I am making some plans to visit some place in South India soon. I am fond of seeing the temples they have which are full of architecture and history and also see the culture there. I can not obviously visit all the places in South India, so need to start with just one or two places. I would like to know which is the best place to visit in South India? I don't mind getting more than one suggestion, and I may consider making two trips to South India.
If you are looking for Temple architecture you should go to Tamilnadu. They have some of the immense temple architecture along with some good places to visit. I recommend brihadeeswarar temple, Thanjavoor for the starters. If you are looking for some fun nd great cuisine, always welcome to kerala.
Hello, @Jitesh, welcome to the forum! (Image sources: Pinterest, Pbhatz, Holidify, Imdovacation and Iskcon Bangalore) Overview South India comprises of the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. It also includes the union territories of Andaman, Lakshadweep and Pondicherry. Generally, South India is a culturally important region of the country. Because the region has seen less of the invaders during the ancient era, much of the historically important structures such as temples and forts of South India were preserved. Even the languages of the region are quite ancient, identified as classical languages of the country. Aside from these aspects, being mainly a coastal region, the presence of beaches around the southern part of India make it a favourite tourist destination amongst locals and foreigners. Best Places to Visit in South India For your spiritual side... 1. Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) - Home to the richest temple in the world, Tirupati has made its mark as one of the top pilgrimage destinations in India. Everyday, thousands of devotees throng to the city just to devote some of their time to the most important temple of the city dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Donations to the temple amount to millions or crores of money every year. When it comes to the architectural beauty of the temple, it is apparent that the Dravidian style has a lot of influence in it. The main sanctum holding the deity's idol is ornamented in gold and silver giving it a very luxurious atmosphere. For a more efficient and convenient darshan, you can book a ticket online from the website of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. A temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, the partner of Lord Venkateswara, the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple is also worth visiting. It is about five kilometres away from the former temple and you can easily ride a bus or taxi to reach it. One of the oldest temples in the region, the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, is dedicated to Govindaraja Swamy, the older brother of Lord Venkateswara. In contrast to the other temples, this one is a bit more serene and less crowded. Some pilgrims visit the Sri Varaha Swamy Temple before proceeding for darshan for the temple of the Lord Venkateswara. Around Tirupati, there are also some natural attractions that you can explore after a fulfilling pilgrimage. There's the Talakona Waterfalls, comprised of two sections, an Upper Waterfall and a Lower Waterfall. The views from the Upper Waterfall are more stunning although it requires a bit of a climb to reach it. The Silathoranam is a natural rock arch formation created over million of years ago, truly worth visiting for those interested in natural history. Must visit attractions - Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Sri Varaha Swamy Temple, Talakona Waterfalls and Silathoranam. Related thread - Places to See in Tirupati 2. Hampi (Karnataka) - A village standing amidst the ruins of the mighty Vijayanagara dynasty, Hampi is sure to tickle the history lover in you. With the Tungabhadra river flowing freely in the region, along with the ruined temples and structures of the village, every part of the region has a story to tell. A must-visit here is the Virupaksha Temple, standing tall in the centre of the village. Elaborate carvings and its high tower make the temple a sight not to be missed in the region. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, each boulder of the temple seems to tell a story, a tragedy and even a victory from the bygone era. The Vittala Temple is the most intricate of all the temples in the region. Its pillars and exteriors have intricate carvings worth exploring. The stone chariot carving can mesmerise you and even the underground Shiva temple can pique your curiosity. Make your way into the Riverside Ruins of the region, where a thousand lingas would greet you. Take a boat ride into the other side of the Tungabhadra river and explore the Hippie Island of Hampi. Here, the landscapes change, where paddy fields and lush greenery take their place instead. There are many more to explore around Hampi and even a day won't be enough to fully absorb its importance. Must visit attractions - Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Riverside Ruins and Hippie Island. Related thread - Hampi Travel Guide 3. Trivandrum (Kerala) - Trivandrum is the capital of the state of Kerala but even then, it is nowhere as chaotic as Delhi or Mumbai. Perhaps this is the best feature of the city, it has a bit of modernity and tradition, a perfect balance that makes it a calm and serene place. Trivandrum is home