Kerala - India’s most tranquil state, gifted munificently by nature, is an enigmatic ecstasy of beaches; palm fringed backwaters, and murky hills, lush green forests and inimitable wildlife. Kerala also boasts of a prosperous edifying legacy and ethnic performing arts.

It is a tapered, charismatic piece of land in the south-west corner of India. It stretches 570 kilometres along the Malabar Coast having the high ranges of Western Ghats in the East, headed by the Arabian Sea in the west. Its width ranges from 35 to 120 kilometres. The state shares its boundaries with the states of Karnataka in the north and Tamil Nadu in the East and South. Legend goes that, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu called Parasurama was the creator of this wonderland, named – Kerala!

Amidst all foliage and innumerable coconut palms, the pepper creepers rock alluringly in the gentle breeze; this thrived, all through ages to bring sea merchants to this fêted landscape. Ships and boats from far off countries of the east and the west, encumbered with gold disembarked at the ports of Kerala bringing the Arabs, Jews and the Christians to this phenomenon land of South India. Today Kerala presents a pinnacle point of various cultures amalgamating in refined concord.

Kerala has been divided into three geographical regions by the nature – the Lowlands, the Midlands and the Highlands. The forest covered Highlands embrace the dense foliage, deep, echoing chasms with a rare range of flora and fauna. The Midland encompasses valleys speckled with secluded hills. This region presents a panorama of picturesque beauty and extensive plantations of rubber, tea and coffee. The Lowlands flanking the sea are covered with the backwaters, connected by artificial canals. This region enjoys a dense population with coconut palm orchards and widespread paddy fields.
Kerala is the land of vibrant, colourful landscape and coastlines preferably suited for swimming, catamaran cruising and sun bathing. It is certainly worthy of note that Kerala has over 900 km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets that make up the Kerala backwaters. The starting and end points of backwater cruises are a number of towns and cities amidst the stunning landscape. National Waterway No. 3 which connects Kollam and Kottapuram facilitates both cargo movement and backwater tourism. One can enjoy the lush greenery on either sides with paddy fields, shrubs and trees, rejuvenates one’s mind while on a cruise in the houseboat (kettuvallam). The Kerala house boats (kettuvallams) are also made in the traditional Kerala style architecture and a houseboat journey is going to remain etched in mind forever.
Today Kerala presents a pinnacle point of various cultures amalgamating in refined concord. Its cultural lineage is evolving day by day with a progressive approach and outlook of the people.

The state enjoys a cosmopolitan culture with a secular and varied community comprising of Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The state celebrates conventional festivals of Kerala like Onam and Vishu. North Indian festivals like Holi and Diwali; Christian and Islamic fiestas like Easter, Christmas, Id-ul-Fitr and Milad-e-Sherif are also celebrated with verve and fervour. Kerala has a distinctive martial art called Kalaripayattu, based on the antique knowledge of human body. The people of the state also foster their love of art through various forms of dances and theatrical exhibitions. Kathakali, the dance drama of Kerala is one of the main dance forms of India. Mohiniattam is a form of classical dance which originated in Kerala. Kootiyattam is the oldest Sanskrit drama in Kerala.

The extraordinary cuisine of Kerala highlights the culinary proficiency of the people of Kerala. The state is considered to be the source of some of the world’s most famous and flavoursome dishes on earth. The cuisine of Kerala is usually very hot and peppery. The recipes are usually crisp, aromatic and tangy. The food, like its land, is abounding with coconuts. One finds it difficult to envisage Kerala Cuisine without proper blend of coconuts, chillies, curry leaves, mustard seed, tamarind and asafoetida. . To savour delicacies of a varied range of fishes, Kerala is the ideal place. Fish curry, fish molly, fish fry and fish peera are the most sought after items usually served with steamed rice or tapioca (cassava).The time-honored rice based dishes like puttu and kadala, appam and stew are also recommended.

Thus Kerala is one of the most preferred destinations of the tourists in Asia. The National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine stated that Kerala is supposed to be considered as ‘one of the fifty places of a lifetime’. It truly beckons one and all to savor the tang of holidaying of a lifetime!!!!!

The Southern India offers tourists an array of spectacular spots and destinations. Whether it is beaches, temples, festivals, food, shopping, architectural extravaganzas, historical sites and ruins or cultural carnivals – visitors would have everything in abundance to quench their queries and know more about India and its past glories. Here are some selective glimpses of South India in a capsule form.

