Rediscovering a forgotten itinerary
Magnificent temples, rainforests, beaches, rich culture and art forms in South India are major attractions, especially for foreign tourists.
The classical two weeks itinerary of South India during the 70s and 80s used to cover a circuit starting from Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Kancheepuram, Pondicherry, Tanjavur, Trichi, Madurai, Periyar, Kovalam, Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, Chennai. Now this circuit has undergone a drastic change with the emergence of new destinations and introduction of new products over the years especially in Kerala.
During the 90s, Kerala Tourism’s introduction with innovative products like backwaters, house boats, Ayurveda and hill resorts like rerouting of this itinerary by creating a new golden quadrangle in Central Kerala Ker-
like Kochi-Kumarakom-Periyar-Munnar. Kovalam, as a world-renowned and well-established beach destination, continued to attract visitors from across the world all these years.
Backwaters played a major role in making God’s own country a sought-after destination. Due to the over population of hundreds of houseboats and resorts in this region, tourists started exploring new backwater regions in Kerala, where Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam emerges as a natural choice.
Going back to Tamil Nadu, the south of Madurai rich in
culture and natural beauty largely remains unexplored. There are spectacular temples like Srivalliputur, Sankaran Kovil, Thenkasi in this circuit.
The ‘Raja gopuram’ (Temple Tower) of Srivalliputur is the highest in South India and the image im-
of the same is adopted Tamil Nadu. The train journey through Aryankavu pass of Western Ghats from Shenkottai
to Kollam is a beautiful experience. Attractions on the way include the Senturuni Wildlife Sanctuary, Thenmala Dam and Eco Tourism Project, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple and the Hanging Bridge of Punalur.
One could cover this mystical days. There is an option to start the itinerary either from Trivandrum or from Madurai. If you are starting from Madurai in the morning by road, you could cover the 250
km during the day by visiting major attractions like Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Srivalliputhur Andal Temple, Sankaran Kovil, Thenkasi
Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Curtalam Water Falls, Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple, Thenmala Eco Tourism Project, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Punalur Hanging Bridge. The overnight stay can be at a backwater resort in Lake Ashtamudi in Kollam.
One could explore Kollam and Ashtamudi in two days with a combination of unique activities and relaxation. Activities include a houseboat ride on Lake Ashtamudi, a half day trip to Munro Island,
visit to Thangassery Fort and Lighthouse, visit to Cashew Factory, etc. There are authentic Ayurveda centres and modern spas for relaxation in Ashtamudi. The next two days can be spent at Kovalam near Trivandrum. On the way from Kollam, there are attractions like Varkala Beach, Anjengo Fort, Muthalapozhi, Vettucaud Church, etc. At Trivandrum, Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery are must-see places. One could relax on the famed beaches at Kovalam or try Ayurveda rejuvenation programmes at Spa.
Kanyakumari can be covered on the return journey, if you are completing the journey back to Madurai or making a day visit from Trivandrum. Enroute, don’t miss Padmanabhapuram Palace, the largest wooden palace in the world and Suchindram Temple. Be a part of this journey to rediscover the timeless past and enlighten the travellers’ soul in you!
Dileep Kumar P I, General Manager, Raviz Hotels & Resorts ( The views expressed are solely of the author. The publication may or may not subscribe to the same.)