Exploring South India: Top 5 Trips to do.
Let’s go sightseeing on South Indian tours, shall we? Let us get charmed by the magnificence of the palm-fringed pavements, ethereal backwaters, whispering winds in the tea estates and shouting heritage in the colonial edifices, shall we?
Or what do you suggest?
Tripping through the Deccan circuits of destinations? Embarking on a journey through time? Well, we have listed the top 5 South Indian trips for you to cover in the 2019 and beyond.
From Maharashtra shouting at the top of its lungs for us to notice its incredible heritage to Tamil Nadu with its calm, cool, and fresh coastal towns whispering for a homecoming call to you, we care enough to have arranged it all for you. Sit back, and enjoy.
Explore Caves In India
Vijayanarasimha
Route Covered: Mumbai-Shirdi-Aurangabad-Hyderabad-Bijapur-Badami-Hampi-Bangalore-Mysore-Bangalore
Let’s get you to the best of the Maharashtra-Karnataka circuit. From the rock-cut shrines in Ajanta Ellora caves, ruins of the Vijayanagara empire in Hampi to the royal palace in Mysore, this South India trip is bound to be a cultural treasure trove. Hop on the plane to Mumbai to smear yourself from everything colonial.
The buildings, the railway station, and their Victorian architecture will leave you spellbound. Furthermore, do not let yourself go anywhere ahead without savoring the taste of Pani Puri and other popular Mumbai street foods like a vada pav. That’s where all the fun is.
Moving on, Shirdi is one of the most religious sites in India where pilgrims from all over the country come to offer prayers to Saint Sri Sai.
Interact with the locals and get to know more about the historical and religious significance of this Maharashtrian wonder town.
Next, on the circuit, Aurangabad is going to be a massive hit on your South India tour. Brace yourself to witness one of the most splendid UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India in Aurangabad. Wonder which one?
The mysterious caves of Ajanta and Ellora rest proudly in the laps of Aurangabad. Dig through these caves to let yourself lose in the awe of the beautiful paintings, carvings, and scriptures of Lord Shiva and Buddhism. These Jain and Buddhists are a beauty for sore eyes. Also, do check out Bibi-Ka-Maqbara in Aurangabad which is basically a replica of the Taj Mahal.
Ahead in the game is Hyderabad where the relics of Islamic India stand through the ravages of time. The tombs, the mausoleums, and the pillars engraved with the subtle scriptures of Islam look beautiful while the Charminar and the Golconda Fort await your visit.
Bijapur and Badami will be your heritage drinks once and for all.
Speaking of, Hampi will introduce you to some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India that’ll wake the inner history buff in you. And to add to the Deccan charm, Mysore and Bengaluru will come off as a paradox of royalty and urbanism.
Book your tickets already!
Why don’t you check out our Maharashtra itinerary? You sure won’t be disappointed! Check this Explore caves in India tour here.
Discover South India
SIBY
Route Covered: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Cochin – Goa
Welcome to the Tamil Nadu-Kerala tour circuit. From temples to beaches and museums to memorials, Tamil Nadu and Kerala cater to your every travel need.
Venture to the hub of urban villages and skyscrapers in Chennai. For experiencing the best of religious, artistic, and culinary charm, there is no other place better than Chennai. From the traditional dance form to authentic traditional cuisine, Chennai beats every other destination competing to own the best southern rustic charm.
Moving on, brace yourself for a time travel back to the Pallava Dynasty through the stone monuments of Mamallapuram. Also, it is a luxury to take souvenirs back in the form of the famous hand-woven handloom turned into 6 yards of a Silk Saree that Kanchipuram is famous for.
Further, head to Madurai, the soul of Tamil Nadu where the trade with the Roman Empire took place in ancient times. Madurai is home to the incredible Meenakshi Amman Temple which is a must-visit. Also, this city will give you a glimpse of hustle and fast life.
Ahead in the circuit, Periyar will bring out the inner wildling in you. This natural reserve set amidst the hills in the Western Ghats showcases the best of nature and radiant animals just casually chilling around. You so need to be loaded with your camera kit here.
Up next, Kumarakom is a dream come true for those looking to revel in the lush beauty of nature in the backwaters. Amidst the sprawling greenery, hire a houseboat to glide through the backwaters in God’s own country.
Alright, time to witness a live Portuguese city with uber-cool edifices all across itself. Also, what a luxury it is to be a part of a multicultural conglomerate. With synagogues, mosques, British buildings, and a mesmerizing shore as the home to some 400 years old Chinese fishing nets, Cochin is like a breath of fresh air for the travelers.
And last but definitely not the least is the party capital of India. Yes, Goa is one tropical destination towards the South that can never disappoint you. With beaches to enthrall you, churches to give you a spiritual and aesthetic experience, and nightlife to give you an adrenaline rush like nowhere else, this coastal town along the shore is just what you need on your this South India Tour. Care to hit, maybe?
South Indian Delight
abiyuthsamuel
Route Covered: Bangalore – Mysore – Ooty – Munnar – Alleppey – Cochin
The third circuit in the list is one that is quintessential in its own. Entering through the royal Gateway of India, this one takes on a massive Indian journey of everything heritage, nature, and beauty.
Moving on, with the flourishing urbanization in Bangalore, it preserves the roots and at the same time, adapts to the modern world which makes it an amazing travel destination to witness the contrasting colors of South India. The botanical garden swirling in vibrancy awaits your visit. Also, do check out Commercial Street for some easy pampering sessions.
Next up on the circuit is Mysore which is basically royalty incarnated. This beautiful little town smothered in Deccan royalty is proud to be home to the Mysore palace and also St. Philomena’s Cathedral oozing out the opulence of Victorian architecture.
