Beautiful Destination in South India

South India :

South India is the area encompassing the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana as well as the union territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Puducherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area (635,780 km2 or 245,480 sq mi). Covering the southern part of the peninsular Deccan Plateau, South India is bounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west and the Indian Ocean in the south. The geography of the region is diverse with two mountain ranges - the Western and Eastern Ghats, bordering the plateau heartland. Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra and Vaigai rivers are important non-perennial sources of water. Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Kochi are the largest urban areas.

Majority of the people in South India speak one of the four major Dravidian languages: Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. During its history, a number of dynastic kingdoms ruled over parts of South India whose invasions across southern and southeastern Asia impacted the history and culture in those regions. Major dynasties that were established in South India include the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and Vijayanagara. European countries entered India through Kerala and the region was colonised by Britain and other nations.

States and territories :
Andaman and Nicobar
Andhra Pradesh
Karnataka
Kerala
Lakshadweep
Puducherry
Tamil Nadu
Telangana

Andaman and Nicobar :

Explore the cities of Andaman and Nicobar islands on your trip to this part of India. Be amazed by the incredible places as you unravel one attraction after another. In the cities of Andaman and Nicobar islands, explore the rich heritage of culture and traditions, meet the local people and know the nuances of their everyday lives, visit numerous historic sites that have stood the test of time like Port Blair, Dak-Omkeh, Eoya, Herbertabad and much more. Also collect several memories as you discover more.

Andhra Pradesh :

Araku Valley

A pristine tourist spot in Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh is Araku Valley. Located at a height of about 3000 feet above sea level, the valley is known for Sunkarimetta Forest Reserve and Anantagiri, both of which are biodiversity hot spots.

It is also known for its coffee plantations, which together with the biodiversity hot spots, give the valley a beautiful green cover. While in the valley, do not miss a chance to interact with the local tribes, which gives you an insight into their eclectic culture. Relatively untouched by commercialization, the valley makes for a relaxing vacation in the hills.

Belum Caves

Belum Caves are situated at a village called Belum in the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. These Caves are known for being the longest in India and the second largest in the country.

They were discovered way back in 1884 by a British named Robert Foote are popular amongst the tourists for their stalagmite formations. There are several passages and chambers to explore, making it a mystical experience.

Even if you are not too much into cave exploration, the natural formations in these caves will leave you speechless. So pack your bags and head to these caves for an eclectic adventure experience.

[Check out some of the best places to visit in Hyderabad]

Gandikota

Picture an unconquerable fort built in red granite stone, guarded by a 20 feet high entry gate, enclosed in a  fort wall running around the 5 mile perimeter;  101 bastions, each about 40 feet high, are cut into the fort wall; beautiful palaces with exquisite carvings; perennial springs constantly irrigating the fruit and flower  gardens; old temples, providing a look into a past with their walls, pillars, ceilings and floors sporting bas-reliefs, co-existing with a mosque,  probably built by different rulers. Unconquerable because the fort is protected by a deep gorge on one side, 4 km long and 700 m deep, with enormous boulders adding to its natural defense, cut by a river flowing below.

Karnataka :

Chikmagalur

A beautiful hill station located at the base of Mulayanagiri Range in Karnataka is Chikmagalur. The hill station is sometimes referred to as “coffee land of Karnataka” because of its several coffee plantations. Located close to the city of Bangalore, it is a popular weekend getaway for the people of India’s Silicon Valley. The highlight of Chikmagalur is the Mahatma Gandhi Park, previously known as Ratnagiri Bore. It is known for its scenic vistas.

Kabini

The wildlife reserve at the banks of the expansive river of the same name, Kabini offers a vacation amidst greenery and wildlife at its prime. The nearby waterfall, elephant safari, and bird watching along with the lush green surroundings of the tropical forests tend to make you experience life in its most heart-warming form. Considered to be one of the best places to experience nature’s beauty in Karnataka, Kabini on the banks of the river of the same name offers wildlife lovers a treat. Not only the reserve is laden with natural beauty of lush green tropical forests, it is also a place you would get the pleasure of looking at herds of elephants, spot animals like sambar, langurs, chital, bison, sloth bear, crocodile, pythons, tiger, and leopards, and watch tens of different varieties of birds flying over the view.

Bandipur

Home to the famous Bandipur National Park, this town attracts everyone from tourists who are looking for a weekend break to naturalists who intend to study the teeming wildlife in these jungles. If you are looking for a fun-filled and adventurous vacation, head straight to Bandipur, a town in Karnataka, which is famous for its National Park. The famous tiger reserve bestows an abode to an exquisite fauna such as chitals, wild boars, gaur and tigers to name a few. The entire area stretches to Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which further enhances its splendor.

