Are you travelling to South India for the first time?
Out of hundreds of destinations on the map that seem simply unmissable, Tripoto has built a comprehensive first-timer's guide to South India to help you experience that most stunning side of the region in six days. This week-long journey will give you a taste of the brilliant amalgamation of cultures across states that is a striking characteristic of the region.
From intricately carved temples to the most exotic seashores; from an assortment of languages to a spectacular gastronomical journey, the southern half of our country is magical more than anything else. For travellers the Deccan Plateau is also a hub of traditional Indian art, architecture and music is its soul in several aspects.
Check out the itinerary for a week-long trip to South India that is truly so much more than just destination-hopping.
Get a taste of the city life at Bangalore
Your first stop to experience the best of South India Tourism is Bangalore. Almost all major Indian (and international) cities have regular flights in and out of Bangalore and the train connections are equally good. Just make sure you book your tickets in advance.
Start the day with a visit to the Bangalore Palace
Explore the impossibly beautiful interiors of the Bangalore Palace. The palace was constructed in 1862 and is presently owned by the royal family for Mysore. It surely makes for just the right spot to understand the roots and heritage of Karnataka.
Take a short drive to the Nandi Hills
The majestic Nandi hills are located just an hour's drive away from the city of Bangalore and makes for an amazing day trip destination for the locals. The view of the mist-covered hills as you drive along the winding roads is a pure bliss for any visitor.
Experience the Bangalore night life at the best brewery of the city.
Going pub-hopping is absolutely imperative when in Bangalore. One of the best among the contless breweries in the city is Arbor Brewing Company India. It is located in the Allied Grande Plaza at Magrath Road, Ashok Nagar.
Contact: 080501 44477
Happy Hours: Monday 12pm to 11pm
Best Rated Places to Stay in Bangalore
1. Fairfield By Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar - Prices Starting Rs. 5299 onwards
2. The Gateway Hotel Residency Road - Prices starting Rs. 5800 onwards
Best Rated Places to Eat in Bangalore
1. Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) - This place is iconic and rightly so. Their masala dosas and coffee are to die for. One of the absolutely unmissable places to visit in South India for lovers of authentic local food.
2. Toit - If in case you are a beer lover, Toit is exactly where you should be. This pub also has a wonderful selection of food.
Next stop on the trail is the city of Gardens, Mysore
Mysore is a 3 hour drive from Bangalore and you should ideally book a cab from a reliable company. Regular trains and buses also connect the two cities and are cheaper options.
Take a stroll around the majestic Mysore Palace
When in Mysore, it is impossible to not visit the majestic Mysore Palace and allow its grandeur to overwhelm you. One of the most talked about places to visit in south India.
A gastronomical delight awaits you at Vinayaka Mylari
When in Mysore, hot the best place in the city to try the much-acclaimed Mysore Dosa at Vinayaka Mylari. Shop No. 79 at Nazarbad Main Road, Doora will be a memorable spot for trying out much-acclaimed Mysore dosa in this city.
Best Rated Places to Stay in Mysore
1. Hotel Fortune JP Palace - Prices strting Rs. 3150 onwards
2. Jal Mahal Resort and Spa - Prices starting Rs. 3851 onwards
Transfer from Mysore to Bandipur
Take a short drive from Mysore to the Bandipur National Park located in Gundlupet taluq of Chamarajanagar district. The national park lies 75 km away from Mysore and you'll find yourself at the heart of the wilderness after a short morning drive from the city.
Enjoy a jungle safari in the wilderness of Bandipur
This tiger reserve is located in almost a 874 sq km land area with thriving flora and fauna. It's an amazing escape for the wildlife enthusiasts who find themselves in the heart of the wild. The Bandipur National Park is also known for regular sightings of Indian elephants, gaurs, tigers, sloth bears, muggers and Indian rock python.
Suggested place to stay in Bandipur
The Serai Bandipur: Prices starting 17,545 onwards
Travel to the queen of the hills, Ooty
Several state transport buses stop at the Forest Reception office at Bandipur. This 50 km route can be covered in less than 2 hours. Alternatively, you could hire a cab and drive up to Ooty.
Spend the evening at the beautiful Emerald Lake
Get a rest and prepare yourself to spend an evening at the Emerald Village in the Nilgiri District. Get your basket ready because the picturesque Emerald Lake serves as the perfect picnic spot.
End the lake tour of Ooty at Bhavani Lake
At this destination that boasts impeccable natural beauty, Bhavani Lake is the last stop on the fourth day. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond the check post to the Upper Bhavani Lake and the forest department buses can take visitors ahead to this rather offbeat spot in Ooty.
Best Rated Places to Stay in Ooty
1. Hotel Sinclairs Retreat Ooty - Prices starting Rs. 5500 onwards.
2. Fern Hill, A Sterling Holidays Resort - Prices starting Rs. 4000 onwards.
3. Bilberry Cottage at Stumpfields - Prices starting Rs. 2004 onwards.
Best Rated Places to Eat in Ooty
1. Sidewalk Cafe - A great place for western food. The ambiance is very high end, almost like that of an American diner.
2. Earl's Secret - Visiting this restaurant is a lot like turning back the hands of time. Their continental fare is delicious and their brownies deserve brownie points.
Reach the southernmost hill station of India at Koidaikanal
Koidaikanal is the last stop on this trail along the picturesque trail of destinations in south India. Spend a day travelling to this hill station in the southermost state of India. Volvo bus services as well as state transport facilities are available to cover this 6 hour drive to Kodaikanal from Ooty.
Suggested place to stay in Kodaikanal:
Le Poshe By Sparsa: Prices starting Rs 5500 onwards.
Pine Borough Inn: Prices starting Rs 3500 onwards.
Start the morning with a cycle tour around the Kodai Lake.
Kodai Lake is a star shaped lake in the heart of this town. To get the best of the experience, get the rented bikes to experience the fresh start to the morning as you cycle around the lake.
Take a day trip to the nearby village of Vattakanal
Your last stop on this incredible trail around south India ends at the hippie village of Vattakanal. The village lies at the very end of the historical hippie trail in India. Trek to the dolphin nose point and find the calm at this spot away from the city.
Suggested places to eat in Kodaikanal.
1. Cafe Cariappa: The cafe is located on the Thyagraj Road and is an absolute must visit place for freshly roasted and ground coffee.
2. Cloud Street: Go for the hip vibe, live music and finger-licking continental food. The location is right opposite the Tourist Office on PT road.
Your journey ends at Kodaikanal. The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai. Regular buses are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai at all hours. Madurai also connects flights and trains to major cities across India for a comfortable journey back home.
Getting Around In South India
An excellent network of trains and buses connect the southern end of our country. Places to visit in South India are all accessible by roads that are mostly in a decent condition. Local transport is in the form of autorickshaws, taxis and buses.
To explore South India, click here
All hotel prices are approximate and are on a per day basis. They were last updated on 13th April 2017.
Have you got your own list of places to Visit in South India or your own take on the best of travel experiences in South India? Share your travel stories with travellers on Tripoto and help them plan a similar trip.
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