To the casual traveller, the most impressive aspect of South India's ancient culture is its great temples, of which there are more to the square kilometre here than anyvvhere else. This is one indication of the wealth of beauty and history that awaits the visitor. Worship is still carried on in many of these old temples. Comparable in many respects to the religious and artistic fervour that created the great medieval cathedrals of Europe, the temples of South India are the living symbols of a glorious period of building activity that lasted for a thousand years, from 600 to 1600 A.D.

        But the South has much more to offer than its impressive temples. Nature is luxuriant and beautiful in the State of Kerala on the west coast. In Madras State, the Nilg.iri Hills spread out their charm amid downs and meadows. Not to be outdone by her neighbouring southern States

MYSORE
        Mysore has the Jog Falls, many times higher than the Niagara and set in the midst of luxuriant tropical forests. The exquisitely carved temples of Belur and Halebid, the 17-metre (57-foot) monolithic colossus at Sravanabelgola and the fairyland beauty of the Brindavan Gardens near Mysore City are but a few of the State's manifold attractions.

MADRAS
        Madras : Madras City can be the starting point of an odyssey of discovery. About 60 kilometres ( 37 miles) away is Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) known for its rock-cut 7th-century monolithic shrines and its beautiful Shore Temple. This was 'the cradle of South Indian temple architecture.

TIRUCHI,  TANJORE,MADURAI
       Tiruchi, Tanjore, Madurai : Further south is the charming town of Tiruchirapalli whose landmark is a temple built on a rock, rising abruptly to over 82 metres (270 ft.) in height. Eight kilometres (5 miles) from Tiruchirapalli is the island of Srirangam, whicli contains one of South India's biggest temples, surrounded by seven walls. The temple and its precincts actually constitute a township. Its colonnaded courts with gigantic carvings are of high artistic quality. Three hundred and fortyfive kilometres (214 miles) south of Madras, or fifty kilometres (31 miles) east of Tiruchi, is Tanjore, famous for its great Shiva temple of the 11 th century. The spire of the temple, considered a masterpiece of workmanship, rises up to 82 metres (270 ft.).

       Perhaps even better known than the Tanjore temple is the great Meenakshi Temple at Madurai, 552 kilometres (343 miles) south of Madras. The highest of the temple's nine'towers is 149 metres (490 ft.) high. The temple has a hall of 1000 pillars and some of its life-size sculptures are a marvel of patience and artistic skill.

       From Madurai to Kerala-the enchanting land of lagoons, hills, forests and coconut gardens-is but an hour's flight. This land casts an irresistible spell of magic on those who admire Nature in her mood of tropical glory. A visit to Cochin, with its shimmering backwaters, ancient palaces and churches;  Trivandrum, the State's capital, with its Kovalam Beach, ideal for sea-bathing ; and Periyar, the loveliest of India's wild life sanctuaries, can each be an unforgettably happy experience.