The coastal lands of South India are hard to miss when it includes some of the best tourist destinations such as Kerala, Ooty, Coorg, Karnataka, Pondicherry and Hyderabad. Surfing and unwinding in some of the best beaches Kerala, Goa, and Pondicherry have to offer, to visit the historical capital, Hyderabad, to steering through serene backwaters in Kerala, South India leaves you spoilt for choice with its countless options to choose from.
Hiking in Munnar and Coorg, brewing the best tea coffees in the lap of nature, visiting temples and their ruins in Hampi and Madurai, and uncovering history in the best way possible. Stay at the most luxurious tree houses in Thekkady or discover the famous Mysore Palace. The cities of the South are a pleasurable sight and a pleasing adventure for every tourist. And oh! The cuisine is absolutely a national favorite.
The Great Living Chola Temples were constructed by the Chola kingdom that stretched all over South India and its neighboring Islands. These temples include 11th and 12th-century temples – Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. These temples were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their best representation of Dravidian architecture and Chola sculptures. The temple is also known for its inscriptions, sculptures, and paintings of deities such as Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu, and Durga, along with Dwarapalakas (Guardians of the door) on the walls of the temple.
Kerala has a unique network of rivers & lakes amidst it’s stunning landscapes, the tranquil backwaters of Kerala are a gem nestled in God’s Own Country, check into a private houseboat and cruise through the pristine natural beauty of Kerala. With a personal chef on board, enjoy the freshly cooked local delicacies with locally sourced ingredients.
Munnar is a tucked away hill station in Kerala surrounded by the stunning Western Ghats, covered by stunning expansive tea plantations. Munnar is a place to experience and indulge all of your senses into understanding and sipping on the flavors of authentic tea leaves and aromas, hike through the tea plantation and visit the famous Some of the best estates and factories, the most popular for tea estates to visit are Tata Tea Museum, Lockhart Tea Museum, Attukal Tea Plantations, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, KDHP Tea Museums and also the local tea stalls.
Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai holds great mythological and historical significance. When witnessed from the top, it represented a mandala (built according to the laws of symmetry). Said to be among the most important and ancient temples in India, the site of the temple is thought to be where Lord Shiva lived as Sundareswarar (the attractive man) and wed Parvati (Meenakshi). This temple also houses three goddesses: Lakshmi, Rukmini and Saraswati. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every day, and even though it is the most visited during the ‘Thirukalyanam Festival’ that attracts millions, it is the cleanest and well-maintained attraction in India.
Nestled along the south eastern coast of India, Pondicherry is an extremely quaint, quiet and enchanting destination which is highly influenced by the French colonization, this town is filled with vibrant streets, exotic beaches and colonial architecture. Attracting travelers from across the globe, the charm of Pondicherry includes stops like the Promenade beach, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, French Quarter, Paradise Beach, Botanical Garden, Arikamedu which is an archaeological site, and Manakula Vinayagar Temple. This cute town hosts multiple activities such as Cycling tours, culinary delights, art and culture, yoga and meditation, shopping and various water sports activities.
Ayurveda along the coastline of Kerala has some of the best treatment practices and herbs that are known to combat health issues and enhance total wellbeing. Ayurvedic resorts or treatment centers enable complete surrender to nature, ensuring complete healing. Many resorts in Kerala provide multiple packages such as detoxification, rejuvenation, body purification, slimming, stress management, anti-aging, beauty, and various other clinical treatments. Enjoy the flavors of Kerala cuisine, connect with your inner self through yoga and meditation, and appreciate the art of nature. Back To Roots, Somatheeram, and Kairali are some of the best resorts for your Ayurvedic experience.
Located within the vibrant city of Kochi, shaped by its historical past, the Fort Kochi area stands for its deep-rooted cultural heritage. This charming town offers an intriguing blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, as well as exchanges through trade and culture with other civilizations. The Chinese fishing nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, the beach, the Indo-Portuguese Museum, the Dutch Cemetery, and the Jew Town are some of the prominent sites in Fort Kochi. The cultural options within this fort include the Kathakali performances, Spice Markets and Cuisine, and Fort Kochi Biennale – an annual exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi.
‘The Saga of The Lost City’ – Hampi is a city where history and mythology come together. It was believed to be the powerhouse of the ancient kingdom and a significant temple town. The temple and palace ruins are a UNESCO site. Hindu Mythology says the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on these very grounds. The structures inside include a queen’s bath, a splendid Lotus Palace and a royal stable that reveals history at every curve. It is also said to be the monkey kingdom, as it finds its mention in the Hindu Ramayana, which still retains more than 1600 monuments within.
