As a traveller, I adore the southern part of India and
will hold it dear till the last day of my life. - P. Herera
When we start talking of lifetime destinations
across the world, the southern part of India ranks among the top. With
states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Union
Territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, the southern India has a wide
range of attractions to offer, whether it’s about hills, beaches,
wildlife, adventure sports, places of worship, heritage, culture or cuisine.
There are world-famous hill stations like Munnar, Ooty and Kodaikanal and
such famous pilgrimage destinations as Madurai, Rameshwaram, Tirupati,
Kanchipuram etc. Beaches of Kerala and Lakshadweep are a hot favourite of
travellers. There’s a lot more!
Worried about how to plan a trip? Simply send us your travel plan and you’ll soon be receiving a free itinerary suggestion from our travel advisers.
Worried about how to plan a trip? Simply send us your travel plan and you’ll soon be receiving a free itinerary suggestion from our travel advisers.
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Elephant
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The variety of tourist attractions in southern India is simply amazing. Whether you are passionate about wildlife, adventure, pilgrimage, culture, heritage or scenic beauty, there is a wide range for you to explore. The attractions that we have covered below are known worldwide and invite hordes of travellers from all across the globe. So, begin planning your holidays in southern India right now.
| Periyar | Mysore Palace | Meenakshi Temple | Alappuzha | Ooty | Kodaikanal |
Mysore Palace
A
blend of architectural styles, Mysore Palace looks quite similar from a
medieval Mughal mausoleum to an opulent French chateaus and anything in
between. Abundant grandeur is visible everywhere and it has to be seen to be
believed. The place, erstwhile site for an earlier wooden palace, was burnt
down in a fire during 1897. All of those who have a penchant for the
sumptuous, this edifice is going to be a memorable experience. Former
residence of erstwhile Wodeyar kings of Mysore, the Palace was designed by
British architect Henry Irwin (also designed Shimla's Viceregal Lodge).
Mysore Palace represents a rare combination of architectural styles. During
the Dussehra Festival, the palace is hugely decorated and wears a very
magnificent look.
Periyar
Located
high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, Periyar National Park and Tiger
Reserve is a major wildlife destination in Kerala. The scenic Periyar Lake,
spreading over 55,000 hectares, is located amidst the heart of the
sanctuary, formed with the building of a dam in 1895. This reservoir
meanders around the contours of the wooded hills and provides a permanent
source of water for local wildlife. Even if it is a tiger reserve, tourists
come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of bathing and playfulness
by the much popular Periyar Lake. Other animals to be seen in the park
include gaur, wild pigs, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, dole or Indian
wild dog and tigers totaling up to 40. Don’t miss a boat safari along
the Periyar Lake during your trip to the national park. Meenakshi Temple
Situated
in Madurai, one of the oldest cities of Tamil Nadu, Meenakshi Temple is the
landmark of this city. An epitome of Dravidian architecture, this temple is
dedicated to Meenakshi, the lovely consort of Lord Shiva. It was originally
built by Kulasekara Pandya, but main credit for adorning the temple goes to
the Nayaks. Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and
Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple is a majestic imprint of their rule. Mammoth
Gopurams of Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple loom large over the city. The
temple complex covers 6 hectares in the very middle of the city and abuzz
with visitors from all across India and abroad.Alappuzha
Also
known as Alleppey Beach, Alappuzha Beach is one of the most exotic beaches
not only in Kerala but in the whole of India. Dating back more than 140
years from now, the pier which extends into the sea here, is a big
attraction for visitors. Arabian Sea is located on the west and a huge
network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers crisscross it. In
fact, Alappuzha district in itself is full of natural beauty. Described as
the 'Venice of the East' by travelers from around the globe, this backwater
country also boasts a diverse fauna and avi-fauna. Thanks to its proximity
to the sea, Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime
history of Kerala and still remains a top backwater destination for
travellers.Ooty
Ootacamund
or Ooty is perched high in mountain ranges of Nilgiri near the tri-junction
of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. It is the only hill station in India
that attracts visitors throughout the year. The very fact has earned it the
title of the 'all-seasons -hill resort' and the `Queen of Hill Stations'.
Included among the most popular hill resorts in southern India, Ooty is
located at an elevation of 7216 ft above sea level. The hill station seems
to change its mood with the changing season, each one soothing to the
visitors. Nestled among the hills at a point where the Eastern Ghats meets
the Western Ghats, it's district headquarter town is spread along a
beautiful plateau. Here, tourists can also indulge in a number of adventure
activities.Kodaikanal
Popularly
known as ' Kodai' and also as the 'Princess among Hill Stations', Kodaikanal
is a quiet hill resort in the state of Tamil Nadu. Placed at an altitude of
2133 m above sea level in the Palani Hills of Western Ghats, it is 120 km
away from the temple-town of Madurai. It is full of Kurinji flowers,
blooming once every 12 years. The place has remained fairly uneventful
throughout the history, but it has the distinction of being the only hill
station in India to be set up by Americans during British Raj. American
missionaries joined the British who had already moved here in 1845. The
Americans later established a school for European children here, known as
Kodaikonal International School now. Some wonderful options of adventure
also await the tourists here. Photo Gallery
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