Goa & the South
Goa stands out in India for its swaying palms set against 15th century Portuguese colonial architecture and heritage, along with stunning endless beaches.Known for its laid back attitude, and more liberal attitude towards tourism, there’s more to Goa than sun, sand and sea. Crumbling forts and colorful cathedrals make up the landscape of Old Goa, which is great to explore on foot, and easily accessed from the capital Panjim. Goa’s uniquely Indo-Portuguese influenced cuisine and seafood is another big draw for travelers. Goa is also a major hub for those looking for yoga retreats – with both the north and south coasts dotted with countless intimate resorts offering wellness escapes.
Not too far from these idyllic beaches lies Mumbai to Goa’s north, a large, cosmopolitan hub of business and entertainment, dotted with parks, temples and grand colonial monuments. Sandwiched between are swank nightclubs, rooftop bars, fine dining hangouts and bustling bazaars. The home of Bollywood, the city that never sleeps, Mumbai exudes a cosmopolitan vibe that is missing from India’s capital city.
Karnataka, south of Goa’s is a clash of urban new age and ancient past. This southern state is vast, and holds glittering palaces, national parks, beautiful beaches and yoga retreats. Its capita Bangalore is yet another display of a progressive hyper paced India, while to its east, the grandiose ruins of 14th century UNESCO Hampi holds over 1,600 surviving remains of South India’slast great Hindu kingdom. The backwaters of the Kabini River flow through Karnataka, rich in wildlife in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows, and home to a rich wildlife, and Nagarhole National Park, one of south India’s most beautiful.
The southernmost state of India, Tamil Nadu is a kaleidoscope of India’s finest temples, architectural heritage and fiery cuisine. Take your pick from the austere pillared halls of Kanchipuram, the white washed churches and cobbled streets of French colonial Pondicherry, the sacred gopurams of Madurai and the countless 19th century mansions of Chettinad, which has won the hearts of foodies world over for its cuisine.