South India tour offers opportunity to observe daily lifestyle & way of life of the inhabitants. The daily life of the majority of the inhabitants revolves around the religion and offerings made to the many gods in the Hindu pantheon. It is in Tamil Nadu that they are the most impressive and also the most colorful. Rameswaram, with its temple of 22 sacred water wells, is one of the holiest cities in India, attracting both the devotees of Shiva and Vishnu. Madurai and Trichy, temple towns, are also major places of pilgrimage. But in almost every city and village in South India one can witness religious festivals, marked by incomparable joy and fervor. It's an amazing experience to visit the ruins of the Vijayanagar empire in Hampi, the sites of Mahabalipuram or the sculptured caves of Ellora, which are the legacy of a glorious and exciting past.
Trip to South India is known for beach holidays & seaside tourism. Seaside tourism has developed strongly since the 1970s, especially in Goa, but also in Kovalam, Kerala. The beaches of South India are lined with coconut trees. Laze on heavenly beaches by enjoying freshly caught fish, feet in the sand, and staying in bungalows right on the beach. The beaches of Mahabalipuram and Varkala are among the most popular in South India. If your budget allows it, do not miss the tropical paradise of Andaman, with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, ideal for diving.
Backwaters of Kerala are unique sites in the world. Backwaters of Kerala, - group of lakes, rivers, canals and marshes, situated below the sea level and along the coast of Malabar- is most often the climax of a stay in South India. A cruise aboard a houseboat , sliding slowly along the canals shaded by palm trees, is an unforgettable experience. It is also an opportunity to observe the life of the small villages where the families live in houses located on the edge of water, while being lulled by the serenity that permeates the place. It is an accessible experience even for budget travelers.
There is general agreement that the food in the North is very spicy, while that in the South is softer. There is a wide variety of cuisines in the South: the Mughal style Hyderabadi Biryani, Chettinad fried chicken, Portuguese influence in Goa cuisine, the central role of Coconut in Kerala ... The best meals are often at surprisingly low prices and, although not vegetarian, many travelers appreciate the innumerable vegetarian dishes that restaurants offer. The thali , a complete meal traditionally served on a banana leaf and accompanied by rice at will, is very popular. Do not hesitate to taste the famous masala dosa , lentil pancakes with vegetables, especially potatoes: it is a simple dish, but very much appreciated by Westerners & the Indians. The richness of the coast in fishes increases the possibilities of choice at mealtime.
Each temple in every town or village in the South celebrates its own festivities. It is strongly recommended that you check with the locals at the nearest festival venue, as these special moments are often among the highlights of the trip to India. Their religious character in no way prevents these celebrations from being festive, the rejoicings are generally the order of the day more than the solemnity and the curious spectators are therefore welcome! Among the main festivals, one can quote Diwali, the festival of lights, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. For a few days in November, the Indians crack firecrackers in front of their homes and in the streets. They invite each other to taste sweet confections. On the last evening, thousands of fireworks explode, illuminating all India.
Offering one of the most magical visions, dances play an important role in the cultural life of the South Indian region. The Bharatnatyam and the Kathakali are among the oldest in the world. In the tradition of Kathakali (Kerala), halfway between dance and silent theater, dancers interpret roles drawn from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Râmâyana and the Māhâbharata. One of the most interesting aspects of the Kathakali is its complex make-up code, which indicates the nature and characteristics of each protagonist, notably through the colors used. The faces of noble male characters, like the virtuous kings or the divine hero Rama present a makeup where dominates the green. High-born characters with bad ancestry, such as the Demon King, Ravana, wear a similar green makeup, but with red marks on their cheeks. Extremely bad or extremely angry characters wear a predominantly red makeup and a very graceful red beard. Forest dwellers, such as hunters, are represented with a predominantly black makeup base. Women - interpreted by men - have shiny faces, yellowish ... Very different but no less captivating, the Bharata Natyam, (Tamil Nadu) is danced by men and women, to the sound of tabla and sometimes other instruments. In this very ancient sacred dance, each position of the hands, each movement of the eyes carries a meaning.
There are many South India tour packages that offer excellent opportunity to get benefitted with Ayurveda. Ayurveda, the "science of life" in Sanskrit, is the specialty of Kerala and is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. A growing number of patients visit the Ayurvedic centers to enjoy its health benefits in an idyllic setting. This traditional holistic medicine treats the body, mind and spirit in order to restore balance in the body. The method uses herbal remedies and minerals, oils, massages and diets adapted to each person. A thorough treatment (detoxification cure, more serious problems) requires at least a fortnight. Its benefits can be enjoyed through massages or care provided in various institutes. Specialized institutes are located throughout southern India, but Kerala is home to the most renowned centers.