The Golden Chariot

Destinations

Pride of The South - Destination

Bangalore - A World of Opportunity

Bangalore the capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF).

Founded by Kempegowda, a powerful chieftain, the city is unique with its rich cultural heritage that coexists with its modern day technological and industrial achievements. Today Bangalore is popularly known as India's Silicon Valley.

Many food outlets across the city offer a range of South Indian delights that are unique to the region. In addition, the city also has on offer international cuisines such as Mediterranean, Thai, Italian, Mexican and Japanese, to name a few that would make every traveler feel at home.

Mysore - A World of Royalty

Mysore is a city known for its resplendent palaces and majestic buildings.

A visit to the city conjures up visions of the glory, still evident of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings. This former state capital still retains its tradition in music and dance, art and literature and its time-honoured crafts. A 141 kms from Bangalore, the city enchants you with its quaint charm, verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and its sacred temples. Mysore, once the state capital, today is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks. Many culinary delights await those inclined to sample the regional cuisine. The Mysore Pak makes for a pleasant sweet dish to end the experience with.

Srirangapatna :The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan is just 14 km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned.

Mysore Palace : Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. The magnificent jewel -studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasara festival.

Brindavan Gardens : Located at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films.

Kabini - A World of Wildlife

Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, is definitely the perfect destination for wildlife lovers in South India.

The excitement starts with a safari into the heart of the park, where you are sure to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Some of the popular sightings are elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more elusive predators like tiger and leopard. A bird watcher's paradise, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles.

Belur - A World of Worship

Belur in Hassan district (220 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan) is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex.

The Chennakesava Temple here is the major attraction, built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over the Cholas. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures with no portion left blank. It is the only Hoysala Temple still in active worship.

Halebidu in Hassan district is 27 kms away from Hassan and was the capital of the Hoysalas. It has one of the finest Hoysala temples. The Hoysaleswara Temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings.

Shravanabelagola, 52km from Hassan, is an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara here towers 58 ft., looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony.

Hampi - A World Heritage Site

If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi. Hampi has been classified as a World Heritage Center and is one of the major tourist destinations in India. Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states -Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Mogul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute.

Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation.

Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth.

The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction. A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into the past. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre.

Badami - A World Heritage Site

Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. The first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiseled temples is a World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It bears testimony to the richness of the Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukyan Kings and was once used as a ceremonial center where kings were crowned.

Aihole is acclaimed as the "Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture". Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semi-circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery encircling the sanctum.

The oldest temple here is the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. The Hutchimalli Temple out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra. The Revalphadi Cave - dedicated to Shiva - is remarkable for its delicate details.

Not to be missed is the Konthi Temple Complex, the Uma Maheswari Temple with a beautifully carved Brahma seated on a lotus, the austere Jain Meguti Temple and the two- storied Buddhist Temple.

Goa - A World of Golden Beaches

Goa known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendor of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.

But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax

Southern Splendour - Destination

Bangalore - A World of Opportunity

Bangalore the capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF).

Founded by Kempegowda, a powerful chieftain, the city is unique with its rich cultural heritage that coexists with its modern day technological and industrial achievements. Today Bangalore is popularly known as India's Silicon Valley.

Many food outlets across the city offer a range of South Indian delights that are unique to the region. In addition, the city also has on offer international cuisines such as Mediterranean, Thai, Italian, Mexican and Japanese, to name a few that would make every traveler feel at home.

Chennai & Mamallapuram : The land of traditions

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, it has the 2nd largest seashore in the world.

Being the capital city, it is home to a host of Tamil culture art forms including dance, literature, sculpture, music and cinema. Ensconced with temples, this modern city is unique for its allegiance to ancient traditions and ethos.

Situated near Chennai is the famous town of Mamallapuram, a World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and stone carvings inspired by the Pallava art.

Puducherry : The land of serenity

The Union territory of Puducherry is situated at around 160kms from Chennai. Being a former French colony, it exudes a Mediterranean aura and is famous for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of the most well known ashrams in India with devotees from all over the world, and its offshoot Auroville. Puducherry is also famous for its pristine beaches and its French town ensconced with French style architecture and boutiques.

Tanjavur : The land of antiquity

Known as the "Ricebowl of Tamil Nadu", Tanjavur is one of the oldest cities in India. Once the cultural capital of the country, today it is an important centre of South Indian art and architecture. Located in the centre of the town is the world-famous Brahadishwara temple, a historical monument dating back to 11th century which now is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also famous for its unique Tanjavur style paintings and Tanjavur dolls.

Madurai : The land of pilgrimage

Widely known as a temple city, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage that goes back to over 2, 500 years. The city is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi temple which stands today as one of the country's greatest architectural landmarks. Close to the temple is situated yet another architectural wonder, the Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, a classic blend of Dravidian, Islamic and European architecture.

Thiruvananthapuram : The land of Ananta

Thiruvananthapuram & Kovalam beach : Thiruvananthapuram, literally meaning the "Abode of Lord Ananta" is the capital of Kerala state.

It is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills with a tradition going back to 1000 BC. It is famous for the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple believed to be the holiest abode of Lord Vishnu.

Another major attraction in Thiruvananthapuram is the Kovalam beach located around 13kms from the city. Secluded by coconut groves, it is a perfect place to unwind.

Alappuzha & Kochi : The land of enchantment

A water locked district embellished with inland canals, Alleppey is also known as the "Venice of the East". Famous for its backwater tourism, a cruise through its navigable canals takes one past scenic islands ensconced with coconut and palm trees.

Also known as the "Queen of the Arabian sea", Kochi is a vibrant cosmopolitan city famous for its Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch palace to name just a few. With its breathtaking scenic beauty this seaside city is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.