South India never ceases to amaze visitors. The terrific combination of nature, heritage and adventure keeps getting better as one delves deeper and discover more and more surprises. While South India tour packages to the acclaimed hill stations, beaches, backwaters, temples and national parks continue to be popular, the less-explored ones are successfully catching the fancy of holidaymakers. Here’s an introduction to few among them that may constitute an exciting bucket list for your next South India trip.

TalakadRiver Kaveri’s sacred waters wash the shores of Talakad, a town in Karnataka with contradicting topography covered with sand dunes. Still carrying the curse of Queen Alamelamma to stay buried under sand, the old city is being slowly unearthed. However, it’s an exceptional experience to visit the excavated structures, especially the temples with unmatched splendor. Panchalinga Temples (representing five faces of Lord Shiva) form a popular Hindu pilgrimage tour.

How to Reach: Reach Mysore (48 km.) or Bangalore (136 km.) by air/train and continue by road.

St. Mary’s IslandsThe highest degree of solitude – that’s what nature bestows upon the visitors to St. Mary’s Island in the state of Karnataka. Vasco da Gama stopped briefly at the island and fixed a holy cross here, but that’s not the only claim to fame for this group of four secluded islands. The columnar polygonal basalt rock formation believed to be millions of years old and counted among India’s Geological Monuments enthrall the tourists. Pristine beach (not for swimming) dotted with huge varieties of seashells is indeed a relaxing vista here.

How to Reach: Mangalore Airport is just about 60 km. away from Malpe from where you need to ride a ferry to reach the islands.

GandikotaDo you expect to come across the Grand Canyon of India on a South India tour? Many deny until they reach Gandikota in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Formed by River Pennar flowing at the foot of Erramala Range, this super-striking natural formation is surprisingly a hidden gem of country’s tourism. Watching this mesmerizing visual is Gandikota Fort which though in state of ruins is still appealing. Visit the temples of Madhavraya and Ranganatha, Jama Masjid Mosque and an old granary inside the fort and enjoy a down trek towards the gorge, getting stunned by the multi-coloured rocks.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is at Bangalore (about 276 km.).

ThenmalaApart from hills (mala) producing top-grade honey (then), Thenmala in the shadow of lush green Western Ghats is country’s first well-planned ecotourism destination. Swaying bridge along the riverside and sculpture garden form the Leisure Zone while activities like rock climbing, mountain biking and river crossing can be enjoyed at Adventure Zone. Other attractions include Butterfly Safari, Musical Dancing Fountain (closed on Monday), Deer Rehabilitation Centre and Nakshatravanam Garden (housing 27 trees for 27 star signs according to Hindu Mythology).

How to Reach: Hire a cab or taxi from Trivandrum International Airport (72 km.)

KadmatExplored much of mainland India? Fly to Lakshadweep Island in Laccadive Sea and head straight to Kadmat Island to spend few days absolutely undisturbed and away from all sorts of chaos. Calm blue waters of a large lagoon, clean white sand beaches and complete serenity encourage visitors to endorse it as one of the must-visit South India tourist places. Things get truly exciting when you get to explore the fascinating world of coral reefs through snorkeling and scuba diving.

How to Reach: Fly from Bangalore to Agatti via Kochi and then take the road to Kadmat.

HonnemaraduSky strikes gold every time sun rises or sets across the stunning Golden Lake at Honnemaradu, the burgeoning adventure hub of South India. Visit this plastic-free crowd-free destination to challenge the adrenaline through canoeing, kayaking, trekking (limited routes) and swimming (only with safety jackets). Spend the day in the company of beautiful birds and butterflies and camp around bonfires as the thrilling night descends. Don’t miss coracle rides to make it a unique sojourn.

How to Reach: To Mangalore (231 km.) by air or Shimoga (101 km.) by rail and then by road.

VattakanalKodaikanal is a popular inclusion of hill stations of South India tour. If you can extend it to travel a few miles further, nature’s extremely enchanting asylum Vattakanal welcomes with open arms. Located in Palani Hills of the Western Ghats in the state of Tamil Nadu and popular as ‘Little Israel’ for huge presence of Israeli tourists, it literally rolls the carpet of clouds to walk over. Wander through Shola tree expenses, exploring exotic flora and have a stimulating rendezvous with the mighty bison (watch from a distance). Don’t miss the delicious passion fruit and avocados cultivated locally and visit silver cascades, lakes, and captivatingly green valleys.

How to Reach: Fly from Bangalore to Madurai or Coimbatore and continue by road.

MatturFor a cultural exploration of South India, the small village of Mattur on the banks of River Tunga in Karnataka is an interesting place to be at. It is among the rarest Indian villages where the Vedic language Sanskrit is still taught, spoken and used in day-to-day communication. Visitors, including foreigners, may learn the language by staying here at least for 7 days. The engaging singing and storytelling art called Gamaka is another highlight of the place where most of the families now also have at least one IT professional. A perfect handshake between ancient and modern knowledge!

How to Reach: Reach Shimoga (just 7 km. away) by train and hire a shared mode of transportation.

Papi HillsA dreamy boat cruise on River Godavari in the state of Andhra Pradesh reveals the majestic Papi Hills as you wander through a marvelous gorge. Slopes covered with rainforests that are home to a variety of wild animals create such eye-pleasing views that you are absolutely spellbound. Prefer to extend the cruise up to the point where the Godavari ends its journey joining the Bay of Bengal and you would be suitably rewarded.

How to Reach: Board a flight from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry and then travel by road up to Polavaram (about 40 km.) from where the cruise begins.

South India tourism is suitably entertaining the modern travellers with these unusual places. Take advantage of less crowd, nature’s generosity and increasing amenities to include them in your travel diaries.

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