Southern India Tour – Exploring the Triangle of Cochin, Mysore and Pondicherry

South India tours offer many vast cities full of classical music and dance forms. A Southern India tour can accommodate the southern golden triangle cities of Mysore, Cochin and Pondicherry. Like the North Indian golden triangle of cities, most South India tours cover at least 2 of these cities in their program, but the real beauty is to explore the 3 places one after another.

Queen of the Arabian Sea – Cochin
With almost the same pronunciation, the spelling can be different as either Cochin or Kochi. The place is surrounded by the backwaters and the Arabian Sea. The natural harbor city was the spice capital of south Asia during historic times.

The best way to explore Cochin is to view the proceedings of the famed Chinese Fishing Nets. This is an ancient and interesting method of catching fish. Fort Cochin (earlier called Fort Emmanuel), Jewish Synagogue and Bolghatty Island are some major tourist attractions here. You can revisit the 14th and 15th century atmosphere by exploring historic landmarks in this tourist friendly city.

Breathing the French Influence in Pondicherry
Now called as Pudducherry, which means the new village, the place is actually quite old. The French grid pattern can be seen here till date. The scenic coastal areas are a visual treat. Many Bollywood movies have been shot here. Sri Aurobindo Ashram or Auroville is one place here which will remind you of the historic Indian freedom struggle.

Festivities in Mysore
Known for its royal family, Mysore has witnessed history from close quarters. Sightseeing here includes the glorious Maharaja’s Palace and many Hindu festival celebrations. Many South India Tours reserve a special day for enjoying local markets here. Witnessing a religious ceremony is one thing which you just cannot forget, even years after the vacation.

These cities command a more than healthy patronage of Indian visitors from different parts of India, but still many aspects of these ancient cities are left unexplored.

For information on India Tours and Southern India Tour