In these days of avid travelling people are looking out there for something offbeat and for something less touristy. For that matter if you just google as places to visit in South India, all you get is Ooty, Hampi, Munnar and the places with tourists' list goes on. These are the best to travel and crowded too. In South India, there are few must go destinations for travelling. If you have ticked off almost every must see destination, here are their counterparts which could be planned for your next holiday. These are also pretty offbeat in their place and if you are not a person to travel amidst crowds, then this is the right time to choose these offbeat ones over the much crowded places. Read this blog from Gunjan before checking on the list below on why South India is one of the best destinations to visit.
#10. Ooty is done and dusted? Now head to Kotagiri and Experience hills minus tourists.
The minute you search for hill stations in South India, Ooty will be first in the search engine's list. Ooty is all worth to visit, but when it comes to crowd, believe me Ooty sees around 50 lakh tourists a year and during weekends it’s much more crowded and difficult to roam around the town. But this hill station which is just 30 kms from Ooty and 17 kms from Coonoor is all for yourself and the locals. This untouched terrain is around 6000 feet from sea level and would be a must to visit on your next weekend getaway. This quaint hill station can be explored in a day and that too amidst calmness of hills.
Major attractions:
A breathtaking view of Nilgiris from Kodanadu view point. Catherine waterfalls would need a small hike amidst tea estates, but it’s all worth to see a lesser known place. The Rangaswamy peak can also be trekked if you love a little adventure. Walk around Johnstone circle and relish your taste buds with cakes.
Read more about Kotagiri here.
How to reach:
By rail: The nearest railway station near to Kotagiri is Mettupalyam Railway Station and is hardly 23 kms.
By Air: Airport is in Coimbatore and 70 kms away from this hill station and you can book taxis or take a local bus to reach Kotagiri.
Best time to visit:
March to June is best for cool summer and October to February is best for chilly winters.
Where to stay:
V Resorts for luxury and nature. For more stay options click here.
#09. Done with the colonies of Pondicherry? Head to one more French colony called Karaikal in Tamil Nadu.
Pondicherry, most famously called as Goa of the east would have already been travelled by most of you in South India. If you are looking for an offbeat set up with a cool breezy winds right next to sea, then the old port city Karaikal would be the answer. This little piece of old French town is hardly a 3 hours drive from Pondi. The town is a perfect mixture of all cultures and creeds. An old port here adds much more beauty to the surroundings. The temples built during the reign of Cholas attract the tourists much.
Major Attractions:
Karaikar Ammaiyar temple, Darbaranyeswarar Temple of Thirunallaru, Vellankanni, and Nagore.
How to reach:
By Rail: The nearest railway station near to Karaikal is Nagore Railway Station. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Karaikal.
By Air: The nearest airport is located in Trichy. Local taxis from Trichy ply to Karaikal regularly.
Best time to visit:
December and January are considered to be the coolest months here.
Where to stay:
Pudvai Guest House. For more stay options click here.
#08. Hampi is always Hippiness, but Backpack around this Unesco World Heritage site called Pattadakal.
Situated on the banks of Malaprabha river in Bagalkote district in Karnataka, this complex of Hindu and Jain temples are a must visit for a history buff. Also called as Pattadakallu or Raktapura, the complex hosts sophisticated temples, with complex friezes and a fusion of Northern and Southern styles. UNESCO has described Pattadakal as "a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India" and an illustration of "eclectic art" at its height. As the name suggests this place was meant for coronation ceremonies during Chalukyan reign such as that of Vinayaditya in the 7th century CE. One can take a trip of around 3 days to visit Aihole and Badami along with Pattadakal.
Major Attractions:
The complex contains carved niche of temples like Virupaksha, Kadasiddeshwara, Jambulingeshwara, Sangameshwara, Galaganatha, Kashi Vishwanatha, and Jain Narayana. The other two monumental attractions are Badami, which is 23 kms from here, and Aihole which is 10 kms from Pattadakal.
Read more about Pattadakal here.
How to reach:
By rail: The nearest railway station is Badami Railway Station. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach.
By Air: The nearest airport is Sambra BelgaumAirport. Local taxis from Belgaum are available.
Best time to visit:
October to March and July to September.