Likewise, Ooty or Udagamandalam in Tamil Nadu will take you high up in the hills. Furthermore, Ooty Lake is one of the prime places that you need to visit here. Why not take up a boat and glide through the waters in the midst of hills?
Adding to its charm is the rose garden which is magnificent on every level.
While Ooty is going to call your inner mountain child, Munnar will not rest until it owns your heart with its high tea estates and sheer beauty. Painted in emerald green and sculpted like hedges with tea, these hills make for a splendid South India travel destination. Yes, unmissable!
Ahead on the circuit is Alleppey! While Ooty and Munnar beckon your inner mountain child, Alleppey with all its coastal might calls out to your inner tropical baby. Alappuzha will give you time to rejuvenate yourself in the houseboats while you glide through backwaters and revel in the lush and rich emerald of nature. It’s only justified to call it “Venice of the East” owing to the plunging canals adding an odd sense of beauty to the place.
Refreshed after your visit to Alappuzha, set foot in the Kraft of Kochi. This town is a splendid reflection of culture and superior heritage. With a multicultural essence sprayed at every nook and cranny, let yourself loose in the grandeur of churches, synagogues, mosques, and the 400-year-old Chinese fishing nets at sundown.
Bliss!
The Karnataka itinerary of ours is your brightest road to the best of South India tours.
Best Of Maharashtra & Tamil Nadu
Ramakrishnan Nataraj
Gear up for a magnificent Maharashtra-Tamil Nadu trip down south. With the onset of history and culture in Mumbai, this one embarks on a very memorable South Indian tour.
Check the Gateway of India off your bucket list, relax, and chill by the west coast of India at Marine Drive. Furthermore, Mumbai takes pride in showcasing the relic of the British Raj through the quintessential edifices.
Check them out.
Also, the Ajanta and Ellora caves are unmissable. Note that.
Moving ahead in the circuit, Chennai and Kanchipuram will take care of your luxury, cultural, and travel needs.
The skyline and the authentic Tamilian cuisine will leave you smitten and longing for more. Moreover, the Kanchipuram sarees are the perfect souvenirs to take back and love for a lifetime. This hand-woven fabric is nothing short of a miracle. Truly South India.
Next up is Mahabalipuram where the seafront temples and monuments dotting the coastal belt between the Bay of Bengal and the great salt lake will catch you off-guard in awe of their beauty. This spiritual town by the shore is home to some of the most beautiful temples offering prayers to the granite shrines of Gods and Goddesses.
The shore temple, Pancha Rathas, and the Mahabalipuram beach await your visit to leave you craving for more of that southern charm.
While Madurai is all temples and heritage, Pondicherry by the waters is sheer magic in the laps of nature. This French colonial settlement oozes our elegance and beauty at every step of the way. Mind you, it is imperative to visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram to meet like-minded people. Also, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart Of Jesus is one majestic edifice to see.
So, take your flip-flops out and get ready for a lavish sunbath by the beaches of Pondicherry.
Later, Tanjore will take you back in time when the Chola Dynasty saw its golden time.
The Brihadishwara temple, The UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Great Living Chola Temples, and the Thanjavur Maratha Palace stake the show.
Marvel at the frescoed interiors of the palace and intricate carvings on the temples. You’re sorted!
Trichy and Madurai are undoubtedly one of the gems of Tamil Nadu. The Ranganathaswamy temple and the lofty Tiruchirapalli Fort in Trichy are a must-visit. Oh, and by the way, there is no way that you can ever forget to witness the 14 unabashedly vibrant Gopurams of the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.
Let yourself be swept away by the intricate carvings of Hindu Gods on this Dravidian-style edifice touching the skyline forever.
Let our Tamil Nadu itinerary take you on a Deccan ride of everything magic.
Beaches & Backwaters Tour To India
Nahel Abdul Hadi
Goa – Cochin – Munnar – Periyar – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Why not smash your butts right on the beaches of Goa and have a real good time cracking open a cold one before you venture on your South India travel. Go ahead, visit the various heritage sites too.
The Chapora Fort, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and the calm waters with a smashing nightlife will cater to you to your heart’s content in Goa. You might want to take a look!
Next up, Cochin is a living example of secularism. With so many heritage sites, religious edifices and trading centers to witness, this one takes the trophy. We suggest, you sit by the waters and relinquish the beauty of sundown here.
It’s majestic.
High up in the hills, Munnar is all spicy and sweet. Confused? Well, the tea and spice estates in this vast emerald green carpet of nature are not what you’d want to miss out on a tour of. Revel in the magnificence of nature at its best in Munnar. And later, get straight to Periyar to get wild and free. The forest reserve houses some of the most precious wildlife creatures. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch them.
Furthermore, there is no other town that serves the purpose of wandering through the backwaters, safe and sound like Alleppey. Rent a houseboat and swish through the canals while you bask in the beauty of thick mangrove trees and the splash of the water in Kerala.
Care to make your childhood dream true? Well, run along the shoreline of Kovalam Beach and dive headfirst into the awesomeness of a strange, yet beautiful lighthouse in the end.
Why don’t you climb it up and shout at the top of your lungs while you bask in the breeze and the view of the town of Kovalam?
Visit Halcyon Castle too.
It’s pure heritage and sheer beauty.
Moving on in your South India tour, dive right in art and heritage at Trivandrum. This coastal town brims with art Galleries and British architecture. So much so, that it looks royal from every corner.
Be that as it may, the Kuthiramalika Palace is a must-visit to dig deep into the history of the Travancore royal family.
Excited eh?
Our Kerala Itinerary will help.
We hope these Deccan circuits for your best sightseeing on the South Indian Tour will serve you just right.
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