Audley in Karnataka & Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, an altogether more boisterous area than neighbouring Kerala, retains many of its 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. More recent colonial influences remain in Chennai and the tea-growing hill districts.
Temples
As large areas of India increasingly adopt outside styles and practices Karnataka & Tamil Nadu remain unashamedly Indian and perhaps offer visitors a glimpse of the India of old. Religious sites abound and as you travel throughout the region the skyline is regularly broken by towering gopuram. Many of these Hindu monuments are adorned with vibrant displays of colour and intricate carvings recounting religious tales, while others thrust skywards in an incredible display of architectural devotion. Unlike many holy sites the vast majority of these temples are open to visitors and travellers are encouraged to attend and experience the vibrancy, noise and colour. Not all the region’s temples are so colourful but they are no less impressive.
Over the centuries temples have been hewn from the rock itself or built using only this most natural of materials, ranging from shrines to complexes comprising numerous carvings and towers. Perhaps the finest example of the skill of these ancient engineers is the 1,000 year old Brihadishwara Temple in Tanjore where an 80-tonne granite block caps the 60-metre high inner temple.
Visiting temples is not at the top of every traveller’s wish list but those who do often find the experience a rewarding one. Our south India specialists have travelled extensively throughout Karnataka & Tamil Nadu and are able to help you gain an insight into this wonderful region, whether you wish to see numerous temple sites or only one.