In the May of 2009 I had the opportunity to visit some areas of the Southern States of India. One of the most interesting aspects of tourism in South India, especially Karnataka and nearby areas is that it is very well organized. I have seen Himachal, Delhi and other parts of North India, but never seen such organization. They charge= tourists for carrying cameras at almost all pubic places. They charge you more for a video camera. There are standard tours for almost everything, with clear cut details and pricing that is reasonable enough. It is generally said that if you don't go by package tours and all, and explore on your own, whichever city on Earth you are bound to be in the idea of solitary exploration would be better. But an exception of this rule can be found in Southern parts of India. You have to go to Tirupati take a package, got to see Mysore, take a package tour. No time waste, you will see much more a learn much more than even wikipedia or any other tourist guide book. Rates are standard , fixed, and easy on pocket. No hidden charges or anything. Plus, the courtesy level of southerners is awesome.
One of my favorite destinations was Ooty. A very commercialized old hill station of the British Era, much like the Shimla of Himachal. (yes both are referred to as queen of hills). Explorations can be done through 3 packages (whether you take a bus or a taxi the package content remain the same). One was called the Film Diwane or Filmi Chakker ( In this, within 3-5 hours they will show you all the places where shooting of various bollywood and regional films of the south have been shot. One was the Ooty and Coonoor trip where they showed you places surrounding Ooty.
(Wellington, Coonoor etc) and the last one was wild Ways, in which they would take you to a boat house and show you a wild life sanctuary.
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