Beautiful Places To Visit In South India}

Beautiful Places To Visit In South India

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Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty known locally as Udhagamandalam is the Queen of hill stations. Situated in the lush greenery of western ghats, it is the most sort-after tourist destinations in South India. Nilgiris means Blue Mountains, it is said that the range of mountains appear blue from a distance.

With an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, Ooty is a land of breath-taking sceneries. The true spirit of Nilgiris can be witnessed only by travelling through Toy-Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Nilgiri Passenger train covers a distance of 26 km, travels through 208 curves and 16 tunnels across 250 bridges. The tunnels though give a spooky experience are a real fun when one screams coo-oo-oo-hh!

Not to miss list:

Gardens & Parks: Govt. Botanical garden, govt. rose garden, Deer park, tea estates.

Lakes & Dams: Ooty lake, Pykara falls, Kamaraj Sagar dam, Avalanche lake.

Reserved forests: Doddabetta peak, Mudumalai national park.

Best time to visit: October to June.

Climate: Pleasant at a mean of 15-20C around the year. Winters are too cold.

Ananthagiri Hills Andhra Pradesh

A Hyderabadi and want to slip into a week-end vacation? Ananthagiri Hills is the best choice. At just 2 hours away from Hyderabad, this week-end bonanza is at Vikrabad, Ranga Reddy district, Telangana.

The road route is a real boon to those who want to escape from the hustle-bustle city life, within just 20 Kms one can relish green meadows, bullock cart farming, mud pot cooking and

fowls pecking! Adventurous trekking begins right from Anantha swamy temple, stairs from the temple leads to the jungle! The jungle is quite small, a guide though recommended is not mandate.

Main attractions:

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Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: Lord Vishnu is in the form of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, thus Ananthagiri is named after him. A huge Hanuman statue with namaskaram seems to be welcoming devotees.

Kotepalli Reservoir: River Godaveri drains itself into the ocean here.

Best time to visit: all seasons, though monsoon might not suit trekking due to slippery mud trails.

Climate: averages around 26C , though summer might be scorching.

Coorg, Karnataka (The Scotland of India)

Situated on the slopes of western ghats, Coorg is Indias coffee bowl. Being a landlocked town, only way to visit is through road. Sandwiched between Karnataka and Kerala, umpteen buses ply to this natures wonder.

Coorgs coffee plantation is a spectacular view. One can understand how sophisticated coffee plantation is and how much perfection and precision is required to grow coffee. The plantations are grown under eucalyptus trees to provide a shady cover for the coffee seeds to attain appropriate shape. Coorg is also known for its wild forest honey. The valleys, hills and terrace farming is a treat to the eyes.

Places of interest: Tala Kaveri(where river Kaveri originates), Bhagamandala, Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Dubare, Nagarahole National, Iruppu Falls and Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple.

Best time to visit: November to June.

Climate: averages around 15-20C , winters are chilly.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal is a city in the hills of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu. Its name in the Tamil language means The Gift of the Forest. Kodaikanal is referred to as the Princess of Hill stations has a long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination.

Its the best place for honeymooners, the scenic beauty can create life long memories! Slopes, mighty rocks, waterfalls and a beautiful lake, tour ofKodaikanal is a must for any traveller. Another fascinating reason to visit Kodaikanal is to witness blossoming of Kurunji-flower a flower that blossoms once in 12 years! Its unknown to many that Kodaikanal produces and exports world-class garlics.

Places of interest: Kodaikanal lake, Byrant park, Coakers walk, Pillar rocks, Guna caves, Dolphins nose, Kurunji Aandavar Murugan temple dont miss to grab your shopping bags for a purchase of garlics here.

Best time to visit: April-June.

Climate: 15-20C.

Idduki, Kerala

Idukki, a paradise in gods own country is spice garden of Kerala. With the Sahaya ranges occupying most of the geographical area, it is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala.

High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar and their tributaries. The River Pamba also has its origin here. As a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, dams, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc.

Main attractions: Idukki Dam (Asias largest Arch dam), Thattekad bird sanctuary (rare species of birds found here falcon, jungle fowl, water hen, hornbill etc.), Eravikulam Wild Life Sanctuary (the famous Neelakurinji grows here and has a flowering cycle of 12 years), trekking in Meesapulimalai, Anayirankal dam reservoir.

Best time to visit: round the year.

Climate: 20-30C.

Munnar, Kerala (Kashmir of South India)

Kollam:

Situated at around 1,600 metres above mean sea level in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a town and hill station located in Idukki district in Kerala.

Munar is a quite place for honeymooners to set space for themselves. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking lovers.

Main attractions: Eravikulam National Park (home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds, great place for trekking), Anamudi Peak (Highest Peak in South India), Mattupetty (for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides), Pallivasal (immense scenic beauty), Top Station, Tea Museum.

Best time to visit: June-Sept.

Climate:10-20C.

Yercaud, Tamilnadu

Yercaud is a hill station in Salem District, Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1515 metres above sea level. The hill station is named owing to the abundance of forest near the lake, the name signifying Lake Forest. Yercaud is also called Jewel of the South.

Yercuad is untouched by commercial activities unlike its counterparts, a perfect place for a week-end family/friends get-togethers.

Main attractions:Emerald lake (pack your travel bag with fresh avocados along the lake side), Deer park, Anna park, Arthur seat, Pagoda point, Sri Raja Rajeshwari temple, Shevarayan temple, 32 Km loop road a drivers paradise.

Best time to visit: Oct-Jun.

Climate:18-22C.

Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley is a hill station in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. It is a valley in the Eastern Ghats inhabited by different tribes. It is one of the least polluted and less commercialized tourist destinations in South India. A quite get-away for last minute trip planners.

Araku is famous for its coffee plantations. Coffee here is grown by tribal farmers under organic practices and is recognised as Araku coffee. Coffee is grown under organic practices under shades of Mango, Jackfruit, Banana and silver oak trees.

Main attractions:ribal Museum, valley, Borra caves, Katiki waterfalls, Padmapuram botanical gardens.

Best time to visit: Oct-Jun.

Climate:18-22C.

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