the bedazzling destinations of Rajasthan include the “Pink City” Jaipur, “City of Lakes” Udaipur the “Golden City” Jaisalmer and the “Blue City” Jodhpur.

One of the most exclusive and luxurious way to travel Rajasthan is its award winning luxury cruise train service Palace on Wheels designed to recreate the age of princely traveling of maharajas of a bygone era.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: Oberoi Udaivilas in the "city of lakes" Udaipur

Return to the list of top 10

Goa

Among all the tourist wealth of India, Goa has a special place. A vibrant city cradled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, this pearl of India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia renowned for its languid tropical beaches.

You may also want to check out our list of 5 most popular beaches of Goa.

When it comes to Goa, it is said that you don’t have to go to Lisbon if you've been to Goa. The distinct colonial charm of the Portuguese legacy is pervasive in the environs of Goa.

Be it the tantalizing cuisines, convivial hospitality and architectural heritages, Goa blends the best of its legacy with contemporaneity reflected in its vibrant nightlife, suave bars and premium resorts.

Check out some more information on Goa.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: Tropical paradise Goa

Return to the list of top 10

Luxury Train Travel

Luxury trains have become the new style statement for the travelers who love to indulge and experience the best of luxury and exclusivity. With 6 luxury trains in India crisscrossing through various destinations, discerning tourists have options to choose from when it comes to luxury travel in India.

One of the most expensive and considered to be India’s answer to the Orient Express is the Maharajas Express. Offering 3 tastefully crafted journeys to bring out myriad facets of this incredible country.

Here's more on how to see India by luxury train.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: The Indian Maharaja chugging along rolling hills and breathtaking vistas

Return to the list of top 10

Ayurveda & Spa

Ayurveda – “complete knowledge for long life” – is an ancient system of traditional healing native to India. Grounded in the physics of five elements, Ayurveda deals with measures of healthful living by stressing balance of three elemental energies: vata (air & space – "wind"), pittha (fire & water – "bile") and kapha (water & earth – "phlegm").

This ancient art of healing, dating back to over 5000 years is at your disposal in a wide variety of spas and Ayurvedic centers across India. You can experience the prominent spas and Ayurveda centers and resorts in India at Kerala, Rishikesh, Udai, Udaipur, Shimla, Mashobra,

You can also enjoy spa in the Himalayas as well. The Ananda In the Himalayas is an award winning spa cradled in the lap of Himalayas with more than 79 spa treatments blending the techniques and practices of eastern and western knowledge with special focus on holistic Ayurvedic and Yoga sciences and attempts to achieve synthesis between traditional and modern approaches.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: Ayurvedic message session at Wildflower Hall, Shimla

Return to the list of top 10

Himalayas

The sweeping valleys rolling hills and lush landscape of the Himalayan range in the north offer some of the most awe inspiring retreats in India.

Himalayan mountain range is endowed with lush meadows, panoramic views, salubrious weather, cascading streams and waterfalls which is well complimented by the serenity and splendor of a rejuvenating experience that ensnares the eyes, bedazzle the heart and touches the soul, bringing about a harmony of being.

Ladakh is one of the most daunting yet mesmerizing frontiers cradled in Greater Himalayas best known for some of the worl's highest motorable passes and the scintillating Pangong Tso Lake.

Here's our recommended 5 Places to visit in Ladakh or check out our 1 page hand book on Ladakh travel.

Then there are charming hill stations sprinkled across North India which includes Shimla, Dalhousie, Mussoorie, Rahikhet, Kullu and Manali which offer perfect oasis to the travelers.

Here's an account of trekking in Himachal from McLeodganj to Triund for your inspiration.

For those looking for adventure and adrenaline rush, Himalayas offers some of the most adventurous trekking trails and stair case rapids for white water rafting.

Here's another of our favorite trek in Himalaya to Deoriatal in Uttarakhand.

If you are looking for complete information on trekking in Himachal, we'd recommend that you go through this guide on trekking in Himachal.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: Mystical Ladakh

Return to the list of top 10

Kerala

Fondly referred to as “God’s own Country”, Kerala needs no introduction. Voted as Best Tourist Destination in India and One of the 50 Places to Visit Before you Die, Kerala with its geographical diversity and natural abundance offers some of the most mesmerizing vacations and tours in India.

From the irresistible allure of the backwaters of Alappuzza to the sun and sand paradise at Kovalam Beach, from the lush tea gardens of Munnar to the amazing wildlife at Periyar National Park, Kerala has something to offer to everyone.

Besides, the vibrant culture, succulent cuisines, Ayurveda and eco tourism add to the mystique of this incredible destination in India. Check out our Kerala Travel Guide for Beginners.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: Chinese Fishing Nets at Kochi, Kerala

Return to the list of top 10

Wildlife

Owing to the rich biodiversity and varied ecological habitats, India is home to a variety of species both animal and plant. To preserve the diversity and survival of wildlife, an array of National Parks and protected biospheres have been set up to ensure that the flora and fauna could co-exist with the growing human population in India.

These wildlife sanctuaries are the best place to come face to face with the abundant wildlife in India. Species such as royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lions, blackbuck, antelopes and single horned rhinoceros are present in India.

India is also renowned as birding paradise with the World Heritage Keoladeo National Park alone recording  350 bird species including migratory birds and Periyar National Park close second with over 320 species of birds recorded till date.

Here's a rough guide to some of the top destinations for wildlife tours in India.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: King of the jungle, Bengal tigers

Return to the list of top 10

And 1 bonus reason why you should visit India is:

Architectural Heritage

India abounds with architectural wonders, thanks to the amalgamation of various cultures since time immemorial.

Thanks to the ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning that the whole world is one single family, India has seen assimilation of various creeds, religion and culture unwitnessed anywhere else.

This cultural assimilation process manifests itself in many of the stunning landmarks and monuments since ancient time. Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Mahabalipuram Shore Temples, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Hampi Group of Monuments, Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan are some of the supreme example of the cultural heritage and various architectural forms.

In newly declared list UNESCO has inscribed Hill Forts of Rajasthan as World Heritage Site (Updated July 2013). Read more detail on hill forts here.

Many of these are recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site and beckons tourist from around the world to witness their exquisite workmanship.

Top 10 reasons why you should visit India: Famous Stone Chariots at World Heritage Site of Hampi

Return to the list of top 10

Tours to India are a fascinating way to discover and explore the remarkable diversity of this confounding country. It is said that India is not a country which could be known about, it is to be experienced.

And hey! If you are in for a long vacation you would want your home safe. Here's some tips on how to keep your home safe while traveling.

With colors as varied as a kaleidoscope and its rich heritage, tours to India is beyond a doubt memorable experiences with sweet surprises. Adventure follows at every nook and corner in India so be on your toes and travel with an open mind.

Looking for more tips? Check out tips on traveling in India with kids.

Contributed by Nikhil Chandra

Read More