Journeys are always more beautiful than destinations. An incredible tourist place is where one can see the beautiful creation of god in the form of mountains, valleys, lakes, lagoons, rivers, jungles, etc. An ideal place to visit is the southern part of India. There are many places to visit in south India that will mesmerize you and some of them are as followed:
Places To Visit In South India
1. Munnar
A very popular tourist attraction situated in God’s own country, Kerala. Munnar has always topped the list of best tourist hill stations in Kerala. Whether it is summer, rainy, or winter, you can enjoy every bit of Munnar hill. It is considered a paradise where you can find collections of breathtaking tea plantation gardens, deep valleys, and beautiful mountains and hills.
From Munnar, you can visit the highest point of South India, which is also called Anamudi Peak. Every year Munnar records the highest number of tourist visits because of its natural view and handmade chocolates. There are many things to enjoy at Munnar such as relaxing sessions at the Ayurvedic spa, witnessing the aromatic areas of Munnar hills, trying adventurous sports, seeing rare animal species, cycling in the early morning, and enjoying many waterfalls such as Attukal, Chinnakanal, Lakkam, Thoovanam, etc. Even different kinds of fun forest adventures are organized for the tourists, and you can join that too.
Munnar is also famous for the Neelakurinji flower which is only seen in the southern part of India. You can also have a glance of heaven adorned with such beautiful flowers. You can also visit Mattupetty dam which is a treat to the eyes as it also has a trekking path nearby. You can also visit the carmelagiri elephant park to see and have an elephant savari also. You can also reside in the plantation resort with your family to enjoy every bit of forest life.
2. Coorg
It is also known as the hill paradise located in the state of Karnataka. It is one of the most beautiful places in the state which can be explored by families as well. It also consists of beautiful places such as attractive sceneries, breathtaking waterfalls, and cloudy mountain areas. The coffee and spice plantation will attract you the most.
There are many must-see destinations in Coorg which is why it is called the Scotland of India. You can witness the greatest waterfall in south India i.e. the Abbey Falls which is situated at a distance of 10 km from Madikeri. It is also located in between the stretches of Coffees estates on one hand and on the other it is full of pepper vines which increases the beauty of the fall.
Another famous place in Coorg is the Raja’s seat where you can witness the flowers bloom. It was believed that thousand years ago, Kodagu kings used to sit at this place and enjoy the view every day. We also have other attractive places like Mallalli Falls, Omkareshwara temple, Talacauvery and Bhagamandala, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Iruppu waterfalls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Nagarhole National Park, Bylakuppe to visit in Coorg.
3. Kodaikanal
This is one of the most beautiful and most traveled tourist places in South India situated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It looks more gorgeous because of the lush green woods and a variety of rock formations as well as enchanting waterfalls. You can find many beautiful lakes, mountains, and flora which makes this place more dead dropping.
4. Alleppey
This place is famous for cruises and backwater. It is called as one of the most peaceful and relaxing places to visit. You can enjoy the beautiful backwater on a cruise. Alleppey is known as “Venice of the East”. It is a paradise with scenic views.
There are many places to visit in Alleppey such as Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Edathua Church, Vembanad lake, Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple, Karumadi, Alleppey LightHouse, Pandavan Rock, Thumpoly Beach which is famous for bird watching.
5. Gokarna
It is a small town located in Karnataka state which is famous for its temples and beaches. It is yet to be an explored town or tourist place in South India. It is just 160 km away from Goa. Life is a bit slower here in Gokarna and you can feel more peaceful here. There are many places to visit in Gokarna and to complete this, you need to make a separate trip only to Gokarna.
Places like Kudle beach are famous for their ‘C’ shape and because of their breathtaking beauty. You can go for walks across the beach during the day as well as during nighttime as it is absolutely safe even for families. There are numerous beaches like Omm beach famous for its shape of “Om ”. This resemblance gives a great belief among the Hindus of Gokarna.
You can also try many adventurous sports such as dolphin spotting, banana boat rides, bumper boat rides, speed boating, trekking, and jet skiing. Another beach is paradise beach which is also called full moon beach covered with hard rocks. There is also a half-moon beach which is not only attractive to the eyes but also helps your soul to heal.
There are temples like Mahabaleshwara Temple inside the Gokarna town which reflect the classic architecture of the Dravidians. Lord Shiva is worshipped here. There is also a belief that there are immense blessings showered on the person who once visits this temple. There is another temple named Bhadrakali temple where maha kali is worshipped in the form of Goddess Uma. It is believed that she protects Gokarna village from all negative things.
