10 Best tourist spots of South India which fit well into your family budget

To get rid of stress and tensions of one year, go for a family trip every year. Nothing is more relaxing than a family trip with your spouse and kids. It also gives best opportunity to give quality time to your dear ones. Leave behind your job, stress and worries, and set for a trip for a few days. It not only refreshes our minds and souls, but also our memories, and provide as a positive energy to work for the next one year.

If you set for a tour from Kerala, there are many wonderful tourist locations in rest three states of South India. They also fit into our family budget. So, what are you waiting for. Enjoy this summer vacation in some of the best places of India. Through this column I shall give a brief idea of 10 such places of South India, excluding Kerala. I have also briefly sketched the route map from Kerala to these places.

1. Hogenakkal – India’s Niagara

The waterfall and the streams of Hogenakkal, Tamil Nadu give a spectacular experience to tourists. Round shaped boat safari known as Coracle is the highlight of this place, and those who love adventurous sails can use them to flow through the rocks and streams. It is thrilling to those who love it. When the boat collides with rock, the oarsman rotates it in the direction of water flow. At that time the travellers will welcome it with cheers and shouts. It gives an unforgettable experience to the visitors.  

Hogenakkal is situated in Dharmapuri district of Karnataka. From Dharmapuri you need to travel 46 kms to reach the waterfalls. As told about Coracle safari is the highlight. At first, Kaveri river flows in silence. Later the stream takes ‘V’ shape and takes a steep jump. Rocks are at the height of 20 metre, and the river takes curved path through the rocks, which exhibits forest beauty. Oarsman occasionally rotates the boat spontaneously and dips it in waterfalls to give a thrilling experience to the tourists. The sail ends at View point. It’s the same point where Kaveri river takes V shape and that of a waterfall to fall down.

The rate of Coracle trip varies according to season, and it is approximately 800 rupees. A boat can accommodate a maximum of 6 people including the oarsman. Life jacket is compulsory. There are special spots for bathing in the waterfalls. Oil massage is also famous. Instant masala fish fry is available on the either sides of path. You can have it hot.

A crocodile park, Ponnagram, where Mohanlal’s Naran movie was shot, Mullan Kolli etc are nearby attractions. Though it’s a very beautiful place, tourism development is only a slow process. Accommodation is available at Dharmapuri, Hosur, Salem and Yercaud.

Best season: During monsoon season boat ride is dangerous and hence not allowed. So when you plan to visit Hogenakkal, avoid rainy season. Though it is offseason during summer vacation, the temperature will be between 23 and 34 and hence you can plan according to it. Waterfall is weak, and hence sailing in boat is not risky.

From Kochi, Hogenakkal is 480 Kms away, and it takes around 8.5 hours of journey. You can make use of both bus and train services. Salem is the nearest railway station. You can catch a bus or taxi to reach the spot. If you have taken a flight, reach Bangalore from Kochi and then go to Hogenakkal.

2. Bandipur – Beautiful forest

Humps frequently appear in the tarred roads, and your journey will be slow through the forests. If you are patient enough to enjoy it, you can put Bandipur in your travel menu. Deer, elephants and many other wild animals and birds – such humps are specially made for them, so that they can easily cross the roads. This is only a sample. When you travel slowly enjoying the beauty of forests, it gives a soothing feel to eyes. When your vehicle reaches Bandipur National Park, it opens another experience for you.

Apart from ‘flying’ deer, you can also watch dancing peacocks, big cranes, hornbills, monkeys and wild boar. Occasionally you get opportunity to watch bear and tigers. Tiger Reserve, under Central Government is a part of Bandipur National Park. It is situated in Chamaraja Nagar district of Karnataka. Wyanad wild life sanctuary, Muthumala wild life sanctuary and Nagarholle wild life sanctuary are nearby tourist spots.

Tourists can book bus or gypsy safari in advance, for the journey through forests. Average cost is around 350-750 rupees. Visiting hours are 6-30 am – 9.30 am and 3.30 pm – 6.30 pm. Wild animals are mostly visible in the evenings. Avoid attractive costumes and also bags and things as much as possible.

Accommodation is available in forest cottages in Bandipur National Park, inside the forests. It is approximate 1600 rupees rent. You can also book services online through official website. Numerous hotels are also available near to Bandipur National Park.

Best season: March to June is the best season. As animals go to distant places in search of water, more animals are visible during these months. October – March is the winter season, and you can also choose this period. July – September is the monsoon season, and hence there will be many restrictions in certain regions. It’s also difficult to watch animals during this period.

This park is situated in Mysore-Ooty National highway. Through roadways, you can use Valancheri-Nilambur road, Kozhikode-Nilambur-Gudalloor NH-766 road etc to reach Bandipur. There are restrictions for night travel. If you take taxi, it may take around 7-8 hours. Mysore railway is 80 kms away from Bandipur, and you can depend on railways too. Nabdipur is 84 kms away from Coimbatore airport. Bangalore airport is 255 kms away.

