The Southern part of India is a place of diverse cultures, scenic beauty, and rich heritage. Although the most popular destinations, from the backwaters of Kerala to the beaches of Goa to the hill stations of Karnataka, draw visitors from around the globe recently, many hidden gems are yet to be discovered. From emerald green valleys and echoing caves to ancient forts and unspoilt waterfalls, these destinations will give you an experience unlike any of the usual touristy places.
Visiting these unconventional destinations brings solitude and the opportunity to see nature and history as they are at their rawest. So, regardless of whether you are a backpacker wanting to experience the rawness the universe has to offer you, a nature lover looking for some peace of mind or a history geek wanting to explore untold stories that the world can use, these hidden places in South India are going to change the face of your travel!! So, for a traveller keen to go off the beaten path, South India promises to discover a beauty yet unexplored.
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Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh: India’s Grand Canyon
Gandikota is a beautiful gorge sliced by the Pennar River, cutting through the Erramala Hills, often called the “Grand Canyon of India”. An oasis for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this hidden wonder boasts stunning views of dramatic peaks behind it. Gandikota Fort, constructed by the Kakatiya dynasty, adds to the historical importance of this site. Visitors can camp under the stars, hike along the canyon and visit the nearby Belum Caves, the second-largest cave system in India.
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Secret Hill Station: Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is an unexplored, untouched hill station in the Eastern Ghats. Boasting verdant coffee estates, waterfalls, and tribal villages, Araku is a welcome break from city life. The highlight is the scenic train ride from Visakhapatnam to Araku, which runs through tunnels and provides. Gandikota Fort, constructed by the Kakatiya dynasty, adds to the historical importance of this site. Visitors can camp under the stars, hike along the canyon and visit the nearby Belum Caves, the second-largest cave system in India.
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Chembra Mountain, Kerala: The Heart-Shaped Lake
Nestled in the Wayanad of Kerala, Chembra Peak is the highest peak in the area and a great place for trekking. The ascent to the summit is its reward, with a heart-shaped lake lying at the crest, which remains whole year-round. With its lush green surroundings, mist-covered peaks, and 360-degree views, it draws nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
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Vattakanal, Tamil Nadu: Little Israel in India
Vattakanal is known as the land of peace and quiet in the middle of Kodaikanal. This scenic village ascends the Western Ghats on hammock-filled trails and beautiful waterfalls and is favoured by backpackers and international tourists.
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Agumbe, Karnataka: The South’s Cherrapunji
One of the places with the highest rainfall in the country, Agumbe, is a delight for wildlife and nature lovers. The rare King Cobra and a good variety of flora and fauna are the trademarks of the Western Ghats’ dense rainforests. Apart from its dreamy sunsets and old temples, Agumbe boasts several hidden waterfalls, like the Barkana Falls and Onake Abbi Falls. A popular destination for adventurous hearts, trekking through the green forests is a unique experience!
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Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, Tamil Nadu: 2nd Biggest Mangrove Forest in the World
Near Chidambaram, you can find the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, another treasure for eco-tourists. It is the world’s second-largest mangrove forest and an exciting boat ride through a leafy canopy of dense mangroves. The twisted network of waterways, with roots plunging deep into the water, provides an enchanting and magical ambience. Birdwatchers will also enjoy seeing various types of local birds.
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Chandragiri Fort, Andhra Pradesh: A Forsaken Historical Wonder
An off-the-beaten-path place, Chandragiri Fort was the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and offers an exclusive insight into the glorious past of South India. Surrounded by greenery, the fort itself boasts mixed Hindu and Islamic architecture. Visitors can explore the palaces, temples and museums that explain the region’s history. It also sits high above the surrounding landscape to ensure dreamy views of the area for visitors to the fort.
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Gavi, Kerala: An Untouched Eco-Tourism Destination
Gavi is a pristine heaven for wildlife and nature lovers in the heart of Periyar Tiger Reserve. This eco-tourism hotspot also allows tourists to indulge in the pristine natural beauty of Kerala forests. Other activities include trekking, birdwatching , camping, and boating on the placid Gavi Lake. With any luck, you will see elephants, leopards, and various exotic birds within their natural habitat.
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Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu: The Ghost Town
Dhanushkodi is a mystical and surreal place at the southern tip of India. A town that once boomed suffered a cyclonic attack in 1964, leaving a stunning but ghostly ruin in its wake. The beach is unique here, with the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. In Hindu mythology, Ram Setu (a chain of limestone shoals connecting India and Sri Lanka) was built by Lord Rama.
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Meenmutty Falls, Kerala: A Paradisiacal Hidden Waterfall
Hidden in the depths of Wayanad, Meenmutty Falls is among the best-kept secrets of Kerala. Isolated from mass tourism because of the difficulty of reaching it, it is one of three waterfalls by the same name in the district, each less known and (relatively) less visited than the other. This three-tiered waterfall drops over 300 metres in a spectacular process. Getting to the falls is an adventure through dense forests and rocky terrains.
Conclusion
The beautiful South is filled with hidden gems that await travellers who are ready to explore the unexplored. These unexpected escape options showcase a diverse mix of elements like nature, adventure, history, and quietude. These 10 places in South India are sure to astound you and leave you wanting more, whether you are an explorer, a history lover, or a peace-seeking individual with nature.
Opting to seek out these more obscure places can be a way for travellers to help ensure it is sustainable tourism and find distinctive landscapes and cultures. The real beauty of South India is not in these famous places but in these hidden corners, which are the untold stories. Thus, take all your stuff pack, be Indian, be an explorer and let these hidden gems of South India change your way of travelling for good.