Kerala

Kerala - India’s most tranquil state, gifted munificently by nature, is an enigmatic ecstasy of beaches; palm fringed backwaters, and murky hills, lush green forests and inimitable wildlife. Kerala also boasts of a prosperous edifying legacy and ethnic performing arts.

It is a tapered, charismatic piece of land in the south-west corner of India. Amidst all foliage and innumerable coconut palms, the pepper creepers rock alluringly in the gentle breeze; this thrived, all through ages to bring sea merchants to this feted landscape. Kerala has been divided into three geographical regions by the nature – the Lowlands, the Midlands and the Highlands. The forest covered Highlands embrace the dense foliage, deep, echoing chasms with a rare range of flora and fauna. The Midland encompasses valleys speckled with secluded hills. This region presents a panorama of picturesque beauty and extensive plantations of rubber, tea and coffee. The Lowlands flanking the sea are covered with the backwaters, connected by artificial canals. One can enjoy the lush greenery on either sides with paddy fields, shrubs and trees, rejuvenates one’s mind while on a cruise in the houseboat (kettuvallam). The Kerala house boats (kettuvallams) are also made in the traditional Kerala style architecture and a houseboat journey is going to remain etched in mind forever. The extraordinary cuisine of Kerala highlights the culinary proficiency of the people of Kerala. The state is considered to be the source of some of the world’s most famous and flavoursome dishes on earth. Thus Kerala is one of the most preferred destinations of the tourists in Asia.

Chennai

The name of the city, Chennai, earlier known as Madras, is supposed to be derived from Chennapattinam or Chennapattanam. It was actually the name of the town that cropped up near Fort St George put up by the British.. The place is situated Coromondol Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. Chennai is famous being an industrial based city, a naval base, its dance (Bharatnatyam) and music and the film industry - Kollywood. It is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. The rivers like Adyar and Cooum (Kovam) are supposed to be the lifelines of the city. Chennai is also renowned all over India and the world for its famous Marina Beach.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. The place is situated on the Deccan Plateau. The city is also entitled with names like City of Pearls or City of Nizams. The city has boomed in information technology in the recent years. It is considered as the second silicon city, after Bangalore. Hyderabad is famous being an industrial based city (which includes software and information technology, pharmaceuticals, BPOs etc.), its architecture, culture and rich history. It is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. The chief attractions of the place are the Mecca Masjid and the Charminar. The river Musi is supposed to be the lifeline of the city. Chennai is also renowned all over India and the world for its famous Marina Beach. Hyderabadi cuisine is very popular all over India, which is a fusion of Persian and Mughal cuisine. The Hyderabadi Biryani, a lip smacking rice dish, is worth having during one’s visit to Hyderabad. Other dishes like Haleem and Paya, Irani chai and samosa are equally popular; so are the sweet dishes like phirni, sewai, dilkhush, badaam ki jaali etc.

Hampi

The name of the place, Hampi, the anglicized version of the name Hampe in Kannada, is supposed to be derived from the name Pampa, referring to the old name of the river Tungabhadra. Hampi is a small village in the northern part of the state of Karnataka in South India. Hampi is famous for its religious significance, palatial ruins and temples. The village carries the marks of the Vijayanagara Empire. It also hosts the Virupaksha Temple, which was the patron god of the Vijayanagara rulers. The place takes pride in hosting innumerable number of nationwide and global tourists throughout every year.

Mysore

The name of the city, Mysore, is supposed to be derived from the name Mahisha, meaning Mahishasura or a demon in Hindu mythology. Mysore is the capital of the state of Karnataka in South India. The place is situated on the south-west part of Bangalore.

Mysore is famous for its palaces, festivals – especially the Dassara festival, art and paint work, rosewood inlay work, saris and a special sweet dish called the Mysore Pak. It is the second largest computer software exporter, very much next to Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka. As mentioned, Mysore is well known for the number of palaces the city hosts. The Amba Vilas or most commonly named Mysore Palace; Rajendra Vilas located on the Chamundi Hills, also known as the summer palace; the Jagmohan Palace turned into an art gallery; Lalitha Mahal, converted into a hotel and the Jayalakshmi Vilas, now a part of the University of Mysore are all examples of the historical palaces.