3. Golkonda Fort – Reminiscent Fort of glorious yesterdays

While walking through the countless stone steps leading to the fort, you may wonder, “Was it necessary?” But when you reach the topmost place of fort and enjoy the cool breeze, and watch the whole Hyderabad city, you will forget everything. It’s almost impossible to capture the whole visuals in a single camera shot or two. That’s the splendidness of this amazing fort. Countless visuals to think about old rulers, people and their social life, and you might wonder how they managed to build such a huge construction manually centuries back.

Golkonda Fort is situated 11 kms away from Hyderabad in North direction. When you pass Mehdi Pattanam and reach Langoor House, the fort is visible from distance. From the outer walls of the fort, road slowly start rising up, just like a mountain. Mughal Emperor Aurengazeb and his army reached Golkanda through Fatheh Darwaza, and conquered the fort. The fort has 8 doors and also 4 bridges in the movable position.

The fort extends in around 5 km area. The name of the fort was derived from ‘Golla Konda’ which literally means ‘Hill of shepherds’. The ruler to build the fort first was Kakatheeyar, whose capital was Warangal. It was first built in mud. When it was conquered by descendants of Qutab Shahi, they reconstructed the fort using stones.

Special residential homes for the ministers – Akkanna and Maathanna, palaces built for the dancers – Tharamati and Baramati, Kali temple, Ramdas jail, palaces specially built for queens, pond, flower garden etc are the major attractions of fort. There was one devotee named Ramdas, who stole money from ruler’s treasury and built Rama temple. Later he got caught and imprisoned. In the prison walls, he carved Hanuman’s temple, which has not faded till now.

When you climb the stone steps and reach the topmost portion of the fort, you can watch the whole Hyderabad city. Visitors’ time is 9 am – 5.30 pm. Light and sound show in Hindi, Telugu and English languages, is also shown here. As you need to take long distance by foot, use only comfortable sandals.

Best season: September to March is the best season. It’s moderate temperature in Hyderabad during these months. Temperature is not so high. Evening time is the best. Airport is situated 20 kms away from Hyderabad city of Telangana. Three main railway stations are available in Hyderabad. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses are also available. From Kerala, railway service is available every day. It’s 1243.3 kms if you take roadways, and is approximately 16 kms away from Hyderabad city.

4. Guna Caves – ‘Devil’s Kitchen’ of Kodaikanal

The roots of trees resemble unlocked hair and deep dens inside rocks. Though it is bit scary and adventurous, its name, ‘Devil’s Kitchen’ doesn’t suit it much. As per legends, Pandavas during exile cooked food inside this cave, and hence the name ‘Kitchen’. The cave has many bats as inhabitants, and that’s how ‘Devil’ tag got added to it. Till Kamal Hassan starrer Tamil movie, Guna was shot inside it, this place was known as ‘Devil’s Kitchen’ to outer world. After that it came to be known as Guna Caves.

The cave is 2230 meter deep inside three big pillar rock structures. If you are an adventurous person who loves the wild beauty of deep forests, Guna Cave is one of the best locations in south India. To avoid risk factors, many caves inside this structure have been closed and sealed using iron gates. Travellers are allowed only in the safety areas now. If you follow their instructions, and choose the safe time of travel, Guna caves give you a wonderful experience. There is only a thin line to separate adventure from danger, and you need to be careful.

You need to cross a pine forest to reach Guna caves. Roots are spread across the ground, and it also gives you a unique experience. To reach the famous Moir point of Kodaikanal, you need to travel three more kms. Entry point of Berijam lake is near to Moir point. Star shaped artificial lake, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Kurunji Andavan temple where Neelakurinji flowers blossom and Kodai Chocolate factory are other attractions near to Guna Caves.

Best season: April-June is the best time to visit Guna caves. August and September months can also be chosen. Avoid monsoon season, because rocks will have slippery during this period, leading to dangers. 7 am to 4.30 pm is the visiting hour. Good hotels in different rates are available for stay. Thanks to tourism development.

Guna caves are 8.5 kms away from Kodaikanal. Many public and private transport services are available from different parts of Kerala. Madhurai is the nearest airport, which is 79 kms away from Kodaikanal. From there you can catch bus or private transport. The spot is 150 kms away from Trichy airport and 175 kms away from Coimbatore airport. If you choose roadways, direct bus is available from Chennai, and it is 439 kms away. If you choose railways, alight at Kodai Road station, which is 100 kms away from Guna caves. Taxi service is available from railway station. From Kerala, if you choose Palani-Kodaikanal NH 83 road route, it takes 6 hours to cover 224 kms and reach the place. 

