“Travelling first leaves you speechless, and then turns you into a storyteller”.
South India contains some of the wildest places left on earth. One in a quarter of all animal species in the country is found here. It is one of those places where large wild animals can roam in safety. This diverse land is a cacophony of languages, religions, cultures, and some fascinating biodiversity. The South of India is a stark contrast to the peaks and plains of North India.
The culture of South India is different from the rest of the country right from the food, language, traditions, and attitudes.
Its monuments and splendid relics are a spectacular reminder of its rich cultural heritage. The Southern peninsula has metamorphosed from being staunchly traditional to become the face of sophistication. It is teeming with startups eager to be the next big thing in the IT, e-commerce, and biotechnology space.
A thousand miles of cascading coastline, fertile plains, tropical forests, emerald tea plantations, cool hill-station retreats are travel gems waiting to be discovered.
Top Places for a South India Holiday in 2021
Here is a delightful and amazing list of the top places to visit in South India in 2021.
1. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The Temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from the trials and troubles of this generation. Venkateswara is known by many names including Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa. It is one of the must-visit places in South India for every devout Hindu
The presiding deity is manifested in a standing posture with four hands one in varada posture, one placed over his thigh, and the other two holding the Shanka and Sudarshana Chakra. The deity bears Goddess Lakshmi on the right chest and Goddess Padmavathi on the left.
The deity is decorated with precious ornaments made of gold, diamonds, and precious stones. Tirupati is the busiest Hindu temple with more than 60,000 devotees thronging the temple town for the darshan of the deity. The temple’s annual collections are over ₹ 3000 crores. The other devotional places to visit in South India in close proximity to Tirumala are the Ammavari Temple in Tirupati, Kalahasti Shiva Temple, and the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple near Vellore.
2. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is one of the top 10 tourist places in South India that is also a hill station nestled in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. It was also regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway.
Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect holiday hotspot for couples and honeymooners. Ooty allures its visitors with the panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains, its picturesque gardens and imposing waterfalls are a special attraction.
Shopping in Ooty is a great idea as many stores sell anything from hand-made items like woolen shawls, sweaters, and souvenirs. The local markets are great for stocking up dried spices, Eucalyptus oil, and different varieties of tea. The important places to visit in Ooty include the Ooty boathouse, The Ooty Botanical garden, The Rose Garden, and the Ooty Doddabetta Peak.
3. Kochi, Kerala
Kochi is also known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” is a major port city on the south-west coast of India along the Arabian sea. The city with a myriad of small islands interconnected by ferries offers a perfect backdrop to enjoy a Venetian-type holiday. This modern city is spruced with up-market stores, art galleries, and some of the finest heritage accommodations. It’s a perfect amalgam of cultures where the traditional meets the futuristic. Kochi is a hobnob of activity with top-line fashion high streets, pubs, restaurants, and shopping malls strewn all over the city.
The legacy of the past is well preserved with palaces, beaches, temples, and heritage sites adding a distinct traditional touch to the city. Kochi was a center of learning for centuries and has welcomed people from many countries with open arms. The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in India. It is a testament to its people’s attitude toward tolerance and respect for other cultures. Kochi is one of the best summer destinations in South India. The important places to visit in Kochi include the Kochi Marine Drive, Willingdon Island, Hill Palace Museum, and the Mattancherry Palace.
4. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
One of the best road trips in South India can be enjoyed on the Bangalore-Chennai Highway. A visit to the quaint town of Mahabalipuram from Bangalore offers a rare glimpse of the livelihood of the people of Tamil Nadu more than 1000 years ago.
The Shore temple is a grand reminder of ancient monuments erected by the Kings of the Pallava dynasty. These exemplary sets of rock temples are to be seen to be believed. The other attractions include Arjuna’s Penance; an enormous rock-cut relic depicting mythological characters. Travelers can also enjoy a trip to the Crocodile Park and take a long stroll on the pristine Mahabalipuram beach.
5. Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana in South India. Hyderabad is a potpourri of many religions, where two distinct cultures coexist peacefully. The Hussain Sagar Lake acts as a divider between the traditional and the modern. The Old Hyderabad area is more Nizamite and is still deeply conservative, while Secunderabad is more cosmopolitan with attitudes attuned to modernity and free enterprise.
Hyderabad’s streets are well laid and regularly cleaned to attract technology companies into the city. Hyderabad now competes with Bangalore for the crown of the IT capital of India; many companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have their India headquarters here.
A visit to Hyderabad city would be incomplete without relishing the tasty Hyderabadi Biryani, skewers, kebabs, and Haleem. Telugu, English, and Urdu are the most spoken languages in Hyderabad. It is no wonder that Hyderabad ranks amongst the top 10 tourist places in South India. The important places to visit on a traveler’s itinerary include the Golconda Fort, Charminar, Hussain Sagar Lake, and the Hyderabad Nizam’s museum.
6. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg, popularly called the “Scotland of India” is ideal for an incredible hill station getaway. It is one of the best places to visit in summer in south India with family and friends. It boasts of some breathtaking waterfalls, lush greenery, and spectacular landscapes. The mighty Cauvery river starts its journey from Coorg. The Kodavas who have made Coorg their home are the most hospitable and pleasant people anywhere. Coorg has produced men of valor and bravery. Many Kodavas serve in the Indian Armed Forces as decorated Officers and Generals.
Coorg coffee is famous throughout the country, as it accounts for more than 40 percent of all coffee produced in the country. It’s no surprise Coorg is often called the “Coffee Capital of India”. The Misty hills, lush forest, tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets, and breathtaking views make Coorg an unforgettable holiday destination.
The many attractions travelers should not miss include the Damroling Monastery, Thalakaveri, Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, and the Omkeshwara Temple.
7. Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Madurai in South Tamil Nadu is proud of its rich cultural heritage. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It was the place where the Tamil language was patronized with great fervor. The Sangam literature gained prominence here The kings of Madurai organized literary gatherings to debate, collaborate, and enrich the arts and sciences of its time.
The Meenakshi Temple is one of the most visited South India tourist places. It is the centerpiece of all activity in Madurai; the temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva. The Meenakshi Amman temple is an active house of Hindu worship. It is one of the few temples in Tamil Nadu to have four entrances facing four directions. Its built-up area is over 6 hectares.
The temple is decorated with over 33,000 sculptures within the confines of the complex. The 12 tall gopurams all sculpted with a staggering array of Gods, Goddesses, demons, and heroes make for an impressive view. It’s a treasure trove for all history enthusiasts and art lovers. The other important places of visit include the Gandhi Museum, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, and the renowned Alagar Thirumal Temple.
8. Kozhikode, Kerala
Kozhikode is one of the most amazing places to visit in South India is situated along the Malabar Coast. Kozhikode is the largest urban area in the state. Although the city’s official name is Kozhikode, It is sometimes known by its anglicized name, Calicut. It is thought that Calicut was derived from the word “calico”, a fine variety of hand-woven cotton cloth exported from here. Kozhikode was dubbed the “City of Spices” for it was a major trading center for Eastern spices during the Middle Ages.
It is a town with a long recorded history of attracting traders from all over the world. It has traded in spices like black pepper and cardamom with the Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians, and the Chinese for more than 500 years. The Kochi Marine Drive Is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, It is built facing the Kochi backwaters and is a popular hangout for tourists and locals.
The Willingdon Island is an artificial island that is home to some of the finest hotels and commercial complexes. The Kochi Hill Palace is an imperial grand palace. The complex consists of over 49 buildings spread over 22,000 square meters. The important places to visit in Kozhikode include the Kappad Beach, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum, and the Sarovam Bio Park.
9. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Visakhapatnam is one of the oldest port cities in India. It is known for its picturesque beaches and serene landscape. The city is dotted with some of the most pristine beaches. The Araku Valley is a hill station near the city that is around 910 meters above sea level and is a key attraction near Visakhapatnam. The Araku valley is one of the best places to visit in South India for couples.
It is replete with gushing waterfalls, crystal clear streams, lush green gardens, and some challenging trekking trails. The Yarada beach is surrounded by majestic hills on three sides with the fourth facing the Bay of Bengal. The main cuisine of Vishakhapatnam is seafood-based due to its close proximity to the Bay of Bengal.
Travelers can purchase many items from handicrafts, Kalamkari paintings, wooden toys, and the Pochampalli and Ikat sarees. The other key attractions at Visakhapatnam are the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Kailasagiri, and the Sri Varahalakshmi Naraswamy temple.
10. Mangalore, Karnataka
Mangaluru is a port city known for its sprawling coconut palms, beautiful beaches, and temple architecture. It is also an important industrial, commercial, educational, and healthcare hub in Karnataka. It is one of the few cities in the country that is connected by air, land, rail, and by sea. The history of the region dates back to the third century BC. The Kadambas, the Tipu Sultanate, the Portuguese, and the British have ruled this region before. These rulers have helped shape the region’s economic, cultural, and spiritual landscape.
Mangalore cuisine is a must-try when visiting the city. The popular dishes include Neer Dosa, Masala Dosa, Chicken Ghee Roast, Chicken Sukka, Kori Rotti (dry rice flakes dipped in gravy), Bangude Pulimunchi (spicy sour silver-grey mackerels), Beeja-Manoli Upkari, Neer dosa (lacy rice-crêpes), Bootha Gasi, Kadubu, and Patrode.
Tourists will be in for a pleasant surprise as Mangaluru offers a unique blend of the modern with the traditional. Mangalore is known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and a spirit of free enterprise. The Manipal University is an important educational hub that is a cultural melting point where people from different parts of the country come to learn and collaborate.
The best romantic places to visit in South India along the west coast of India are Malpe Beach and St Mary’s Island. The other attractions include The Kudroli Temple, Mangaladevi temple, Someshwara beach, Panambur beach, Tannirbavi Beach and Pilikula Nisargadhama, and St Aloysius Chapel.
A Well Planned South India Holiday with U-Taxi
A well planned holiday to South India is sure to make travellers spellbound by its many attractions The immensely rich Dravidian culture will leave travellers wanting to come back for more. The vivid dance forms from Bharatanatyam to Kathakali, the Carnatic music prevalent in the Southern peninsula, the legacy of Sangam poetry, and the richness of temple architecture are the predominant South Indian Vibes that is worth every dime.
The area of South India covers over 600,000 sq km. travelling by train or using low-cost flights can be quite tiresome. Employing a taxi service offers extreme flexibility in planning a good South Indian holiday. Travelling by car offers travellers the luxury to enjoy fantastic views without the stress of travelling by public transport and long chats with loved ones while travelling, the other advantage is having to spend less when travelling in a small group or as a family need not be overemphasized. U-Taxi is a car rental company based out of Bangalore that can help in this regard.
U-Taxi’s aim is to enable people from every economic strata afford pocket-friendly taxi mobility services. Its goal is to help the local community flourish and to seize every growth opportunity that Bangalore city has to offer. U-Taxi’s fleet of hatchbacks, sedans, SUV’s and tempo travellers strive to offer the best mobility solutions for every travel need.
U-Taxi is at the service of its customer throughout the year, whether it’s an airport pickup or drop, an emergency outstation travel or a long fascinating holiday to any place in South India, U-Taxi’s services are available online at the click of a button. The easy to book cabs in Bangalore is a phone call away. Do call on 080 4684-4684 to avail the best Bangalore taxi rates with special discounts, offers and coupons.