Coorg

Nestled among the eternal mountains that line the southernmost border of Karnataka is the stunning Coorg region, gifted with emerald murals and acres of farms. A significant center for coffee and spice cultivation. Getaway to Coorg enables you to explore natural ways to  encounter its spiritedness and charm of the striving authentic taste and flavour of Corgi lifestyle, cultures, and tradition which will make up for a perfect place for a joyful vacation during your weekend.

Dandeli

Dandeli is a small town nestled in the lap of Western Ghats. Blessed with verdant jungles home to the elusive black panther and River Kali, a hub for white water rafting and a place to savor delicious and traditional North Karnataka food, Dandeli is paradise for nature lovers.

There are two versions of Dandeli’s history. The first one dates back to the birth of a mythical creature called Dandakaranya, mentioned in the epic, Mahabharata.  According to another legend, the town is named after Dandelappa, a local deity and a servant of the Mirashi landlords.

Sakleshpur

Located on the border of Bayaluseemae and Malnad, Sakleshpur is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka. Situated in Hassan district, the town lies on NH-48 and has an average elevation of 949 m.

According to history, the region was under the rule of the Chalukyas, Hoysalas and the kings of Mysore. During the reign of the Hoysalas, a shiva lingam was found in this town. However, the shiva lingam found was broken, which was called as shaka Lesh ara. Since then, the town came to be known as Sakaleshwara among local residents. According to another legend, the town was known as ‘sakala Aishwarya Ga Linda kudida pura’, which literally means ‘the place is home to all kinds of wealth’.

Hampi

Unreal and bewitching, the forlorn ruins of Hampi dot an unearthly landscape that will leave you spellbound the moment you cast your eyes on it. Heaps of giant boulders perch precariously over miles of undulating terrain, their rusty hues offset by jade-green palm groves, banana plantations, and paddy fields. While it’s possible to see the ancient ruins and temples of this World Heritage Site in a day or two, this goes against Hampi’s relaxed grain. Plan on lingering for a while.

Gokarna

A regular nominee among travelers’ favorite beaches in India, Gokarna is a more laid-back and less commercialized version of Goa. It attracts a crowd for a low-key, chilled-out beach holiday and not for full-scale parties. Most accommodation is in thatched bamboo huts along its several stretches of blissful coast. In fact, there are two Gokarna; adjacent to the beaches is the sacred Hindu pilgrim town of Gokarna, full of ancient temples that come to life during important festivals such as Shivaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi. While its lively bazaar is an interesting place to visit, most foreign tourists don’t hang around overnight, instead of making a bee-line straight to the adjoining beaches.

Mysore

One of South India’s most renowned tourist destinations, Mysuru is known for its shimmering royal legacy and majestic monuments and structures which would make up for an excellent weekend getaway. Choose from a multitude of sightseeing possibilities varying from Mysore Palace, one of the largest and most majestic palaces in India, lounging greenery of Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Philomena’s Church and other countless churches and monuments will engage you for a long weekend getaway.

Kerala :

Alleppey

Kerala is known as “God’s Own Country” for its beautiful natural treasure. One of the best places to experience the natural beauty of Kerala is Alleppey.

Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, the exquisiteness of Alleppey captivates tourists both from India and abroad. There are magnificent antiquated churches and temples here that spread divinity and quaintness in the aura.

Stay in a houseboat and take a tour of the backwaters of the Alleppey for a romantic experience. While taking the cruise, do not forget to visit the quaint villages which are located by the backwaters.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Kochi from Chennai at just INR 1,704!

Munnar

Leaving out Munnar from the list of beautiful places in India is a cardinal sin. This hill station of Kerala is a nature lover’s delight.

You are greeted with a vast expanse of tea and cardamom plantations here and rich forest cover. At an altitude of about 6000 feet above sea level, Munnar is all about gorgeous valleys, majestic hills and pristine surroundings.

If you are an adventure enthusiast then Munnar has a number of exhilarating trekking trails for you. There are resorts here which date back to colonial times and have been adding to the charm of the place.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Kochi from Chennai at just INR 1,704!

Wayanad

Wayanad is a stunning hill station located in the north-eastern part of gorgeous Kerala. The hill station is characterized by several tea and coffee plantations, making it ideal for a relaxing holiday. The best way to experience the beauty of Wayanad is to stay in a homestay and enjoy the hospitality of local people.

With its low population, verdant greenery, and several beautiful trekking trails, it energizes your body from the inside out. Also known as the “Land of Paddy Fields”, it is epitome of what Kerala stands for- green, tranquil and relaxing.