5. Auroville – Gentle breeze of rising sun, Pondicherry

Can you find any place in the world where people of different cultures, colour, castes and religious beliefs reside in a single place? Auroville in Pondicherry is one such place, where you can find unity in diversity. It’s a square-shaped township in Pondicherry-Chennai route, 12 kms away from Pondicherry. This global village was given this shape by French woman Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo. Auroville means ‘Land of sunrise’, and people pronounce it as ‘Aarovil’.

Approximately 2400 people from 49 countries reside in this experimental village, breaking all barriers. Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in the center of town is the heart of the entire structure. It’s a temple built for yoga, meditation and spiritual conferences, a place of beautiful silence. Botanical garden near to Auroville is another attraction.

Internal Yoga Centre started by Aurobindo, the open library – Savitri Bhavan, Sadhna Forests reconstructed through afforestation, cultural pavilion for cultural communication for those who came here and settled from different parts of the world etc are other highlights. Aurobindo Ashram is also situated in Pondicherry.    

Best season: October to March is the best season to visit Pondicherry, the time of cold winter. Yet people do visit this place during summer vacation, March-June. July-September is the monsoon season here. You can also choose August, birthday month of Aurobindo when grand celebrations are conducted. From 9 am to 5.30 pm, you can visit different tourist centres of Auroville. From Kerala you can travel through NH 544, NH 79 routes to cover 512 kms. You can reach Pondicherry through any form of transport, and taxi service is available from there. Puducherry Express which starts from Palakkad is the direct train from Kerala. It runs twice a week. Puducherry airport is just 8 kms away from Auroville.

6. Undavalli Caves – Secrets told by caves

The moment you step inside the site, the chillness of stones and surrounding atmosphere will put you in a time machine and take you centuries back, when these caves had glorious days. When you speak something, your words echo as if someone is replying your questions. When you walk through the path which lies between the grass lands and reach the mouth of cave, you could hardly imagine what surprise is waiting for you inside.

It’s one of the least travelled spots of Malayalis. But it gives a crystal clear idea of ancient life style, and takes tourists for an emotional ride. Andhra Pradesh owns many such historic moments, which form an integral part of our heritage, and Undavalli is one such. The tourist spot is located in Gundur district, in between Guntur and Vijayawada. This stone cave was built in the 4^th century AD. Krishna river flows in the backside of caves.

This cave temple is curved in stone in 4 storeys. Pillars of 4 storeys have been curved in single stone. First floor is in unfinished condition. Big Anantha Sayanam statue of Lord Vishnu, apart from many symbols of Hindu and Jain cultures are found in splendid in different storeys of the building. Pillars and cave paintings exhibit Hindu and Jain art.

Bhadrachalam temple, Victoria Jubilee Museum, Moghalrajpuram caves etc are some of the major attractions of Vijayawada. As tourism development has given due importance, better accommodation facilities and good restaurants are available in Undavalli. Andhra Tourism has divided and categorized important tourist spots of the state under 5 hubs, and given tourism packages. Tourist spots of Krishna, Gundur and Prakasam districts are brought together under the hub – Amaravati Capital Tour. It’s a single day tour package connecting important spots of all these districts, and you can make use of it as well.

Best season: Winter is the best season for cave temples of Andhra Pradesh. Yet tourists visit this place in all seasons. Visiting time – 9 am – 6 pm. From Kerala, you can take NH 16 and travel 993 kms roadways to reach Vijayawada. It takes approximate 17.5 hours. Vijawada owns the nearest railway station and airport. It is 6.5 kms away from Vijayawada railway station. From Gundur it is 30 kms. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses are available both from Gundur and Amaravati. From Prakasam Barrage, bus route is available across Krishna river. It also takes boat service to cross the river. Prakasam Barrage is a 1223 meter length bridge road across Krishna river connecting Krishna and Gundur districts, and night visuals are spectacular.

7. Mahabalipuram – Wonder curved on rocks

You should have a prince’s mind while walking through the great heritage site of Mahabalipuram. You should have a poet’s eyes to watch each and every visual, which unfolds before you. Then only you get the feel of living in the ancient past. Poetry from carvings – from where else can you get such an amazing visual.

Kanchipuram is one of the oldest port cities of India, and Mahabalipuram is a part of it. Also known as Mamallapuram, the place was given this name in the memory of Pallava king Mamallan. The whole structure was built during the period, 7^th century AD – 9^th century AD, and UNESCO has recognized the ‘stone town’ Mahabalipuram as a world heritage site.

The royal monuments and structures curved from stones have given emphasis to detailed structuring and even minute parts have been taken care of. The temple Thirukadalmallai, Vennakkal which gives the illusion of floating, 5 chariots built in the name of 5 Pandavas, Ganesha Mandapam which has gigantic elephant curved in a single stone, and also elephant calves, remains of old harbour, light house from where we can see whole Mahabalipuram, Maritime heritage museum, Seashell museum, shore temple which is partially situated in Bay of Bengal etc are other tourist spots.

