Chennai, formally known as Madras, has developed over the centuries from a small fishing village into a bustling metropolis. Representing the Dravidian civilization, the city upholds the music, drama, dance, architecture, arts, crafts and sculpture of India. It is known for Carnatic music and the birth place of Bharatnatyam, the oldest classical dance in India. It is also nicknamed "The Detroit of India", as more than one-third of India's automobile industry is based in the city. Chennai is a unique city that is as trendy as it is traditional.
Puducherry – previously known as Pondicherry – is made up of four entirely separate enclaves along the Indian coast, all of which were colonized by the French in the 18th century. Named after the largest of these enclaves, this union territory has retained a strong European culture that makes it unlike any other place in India. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Puducherry district, dubbed the ‘French Riviera of the East, where antiquated colonial buildings line the quiet cobbled streets and tree-lined avenues of the old town, and many people still speak French as their first language.
Kanadukathan is located in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. A small town bursting with cultural sights, Kanadukathan makes a strong choice for any travel itinerary, and can easily be combined with trips to explore India’s southeast coast. The standout attraction is Chettinad Palace: with its Gothic windows and magnificently tiled interior, it is a unique example of Chettinad architecture, which blends Art Deco, European and South Indian elements. Kanadukathan is also home to some fascinating religious sights, including the Ayyanar Horse Temple and nearby Pillayarpatti Kovil, a temple which is more than 1,600 years old. History lovers will want to make the 10-kilometre excursion to the ruins of Thirumayam Fort (first built in 1687), while gourmands will relish the local Chettinad cuisine, which features rich masala-based curries.
Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is the oldest existing city on the Indian peninsula, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a recorded history spanning more than 2500 years. It is known as ‘the City of Temples' thanks to its array of numerous ancient Hindu shrines, including the great Meenakshi - Sundareswar Temple, spread over 6 hectares and featuring a series of 50-meter-high gateway towers that can be seen from afar.
Idyllically set at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar is a beautiful hill station in the mountainous ranges of the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala. The village once served as a popular vacation resort for the British Raj elite who fled the punishing summers and flocked here amidst its cool and sylvan surroundings characterized by rolling hills dotted with colonial bungalows, streams, waterfalls, and scattering of tea plantations dating to the 19th century. The region’s primary attraction is the extraordinary Eravikulam National Park, fabled for its diverse array of wildlife, including the Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered mountain goat which is indigenous to these parts. Eravikulam NP is also home to the exquisite Lakkam Waterfalls, some excellent hiking trails, and the impressive 2,695m-high Anamudi Peak.
One of Kerala’s most alluring backwaters is Kumarakom, a hub of biodiversity where mangrove forests are interspersed with rice paddies, coconut palms, and bursts of white lilies. This vivid subtropical peninsula juts into Vembanad Lake and is a popular place to study yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic massage; it’s a great launching pad for bird-watching excursions, boating, and fishing trips.
Also known as Cochin, Kochi is a city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state. This attractive city has served as a popular port for over 600 years and is known for its eclectic architecture and its array of religious monuments, museums, galleries, cafes, and antique shops. The city stretches across several peninsulas and islands, which can be reached by a network of water taxis and bridges. The majority of Kochi’s visitor highlights can be found on Fort Kochi's peninsula. These highlights include the St Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India; and Mattancherry Palace, which dates back to 1557 and harbours some exceptional Kerala murals and temple art. Other must-see attractions include the Kerala Folklore Museum, which has on display more than 4,000 cultural and ethnic artifacts; the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue; and the local market, where the air is suffused with the aroma of exotic spices.