Orissa

Orissa is a major coastline-state of eastern India, upholding the grandeur and legacy of ancient and modern art and architecture. It runs along the 482 km stretch shoreline of Bay of Bengal. The state is a treasure house of exquisite beaches, torrent waterfalls, meandering rivers, dense foliaged mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats with a varied wild life. Thus, in Orissa there is a fusion of amazing landscape and seashores, temples, excruciating work of art and architecture and the rare tribal communities.

Orissa is a major coastline-state of eastern India, upholding the grandeur and legacy of ancient and modern art and architecture. It runs along the 482 km stretch shoreline of Bay of Bengal. The state is a treasure house of exquisite beaches, torrent waterfalls, meandering rivers, dense foliaged mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats with a varied wild life.

Orissa bears the credit of ranking an exclusive position for hosting the largest category of tribal population in the ethnographic map of India. One can hit upon them, more or less, in every part of the state, especially in the hilly or forested areas. However, their lifestyles vary from region to region. The tribes of Orissa are chiefly categorized into three linguistic divisions, namely, (1) Indo-Aryan speakers, (2) Dravidian speakers and (3) Austric speakers. All the three classes enjoy a number of socio-cultural resemblances among them.  The tribal-society is the potpourri of diverse ethnicity, values and viewpoints that bond the people together.  These tribal societies embrace the faction of people who understand the meaning of living together and join hands to work together to achieve any shared interest to cater to the benefits of their society. Every society has its own set of rules with respect to business and trade. The tribes of the state can be categorized into six classes, like the hunters, gatherers and collectors, simple artisans, cattle herders, hill and shifting cultivators, advanced agriculturists and urban factory goers. All these enhance and strengthen their unity to live and toil in sync. The rituals and festivals practiced by the tribal groups are still being followed, respected and nurtured since the distant past to the present day. The tribal people of Orissa are not only religious but overtly superstitious as well. Every aspect of their life revolving the yearly actions is through and through linked with the numerous rituals and religious convictions.

Another integral part of the festivals and ceremonies is their affluent and diverse tradition of music and dance which they have retained and gracefully maintained since ages. They exhibit their emotions through the medium of music – their happiness and pathos, their cravings and yearnings, their passion and lifestyle, their fondness for nature and outlook towards the human society. Although the art of performing the songs and dances differ from one clan to another, yet certain features are generally familiar to all. The tribal dances are complemented with rhythmic beats of drum-beats, clapping of hands (by the dancers/spectators) or a diminutive arrangement of musical instruments. The tribal people are supposed to be born poets or musicians. They compose and sing their own melodious numbers to pour out their heart’s content.  The tribal people get wings to their flight of fantasy through the medium of art and craft. Their rich handicrafts help one to envisage their artistic susceptibility and creative nature. It gives an insight to their absolute sense of various geometrical measurements and attractive colour combinations. They are equally expert in weaving clothes on looms, making embroidery work or crafting hand made jewelleries.

The state of Orissa hosts wonderful sea beaches. The sea beaches of Orissa are frequented by both Indian and foreign beach lovers. The prime beaches are the Puri Beach, Chandipur Beach, Aryapalli Beach, Astaranga Beach, Balaramgadi Beach, Balighai Beach, Paradeep Beach, Baleswar Beach and Talasari Beach. Out of these, the first two mentioned beaches hold key magnetism in alluring the tourists. The other beaches, though are less heard of, provide tranquil heavenly bliss in the lap of nature. One can witness the pictorial views of sunrise and sunset. The beaches are preferably suited for swimming, catamaran cruising and sun bathing. To experience a hale and hearty holiday each year tourists from every corner of India and the globe flock into the beach cities.  Each one is undoubtedly considered as one of the best beach resorts in the world. The sea water also makes the beach arenas ideal health resorts. The joy of basking in the sun while holidaying, spending the colourful fun filled hours in the beaches and colourful cultural fiestas has led to Orissa to stand amongst one of the best beach destinations. The pristine, white sands of the beaches beckon one to visit the city and treasure the briny-saccharine memories forever.

Orissa is also famous for its temples, art and architecture. The most prominent of them are the Puri Jagannatha Temple, Konark Sun Temple, and Lingaraja Temple etc.

