Author Description

"If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in India, and specially in the regions that he has already covered, then look no further. This is the one book you really need" "Ward, in one sweep of his pen, with the strength of his convictions to back him, convinces his readers of the reality and the magic that is India". - The Hindustan Times South India is a journey of exploration through the history, culture, wildlife, art, architecture, landscapes and communities of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa, with their diverse traditions of Hinduism, Christianity, and here and there Judaism, Islam and Jainism. From coastal Madras to the religious centres of Kanchipuram and Madurai, from the rock fort of Trichy to the tip of Cape Comorin, Philip Ward has wandered far and wide in the land of the Tamils. Kerala too is diverse and tropically lovely, with seaports and inland waterways, palaces and bazaars, wildlife sanctuaries and Kathakali dance festivals. Goa has become established as one of the world’s most attractive beach-holiday resorts, but there is much to see in historic, abandoned Old Goa and its offshoot Panaji; in lakes and nature reserves; fascinating churches and inland temples, coastal forts and traditional Portuguese-style mansions. South India describes the cool hill-station still called ‘Snooty Ooty’, the great art gallery of Tanjore, the former French enclave of Pondicherry, and the rock-cut shrines and sculpture of 7th to 8th-century Mamallapuram. Intended for first-time visitors as well as experienced travellers who wish to understand the background to the vision, South India provides a sympathetic and thoughtful companion to some of India’s most spectacular attractions. For sheer depth of understanding and quality of information, this title represents essential background information for anyone thinking of travelling to this area and, as such, remains unsurpassed since its first publication in 1991. <br