south india itinerary - your thoughts?

jerrye233

My trip starts Dec 5 05

Dec 5 Mamallapuram
6 Kanchipuram and Vedanthangal
7 Pondy
8, 9 Auroville
10 Chidambaram
11, 12 Kumbakonam and other towns - bicycling
13 Thanjavur
14 Mysore
15, 16 Ooty
17 chennai
L.A.
I've read a lot. I have air and 2 train tickets a few hotel confirmations, I think. I'm going to wing it on car & driver. That's difficult to arrange from here. My concern is seeing way too many temples. But once you go to Kumbakonam you may as well train from Thanjavur to Mysore overnite. I did see Madurai, Kerala, & other places 30 years ago on a several month backpack trip. Just going to reminisce.

john.sw

I'll be back in the Uk by the time you reach Ooty - or I would have taken you for a coffee!

Maybe next time?

Have a great trip...

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Merchant

I know it sounds like sacrilege, but once you've seen three South Indian temples, you've seen them all . . .

Try to get out into the countryside.

cyberhippie

I also quickly get "templed out" and I can most certainly agree with seeing the countryside, each to their own of course but for me the countryside and nature is the real jewel in India's crown.

Coupled with a laid back rural way of life this is one of the things that keeps bringing me back to India!!

I understand why people do it but I'm often dismayed that peoples itineries are populated only by big towns and cities, the smaller places in the countryside are so rewarding but often passed by!

ddevadatta

I couldn't agree more with previous posters. You will get templed out. They are over rated and yes see a few temples but you will get bored after awhile. Also yes the country side is such a quaint and exhilirating experience for the traveler. I for one wish I did it more but because my relatives live in teh city I am stuck.

So what I do (in the region I visit which is Mysore area) I always take time to do some birdwatching and wildlife viewing. I would take that experience which is so relaxing you have to kick me out when the time comes. I stay at the Jungle Inn at Nagerhole Forest which is near Mysore and stop at a bird santuary between Bangalore and Mysore. Best done with car/driver for that trip. Well worth it and I would take that any day than going to one more temple or ruin or palace... IM if you need more details...

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kbotnick

Hi folks,
I'll be in Pondicherry area for almost a week. Does anyone have some hints on places in the surrounding countryside to view wildlife? I'd really like to get my family out of the city/towns for a while.

Thanks,

KenB