Unconventional Cities In South India That Are Stunning & Should Be On Your Bucket List This Year

If you have ever visited the southern area of India, you must be aware of what makes it a dreamland. The geography of the area is what inspires the majority of us to organize a trip year after year.

 But did you know that south India is even more remarkable by several undiscovered jewels? South India has some incredible hidden gems to explore if you like to travel off the beaten path and avoid busy areas. 

There is more to it than meets the eye, from the idyllic Malabar beaches to the quiet, peaceful nooks of the Western Ghats. Here are some Unconventional Cities In south India.

Here is a brand-new, thrilling bucket list for travelers from the southern part of India:

The Belum Caves

The Belum Caves are situated in Belum Village in Kolimigundla Mandal’s Kurnool district. The distance between Kolimigundla and Belum Caves is three kilometers.

Belum Caves is the second-largest cave in the Indian subcontinent and the longest cavern in the subcontinent’s plains. The Sanskrit term for caves, “Bilum,” is where the name Belum Caves comes from, and it is known as Belum Guhalu in Telugu.

The European Cave researchers and the archaeology and museum department have conducted substantial exploration work in the area to find the Belum Caves’ undiscovered riches. These natural caves include evidence of ancient civilization, which has aided in the area’s development as a significant historical location and popular tourist destination.

There are hints that Jains and Buddhist monks lived in these caves hundreds of years ago. A large Buddha statue can be found close to a hillside near the Belum Caves. Buddhist monks used the portion of the cave known as the “Meditation hall.” The pre-Buddhist era was also represented by the remains of vessels, artifacts, and other objects, which the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has dated to 4500 BC.

Pollachi

A charming small town 40 kilometers south of Coimbatore is one of South India’s least visited and unknown locales.

Pollachi offers a lovely climate all year round, a refuge for travelers with ideal outdoor activities where you can always experience calm wind from the Palghat gaps.

Despite being well-known for its cash crops, coconuts, and second-largest “sandhai” (market) in the nation, the town is now renowned for its filming locations. It is, therefore, a top-rated tourist destination. 

Athirappilly Falls

The highest waterfall in Kerala, measuring 80 feet tall, is known as “The Niagara of South India.” It is situated on the Chalakudy River. Rain creates an amazing image as water pours down with full power. You can witness two to three distinct streams of water coming down with enormous pressure at other times of the year.

The most dramatic portions of the film Bahubali were filmed here, earning the waterfall the nickname “Bahubali Falls” in recent years. Other movies and music videos have also been filmed here. Popular Bollywood films like Dil Se, Raavan, Pukar, and Kuch Na Kaho are among them.

Thalassery or Tellicherry

An enjoyable evening spent on the coast of this small, commercial town would undoubtedly explain why the community is frequently referred to as the “Paris of Malabar.” Tellicherry is commonly referred to as a city of cricket, cakes, and circuses with countless tourist attractions in this little-known town.

At low tide, you can drive on India’s longest drive-in beach, Muzhappilangad Beach, or take a stroll on the adjacent Dharmadam Island.

Dhanushkodi

The settlement of Dhanushkodi is where Lord Rama gave Lord Hanumana the order to construct a bridge so that his army could cross to Sri Lanka, where Demon King Ravana had captured Sita. Legends say that Ram Setu was built by the Vanara Sena here after Lord Hanuman complied with the request.

The only physical border connecting India and Sri Lanka is also one of the shortest in the world, measuring only 45 meters. Before the calamity of 1964, Dhanushkodi was a thriving tourist and pilgrimage destination.

Swami Vivekananda returned to India on this island in January 1897 after traveling to the west to attend the World’s Parliament of Religions held in the United States. Ruined yet still lovely.

Halebidu

In the 12th century, the Hoysala empire’s royal capital was Halebidu, or the old city. The city, which was once known as Dorasamudra and was rich in architecture because of the beautiful Kedareswara temples, also came to be known as “Halebidu” since it was twice pillaged by Malik Kafur’s army.

Additionally, Belur, another historical location, is approximately 16 km distant. From Bangalore, it has good train and road connections. UNESCO is considering adding this temple to its World Heritage List.

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, formerly known as Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarahole) National Park, was named after the river of the same name, which in Kannada directly translates to “Serpent River” (Nagara=Serpent; Hole=River).

The area of Nagarahole, split over Mysore and Kodagu, is 847.981 square kilometers.

It is a significant Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and a key location for Project Tiger and Project Elephant conservation efforts. Large populations of herbivores and carnivores can be found in the Protected Area, including the Asiatic Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Muntjac, and Four-horned antelope, Wild pig, Mouse deer, and South-western Langur.

The national park is also open to a large number of enthusiastic wildlife photographers who wish to take some unposed shots of the animals.

Gandikota

A little village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kadapa district called Gandikota is well-known for the magnificent gorge that the river Pennar carved out of the Erramala hills. This stunning specimen of nature’s architecture is often referred to as the “Hidden Grand Canyon of India” by visitors who are charmed by its splendor.

The historic, spectacular Gandikota Fort, which stands magnificently on top of the canyon, is one of many other sights in and around the settlement that entice tourists. A visit to this settlement is even more thrilling for history buffs and adventurers by the mystical charm of the fort, in addition to the gorge’s outstanding beauty.

Skandagiri Hills

Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga, is a mountain stronghold only 70 kilometers from Bangalore. Although not much popular, still the stunning images imply that it would make for the ideal weekend getaway for Karnataka residents.

At an elevation of roughly 1350 meters, this location off Bellary Road (National Highway 7 Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway) offers a beautiful view of Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli. It is among the top destinations in south India to visit around December.

Araku Valley

Famous tourist attractions in Vizag (Visakhapatnam) include its beaches. A stunning hill town called Araku, which is 120 miles from Vizag, is just as well-known as the city’s beaches.

Araku Valley is undoubtedly one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the nation, drawing honeymooners, nature lovers, and adventure seekers from all over the country. It is blessed with enchanting streams, lush green forests, lovely waterfalls, sprawling coffee plantations, rich landscapes, and superb weather.

These are a few less visited places in south India just waiting for you to discover them. Now create travel memories by organizing a trip to a place known for its natural beauty!!!

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