What comes to your mind when you think of traveling to India? Palaces? Temples? Vibrant colors? But there’s another side to this large, diverse country as well—one that attracts thousands of nature and adventure lovers. The south of the country gets little coverage in traditional media. So here are 5 of the best nature spots in south India.
1. Munnar
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The tea estates of Munnar in the southern Indian state of Kerala are unparalleled in their lush beauty. The fresh air and surreal terrain make it look like a walk through a wonderland. Munnar produces most of India’s tea output, but there are other exciting things to do. If you love wildlife, then a trip to Elephant Spot is an absolute must. You should also visit the Munnar dam and the beautiful lake created by it. Munnar is also popularly known as the land of four waterfalls, of which the spellbinding Nyayamakad Waterfalls are the most enchanting. The Eravikulam National Park is a popular for witnessing some endangered species, especially the Nilgiri Tahr species of ibex.
2. Coorg
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Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a pristine district in the state of Karnataka. A beautiful area with several hill stations, the district offers ample options for the nature traveller in close proximity. Coorg is also an excellent place for adventure and nature lovers. You can visit Madikeri for its awesome camping and trekking grounds. You can also rent a cottage at the Dubare Elephant Camp and enjoy being close to some of nature’s most magnificent creatures. Waterfall rappelling is another activity that draws thousands of adventure enthusiasts to the region year after year.
3. Pondicherry
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While as metropolitan as any big city in modern India, Pondicherry offers many unique opportunities for nature lovers. You’ll also find modern Modern hotels in Pondicherry as conveniently as pristine getaways. As the city is situated along the coast, there are many clean beaches that invite droves of visitors. Rock Beach is a popular spot as well as Pondicherry Beach which offers fabulous views of the nearby creek and the backwaters. Serenity Beach is another destination where spectacular waves crash on the shore all the time, making it a perfect spot for surfers, or simply to soak up some sunshine on the clean sand.
4. Ananthagiri Hills
Image Source: Wikipedia
An ideal spot for a family picnic, Ananthagiri Hills offer plenty of options to entertain the family in beautiful, natural surroundings. Nested in a cool valley, the spot houses an old Hindu temple, birdlife, and several viewpoints offering lush views of the green hills and waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to spot the gushing Musi and Gosthani Rivers. You’ll find lots of photographers, birdwatchers and families visiting the spot for the entire day to get away from the bustle of Hyderabad city. If you’re visiting this regions during the monsoon season from July to September, you must make a trip to Ananthagiri Hills because that is when they truly shine in their natural splendour.
5. Gandikota
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Gandikota is the best option for trekkers. It is a tiny village situated along the Pennar River in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The village offers magnificent views of a long canyon where you can trek for hours. There are no tourist crowds, making it an ideal getaway at any time of the year. If you feel tired after the hours of trekking, you can wind down at the riverbank and take in the wonderful greenery and cool waters.
Add these fabulous spots to your travel list if you plan to visit India this year. You can visit these places on your own, with friends and even with the whole family.
Featured Image Source: Flickr