Sunset at Cochin

Cochin is very unlike the rest of Kerala, and yet, very similar to it. It is known for its colonial past, which is still evident today in the cobbled streets and the quaint cafes of the city. There are more than a few highlights of Cochin. There are the Chinese Fishing Nets, which are a different kind of experience.

There is the beautiful sunset by the harbor which makes for a really romantic experience. And there is also the sunset cruise you can take, alone or with your special someone. Just roam the streets of Cochin and are in for a delightful surprise.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Kochi from Chennai at just INR 1,704!

Kumarakom

The name Kumarakom is a permanent word in the dictionary of world tourism, for the tranquility of this island surrounded by the largest lake in Kerala, Vembanad, lacks the heart to get faded. Be it any season, regular visitors, those are visiting for the first time will find it difficult to take their eyes off such a bewitching panorama. What Kumarakom boasts of confidently is the unique houseboat, looks like a proper house with all amenities; maybe it is the luxurious stay on the calmest waters of Vembanad Lake. Monsoon is the most demanding season since when the water from the sky merges with the water on Earth, we can expect magic.

Thekkady

It looks like a fable when you get rare chances to spot the giant elephant coming to drink water or to have their kids fed. Thekkady is the parent of some unique flora and fauna. Dotted by precious greenery, there is a lake that overflows during monsoon and then there will be an incomparable scene of the flocks of elephants crossing the lake so easily. This rare show is the most celebrated feature of Thekkady. Tigers, bears, deer, cattle, hippopotamus and much more are there, grazing or roaming around the location freely. Boating on the lake enhances every trip to Thekkady hugely.

Kovalam

A trip to Kerala will be definitely incomplete if you miss the Kovalam beach. The southern end of the coastal region of Kerala is a haven for migratory tourists round the year. Proud rock structures inviting each wave towards them arrange a spectacular sight every eye loves to behold. The vast shore that remains wet every moment seems like appreciating our steps forward. Irrespective of nationalities, tourists appear to be equally happy here. It is a kids’ friendly beach as well offering space for them to play in the waves. Eras old lighthouse led multitudes of ships and people to their destinations still holds its head high in one corner of the beach. 

Lakshadweep :

Comprising a string of 36 palm-covered, white-sand-skirted coral islands 300km off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is as stunning as it is isolated. Only 10 of these islands are inhabited, mostly by Sunni Muslim fishermen, and foreigners are only allowed to stay on a few of these. With fishing and coir production the main sources of income, local life on the islands remains highly traditional, and a caste system divides the islanders. The real attraction of the islands lies under the water: the 4200 sq km of pristine archipelago lagoons, unspoiled coral reefs, and warm waters are a magnet for flipper-toting travelers and divers alike.

Puducherry

Also known as ‘The French Riviera of the East’, Pondicherry (Puducherry) (Puducherry) exhibits a heavy French influence, which is more evident at the destination’s old quarters. The place is pretty laid back and has some fine restaurants serving passably good French cuisine. A favorite visiting spot is Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which attracts scores of Indian as well as foreign tourists due to its highly sought after yoga and meditation courses. Amongst other attractions, some must visit places are the lovely beach front promenade, Auroville, Gingee Fort, Gokilambal Temple and the Government Museum.

Tamil Nadu :

Tea Estate of Coonoor

A gorgeous hill station in Tamil Nadu is that of Coonoor. It is one of the largest hill stations in the Nilgiris, and also serves as a base for those interested in trekking in the Nilgiri Hills.

However, for those not interested in trekking, the highlight of the hill station is its many tea estate. When here, stay in a tea estate and you will have some really delightful experiences. Most of the tea estates here belong to the British times, which give you a taste of the colonial past. The period furniture, the greenery and the tranquility all make for a wonderful holiday experience.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Coimbatore from Chennai.

Ooty

Famous for the eucalyptus trees and the flowers, Nigiri hills share the major portion of Ooty, yet another most visited tourist center in India. Ooty still enjoys its freedom from pollution, whether it is noise or air, focuses on agriculture which is the predominant revenue holder. The Botanical Garden, the huge hectares of tea plantations, the Avalanche Lake, Pykara waterfall, the Ooty Lake etc vividly represent the reason why tourists are still flooding to this delicate hill station every year. Beauty is defined elaborately here with the unwinding plethora of landscapes and natural miracles.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Coimbatore from Chennai

Chennai

Though the highly crowded and fast Chennai is, the number of visitors who come in search of the centuries-old tradition of South India here is replenished dramatically. The remnants of the British Raj still possess some corners of this tremendous city. World famous Fort St. George, Guindy National Park, Marina Beach, Vandalur Zoo, Mahabalipuram, San Thome Basilica etc are in close proximity to the city promising a complete tour package to you at any time. A reincarnation of the history can be carved out from the ancient buildings arrayed in a strategic format in the heart of city leading you to fall in love with the glory of Chennai as it was before.

