South India has a galore of tourist attractions to offer because of its rich culture and colours. It is often referred to as PARADISE due to its distinctive essence and well-preserved heritage. There are intricate temple designs, wildlife sanctuaries, sandy beaches, tempting seas, palm-lined canals, misty hills and much more that you need to tick off your bucket list. From the tranquil corners of the Western Ghats to dreamy and ruminative Malabar beaches, there is much more than what meets the eye. Besides the mainstream tourist sites, several mind-blowing hidden gems of South India will leave you fascinated with their captivating serene beauty. TravLiv360 presents the hidden gems of South India for your travel toes.
MUNNAR: THE HILL STATION OF KERALA
It is a perfect summer escape with lush green surroundings dotted with spice farms, enormous tea gardens, and countless treks of breathtaking waterfalls and lakes that adorn this beautiful green heaven. Munnar, a mythical land, does exist on this earth. When you visit this perfect blend hill station in Kerala, spend a star night in a hill cottage facing the mist-laden hills, wake up to the chirping birds, and wander through the clouds. Eravikulam National Park, Kundala Lake, Attukad Waterfalls, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakkam Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, Tea Gardens and Tea Museums are the main tourist attractions of this hidden gem of South India.
The beauty of nature is truly wild and wonderful with wildlife sanctuaries. It features endangered species of beautiful animals such as grizzled squirrels and Nilgiri tahrs, waterfalls cascading down the mountains, and tea & coffee plantations spanning acres of land, dams, and lakes set against lush green rolling hills. Wildlife enthusiasts may visit several national parks and sanctuaries. Weary visitors can unwind in the natural surroundings, and curious cats enjoy the echo point, a site where you can hear whatever you say into the abyss.
DEVIKULAM, KERALA
Nestled in Kerela, it is a strikingly hypnotic holiday destination perfect for sweltering summers. Devikulam would instantly make you fall in love with the southern region of India. This charming tiny hill village is a stunning location for those seeking less-trafficked pathways. This region is among the most intriguing sites due to its lush foliage, refreshing open spaces, aromatic tea plantations, breathtaking views from high cliffs, and diverse range of adventurous activities. We all know Devikulam is a heaven on earth for individuals looking for ways and excuses to come closer to mother nature. The main tourist attractions are Devi Lake, Thoovanam Falls, Idukki National Park, Mattupetty dam, Anayirankal Lake, Attala Rock Shelter, Blossom International Park and so on. Therefore, it is one of the hidden gems of South India.
COORG: THE SCOTLAND OF INDIA
The Scotland of India, located in the Western ghats of Karnataka, has lush slopes, a diverse ecosystem, enthralling cascades, and a treasure trove of incomparable heritage. The growth of spice and coffee crops in Coorg is heartening. For wildlife enthusiasts, it is one of the hidden gems in South India. Nagarhole, Dubare, and Pushpagiri are three of nature’s most stunning wildlife sanctuaries. The famous tourist attractions are Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Barapole River, Tadiandamol Peak, Kumara Parvatha Trek, Nishani Motte, Dubare Elephant Trek and others. If you wish to visit a serene place, Coorg is the best choice for you!
KODAIKANAL: PRINCESS OF HILL STATIONS
A quaint hill station of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has granite cliffs, grassy hills and forested valleys. Therefore, it is popular as Princess of Hill Stations. The climate is mild and pleasant throughout the year. The best time to visit Kodaikanal, however, is during the summer months, from March to early June, when the weather is at its most pleasant. The region’s monsoons are mild, and the winters are not sizzling too. It is the best retreat for exhausted souls seeking peace and tranquillity. So we can say it is also one of the hidden gems of South India.
You can go on a solo trip and spend some time alone. If you want to go on a family holiday or plan a honeymoon, Kodaikanal has many alternatives for you. Travellers & adventure lovers will be spoiled for choice, with everything from lakes to mountain view sites to hiking paths, cathedrals, and temples. The famous places to visit are Berijam Lake, Pine Forests, Pillar Rocks, Bryant Park, Silent Valley View, Guna Caves, La Saleth Church, Moir Point and much more.
ALLEPEY: VENICE OF INDIA
Regarded as the Venice of India, Alleppey is a city on the Laccadive Sea in Kerala. Moreover, it is one of the hidden gems of South India and is famous for its beautiful backwaters, scenic splendour, blue lagoons, evergreen coconut groves, complicated canal network, and other natural wonders. If you are a nature lover, looking for romantic getaways, planning a family vacation, or travelling alone, Alleppey can be your next destination. The primary tourist attractions are Alleppey Beach, Vembanad Lake, Krishnapuram Palace, Houseboat Cruises, Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Marari Beach and so forth.
GANDIKOTA: GRAND CANYON OF INDIA
Gandikota, a tiny town on the banks of the Pennar River in Andhra Pradesh’s Kadapa district, is also famous as the Grand Canyon of India. It is unquestionably one of the hidden gems of South India. There may be a challenge to get there, but once you’re inside, there are no options to forget about it. That’s a blessing. Spend some time taking in all that Gandikota has to offer. The riverbed is reached through a fantastic downhill hike across the canyon. As a result, it is also one of the best tourist destinations in South India. Muddanuru in the Cuddapa district has the nearest railway station, which is 26 kilometres distant.
BELUM CAVES
Without a doubt, the Belum Caves are the second largest caves and the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent. The caves comprise black limestone and contain extensive corridors, vast chambers, freshwater channels, and syphons. The steady flow of subsurface water aided in the caves’ formation, the deepest of which is 150 feet. Sixteen separate passageways, including the main entrance, are shrouded in mystery. Furthermore, there are quartz deposits in the caves. Tadipatri, 30 kilometres distant, is the closest train station to Belum Caves. Several trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, and Goa arrive at Tadipatri Railway Station. We can also take a bus to Belum Caves from Tadipatri. If you want to feel like Indiana Jones, this is one of the best-hidden gems of South India.
HALEBIDU: THE ANCIENT CITY
In the 12th century, Halebidu, or ancient city, was the legal seat of the Hoysala kingdom. People used to call the city Dorasamudra which is known for its exquisite Kedareswara temples. It was renamed “Halebidu” when destructed twice during Malik Kafur’s invasion. Belur, another historical site, is barely 16 kilometres distant and well connected to Bangalore by road and rail. This temple is presently under consideration for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
TELLICHERRY: PARIS OF MALABAR
Paris of Malabar is famous as the city of cricket, cakes, and circuses and a night spent on the coast of this modest commercial town will show you why. Tellicherry has a plethora of tourist attractions. At low tide, you may stroll to adjacent Dharmadam Island or drive on India’s longest drive-in beach, Muzhappilangad Beach. So for what you are waiting for, let’s plan your holiday to one of the hidden gems of South India.
These are some of the lesser-known sites in south India that you should visit. You make vacation memories by planning a trip to the land of natural beauty. Kindly let us know your experience in our comment box.
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Story By: Maanvi Sethi