Where to stay:
The Heritage resort Badami. For more stay options click here.
#07. Have you enjoyed Hills and Water streams of Coorg? I suggest you to see lush landscapes of Sakleshpur this time.
Coorg, much known as Scotland of India, is a quick and the most sorted hill station for people in Bangalore. And the tourist’s crowd here in Kodagu is out of control sometimes. If you are looking for a calm and serene nature to spend time, then I would ask you to visit Sakleshpur this time. Sakleshpur is much sought for movie shooting in Karnataka. This place is a also centre for many untouched waterfalls like mookanamane falls, lovely resorts to spend time, and also an old fort on a hill. Recently, this place is attracting tourists but still on a lesser note compared to Coorg. This is a best weekend getaway from Bangalore now.
Major Attractions:
Manjarabad fort is a must visit, Rottikallu falls, and Jenukallu Gudda. Take a small walk to reach Mookanamane falls to enjoy water gushing down.
Read more about Sakleshpur here.
How to reach:
By road: This is 240 kms from Bangalore and an early morning drive of 5 hrs is enough to reach from Bangalore.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Sakleshpur Railway Station. The train from Kukke Subramanya to Sakleshpur will dip you in the wilderness of Western Ghats.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bajpe Airport in Mangalore. Local buses from Mangalore are available.
Best time to visit:
All around the year.
Where to stay:
Mookanana Resort and Rottikallu resorts are the best. For more stay options click here.
#06. Have you witnessed the Architecture of Madurai temple? There is one more marvel called Tanjavoor in Tamil Nadu.
Madurai is a most visited architectural piece in Tamil Nadu and the thousand pillars temple inside it is truly a masterpiece in making. But there is one more equivalent masterpiece called Brihadeshwara temple in Thanjavoor, 340kms from Chennai, and it needs all your attention. This ancient capital of the Chola kingdom, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also considered as cultural head quarters of Tamil Nadu. The Brihadeshwara temple here was built by Raja Raja Chola – I in 1011 AD to celebrate the victory of Chola kingdom. It is one of the most magnificent pieces of South Indian temple architecture.
Major Attractions:
Brihadishwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library, Art Gallery, Siva ganga garden, and Schwartz Church.
How to reach:
By air: Nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli. There are direct flights from Chennai daily. Taxis do ply to Thanjavoor with a cost of 1500 one way.
By rail: It has its own railway station and daily trains cross this junction from Chennai, Madurai and also Bangalore.
Best time to visit:
October to February.
Where to stay:
Svatma Tanjore is good. For more options click here.
#05. Been to Munnar for your Honeymoon? Go to Ponmudi for the first marriage anniversary next year!
When it comes to honeymoon destination, Munnar is one of the top 10 places looked out for. But where will you visit for your 1st or 2nd year marriage anniversary? Ponmudi, a little known hill station very near to Trivandrum would suffice the demand. This lesser known hill station is only 65 kms of a drive from capital city of Kerala and is mostly known for the panoramic views of Western Ghats it offers. Situated 1100 metres above sea level, the route is spectacular and is famous for 22 hair pin bends to test your driving skills. The hill station is usually visited by couples and families on weekends from Trivandrum and is not much known to outsiders where you can add this place in your itinerary with Trivandrum also.
Major Attractions:
Ponmudi Tea factory, Golden Valley, and the Meenmutty waterfalls. Kallar is also a popular destination for bird watchers nearby.
How to reach:
The best is to reach Trivandrum by Air or through rail and from there you can book a taxi or hire a two wheeler and reach this place. The route is Peroorkada – Nedumangad- Chullimanoor – Vithura – Ponmudi.
Best time to visit:
March to May.
Where to stay:
River county resorts. For more options click here.
#04. Been to the Stunning beaches of Gokarna? What about Udupi next time for an island and a spectacular light house.
Gokarna, most sought destination by foreigners after Hampi in Karnataka is a must visit destination to enjoy the serenity of beaches and stroll around artistic streets with painted walls. But what if you are in need of much more Vitamin Sea with an island also to see? The answer is Udupi, an exotic beach town in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka adjacent to Arabian Sea. Mostly visited by devotees of Lord Krishna in Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt, this place has a lot more to explore. The Western Ghats on one side offers many treks to take and the beaches like Kapu offers a mesmerizing sunset to watch for.
