Tailor Made Holidays in Karnataka & Tamil Nadu, India: Highlights

See the idols at Ayyanar Temple, Chettinad

Around the Chettinad region there are some interesting outdoor rural temples such as the Ayyanar Temple, where village gods are worshipped. The clay idols are daubed with coloured pastes and bright cloths and are placed on a raised platform at the end of a long outdoor corridor flanked by hundreds of terracotta horse offerings. Exploring on your own you’ll find a quiet spiritual atmosphere, however you’ll soon be joined by lots of curious villagers!

Read more about: Chettinad
 
Visit Chidambaram Temple, Tamil Nadu

One of the most intriguing temples in Tamil Nadu is at Chidambaram, famous for its Shiva idol in a Cosmic Dance of bliss in the golden hall. There are several pujas carried out daily by the Brahmins but arriving at midday you will see the fire ceremony in the Golden Temple, during which the priests carry out rituals involving ablutions to the Crystal Lingam and the ceremonial show of lamps to Shiva amidst the chanting of Vedic and Tamil hymns. Chidambaram is enroute between Pondicherry and Tanjore.

Read more about: Tanjore
 
See the City Palace in lights, Mysore

Head to Mysore for a Sunday evening when its spectacular 19th century City Palace is lit up like a Christmas tree for one hour only – the Palace is covered with close to 100,000 light bulbs so the illumination of the several arches and turrets is truly spectacular! By day you can see the palace in all its glorious technicolour, it is an overwhelming expanse of eclectic, colourful styles: atriums and high arched hallways, peacock designed stained glass and Victorian tiled daydos.

Read more about: Mysore
 
Browse Devaraja Market, Mysore

India is famous for colourful bustling markets and one of the best is Mysore's Devaraja Market. The mass of exotic fruit and vegetables on offer and stall holders calling out the best deals of the day, provides a great experience of everyday India life. In the early morning or late afternoon light the Devaraja Market is a photographer’s delight.

Read more about: Mysore
 
Enjoy a boat trip in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

A visit to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary provides a wonderful escape from bustling Mysore. It's in a tranquil spot, with a large lake that's surrounded by trees. A boat trip on the lake provides an excellent way to see many of the migratory and endemic birds up close, as well as some crocodiles if you're lucky. The best time to go is between October and February, especially first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon when the light is at its best.

Read more about: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
 
Explore the Hoysala Temples at Belur and Halebid

Belur and Halebid have the best preserved examples of the temples built by the Hoysala dynasty, who ruled south west Karnataka between the 11th and 13th centuries. The temples are based on a star shaped design and from first sight do not appear that impressive, however once up close you can appreciate the beautiful carvings and sculptures that cover the exteriors.

Read more about: Belur, Halebid & Sravanbelagola
 
See the wildlife in Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole is Karnataka's most impressive National Park. The Kabini River was dammed to form an artificial lake and it is this water source that attracts the diverse wildlife. Sightings of wild elephants are common and the odd tiger. There are several options to explore the park including by boat, in a jeep or even on elephant back.

Read more about: Nagarhole National Park
 
Enjoy the jasmine-scented spring in Mysore

If any smell can epitomise a place, it would be the heady scent of Jasmine during spring in Mysore. It pervades the air throughout the city, from the hair of the women, to the garlands that decorate the Gods, and nowhere more so than the flower market where mountains of blooms compete for space in an ecstatic display but where Jasmine is always triumphant!

Read more about: Mysore
 
Revive your spirits at Sri Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

From the moment the paddy fields and palm trees give way to the vast and vibrant gopurams that rise up above the cacophonous labyrinth of streets, Madurai will have you in its grasp. With the scent of jasmine permeating the hot air and holy men perched in doorways to escape the midday sun, the city evokes a sense of religious energy on a par with that of Varanasi. The Sri Meenakshi temple epitomises this energy, with a perpetual festival atmosphere that imbues the city with a life and vibrancy that is unique to Madurai.

Read more about: Madurai
 
Mingle with worshippers at the temples of Kanchipuram

With their exquisite carvings and brightly painted gopurams the temples are only an hour’s drive from both Mahabalipuram and Chennai. Smaller in size than the more famous complex of Madurai, the temple offers visitors the opportunity to witness the pujas of local worshippers in a more intimate setting. As pilgrims bathe in the tank before performing their puja, small children run excitedly through pillars, oblivious to the religious calm that pervades the temple.

Read more about: Kanchipuram
 
Our logos and affiliations British Airways Read about our awards Our responsible tourism policy Your Financial Protection