South India is a region blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a diverse range of experiences that make it a perfect tourist destination. From historical monuments to serene beaches, from lush green forests to picturesque hill stations, South India has it all. Here are some more must-visit tourist destinations in South India.
Gokarna:
Gokarna is a beautiful tourist destination located in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka. It is situated on the Arabian Sea coast and is known for its pristine beaches, scenic landscapes, and religious significance.
One of the most famous attractions in Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwar Temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a unique architecture and is situated near the Arabian Sea. Another famous temple in Gokarna is the Maha Ganapati Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Gokarna is also known for its beautiful beaches such as Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach. These beaches are famous for their picturesque beauty and offer a range of water sports activities such as surfing, banana boat rides, and parasailing.
Apart from beaches and temples, Gokarna is also known for its trekking trails. The trek to the Kumara Parvatha Peak is a popular activity among adventure enthusiasts. It is a challenging trek that takes you through lush green forests and offers stunning views of the Western Ghats.
Madurai:
Madurai is a popular tourist destination located in the southern part of India in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and vibrant markets.
One of the main attractions of Madurai is the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a magnificent temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings, colorful sculptures, and towering Gopurams (entrance towers).
Another must-see attraction in Madurai is the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which showcases the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum displays various artifacts and photographs that provide a glimpse into the life of this great leader.
Madurai is also known for its bustling markets and street food. Visitors can explore the various markets selling everything from textiles to spices and sample delicious local snacks like vada, dosa, and idli.
For those interested in history and architecture, a visit to the Thirumalai Nayak Palace is a must. The palace was built in the 17th century and features a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture.
Kanyakumari:
Kanyakumari is a popular tourist destination located in the southernmost part of India, where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal meet. It is a town in the state of Tamil Nadu that offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here are some of the main things to do and see in Kanyakumari.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: This is a famous memorial built on a rock island in the sea, dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a famous Indian philosopher. Visitors can take a ferry ride to the island and explore the memorial, which has a meditation hall and a museum.
Thiruvalluvar Statue: This is a 133-feet tall statue of the famous Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. It is located on a small island off the coast of Kanyakumari and can be reached by a ferry ride.
Kanyakumari Beach: The beach is a popular spot for tourists to enjoy the sunset and sunrise. It is also a great place for swimming and surfing.
Padmanabhapuram Palace: This is an ancient palace located about 30 km from Kanyakumari. It was once the seat of the Travancore kings and is known for its beautiful architecture and woodwork.
Suchindram Temple: This is a famous Hindu temple located about 13 km from Kanyakumari. It is known for its unique architecture and sculptures.
Gandhi Mandapam: This is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It is located near the Kanyakumari beach and has a museum displaying Gandhi’s life and achievements.
Mathur Hanging Bridge: This is a beautiful bridge located about 60 km from Kanyakumari. It is a popular spot for tourists to take a walk and enjoy the scenic views.
Vattakottai Fort: This is an ancient fort located about 6 km from Kanyakumari. It was built by the British in the 18th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and scenic views.
Gavi:
Gavi is a picturesque tourist destination located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. Surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and glistening waterfalls, Gavi offers a serene and tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The main attraction of Gavi is its rich biodiversity and wildlife. The Gavi Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans over 970 square kilometers, is home to a variety of animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer. Visitors can go on guided treks through the forest, which is an excellent opportunity to spot some of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Another popular activity in Gavi is bird watching. The region is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 260 species of birds found here. Some of the common bird species seen in Gavi include the Nilgiri wood pigeon, kingfishers, Malabar grey hornbill, and woodpeckers.
Gavi is also famous for its eco-tourism initiatives. Visitors can stay in eco-friendly cottages and tents, which are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. The region also offers a range of adventure activities such as bamboo rafting, fishing, and canoeing.
Coonoor:
Coonoor is a popular tourist destination located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a beautiful hill station situated in the Nilgiri Hills and is known for its pleasant weather, scenic beauty, and tea plantations.
The town is surrounded by lush greenery, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. There are many popular tourist attractions in Coonoor, including Sim’s Park, a botanical garden with a variety of plant species; Dolphin’s Nose, a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the Nilgiri Hills; and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site that takes visitors on a scenic train ride through the hills.
Coonoor is also famous for its tea plantations, and visitors can take a tour of the tea factories and learn about the tea-making process. The town is also a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts, as there are several trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding hills.
In addition to its natural beauty, Coonoor is known for its colonial architecture, with many buildings dating back to the British colonial era. The town also has a vibrant local culture, and visitors can explore the local markets and try the delicious South Indian cuisine.
Kodaikanal:
Kodaikanal is a popular tourist destination located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at an elevation of 2,133 meters above sea level in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats.
Kodaikanal is known for its serene and picturesque surroundings, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is dotted with beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests, offering a perfect setting for nature lovers.
The most famous attraction in Kodaikanal is the Kodaikanal Lake, a man-made lake surrounded by lush greenery. Tourists can enjoy boating, cycling, and horse riding around the lake. Another popular spot is the Coaker’s Walk, a narrow pedestrian path that offers breathtaking views of the valley.
The town is also home to several other natural attractions, including the Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade Falls, and Bryant Park. One can also explore the nearby Berijam Lake, Pillar Rocks, and Dolphin’s Nose for an immersive experience.
Kodaikanal is also known for its homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil, and essential oils, which can be purchased from various local shops. Overall, Kodaikanal offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a refreshing break.
Continued in South India, Destinations for an exciting vacation (Part -III)……