Best season: Winter during November – February is the best season. As the area is fully covered with stones, avoid visit during summers, as temperature is slightly higher. Yet if you have planned to visit this place in summer, choose only mornings and evenings. Mahabalipuram is situated 56 kms away from Chennai Central railway station, and 52 kms away from Chennai airport. If you take road root via bus or car, you can enjoy the sights. Public and private transport is available from airport and railway station. If you alight from bus and walk 2 kms to reach Mahabalipuram, you can see artists under stone work and carving beautiful sculptures. If you take a car from Chennai, travel through Adayar, Palavaakkam and Kovalam Nemmeli to reach the places. Cycles are available for rent, and you can make use of it to see the whole town.

8. Hussain Sagar Lake of Telangana – Hyderabad’s Necklace

In a well-developed city, if you get opportunity to enjoy the breeze from the banks of a lake, what would it be like? Hussain Sagar is an artificial lake, which resembles a necklace surrounding Hyderabad or a heart shape. It is situated at the central portion in between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It was built by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1563 and the architect was Hasrat Hussain Shah Wali, upon whom the lake is named in honour.

Hyderabad city is spread to 5.7 square kilometres, and this artificial lake was built almost fully covering the city as a solution to water shortage. Water from Musi river flows into this artificial lake. 18 meter high Buddha’s statue built in a single stone at the centre of the lake is the centre of attraction. Installed in year 1992, this Buddha statue is the landmark of the city. The space is well maintained, and is a best place to take kids. Lumbini park is situated on the bank of the lake, and boat services are available which take you to the statue.

N.T.R garden is located near to Hussain Sagar Lake. Though this garden is small it is beautiful. NTR Memorial and Hyderabad boat club are located in the southern side of the lake, while Secunderabad Dailing Club and Sanjeeviya Park are seen in the north side. In the check dam of the lake, statues of 33 great persons of the state have been exhibited. Banks of the lake are so attractive that you may love to visit this place once more. Ramoji film scity, Charminar and Birla temple are other noted spots of Hyderabad.

Best season: June – February is the best season for tourists. During summers the dusk holds an amazing charm. Parks and other recreation centres are available in plenty. So it is a good place for kids. You can choose 5 pm – 7 pm as visiting time. Take NH 16 road route from Kerala and travel 934 kms to reach Hyderabad. It takes almost 15-20 hours. Train is available on all days to Hyderabad, and it takes 25 hours. Bus service from different districts of Kerala is also available. If you take airways, it takes only 2 hours to reach Hyderabad.

9. Sakleshpur – Hill station in the Western Ghats

It is nothing short of a paradise on earth. When you stand at the mountain top, filled with mist you have exactly the same feel. The place is blessed with mist and greenery. The space is away from direct sight and is abundant in coffee plantations and spices. The place is in Western Ghats of Karnataka. Either side of path is filled with pepper, coffee plants and spices. Manjarabad fort, situated on the banks of Hemavati, a tributary of Kaveri river, is the centre of attraction. This fort was built by Tipu Sultan in star shape in the 18^th century, with the aim to store explosives and to accommodate soldiers.

The fort is 5 kms away from town, and was built based on French architecture with the help of French engineer Sebastian Le. You need to climb 250 steps to reach the topmost position of fort, which is 3240 feet high. Arabian sea and Western Ghats are visible from there. The area is fully covered with mist, and that’s why the fort got the name, Manjarabad. This name is derived from the word, Manjara which means ‘covered with mist/fog’. You can also visit Sakleshpur temple, Bisle View Point, Agni Gudda Hilld, Manjehalli Waterfalls etc.

Best season: As it is a hill station, the place is always chilled, and average temperature is 22-23 degrees. Best time to visit this place is October-April. It you take roadways and travel 338 kms through NH 766, you can reach this location. You can also take the route of NH 66 and travel 369 kms to arrive here. You can take taxi or bus if you reach Mangalore by Pune Express, via train. Sakleshpur is 131 kms away. If you travel airways, alight at Mangalore or Bangalore and use roadways. If you reach Mysore by bus, you can catch Carvar Express and reach Sakleshpur.

10. Hampi – The capital of Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century

There was a time when diamonds were measured in measuring containers (para) and sold. It was the cultural capital of Vijayanagar empire, which was wealthy and culturally strong. Countless stone statues and carvings are seen in Hampi. Seats built in stones based on designation, huge walls, guard points, stone doors, gopuras and other forms of scultures, almost everything built in stone make Hampi a special place.

Mahanavami Kalmandapam which is very lengthy, