8 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH INDIA - ADD THEM TO YOUR BUCKET LIST

1. 8 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH INDIA ADD THEM TO YOUR BUCKET LIST South India is truly a heaven on earth!!! Full of breathtaking natural beauties covered by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean on three sides. Starting from Waterfalls to Plain Lands, Temples to Churches, Romantic Beaches to Nightclubs, South India is a blend of everything. The best time to visit this region is during the winter season. With pleasant weather, South India blooms with tourism through Monsoon and Winter. Here are a few of my favorite places in South India. You can enjoy all kinds of vacation on your budget. Book now with Kamadhenu Travels to get exclusive deals.

2. 1. Coorg: The Scotland of India One of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka settled in the Western Ghats and it is just 20km far from the Madikeri hill town. If you are a nature lover and looking for a place filled with the breathtaking beauty of nature then Coorg is the place where you need to plan your trip. You can feel the roaring waterfalls with the call of nature creates a soothing melody and the clouds rest on the mountain peaks. Coorg is very famous for its coffee production, it is the leading producer of coffee in the country and because of that, it is known as The Coffee Capital of India. Apart from Kannada, the other two main languages of this hill station are Kodagu and Kodava. Major Attractions: Brahmagiri peak Nisargadhama Island Abbey Falls Irupu Falls Nagarhole National Park Madikeri Fort      

3. Omkareshwara Temple Dubare Elephant Camp   How To Reach: By Air – The nearest airport is Mangalore Airport, which is 160km away from Coorg. By Rail – The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction Railway Station at a distance of 106km from Coorg. By Road – Coorg is easily accessible by road, travelers can board the state-run buses from the nearby cities of Bangalore, Mysore, and Chennai. Best Time to Visit: If you’re planning for a trip, you should know the best time to travel to your desired location. The ideal time to visit Coorg is right after the monsoon season i.e., between October and March which is the best time for adventurous activities. 2. Ooty: The Queen of Hills One of the most popular tourist places in South India, located in the Nilgiri range of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. Blessed with pleasant weather, the chilled weather of

4. Ooty is perfect to refresh your stressed mind and body. While the famous Ooty Lake is perfect for a charming boat ride, the boathouse of the Pykara Lake is an abode for comfort seekers. While the aroma of red roses beckons you to the Rose Garden. Ooty is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in South India because of it’s romantic ambiance. If you are planning for Ooty, don’t miss Coonoor Hill Town which is just 20km away from Ooty. Why to travel separately? Major Attractions: Botanical Gardens Ooty Lake Upper Bhavani Lake Waterfalls Pine Tree Forest Tiger Hill Doddabetta peak Dolphin’s Nose View Point Toy Train Ride in Nilgiri Mountain Railways Trekking and Camping at Avalanche Lake Trek to Kotagiri, Glenmorgan Tea and Coffee plantations and Museums             How to reach: By Air – The nearest airport from Ooty is Coimbatore Airport which is 95km away. By Rail – Take the Nilgiri toy train to arrive in the city. The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam which is 40km away from Ooty. There are trains from Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, and Bangalore connecting Mettupalyam By Road – You will get both government and private buses from Bangalore, Mysore, and Chennai. If you wish to drive from Bangalore to Ooty there are 2 routes you can take, via Chamarajanagar or via Mysore. Best Time to Visit: Although Ooty is a year-round destination but the ideal time to visit Ooty is between April and June or between September and November.

5. 3. Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hills One of the most beautiful places in South India, located in Tamil Nadu. The meaning of its name is ‘the Gift of the Forests’. Have you ever dreamt of getting lost in the mesmerizing beauty of the rolling hills and dense forest? If yes, then head towards Kodaikanal, it will offer all that you have thought of. You will see beautiful waterfalls, lakes, the lush greenery and the magnificent views of the Palani Hills, you will love everything about Kodaikanal. You can trek to the Green Valley View or the Dolphin’s Nose to get yourself immersed in the serenity of the Berjarim and Kodai Lake. If you are a chocolate lover, then you will find many wholesale markets of chocolates where you can buy a variety of flavors at reasonable prices. Major Attractions: Coakers’ Walk Kodai Lake Berijam Lake Silver Cascade Waterfalls Pillar Rocks Viewpoint Pine Tree Forest Bryant Park       