to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, considered as one of the richest temples in the world as well. The temple has a mixture of Dravidian and Keralan styles of architecture, with a golden tower that sparkles whether in day light or night time. Clouded in controversy, due to hidden chambers of treasures in the temple, it still is the most popular religious site in the city. Also worth visiting is the Santhigiri Ashram, with its imposing lotus structure, it's hard to miss in the city. In contrast to the former temple, where you have to adhere to strict rules to enter it, the ashram allows devotees of all religions to meditate and visit the premises. Other temples worth visiting that are less crowded than the former one are the Sarkara Devi Temple and Lokambika Temple. If you have the time, you can also visit some historical places around Trivandrum, like the Padmanabhapuram Palace, known for its traditional Keralan style of architecture and wide use of wood for its several sections. The Kanakakunnu Palace was once an important cultural centre in the region, it has the same Keralan style of architecture but the use of other materials such as granite and stone is also apparent. Must visit attractions - Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Santhigiri Ashram, Sarkara Devi Temple, Lokambika Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace and Kanakakunnu Palace. Related thread - Places to See in Trivandrum Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum (Image from Oh My India) 4. Madurai (Tamil Nadu) - The oldest city in South India, Madurai, is worth adding into your itinerary. The city was the capital of two main dynasties, namely: the Pandyans and the Nayaks. The structures that dot the city can be attributed mostly to these two dynasties. The Sri Meenakshi Temple is a sight to behold in the city. Towering over the temple premises are four different gopurams, which are elaborately carved temple entrances. At their highest, the gopurams reach over 46 metres in height. The 1,000 pillars of the temple that create music when touched are also worth mentioning. The Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine also has an imposing gopuram with scenes from cultural stories and Hindu epics. It is situated over 20 kilometres away from the city centre of Madurai though. Another temple in the city is the Koodal Azhagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Perumal. Spread over three floors, the presiding deity is depicted in different positions in each one of them, namely: sitting, standing and sleeping. After exploring the religious sites of the city, you can venture into its historical sites. There's the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, with a unique blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture. Unfortunately, the palace isn't that well maintained and needs proper signages so that tourists can appreciate the statues and other structures within it. The Gandhi Museum is a great place for history lovers, as you can stroll around and learn more about the life of the most important freedom fighter of India. Personal items used by Mahatma Gandhi are also displayed here, even the last pieces of clothing he wore before being assassinated. Must visit attractions - Sri Meenakshi Temple, Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal and Gandhi Museum. Related thread - Madurai Travel Guide Big cities, big fun... 5. Bangalore (Karnataka) - India's very own IT hub can be found in the state of Karnataka known as the city of Bangalore. With a pleasant climate all-year round due to its elevation, Bangalore is one of the few metro cities that enjoys this perk. A number of heritage sites and modern sites line the city that make it a fun destination for the whole family. Starting with the religious sites, there's the ISKCON Bangalore, the most popular temple in the city. Mainly dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, the temple exudes serenity despite the hundreds of devotees visiting it daily. Located on top of a hillock, the Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple requires a bit of a steep climb to reach. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, also known as Anjaneya, and a darshan here certainly feels more authentic after the trek. The Dodda Ganesha Temple has a large statue of Lord Ganesha, almost 18 feet in height, that looks imposing at first glance. Close by is the Bull Temple, dedicated to the vehicle of Lord Shiva, Nandi. It can be spotted easily due to the large Nandi statue outside the temple premises. For the history lovers, the Tipu Sultan Fort and Palace is a hidden gem of the city. It sees less of the tourists but the palace has very exquisite floral carvings in its premises. Don't forget to visit the museum within the palace premises, which holds artefacts collected during the era of Tipu Sultan. Modern attractions like Wonderla and Innovative Film City can be fun sites for families with smaller children. Laid-back attractions like the Cubbon Park, Jayaprakash Narayan Park and Kaikondrahalli Lake can also be visited for a leisurely time around the city. Must visit attractions - ISKCON Bangalore, Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple, Dodda Ganesha Temple, Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan Fort and Palace, Wonderla, Innovative Film City, Cubbon Park, Jayaprakash Narayan Park and Kaikondrahalli Lake. Related thread - What to See in Bangalore? 6. Cochin (Kerala) - Cochin is a city that grows on you, where there's a clash of progression and also tradition. Those who live in the city find it hard to leave the city as well. Perhaps this is because the city is cozy and becomes home even for the first few years you settle in it. As a tourist destination, it offers the best infrastructures for tourists as well. The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, is the most important religious site in the city. It is also believed that the temple can cure mental illnesses so the rush of devotees here is very high. The Ernakulatthappan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, locally known as Ernakulatthanppan (Lord of Ernakulam) is also one of the most revered temples in the city. The temple has stunning architecture and design that can capture the attention of devotees. A number of historical sites can also be found within the city. The Mattancherry Palace has a unique blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Hindu architectural styles. The murals on the palace depicts scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Krishna Lila. Quite extensive is the Hill Palace of Tripunithura which has been converted into a museum, comprising of about 49 buildings, divided into several sections like archeology, heritage and prehistory. Must visit attractions - Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Ernakulatthappan Temple, Mattancherry Palace and Hill Palace of Tripunithura. Related thread - What to Do in Cochin? Mattancherry Palace in Cochin (Image from Kerala Tourism) 7. Chennai (Tamil Nadu) - Being the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, enjoys some privileges that only large cities have. Like, better tourist infrastructures, efficient transport system, cheap entertainment centres and lots of choices when it comes to dining options. Interested in the city's religious sites? There's the Kapaleeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was originally built around a coastal area in the region but was destroyed by foreign invaders. The present structure is only about 300 years old and remains the main temple of the city. The Sri Partha Sarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, known as Sarathy when he assumed the role of a chariot driver. The outside premises can be a bit chaotic but the temple maintains its serene atmosphere still. Dedicated to the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, Lord Murugan, is the Vadapalani Murugan Temple. This temple is mainly visited by devotees who wish to have their marriages blessed by the deity. If you still have the time, venture into the Muttukadu Lake, where you and your loved ones can enjoy a simple boat ride amidst its waters. Of course, Chennai is synonymous with the Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world. Sunsets are best viewed from here and with an assortment of shops and restaurants along the coast, you're bound to enjoy your time here. Chennai, the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu, has lots to offer to tourists, from religious sites, historical sites, beaches and even theme parks. Must visit attractions - Kapaleeshwar Temple, Sri Partha Sarathy Temple, Vadapalani Murugan Temple and Marina Beach. Related thread - Places to See in Chennai 8. Hyderabad (Telangana) - Now a part of the newly formed state of Telangana, Hyderabad is one of the most affordable metro cities in India. It has an emerging IT sector too, so a good choice for career expansion for those working in that industry. On the other hand, as a tourist destination, the city has done well to preserve its heritage sites despite being fully developed. For those interested in the city's religious sites, the Birla Mandir, with its imposing white gopuram, is the best temple in the city. Wonderful architecture, scenic views as it is located on a hillock and serenity, what more can you ask for? The limitation on tourists since bringing of gadgets are not allowed only adds to the peace and tranquility of the temple. The Chilkur Balaji Temple, with its ornate and colourful entrance, is another must visit temple in the city. It primarily serves devotees who need some guidance with regards to their visa applications. The prime landmark of the city is the Char Minar, built by the Qutb Shahi rulers during the 16th century. The monument has a collection of four towers or minarets, with a double balcony for each. The Golconda Fort, located on the outskirts of the city, was built by the Kakatiya dynasty and later strengthened by the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The fort is quite huge and would require a whole day to fully explore. The Tombs of the Qutb Shahis can be found just outside the fort, which houses the remains of the seven rulers of the dynasty. The Hussain Sagar is a heart-shaped manmade lake in the middle of the city. Beside it, you can visit the Lumbini Park and Sanjivaiah Park, also quite popular with locals. Fun sites like Wonderla and Ramoji Film City are newer additions to the tourist attractions of the city. Must visit attractions - Birla Mandir, Chilkur Balaji Temple, Char Minar, Golconda Fort, Tombs of the Qutb Shahis, Hussain Sagar, Lumbini Park, Sanjivaiah Park, Wonderla and Ramoji Film City. Related thread - Things to Do in Hyderabad Get your tan on... 9. Andaman Islands (Union Territory) - The Andaman Islands... Where white sands meet with clear blue waters... Where