Kerala wouldn’t be what it is without its sunkissed beaches, along the extensive coastline. Some of the best beaches are Kovalam Beach which is the crown jewel of the beaches, it is a mosaic of golden sands and blue waters.The Papanasam beach, where the seas are said to wash away your sins, is located on the steep cliff range that overlooks Varkala Beach. Mararikulam, which is a fisherman village, includes the Marari beach. The Bekal beach, known for its historical fort, offers a unique mix of beauty and culture. The panoramic vision of the Arabian Sea makes it perfect for a romantic stroll by the beach.
Kerala is filled with natural attractions and amazing experiences that come along. Thekkady in southern Kerala is a small, blissful town next to the Periyar National Park. A stay at a treehouse here gives you a great opportunity to witness the idyllic beauty of Kerala’s verdant forests. You can opt for various types of tree houses that suit your style. Noah’s Nest Tree House has panoramic views of the river, overlooking the mountains and the wooded forest. Rangerwood Machan Jungle Tree House and Kalpavanam Heritage Resort are some of our top tree house choices.
India’s coffee capital, Coorg, is also known as the Scotland of India, is a destination for tranquillity, delicious Kodava cuisine, biodiversity, and cultivation of Indian coffee. The hills that sprout the best beans provide an unmatched experience and a treat to all of the five senses. Experience the first-hand crop-to-cup process, hike up the plantations, and smell the strong cocoa, all of them with a distinct fragrance and roast. Coorg is the destination for all coffee lovers and those who want the front seat of its brewing experience.
Chettinad is the homeland of the Nagarathars Chettiars – a prosperous merchant community; the town now offers a tapestry of culture, art, heritage, and exquisite architecture. This town in Tamil Nadu attracts tourists to wander by the mansions and savor the delectable cuisine and the rich history. Chettinad is particularly famous for its traditional Athangudi tile work, delectable cuisine, silk sarees, and pottery work. The pepper fry fish and Chettinad Biryani are our personal favorites!
Goa is India’s party capital and offers a 100-mile shoreline and 35 beaches; Calangute, Candolim, Patnem, Miramar, Agonda, Cavelossim, Butterfly, Palolem, Galgibaga, Baga, and Arambol are great choices for beach hopping. Each beach caters to a different personality. Most beaches have a ton of adventure and water activities, while some are made for a chill, late night walk. Bars near the beach serve the most delicious food and cocktails that elevate the beach experience even more. A little research on the types of beaches you want to hop to can make visiting Goa very interesting.
Kathakali is a particularly famous classical genre in the Indian school of dance. It is a form of art and storytelling, which is narrated to the audience by excellent footwork and impressive gestures of the face and movement of the hands. The music and performance add to the complete visual story. Kathakali follows intricate and vivid make-up, interesting face masks, and costumes worn by mainly male dancers. The style and dance movements are a reflection of martial arts prevalent in Kerala and other regions.
Mysore Palace, also referred to as Ambas Villa, consists of 12 Hindu temples with lush gardens, and cows can be seen grazing happily. It is a three-story, gray-granite, and indo-saracenic building on top of a tower that is covered in a gilded dome. This magnificent building is the after-product of the old wooden building that was destroyed in a fire in the late 19th century. This palace consists of Colonnaded Durbar Hall, and many ornate rooms. The Dussehra celebrations at the Mysore Palace are particularly famous.
Rajiv Gandhi National Park, commonly known as Nagarhole National Park, is the natural habitat for unspoiled wilderness, featuring peaceful streams, quiet lakes, and serene reservoirs. This area receives abundant rainfall during monsoons, which provides enough sources of water for the mass wildlife found in the park, which are over 250+ types of birds, elephants, bears, tigers, wild boar, bison, etc. There are multiple ways you can go about this safari, either by jeep, boat, bus or a walking hike with the company of a trained guide that will...
Hyderabad has been a famous trading center for diamonds and natural pearls and has the title of The City of Pearls. One of the largest cities of South India, it has been the home to the Nizams, this stunning city has the most historically popular tourist sites, the Charminar and the Golconda Fort are two of the must visit sites in the city.Many mosques, markets, churches and temples have history attached to them, The markets of Hyderabad offer hand-women silk and cotton materials, kalamkari paintings, stone-studded lacquer bangles and artifacts.
The Malabar region of Kerala has its cuisine shaped by rural food practices, foreign influences, and also internal and external migrations. Surrounded by the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, the Malabar area is responsible for the elevation of Kerala cuisine. Blessed with unique riches such as cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, ginger, and turmeric, Kerala was the spice paradise of the world. Try your hand at some of the most popular Malabari recipes at a local cooking class, and understand how spices indigenized their cuisine and top dishes today.
