Temples and pilgrim destinations dotting South India are detailed in a new Lonely Planet guide for travellers launched here today.
Titled "Temple Trips South India", the guide presents an elaborate insight into the sculptural beauty, architectural grandeur and cultural festivals etc across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
In addition to popular temples in Tirupati, Ramanathswamy and Thanjavur, the book also includes comprehensive features on lesser known temples highlighting the importance of each deity, temple's history and the wealth of its antiquity.
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The tome has been penned by Janaki Venkataraman and Supriya Sehgal.
"Be it temple darshans with our family, or exploring our enthralling history and architecture; pilgrimages and temples are a critical part of travel plans to South India," Sesh Seshadri, Director and General Manager, Lonely Planet India said after the launch.
Based on a research into what travellers want from a trip, Seshadri said they found that "70 per cent of Indian travellers would like to know more about the temple's history and legends during their visits."
"With this launch, we are hoping to reach out to Indian travellers across demographics seeking an insight into their own cultural roots," said Seshadri.
Filled with descriptions of the era of Cholas and Pallavas, the book takes readers through various aspects of Dravidian architecture such as cave temples, structural marvels, innovative usage of granite and more.
Temple historian Pradeep Chakravarthy, architectural expert Chithra Madhavan, bharatanatyam dancer Alarmel Valli, carnatic vocalist T M Krishna, author and journalist Nalini Rajan and others have contributed to the guide.
The book also provides specialist information on hotels, transport, eating options and sightseeing opportunities alongside each temple destination.
Ekambareswarar temple in Tamil Nadu, considered an auspicious place for devotees of Lord Shiva to marry, to the Arupadaiveedu temples in Madurai where worshippers pour black pepper corns and rock salt into the temple pond are a few of the interesting facts detailed in the book.
The 276 page guide filled with vibrant pictorials and informative maps is priced at Rs 495.
