8 Underrated and Exquisite places of South India

Kerala is a generic place which comes to our mind when we think of places to visit in south India, but have you heard about Vagamon ? It’s right there,in Kerala, waiting to be discovered by many people.That being said it is always good that places are left unexplored by many so that it retains its charm.

Below are the list of places that are less known but have a lot to offer in terms of adventure and relaxation.

1)Vagamon

Vagamon hill station comprises of hillocks and cascading waterfalls. Take a walk along the narrow, mist covered zigzag roads that wind up the hills and experience bliss.There is an option of trekking, para-gliding.The hill station has a chain of 3 beautiful hills called Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala . So visit Vagamon hill station to experience eternal bliss and peace of mind.

2)Gokarna

A small town on banks of Arabian sea, Gokarna, literally meaning Cow’s Ear, is a temple town in the Uttara Kannada district of the Karnataka. Around the town lie a number of beaches serving as a major attraction for travellers. This coastline is surrounded by natural beauty of five beaches (Gokarna beach, Kudle beach, Om beach, Half moon beach and Paradise beach) and hills alongside, the traveler can choose his favorites for himself. This is not a place to hurry.One should just drift up the coast, enjoying the scenic beauty of this coastal area.

Link to blog on gokarna: https://www.tripoto.com/trip/went-solo-got-so-high-572768c9dbb3f?published=1

3)Badami

Badami is well known for its rich history and ancient architecture. It was the ancient capital of the early Chalukya kingdom. A number of richly carved monuments and caves are present here .It is located in the northern part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern region of India. Badami is famous for its rock-cut cave temples. These temples have been carved out on the red sandstone hills that surround the town. There are four cave temples. These temples date back to the 6th and 7th centuries AD.Three temples are dedicated to Hindu gods.The fourth one is a Jain temple and was built much later. Near these caves lies the 5th-century Agastyatirtha Tank, dotted with Bhuthnath temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The archaeological museum is located near this tank, which in turn is near the historic Badami Fort.

4)Varkala

Possibly the most underrated beach in the country .Varkala beach sits beneath the red cliffs, a strip of fine, golden sand licked gently by the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. Popular for decades now with travelers, the place still manages to maintain its low-key, relaxing ambiance. As the sun goes down, sunbathers trickle slowly away from the beach up to the restaurants and cafes on the clifftop, where the fresh catch is being served.

5)Gavi

Situated at 28 km south west of Vandiperiyar, 14 km from Kumily, near Thekkady,Gavi is considered as a heaven for birdwatchers in India. Active participation of of tribal in Gavi makes it a unique venture of its kind in the country.Over a short period of time visitors to Gavi gradually increased, especially after ‘Alistair International’ the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India.The road leading to the picturesque Gavi is completly blanketed by tea plantations, which itself is a refreshing experience for any visitors to Gavi.One of unique feature of Gavi is camping in the forests any can pitch a tent in the camping site.Best time to visit this place is from December to May

6)Araku Valley

Araku Valley, 115-km from Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh is close to the Orissa State border. This place lures people with pleasant weather, hills and valleys. The natural beauty of this valley comes alive with its rich landscape. The area of the valley is roughly 36-km and the altitude is between 600 m and 900 m above the sea level.Coming from Vizag , actually you climb to 4500 ft and then come down to 3000 ft at the valley.The journey to this place on the Ghat road with thick forests on either side is in itself interesting and pleasant. One can have a wonderful trekking trip. 46 tunnels and bridges will greet you on the way,if one travels by train. The Ananthagiri hills on the way to Araku Valley are famous for coffee plantations. Borra Caves located 29-km from Araku Valley, are one of the famous nearby tourist attraction.

7) Meghamalai Hills

Meghamalai is the perfect enchanting hill station soaked in the astounding beauty withcool and refreshing air, that makes it a perfect weekend gateway to unwind. As the sun bids good bye the city lights up on Friday and the people looking for a weekend holiday in Theni district is Meghamalai,where one can enjoy holidays amidst the nature to break from the hectic week routine. The mist kissed hill station with picturesque mountain range offer the most rewarding and enchanting experience of nature and holidays right in the cozy inviting lap. Located in Theni district, the misty mountain range located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level is a popular tourist destination known for its sprawling tea estates, which access is restricted. Meghamalai is an ultimate weekend gateway, dotted magnificently with sprawling tea gardens, cardamom plantations and tea estates. The cool and pleasant weather conditions and the invigorating natural beauty make Meghamalai a must visit destination during summer season

8)Gandikota/Belum Caves – Hidden Gems of Andhra Pradesh

Gandikota acquired its name from the picturesque gorge (called Gandi in Telugu) formed between the Erramalai hills. A deep valley with massive boulders of red granite, reminding one of the Grand Canyon, surround the gandikota fort, situated amid wild forests. The gorge formation is such that the Pennar river flows about 90 metres below on the western and northern sides and is said to have offered strong natural defense to the kings who ruled the fort.

Belum caves are the second largest in Indian Subcontinent and the longest , best known for its Stalactite and Stalagmite formations. Belum Caves is situated at the Belum Village in Kolimigundla Mandal of Kurnool District, which is in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Belum Caves are prehistoric and have been inhabited by humans at different times in the history of these natural caves.

So what are you waiting for?? I have given you the list and assurance Please go ahead!

This post was originally published on 'nizaminzi'.

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