The Southern Jewels

Google Chettinad and the first suggestion won’t be of the place but the recipe to numerous cuisines. Known for its grand mansion, lip-smacking cuisines, and antique markets, the city of Chettinad in Tamil Nadu is a blend of history and grandeur. Home to more than 11,000 mansions that have been existing for more than 100 years, the place still narrates its colonial history. The place was known for being a trading hub of various items. Gems, spices, salt and what not, the city exported these items to colonial leaders. Today a quaint little town, a travel to the city would be a solitary walk down the memory lane.

Much more than just a temple town, Mahabalipuram has evolved to be an artistic hotspot in India. Located 60 km from Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a must-visit destination. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mahabalipuram temple complex exhibits century old temples built during the Pallavas dynasty. The complex is a testament to ancient Dravidian architectural marvels. The city of Mahabalipuram is also home to many century old cave temples and structures. Also, not just a historical town, the city has some of the most beautiful beaches in India and offers numerous adventure water sports.

Most people who hear the word Mysore, think of the famous Mysore Pak, the pride of the city. Also referred to as the city of palaces, the first thing that every tourist visit is the famous Wodeyar Palace, home to the royal family of Mysore. The palace has been renovated four times and now it’s an exhibition of European, Roman and Dravidian architecture. Moving on from the palaces, the city offers a sightseeing tour of its temples and Chamundeshwari Temple is a must visit on the list. The beautiful city of Mysore also exhibits also entices the aesthetic lovers with its beautiful parks and lakes.

A place where one can witness the divinity of land while delving into the aesthetic beauty of nature, Hampi has silently grown into a major tourist destination in India. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the group of monuments of Hampi exhibits the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagar. One of the few remaining Dravidian styles of architecture, the temple complex holds key to understanding the evolution of Hinduism in India. But Hampi is not just about temple complex and history. Hampi is the heaven in the Western Ghats with tripping roads, lush green valleys, and aesthetics that can hold anyone captive.

The party capital of India, Goa is the place where to be if one is seeking adventure. Tale of two cities, Goa is a blend of the colonial era and modern tourist destination. With its tourist friendly beaches, quaint roads for road trips and lip smacking cuisines, Goa has emerged to one of the top tourist destinations in India. But there lies another side to Goa. A city with a colonial heritage, tourists can still witness the remains of the Portuguese era. The Churches and Convents of Goa are a UNESCO World Heritage site and there are numerous cultural festivals unique to Goa that attract thousands of tourists.

The city of dreams, Mumbai represents the never giving up the spirit of India. Home to Bollywood and many leading industries, Mumbai is a representation of everybody’s dream. A city with a rich cultural heritage and blessed with all modern amenities, Mumbai offers the complete package to its guests. Be it the historical site of Elephanta caves or the architectural site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or the cultural hub of the city, you name and Mumbai has it. Mumbai is the blend of old and new, a blend of history and modern advancements and guests can enjoy the best of both in this city.