This 374-page guidebook to South India presents the country's highlights in a comprehensive format, illustrated with hundreds of full-colour photographs and 17 maps, and packed with essential travel tips. The key features are: Places - region-by-region gazetteer section, with top sights highlighted and cross-referenced with detailed local maps; Essay features - incisive essays on the islands' history, people and culture, from Kerala's martial arts to the music and dance heritage of Chennai (former Madras); Best Of - overview listings of South India's key attractions, including temples, beaches and resorts, museums and galleries, hill stations and palaces; and Travel tips - practical listings section, including accommodation, restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes, entertainment, nightlife, transport and essential contact addresses and numbers.