Major Attractions:
Sri Krishna temple and Mutt in Ratha Beedhi, Kapu beach, Malpe beach, Stella Maris church, and main of all St. Mary’s island.
How to reach:
By Air: Bajpe International Airport in Mangalore is only 60 kms away.
By Rail: Udupi is a major railway junction on the Konkan railway route and has a train from Bangalore.
By Bus: Well connected route from Mangalore, Bangalore and also from Mumbai.
Best time to visit:
October to February.
Where to stay:
Sea bird resort. For more options click here.
#03. Explored Stalagmite formations in Belum Caves? Now Explore Statlactites in Borra caves of Andhra Pradesh.
Belum caves are the second largest natural caves in Indian Subcontinent after Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya, and also most visited along with a trip to Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh. Well, the eastern part of Andhra also has one more cave formations to explore and is called as Borra Guhalu locally or Borra caves in English. This Natural wonder is very much in the proximity of Araku Valley in Vishakhapatnam explicitly exhibiting various forms, shapes and sizes of speleothems. The caves are made up of karstic limestone structures in majority that extends to a stretch of 80 m (262.5 ft) because of which it is considered the deepest cave of India. The surrounding hill tracts are inhabited by the local tribes named Jatapu, Porja, Kondadora, Nookadora etc.
Major Attractions:
The caves comprises of stones which are the exact shape of 'Shivalingam' and there is an idol of the cow known as Kamadhenu and hence has a lots of religious significance. Araku valley is also a major tourist spot nearby.
Read more about Borra caves here.
How to reach:
By Air: Airport in Vizag is only 85 kms away.
By Rail: Borra Guhalu is a railway station and the train from Vizag passes through 30 tunnels before reaching here.
By Road: Well connected route from Vishakhapatnam and is 90 kms away.
Best time to visit:
December to February.
Where to stay:
Stay in Novotel Vizag. For other options click here.
#02. Enjoyed Chilling valleys of Araku? Now go to Lambasingi, fondly known as Kashmir of South India.
Almost every mountain lover would have known and visited Araku Valley in Vizag for its mesmerizing valleys and chill climate. But Andhra Pradesh has a Kashmir of South India, called as Lambasingi. This hill station came of lime light when it experienced snowfall on almost six years ago, on January 15, 2012. Known for its mist filled air cover for almost every month of the year, it has been attracting tourists from all nook and corners of Andhra every year. Also nicknamed in native Telugu as Korra Bayalu which means “if someone stays out in the open at night, by morning they would freeze like a stick!”
Major Attractions:
Koothapalli waterfalls, Thajangi reservoir, and one can also camp during night here.
Know more about Lambasingi here.
How to reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is in Vizag, 107 kms away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Chintapalle and is 20 kms away.
By Road: 100 kms from Vizag via road, this will be a lovely road trip to take once.
Best time to visit:
November to January.
Where to stay:
Stay in camps here. For more stay options click here.
#01. Strolled around the beaches of Kochi? Head out to this Coastal Paradise on your next getaway.
Guess you have already ticked off Kochi, a Queen of Arabian sea from your bucket list. If you still want to walk on beaches, then head to this lovely coastal paradise situated in the border between Karnataka and Kerala. Filled with temples and couple of forts, this beach town in Kerala is a major offbeat getaway for beach lovers. The vastness of the Bekal fort and the view of Arabian Sea from the top of the port is a view never to be missed. The beaches here are magical.
Major Attractions:
Bekal Fort, Chandragiri fort, Kappil beach, Bekal beach, Muzhappilangad beach, Ananthapura lake temple.
Read more about Kasaragod here.
How to reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is in Mangalore, 60 kms away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Kasaragod and has trains from Chennai and Mumbai.
By Road: 60 kms from Mangalore via road, many government and private buses ply.
Best time to visit:
November to February.
Where to stay:
Emirates Regency. For more stay options click here.
Also read about most offbeat destinations to be visited in India here.
Have you recently been to any of the lesser known places in India? Then share your story here on Tripoto.
Happy Travelling!!!
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