How to reach: Catch a flight to Chennai from Bangalore.

Kodaikanal

Known to be the ‘princess of hill stations’, Kodaikanal is a bit more relaxed and silent though it is affected by a large number of tourists always. It will be a big mistake if you think it is a remote village in the interiors of Tamil Nadu because it can boast of plenty of international quality things. One among them is the International School that gives education to the students around the globe. The broadleaf trees like rhododendron, mahogany etc are the proud possessions of each hill that gives Kodaikanal its name. There is a huge lake encircles this magical hilly region; honeymoon couples and groups of friends are the majority of visitors of Kodai though it has waterfalls and trekking hills hidden somewhere in it.

How to reach: Catch a flight to the nearest airport at Coimbatore from Chennai

Rameshwaram

There will be a minimal number of people who must have no idea about his extreme southern part of India, Rameshwaram, and a widely applauded sightseeing tourist destination for centuries. Located in the middle of India and Sri Lanka, this island seems to be the favourite spot of Hindu devotees since the entire region is famous for the Rama stories written down in the epics. Backing these religious aspects of Rameshwaram, there are different numbers of temples dedicated to Lord Rama here which are appreciated and praised for its magnificent stone structures. Recently, the longest bridge on a sea is bestowed upon Rameshwaram, which is the Pamban Bridge. In addition, there is another important site no one ever should miss while you are in Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi beach.

Telangana :

Telangana has officially been made a separate state on 2nd June 2014. So while everyone is busy trying not to forget that India now has 29 states, we went ahead and prepared a list of the best tourist places in Telangana has to offer.  And mind our words when we say that Telangana might be new but its history and culture have endless opportunities for an avid traveler. So start planning your trip to Telangana right away and make sure that this list finds it’s place in your itinerary for sure.

Charminar, Hyderabad

Charminar is beyond doubt, the most popular Tourist Place in Telangana. Located at the heart of the City of Nizams, Charminar has many stories depicting the intent behind its construction. Situated on the east bank of the Musi River, the minar is also surrounded by Laad Bazar and Makah Masjid on the west side. It is one of the most popular tourist place in Telangana at not only all times of the year but also throughout the day. Ramadan prayers at Charminar and markets see the approaching roads getting crowded to the extent of ceasing the movement completely. This one tops the list of places to visit in Telangana.

Golkonda Fort

Situated at a distance of only 11 kms from Hyderabad, Goloconda fort is easily accessible for all the tourists. Golokonda actually consists of 4 forts with a common outer boundary. The fort is of prime importance in the history of Telangana with regards to Aurangzeb’s succesion over the Deccan region. The fort was previously ruled by the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The long corridors in the forts make for an ideal spot for a small picnic with children from Hyderabad.

Bhadrachalam

The legends say that it was in the forests near Bhadrachalam that Ram, Sita and Lakshman had come to spend the years of their exile and this is the place from where Sita was abducted by Ravana. One can find the ancient Rama-Sita temple here which finds its mentions in the ancient scriptures. For tourists, long roads with dense tree branches hanging overhead make for a pleasant road trip from Hyderabad over a long weekend or as a part of a trip to Tourist places in Telangana.

Bhongir Fort

Telangana is famous for its rocky terrain and the local people have justified it even more with some really awesome forts. Bhongir Fort or the Fort at the Hilltop is one such example. One may visit this place for a beautiful view of the Deccan plains. The vast stretches of farms, forests and wastelands present a picturesque setting. Due to its strategically placed location, the fort played a great role in shaping the history of the Deccan region.

Nagarjuna Sagar

Nagarjuna Sagar dam is one of the most visited site in Telangana by young and old alike. However, its not just the large water reservoir or the dam outlet that is worth a visit. Stroll inland into nearby areas to the small rivers and tributaries leading to the dam and you’ll find many such wonderful waterfalls which are still intact in their natural beauty. To be honest though, Telangana is full of waterfalls and all you need to do is trace any water source to the wild origins to witness the real beauty of these tourist places in Telangana.

Himayat Sagar Lake and the Hussain Sagar Lake:

Himayat Sagar and Hussain Sagar Lake are both man-made lakes which are often clubbed in all trips to Hyderabad. The Himayat Sagar Lake offers the visitors peace and tranquility at a short distance from the busy city of Hyderabad. It is best visited around sunset when the waters and the rays of the sun dipping at the horizon bring out a beautiful hue. Hussain Sagar Lake on the other hand with a gigantic statue of Lord Buddha (The Awakened One) at the center is situated in the main city itself. Night time view of the lake is a must-have experience for anyone visiting the city.