The city of Puri hosts the famous temple of Lord Jagannatha or Vishnu, one of the most prominent Gods of Hinduism. The word Jagannath means Lord of the Universe. It was constructed dating back to the 12th century by Raja Anant Varman Chodaganga Dev. The temple has a 214 feet (65 meters) daunting spire. It takes the image of a fort inside with 6000 temple servitors, a temple kitchen feeding approximately 10000 people daily (the number increases on occasions) and above all the idol of the Lord himself which serves as the pivotal point to the people of the city.
The city of Konark has been named after the paramount deity of the Sun Temple. Konark is mentioned in the Puranas as Mundira or Mundirasvamin which was later on changed and renamed as Konaditya or Konarka. The temple is considered as one of the finest example of religious edifice. It bears the shape of a divine chariot for carrying the Sun God drawn by seven horses with twelve wheels on each side. The temple is situated adjacent to the Konark beach. It is also known as the Black Pagoda and is interestingly the venue for one of the most captivating dance fiestas held in India.
The city of Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Orissa, takes pride in hosting some of the most incredible and extravagant works of art and engineering in the forms of abundant number of temples and places of pilgrimage. One remains bemused while witnessing one such unique wonder of the past – the Lingaraja Temple! It has been rightly titled as ‘time quintessence of Orissan architecture’. It stands as an outstanding example of Orissan work of architecture built in the eleventh century. The daunting tower of the temple is approximately 180 feet or 55metres and is curvilinear in shape.

Thus, in Orissa there is a fusion of amazing landscape and seashores, temples, excruciating work of art and architecture and the rare tribal communities.

The name of the state, Goa, is supposed to be derived from the word Goy meaning a scrap of tall grass in Konkani language. However, there are several legends that follow behind the name of the state. Goa is considered as the smallest state of India with a meager population ratio. The state is situated in the Konkan region on the western coastline of India. It shares its political boundaries with Karnataka to the South as well as the East, the Arabian Sea stands as the West coast and the state of Maharashtra to its North.

Goa is a wonderful beach resort with exquisite picturesque locations, lush green meadows, pristine sea beaches, world heritage architecture, churches and temples. It enjoys an elite standard of living. The state takes pride in hosting innumerable number of nationwide and global tourists throughout every year. The rivers like Mandovi and Zuari flowing by the land are supposed to be the lifelines of the state. Goa is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches and being near the Arabian Sea, enjoys a humid and warm climate for maximum part of the year.

Goa has a spectacular balance of flora and fauna with stunning natural tourist attractions and boasts for its abounding tropical biodiversity. The Asan is the state tree. The plant life includes coconuts, Maratha barks, bamboo canes, bhirand and the chillar barks. The deciduous-vegetation comprises cashew, mango, teak and sal. The wild boar, foxes and various migratory birds are a few members of the fauna world of the state. Goa hosts the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Birds like the mynas, parrots and kingfishers are seen in these areas. The Gaur is the state animal while the Ruby throated Yellow Bulbul is the state bird. Fishes like lobsters, shrimps, crabs, oysters and jelly fish are found in abundance.

Konkani is the official language of the state. Other languages also practiced are Hindi, English, Portuguese and Marathi. The people of Goa celebrate popular Indian festivals like Christmas, Diwali, Easter, Ganesh Chaturthi, Shigmo and Samsar Padvo. Well known for its New Year celebrations, Goa attracts thousands of tourists during the Goan Carnival.

The most common dishes in Goa are chiefly fish curry with rice, pork dishes like vindaloo, xacuti and sorpotel, Khatkhate – the vegetable stew, bebinca – a yummy dessert, etc.

The Portuguese influenced Goan architecture is worth mentioning. The Bom Jesus Cathedral, the Mangeshi Temple and the Malsa Temple are the few attractions of Goa.

The Goan government has taken several initiatives to promote tourism in the state. Be it scenic beauty, food or shopping – tourists would really carry back fond and everlasting memories on their visit to this wonderful state.

Enclosed by the world’s two colossal ranges, the Karakoram and the Himalayas, Laddakh is the highest colonized territory in India. The state is bordered by four main ranges – Himalaya, Laddakh, Karakoram and Zanskar. The river Indus and its tributaries sliver their paths through the rocky stretches. During summer the temperature exceeds up to 270 degree centigrade whereas in winters they fall even below 200 degree centigrade.