6. Guna Caves Kurunji Andavar Temple Sacred Heart Science Museum    How to reach: By Air – Madurai is the nearest airport and it is 120km away from Kodaikanal By Rail – Kodaikanal Road (KQN) is the nearest railway station. It is 80km away from the hill station and you can get plenty of vehicles to go up the hill station. By Road – Kodaikanal is easily reachable by road as Tamil Nadu State buses, luxury coaches, private taxis are available anytime. Best Time to Visit: Going during the monsoon season could be tricky due to heavy rainfall, so better you avoid your trip during the monsoon. Plan your trip between September and May when the weather is at it’s best. 4. Munnar: The Kashmir of South India One of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in South India and one of the most romantic places in the world. Settled in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. If you

7. are looking for the best monsoon getaway where you can be yourself and can chill out then Munnar is the most ideal place for you. It is famous for its tea estates, it is the biggest tea-plantation area in South India. Munnar is also blessed with natural view- points apart from the tea-plantations. Munnar is divided into Old Munnar and Munnar. It overlooks lush tea estates, scenic waterfalls, misty hills, and dizzying lookouts. Walkthrough the tea gardens, where you will see the tea being picked and processed. Try out trekking, camping, and other adventures. Do have a taste of chocolate made locally. Major attractions: Pothamedu View Point Tea Garden photo point, Tea plantations Tata Tea Museum Mattupetty Dam Carmelagiri Elephant Park Eravikulam National Park Echo Point Anamudi Peak Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary          How to reach: By By Rail – The nearest railway station is Aluva, which is at a distance of 110km. Another major junction is Ernakulam, from where you can get trains for major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Mangalore. It is 130km away from Munnar. By Road – The best way to go to Munnar is a road trip. If you are an expert in driving at high altitude roads, then you can drive yourself. If not then book an expert driver for it. Air – The nearest airport is Cochin, 125km away from Munnar. Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip between June and September to make the most out of your monsoon holidays. Monsoon in Munnar has a charm of its own, you will enjoy the fullest during the monsoon in Munnar.

8. 5. Wayanad: The Green Paradise Located in the hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala. Wayanad is one of the best places for vacations in South India. A Part of the massive Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, this charming place is blessed with beautiful waterfalls, historical caves, vast and beautiful plantations, beautiful tea gardens, exotic wildlife, etc. Nature walks, trekking, hiking, cycling, etc. are some of the things which may give you pleasure. Wayanad has a rich tribal heritage. You will see many tribal communities over there, do learn about them. Most of the population are engaged in agricultural activities. Major Attractions: Chembra peak Edakkal Cave Pookode Lake Soochipara Waterfalls Kanthanpara Waterfalls Meenmutty waterfalls Wayanad wildlife sanctuary Wayanad Heritage museum Banasura Sagar Dam Lakkidi viewpoint          

9. How to reach: By Air – The nearest airport is Karipur international airport at Kozhikode and about 100km away from Wayanad. By Rail – Kozhikode railway station is the nearest railway station to Wayanad which is 110km away. By Road – Wayanad is easily reachable by road as state buses, luxury coaches, private taxis are easily available. Best Time to Visit: When the south-west monsoon ends, the north-west monsoon begins and lasts up to November. Post-November, winter starts and the nature bloom fully. Though Wayanad has a good atmosphere all through the year, the best time to visit Wayanad is between September to April, during the months of winter. 6. Gokarna: Kasi of the South

