South India- The experience face of India

India is a continent in itself with 3.28 Million Sq.Kms of Geographical area,1.27 Billion population,638000 Villages and 5500 Towns and urban agglomerations.The giant geographical size and population gives India a vibrant colour of diversity within a country. And this makes India a popular destination for many tourists for repeated visits.

South India, the calm and peaceful part of India gives you the experience face with a mix of everything a traveler may look for. South India is known for its Pre- Historic Rock Arts, Mind blogging Chalukya monuments from 6^th Century AD like the famous caves in Badami, Historical town of Hampi, MuslimArchitecture like Ibrahim Rauza in Bijapur which was the model for TajMahal,GolGumbaz with its largest Dome ever built in history and the Hoyshala Temples inBelur, Halebid and Somnathpur in Karnataka State.

Numerous wildlife sanctuaries in the Western Ghats of South India like

Nagarhole, Bandipur, Mudumalai, Tholpetty, Muthanga, Periyar, Chinnar, Parambikulam (to name a few) give a discerning adventure and Nature loving traveler to explore the rich and abundant wildlife in these  green patches of Western Ghats. Adventure activities like trekking, camping, mountain cycling, river crossing, rock-climbing, bamboo rafting etc are being offered by expert teams.All these activities are being offered in association with the Eco Development Groups to ensure the eco levels are maintained and beneficial to the local community.The simple lifestyle,varied and rich culture, exclusive cuisines etc add more color to this region.

Coming to Nature, South India has the best of beaches and backwaters to add colour to any one’s leisure travel. Ayurveda is another area of interest to this region. Kerala has the best of backwaters and Ayurvedic Specialties.

Kerala voyages (India) Pvt Ltd, based in Cochin, Kerala is exclusively associated with South India with our expertise in the region for more than 15 years. We have set our base in all important South Indian Destinations and Wildlife Sanctuaries with professional and knowledgeable team to give your clients the best of South India. Our in-depth knowledge of the region gives the best experience South India can offer. Please feel free to log on to our exclusive Indian travel website to know more about us and our pilot programs.

Indian Service Tax is levied on multiple levels on every invoice generated on same service. So its important to see that you have your regional partner to ensure single point billing. Also because of the huge size of the Country, the regional updates on hotels, services, activities, Forest entry permits  etc. are important to avoid surprises to travelers.

Karaikudi A Rich History and Culture

My colleague Rajesh and I were going to Karaikudi village for the first time in 2010... When we opted to drive from Cochin, we had a break in Madurai, the nearest main  city to Karaikudi… It was again almost 3 hour drive to reach the village in a sunny afternoon. We had a warm welcome at Visalam, a heritage Mansion converted as a heritage hotel by CGH Earth Group… It was amazing to be received in the traditional way... Felt at home…

Karaikudi is one among many small villages in Pudukkottai of Tamilnadu. The featuristic differences make these villages unique from that of South India. We don’t feel that we are in an Indian remote village. Its all disciplined here… Visalam situates at a place called Kanadukathan… WE were really astonished to see the numerous Mansions around  and most of them were unoccupied as the owners are all settled abroad… This village has a history dates 100 or more years back and all these Mansions are more than one century old... Attankudi, another village in this area is popular for hand maid floor tiles which is being used in all these Mansions. We could also see a number of sculptors making stories on stones… The small small vegetable sellers around the typical village markets are a nice scene… People are extremely nice and friendly… The cuisine is also to be commented… As we were in a hurry, we could only taste the typical Karaikudi Tea and special “Murukku” made by our chef at Visalam…

When I decided to travel back to Karaikudi in September 2011,I had my other colleagues Dr Tomy from Germany and Mr Rajeev…I was in great thrill to be back in this cute village. This time we took a different corner to explore.WE were driving from Tanjore and we did not stop till we reached Pudukkottai for a breakfast…The tea shop owner was curious to know where we are going and when we told that we are going to Karaikudi he again asked whether we are going to Visalam… I was happy that they all know these places… Actually we had to go to a new place which was near to Thirumayan Fort… So it was easy to be guided… Thirumayan Fort is a really nice Fort which is well kept and we can’t see much Forts in South India. The Fort is under Archeological Survey of India but visitors are really limited as Karaikudi is yet to be explored by normal tourists.

Our guide was waiting in front of Thirumayan Fort to guide us to Chidambara Vilas Mansion. Again the drive was through exquisite villages and it was a nice scene that our guide was greeted by almost every one on the roadsides…This is a scene only be seen in close village life as everyone knows the other… Its really nice to have an address like that… The bye road leads to Chidambara Villas is packed with huge Mansions on both sides… But one can see these are all unoccupied for years… Chidamabara Vilas is 109 year old Mansion which is now restored like a Palace. Its an amazing piece of luxury and colour. The General Manager Mr Senthil welcomed us with all royalty… Ofcourse they were all informed about our visit… Except for the hot sun outside, Karaikudi was great this time again. WE took almost 2 hours just to see around the Mansion… I have no words to explain how elegantly they have restored the same and now they have the highest number of rooms to sell in Karaikudi… I am sure I will go back there next year again… I am by now nostalgiac on Karaikudi… I think it takes me back to my childhood I spent in my village…

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