Laddakh is a wonderful hill station with exquisite picturesque locations among the mighty peaks of the mountain ranges. The Zoji-la pass of the Kashmir valley, in the great Himalayan wall, is the entrance into Laddakh. The other important passes are the Fotu-la and the Namika-la passes. Apart from the vivid panoramic view from peak tops, the Gompas and the forts attract the attention of the tourists. Shey is the oldest capital of Laddakh where the ancient Tibetan rulers reigned. However, Leh is the present capital of Laddakh. Journey by road to Laddakh is quite exciting which provides a rare view of witnessing the beautiful valleys of Kashmir. One has to start from Srinagar and travel for a couple of days to reach Leh. Kargil would be the halfway halting ground. The Stok Palace crossways the river from Leh was supposed to be the abode one-time regal family units. One can see the Spituk Monastery which gives a spectacular view of the river Indus. It is here that a tourist first gets a glance of Leh, drifting like a mirage at an expanse. Thangkas and ancient masks are also available in Leh. Hemis Gompa located here is the biggest gompa in Laddakh. The other gompas which are also equally attractive are – Lamayuru, Rizdong, Matho, Chemrey, Phyang and Likir Gompas.  The Thikse Monastery, well known for its beautiful mural work is also to be found here.

The people of Laddakh celebrate their traditional festival of the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, which is a brilliant summer festival. The denizens of Laddakh are mainly Buddhists by religion and follow Mahayana Buddhism. In Drass, Suru and Kargil sectors there are Islamic followers (Shia Muslims), and hence mosques and imambaras are to be seen there.

Be it scenic beauty, gompas or tranquility of the place – tourists would really carry back fond and everlasting memories on their visit to this wonderful state. It is certainly worth visiting Laddakh, the best time of the year being June to October.

The name of the state, Sikkim, is believed to be derived from the words Limbu Su meaning new and Khyim meaning citadel or house. However, the Tibetan name for the state is Denjong, denoting valley of rice. Sikkim is considered as the second smallest state (subsequent to Goa) of India with a bare minimum population ratio. The state is bordered by the mighty Himalayan ranges. It shares its political boundaries with China to the North-East, Bhutan in the South-West, Nepal in the Western side and West Bengal to the South respectively.

Sikkim is a wonderful hill station with exquisite picturesque locations and dense foliage at certain places among the mighty peaks of the Himalayas. It enjoys a temperate climate with all five seasons – spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. It obtains regular snowfall as well. The state takes pride in hosting the highest mountain peak of the Himalayas (the third highest in the world), the Kanchenjunga. The peak ranges to a height of about 8’586 metres. The river Teesta flowing by the land is supposed to be the lifeline of the state. Apart from few terrace farming methods, hardly any other cultivation is carried out in Sikkim because of the rock-strewn, graveled undulations. Few crops like ginger, oranges, apples, tea and orchids are grown here. Cardamom is the state’s main cash crop. The unfrozen Gurudongmar Lake, Khecheopalri Lake and the Tsongmo Lake are the other attractions of the land. It also has several hot springs like the Borang, Ralang, Taram-Chu, Phurchachu and Yamthung, rich with therapeutic and healing uses.

Sikkim has a spectacular balance of flora and fauna with stunning natural tourist attractions. The Rhododendron is the state tree. The other plant life includes figs, bananas, orchids and sal and bamboo trees followed by the birches, maple, chestnuts, alders, magnolias and oaks in the temperate elevations. The alpine-vegetation comprises pines, firs, cypresses and juniper. Dendrobium Nobile, an orchid, is the official flower of the state. The barking deer, Himalayan marmot, the Bhoral, the musk deer, the Himalayan black bear, the langur, the serow, and the goral are a few members of the fauna world of the state. The yak, found chiefly in the alpine areas, is in demand for their milk, meat and other domestic uses.  Birds like the crimson horned pheasant, Impeyan pheasant, griffon vultures, lammergeyer, snow partridge and snow cock are seen in these areas. The Red Panda is the state animal.

English is the official language of the state. Other languages also practiced are Hindi, Bhutia, Lepcha, Magar, Nepali, Majhi etc. Gangtok is the most prominent town of Sikkim. The people of Sikkim celebrate popular Indian festivals like Christmas, Diwali and Dusshera along with their traditional Buddhist festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa, Drupka Teshi, Loosong, Lhabab Duechen and Bhumchu.

The most common dishes in Sikkim are chiefly noodle-based like chowmein, thukpa, gyathuk, fakthu and wonton. Steamed dumplings called the Momos, stuffed with vegetables or meats (buff or pork) are hot favourite snacks. Alcohol is quite cheap here.

The Sikkim government has taken initiatives to promote tourism in the state. Be it scenic beauty, food or shopping – tourists would really carry back fond and everlasting memories on their visit to this wonderful state.