| The coexistence of several different religions and | | | | in a city of flat land, at 272 feet it really stands out. |
| traditions has resulted in India being a country filled with | | | | Making the site even more fascinating is the fact that |
| cultural diversity. Towering temples, tribal lifestyles and | | | | the rock is one of the oldest in the world at |
| inspiring forces of nature make India an incredible place | | | | approximately 3,800 million years. At the top of the |
| to visit. Before you get comfortable you will discover | | | | rock is a temple from where you can see amazing |
| that there is a whole other side to the country with | | | | views of Tiruchirappalli. There are several temples and |
| tropical rain forests, sandy deserts and palm filled | | | | sculptures dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries |
| beaches. | | | | making the Rock Fort the perfect attraction for those |
| Chennai is a 350 year old city that has been under a | | | | interested in the history and culture of this village. |
| huge influence of an English settlement. Despite this, it | | | | For those of you with a keen interest in wildlife and |
| has managed to preserve its Hindu and Indian culture | | | | animals, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve |
| and its foreign influence is still clearly visible. It is one of | | | | are definitely for you. Located high in the ranges of the |
| the major trade centres of India and is therefore well | | | | Western Ghats, tourists can come here to see |
| linked by road, rail and air to other major cities. The city | | | | elephants, wild pigs, gaur, sambar, deer, Indian wild dogs, |
| is much less polluted and congested than some parts | | | | a variety of birds and if you're lucky enough, a tiger. |
| of India making it a pleasant and charming place to visit. | | | | Other attractions at the sanctuary include Kumily, a |
| There is plenty to do in Chennai if history and culture | | | | town that is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, |
| from temples and shrines to forts and palaces is what | | | | jeep and taxi trips up to the Cradomom Hills and boat |
| you're after from your holiday in India. | | | | cruises which are a unique way of seeing the wildlife. |
| The Brihadishwara Temple, known by the locals as the | | | | Kanchipuram is a popular spot amongst tourists, is |
| Big Temple, is a World Heritage site that was built in | | | | commonly referred to as the 'Golden City of Temples' |
| the late tenth/early eleventh century. What makes the | | | | and is considered to be one of the seven sacred cities |
| temple so intriguing is the fact that it stands at over an | | | | of India. Although it boasts more than 100 temples, it is |
| impressive 210 feet. You can also find pictures of | | | | believed that in its time it had an impressive 1000. |
| dancing damsels on the inner walls of the temple and | | | | Famous for hand-woven silk fabrics and saris, |
| find out for sure if it's really true that the shadow of | | | | Kanchipuram is known to have the best source of high |
| the cupola never falls on the ground, this is something | | | | quality hand-woven silk items. Be aware that the |
| you won't find anywhere else except for on your | | | | temples are closed between 12:30 and 4pm so you |
| holiday to South India. There is plenty to do at this site | | | | either need to go early in the morning or late afternoon. |
| with a museum, Art Gallery and the Saraswati Mahal | | | | Unpredictable, diverse and astoundingly beautiful, a |
| Library which has over 30,000 manuscripts available in | | | | holiday in India will leave you breathless and hungry for |
| several European and Indian languages. | | | | more. You can almost guarantee that this time next |
| If there's one thing you do during your holiday in India, | | | | year you will be booking the same holiday. |
| make sure you visit Trichy and the Rock Fort. Located | | | | |