This often overlooked state in the south of India harbours some of India's greatest cultural treasures, including the distinctive southern temples at Madurai, Tanjore, Trichy and Mahabalipuram. 
Joe Parkes, Indian Subcontinent Specialist, 01993 838331
Running parallel with the Arabian Sea, the ranges of the Western Ghats traverse the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and have long been a haven for those seeking respite from the summer heat.
Tamil Nadu was little influenced by Islam and retains a wealth of Hindu art and architecture: there are vivid depictions of the 300 million Hindu gods and goddesses in its temples and the religion is all-pervasive. Karnataka, by contrast, was home to the legendary Muslim warrior king Tipu Sultan, whose palaces and fearsome reputation endure more than 200 years after his death. Mysore retains a number of extravagant palaces, while colonial influences remain in Chennai and the tea-growing hill districts.
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Selected Highlights
Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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