There is another famous place where one can make his soul feel pure i.e. Koti Tirtha which is famous for a human-made tank used by locals. Lord Rama is worshipped there. The tank is also used for bathing and drinking. There are also places like Mirjan fort, Maha Ganapati temple, etc.
6. Coonoor
Coonoor is situated near the Nilgiris Mountains, it is the greenery that makes it the most visited tourist spot every year. There are many unexplored areas also found here. It is not too big area-wise but has an ample amount of beautiful places to explore. It is around 50 km away from Ooty.
There are places like Catherine falls, Sim’s Park, Droog Fort, Heritage Train, St. George’s Church, Law’s falls, Rallia Dam, Dolphin Nose famous for huge mountains and lush green forest, Lady’s canning seat which is famous for the magnificent view of the Nilgiris, Highfield Tea Factory, etc.
7. Varkala
Varkala is famous for its mountains, seas, oceans, and cool breeze which is an incredible feeling. It is also famous for its beautiful lighthouses, beaches, and attractive lakes. Varkala is also called the pearls of the Arabian sea and is also covered with palm red cliffs. It is situated 36km away from Trivandrum in Kerala.
The other places situated in Varkala are Janardhana swami temple where lord Vishnu is worshipped, Sivagiri where Sree Narayana Guru’s samadhi was established, and Kappil beach which is another backwater destination, Asparagus, Ponnumthuruthu Island, Varkala lighthouse, Edava beach, Varkala cliff, Kaduvayil Juma Masjid, etc.
8. Wayanad
It is also situated in the state of Kerala and is famous for tea houses. You can spend your vacation here. It is a part of the Nilgiri Reserve which consists of beautiful waterfalls, lakes, scenic beauty, and whatnot.
There are places like Chembra peak, Edakkal Cave, Wayanad Heritage museum, Pookode Lake, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Lakkidi view point, Meenmutty waterfalls, etc.
9. Lakkidi
The coldest place in the Southern part of India is Lakkidi. It is one of the most visited tourist places in South India. It has beautiful landscapes and majestic mountain peaks. It is also known as the gateway to Kerala’s Wayanad. The most attractive thing about Lakkidi is the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.
10. Ooty
Ooty is also known as the queen of all hill stations. It is one of the most romantic places for newlywed couples, the most visited hill station by families, every season even during winters.
Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri range of Western ghats in the state of Tamil Nadu. It also has many enchanting views. There are places like botanical gardens, Ooty lake, coffee plantations, Tiger hills, Doddabetta hills, etc.
11. Hampi
It is considered one of the top historical destinations in the Southern Part. There was a time when Hampi used to be the last capital of Vijayanagar. It is one of the most historical monuments of India and is visited by thousands of tourists.
12. Nandi Hills
It is one of the most visited places situated on the outskirts of Bangalore city. Nandi Hills in Karnataka is one of the best tourist destinations in South India. This place can be visited anytime in the year, but summer is the best time. The weather remains quite pleasant.
One can explore the coffee and pepper plantations here. You can also pay a visit to the famous statue of the mythological bull ‘Nandi’ guarding the Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple. Pay a visit to the other temples and historical sites. Go for walks in the scenic environs. Cycling, paragliding, and bird watching are popular activities.
There are many famous tourist attractions located, such as Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Tipu’s Drop, Amrita Sarovar, Gandhi house, Muddenahalli, Nehru Nilaya, etc.
13. Yelagiri
Yelagiri consists of a cluster of 4 hamlets inserted in four mountains. It is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most famous travel destinations in South India and also a very famous place for trekkers. In this place, you can visit places like Swamimalai hills, the man-made Punganur lake, the Velavan temple, Jalagamparai waterfalls, and Nature parks.
Yelagiri is a place to visit with family during the summer season. The closest airport near Yelagiri is Bengaluru which is 192 km away. The nearest railway station is Jolarpettai which is 19 km away.
14. Vattakanal
This place is also called the Little Israel of India. A popular destination in South India that can be visited by families during vacations. It is actually a famous visiting destination for Israeli people to enjoy the breathtaking scenes and ambiance. It is situated in the Palani hills in the state of Tamil Nadu.
15. Araku Valley
It is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh and is famous for its coffee plantation. There are many tourist attractions, such as Araku Tribal Museum, Chaparai Waterfalls, Anantagiri, Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, Tadimada Waterfalls, etc.
Conclusion
When it comes to visiting the southern part of India, it is impossible for a tourist to just stop at a particular destination, the roads, the environment, and the hilly treks will mesmerize the tourists to explore every corner of it.