10. Gokarna is a small Hindu Pilgrim town situated on the Western Ghat of India. Gokarna is famous for its temples and clean beaches. It is a tough decision for tourists when it comes to choosing between Goa and Gokarna. Goa is too busy and congested these days, Gokarna still provides an option for what Goa used to be liked. The destination offers everything that makes it the best tourist place for the people of all age groups. Whether you are looking for a simple relaxed holiday or for pilgrimage purposes, you are going to love all at Gokarna. There are coconut and palm trees shades, blue ocean and clean sand, peaceful surroundings, for your relaxation. Remember to take your beach hat, sunscreen lotion, and a volleyball for a great time at the clean beaches of Gokarna. Major Attractions: Mahabaleshwar Temple Gokarna Beach Om Beach Kudle Beach Paradise Beach Half Moon Beach Shiva Cave        How To Reach: By Air – Dabolim airport in Goa is the nearest airport to Gokarna at a distance of 140km, well-connected with all the major cities of India. By Rail – Ankola is the nearest railway station, which is just 20km away from Gokarna. By Road – There are many beautiful roads towards Gokarna. Its an overnight journey from Bangalore. There are many normal and luxury buses available. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Gokarna is during winters, between October and March. That time the weather is pleasant with an average temperature of 32°C.

11. 7. Pondicherry, Union Territory Pondicherry also known as Puducherry, located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu is one of the 9 union territories of India. You will feel a positive vibe when you will enter in Pondy, you will see colorful painted houses with French architecture all around you which is really amazing. It is a popular tourist destination in South India where you will see many churches and temples and of course a relaxed holiday at the beaches. There are many beautiful beaches in Pondicherry. Plan your Pondy trip with your beloved ones or with your friends. You can rent bikes at a very cheap price from the main town, to explore maximum places within a short period of time. Make sure you visit Auroville Village, on the way to Auroville Village you can have your breakfast at Auroville Bakery, the moment you enter the bakery the smell of freshly baked breads and cakes will make you more hungry. This place is a paradise for breakfast. If you visit the marketplace at Auroville you will see the unique collection of many handcrafted products made in Auroville. Major Attractions: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple  

12. Sri Aurobindo Ashram Matrimandir Rock Beach Paradise Beach Auroville Beach Bharathi Park Pondicherry Museum Le Pondy Beach Resort         How To Reach: By Air – Chennai International airport is the nearest airport located just 135km away from Pondy. By Rail – The nearest railhead is Villupuram railway station which is 35km away from Pondicherry. By Road – The shortest route from Bangalore to Pondicherry is Tiruvannamalai Route which is around 320km and takes roughly 7 hours. The best way to reach Pondicherry from Chennai is via ECR road which is around 160km. Best Time to Visit: Pondicherry has a warm climate, better if you plan your Pondy Trip in between October and March when the weather became cooler. The monsoon season occurs from July to September in Pondicherry. 8. Chikmagalur: The Land of Coffee Chikmaglur also known as Chikkamagaluru is a haven for adventure lovers. Chikamagalur district of Karnataka lies on the Baba Budan Range of the Western Ghats

13. of India. Baba Budangiri is a famous pilgrim site for both Hindus and Muslims and is often flocked by travelers. Chikamagalur is well-known for its coffee estates, beautiful hill stations, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife. The highest peak of Karnataka, Mullayanagiri with a height of 6316ft is located in Chikamagalur. Kemmanagundi is another most popular hill station in Chikkamagalur. The trek to the top of the hill is very thrilling. Take packed foods and water with you during trekking, because the high altitude climbing and climate will make you very hungry. Also, carry your jacket and cap because it is so cold up there at the hill stations. Major Attractions: Mullayanagiri Baba Budangiri Kudremukh Peak Z point, Kemmanagundi Hebbe Falls Jhari Waterfalls Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary        How To Reach: By Air – Mangalore airport, at a distance of 113km, is the nearest airport to Chikmagalur. By Rail – Kadur is the nearest railway station. It is 40km away from Chikmagalur. By Road – There are many government and private buses that ply from Bangalore to Chikmagalur. However, if you are an expert in driving at high altitude roads, then you can drive yourself. If not then book an expert driver for it. The driving distance from Bangalore to Chikmagalur is approximately 250km. Best Time To Visit: Chikmagalur has a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year but the best time to visit Chikmagalur is from September to April. Winter occurs from December to February in Chikmagalur and the temperature ranges between 14°C and 32°C.