marine life isn't threatened by human interference... Where modernity is still finding its place. One of the most pristine beach destinations in the country, the Andaman Islands offers complete seclusion in paradise. Only accessible via air or sea, it still isn't as thronged by tourists unlike Goa or Kerala. Its capital Port Blair, is a bustling city, yet still has a number of attractions to keep one busy. The Cellular Jail is a historical site, whereby political prisons were once detained. It is now a major tourist attraction in the city where you can get a glimpse of the dark past of the islands. Wander further into the different nearby islands like Jolly Buoy Island or Ross Island. Havelock Island, about 57 kilometres away from Port Blair, has 7 pristine beaches worth exploring. A favourite seems to be the Radha Nagar Beach or Beach Number 7. Its white sands, shades of coconut trees and rich marine life are sure to make you want to stay more in the island. Barren Island has several diving sites and even has the only active volcano in South Asia. In Diglipur Island, you can visit the famed Mud Volcanoes, which are small volcanoes emitting mud from underneath. Nestled further into the Andaman sea, it's a sin to miss the beautiful Andaman Islands when in India. Must visit attractions - Port Blair, Jolly Buoy Island, Ross Island, Havelock Island, Barren Island, Diglipur Island and many more. Related thread - Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tourism Guide Ross and Smith Island in Andaman (Image from Know Andamans) 10. Lakshadweep (Union Territory) - In contrast to the mildly developed Andaman Islands, the Lakshadweep Archipelago is a bit underdeveloped. Resorts and restaurants here are sparse and even tourist infrastructures are lacking. But for naturally beautiful beaches, untouched by commercial damage, the Lakshadweep Archipelago is a prime choice. Located off the Laccadive sea, closer to Kerala, these islands are some of the most pristine ones in India. Just like the former destination, you can only reach the islands by air or by sea. Kavaratti Island is the most developed region here, where tons of water sports can be enjoyed. Resorts are also abundant in the region but still not as many as in Goa or Port Blair. Agatti Island and Kalpeni Island are the best regions for snorkelling lovers. Both Bangaram Island and Kadmat Island offers a wide array of water sports facilities for guests. If you're someone who enjoys ultimate solitude, then reach the Minicoy Island, the most isolated island in the region. Must visit attractions - Kavaratti Island, Agatti Island, Kalpeni Island, Bangaram Island, Kadmat Island and Minicoy Island. Related thread - Lakshadweep Islands Tourism Guide 11. Pondicherry (Union Territory) - Pondicherry is the only region in India where French influences dominate the streets. The striking beauty of French-style layouts, street names and even residential homes would greet you upon reaching the union territory. Also within the region are numerous beaches to keep your tan on. At the main city centre is the Promenade Beach, its shores lined with black rocks that contrast the blue waves of the sea. While swimming here isn't permitted, it's a very vibrant beach, where restaurants and shops line the areas outside of the shores. About 10 kilometres away from the centre of the region is the Serenity Beach, which stays true to its name. Unlike the former beach, this one has sandy shores but the waves of the sea can be too strong for swimming. There are also limited dining options here so it's best to bring your own snacks and beverages. Karikal Beach, about 20 minutes away from Pondicherry proper, is another serene beach option. The beach has some water sports available as well for guests. From Chunnambar, you can take a boat ride to reach the Paradise Beach, which has fine white sands and clear blue waters. There are no eateries nearby though so bring a small picnic basket with you. Must visit attractions - Promenade Beach, Serenity Beach, Karikal Beach and Paradise Beach. Related thread - Pondicherry Travel Guide 12. Kovalam (Kerala) - Kerala has a number of beach destinations but there's no doubt that Kovalam is the most popular one. Sure, it can be crowded especially during peak tourist season but that's part of the beauty of these beaches. Once you have had enough serenity, venture into the beaches of Kovalam to experience the unique culture of the region. Kovalam Beach can be divided into three parts, namely: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach. Lighthouse Beach is the most happening beach, with an assortment of beach shacks, hotels and hawkers around it. You can also climb the old lighthouse here to get a bird's eye view of the sea and surrounding greenery. Hawa Beach has calm waves so it's perfect for swimming. It is slightly less crowded than the former beach. Reach it early in the morning to view the fishermen gathering their catches for the day. Samudra Beach is the most serene out of all the three but also has rough waves. You can enjoy watching the sun rising or the sun setting from here though. Must visit attractions - Kovalam Beach (Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach). Related thread - Top 10 Tourist Places in Kerala Lovely hill stations... 13. Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh) - Araku Valley is one of the most visited hill stations in Andhra Pradesh. Surrounded by lots of lush greenery, maintained by the tribal groups of the hill station, Araku Valley is refreshing to the eyes, nose and all your senses. It has a number of natural attractions like the Dumbriguda Chaparai Waterfalls, approachable by road. It's popular amongst locals and tourists as a picnic spot especially in the heat of the summer season. Up for an adventure? Then venture into the Katiki Waterfalls, which requires a 30-minute trek before being accessed. The trek would take you around untouched jungles and you might just encounter a wild animal or two. The highest point in Araku Valley, the Ananthagiri Hills, is covered by greenery as well as coffee plantations. The beauty of this peak would just captivate you, especially with the wild flora and fauna that can only be found in the region. Both the Araku Tribal Museum and Coffee Museum are interesting too, the former highlights the ethnic tribes of the region while the latter highlights the different varieties of coffee beans grown in the region. Must visit attractions - Dumbriguda Chaparai Waterfalls, Katiki Waterfalls, Ananthagiri Hills, Araku Tribal Museum and Coffee Museum. Related thread - Honeymoon Places in South India 14. Coorg (Karnataka) - Coorg, fondly referred to as the Scotland of the East, boasts of stunning landscapes that are sure to keep the travellers jaw dropped. From the misty views of the mountains, to the mesmerising waterfalls and pristine forests, Coorg can rejuvenate the tired and weary souls of travellers. The Omkareshwara Temple, a religious site here, has an interesting but tragic story behind it. It is said that Lingarajendra II killed a Brahmin to fulfil his political ambitions and to appease the spirit of that man, he built the temple. There are also two Talakaveri Temples in the hill station, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Aside from these religious sites, there are some natural attractions around the hill station. Abbey Waterfalls, although quite commercial, is the main waterfall of the region. There are coffee plantations around the waterfalls that add to its charm. Next is the Iruppu Waterfalls, which has some Hindu stories attached to it relating to Rama and Sita. As such, pilgrims visit the waterfalls believing that it has purifying powers to cleanse their sins. For the adventurous individuals, trek to reach the highest peak in the hill station, the Tadiandamol Peak. Must visit attractions - Omkareshwara Temple, Talakaveri Temples, Abbey Waterfalls, Iruppu Waterfalls, Tadiandamol Peak and many more. Related thread - Coorg Travel Guide 15. Munnar (Kerala) - When it comes to the hill stations of the south, there's no doubt that Munnar is one of the most talked about. With a visit to Munnar, you get a bit closer to nature even for just a little while. The entire hill station covered with tea plantations can take your breath away. A visit to the Top Station can give you a clear view of the beautiful mountains. Even the roads leading to the peak takes you around the different tea estates in the region. The Mattupetty Dam has boating facilities to keep you and your loved ones entertained. You can bring a picnic basket as well and enjoy eating amidst the exotic woods and lake view. The Rajamalai National Park, a part of the Eravikulam National Park, is home to the endangered species of the Nilgiri tahr. Even if you're not lucky to spot the wild animal, the lush jungles of the national park are enough to keep your eyes busy. If you don't have much time to explore the tea plantations around the hill station, set some time aside for the Pothamedu Viewpoint, where you can easily see the tea plantations surrounding the region. Must visit attractions - Top Station, Mattupetty Dam, Rajamalai National Park and Pothamedu Viewpoint. Related thread - Munnar Travel Guide 16. Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) - For those venturing into an adventure without their own vehicle, Kodaikanal is a good choice. The attractions in this hill station are located within walking distance of each other. What's more, it isn't as commercialised unlike the other hill stations in the state. The prime attraction here is the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, where you can indulge in boating activities. There are also some eateries around the lake for when the tourists get hungry or thirsty. Another stunning attraction here is the Bear Shola Waterfalls, especially just after the monsoon season. You need to trek for a bit to reach the waterfalls which takes you around the shola forests surrounding it. The Fairy Waterfalls is suitable for families as it doesn't require any trekking to reach it. Lay over a small blanket and enjoy the views of the gushing waterfalls in front of you. Both the Guna Cave and Kukkal Caves require some trekking to access as well although it's not that difficult. The former has two rocks slanted within one another, forming a cave-like entrance while the latter is a proper cave which has stalactites and stalagmites inside it. Bryant Park and Chettiar Park has an assortment of plants and flowers that look quite pretty during blooming season. Finally, the Kurinji Andavar Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga and is famous for the rare kurinji flowers that bloom beside the temple, only once every 12 years. Must visit attractions - Kodaikanal Lake, Bear Shola Waterfalls, Fairy Waterfalls, Guna Cave, Kukkal Caves, Bryant Park, Chettiar Park and Kurinji Andavar Temple. Related thread - Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Kodaikanal Lake (Image from Wikimedia) Different paths to take... 17. Lepakshi (Andhra Pradesh) - A bit off the beaten track is Lepakshi, a small village in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. There are two main attractions in this village, namely, the Lepakshi Temple (Veerabhadra Temple) and the Lepakshi Nandi Statue. Beginning with the Lepakshi Temple, a temple built in the 16th century by Virupanna and Veeranna, servicemen under the Vijayanagara dynasty. The temple can be divided into different sections but the Natya Mandapa has the most exquisitely carved pillars and painted ceilings. It also has the famous hanging pillar, which seems to defy all laws of architecture as you can pass through thin fabrics or papers at the bottom of it. Outside the temple, the Lepakshi Nandi Statue can also be visited. This Nandi statue is one of the largest of its kind in India, built out of a single granite rock. For those who love religious sites, Lepakshi can fulfil that interest and even more so with its fascinating architectural marvels. Must visit attractions - Lepakshi Temple and Lepakshi Nandi Statue. Related thread - Historical Places in Andhra Pradesh Lepakshi Temple (Image from World Viewers Stop via YouTube) 18. Honnemardu (Karnataka) - On the backwaters of the Sharavathi river is the tiny village of Honnemardu. For the adventure seekers, this little hamlet in Karnataka is a hidden gem. Various adventure activities can be done here even the traditional coracle boat riding. Spin round and round amidst the backwaters in the coracle boat, an adventure that you cannot have elsewhere. Other boating activities that you can do here are canoeing, kayaking and rafting. You can even enjoy camping in the wilderness when in Honnemardu. Gaze upon the dark skies as the starts twinkle amidst it. Nothing can be more back to basics than this activity. Once you have made the most of your time in the tiny village, venture into the nearby attractions. About 20 kilometres away from here is the highest waterfalls in the country known as the Jog Waterfalls. Swimming is not permitted in the waterfalls as the force of the water falling can be dangerous. You can enjoy clicking photographs though as the waterfalls look quite picturesque. Another attraction about 36 kilometres away is the Dabbe Waterfalls, which requires lots of trekking to reach. It is even more pristine as the former waterfalls as not lots of tourists know about it. Must visit attractions - Jog Waterfalls and Dabbe Waterfalls. Related thread - n/a 19. Silent Valley National Park (Kerala) - A little known national park in Kerala, the Silent Valley National Park is a must visit for nature and wildlife lovers. The combination of tropical and evergreen forests in the national park are probably the most pristine in the region. Untouched by pollution, modernism and commercialism, the national park has retained its natural beauty all through the years, thanks to the help of the environmental communities who fought for its preservation. Because of the dense forests, spotting wildlife here can be more difficult. You're rewarded by the thrilling experience of going through the rare flora and fauna of the national park. Some of the endangered animals that reside in the national park are the lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahrs and Nilgiri langurs. No private vehicles are allowed inside the national park so you need to book your ticket in advance to avail of their jeep safaris. Animals to spot - Lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahrs and Nilgiri langurs. Related thread - Silent Valley National Park 20. Meghamalai (Tamil Nadu) - Located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu is Meghamalai, an unexplored hill station in the region. Hidden under the radar of most tourists, the landscapes in the region remain untouched and pristine. With the variety of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in the hill station, it's inevitable that the views here are stunning. It is also the location of the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, which has a combination of evergreen forests and plantations around it. If you're visiting during the winter, you can spot the numerous migratory birds that visit the region for the nesting season. If you can trek to reach the Vellimalai Peak, you would be rewarded by views of the distant tea estates, especially during early morning. With waters originating from the nearby mountain ranges, both the Suruli Waterfalls and Meghamalai Waterfalls can look quite beautiful even after the monsoon. Must visit attractions - Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Vellimalai Peak, Suruli Waterfalls and Meghamalai Waterfalls. Related thread - Meghamalai Conclusion Ready to take on an adventure that is of South India? With the list above, you can explore the beauty of the region on your leisure time. From naturally beautiful sceneries, captivating ancient architecture and even modern cities, the list ranges when it comes to your options. Even for those who want to enrich their spiritual side, there are places in South India that you can go to for that. Enjoy and have fun on your trip to the southern region of the country!
Hi Fishing at Bheemeshwari. Quad bike expeditions in Goa. Do nothing at Gokarna. Camping and white water river rafting at Dandeli. Elephants, waterfall rappelling, ultralight flying and more at Coorg.
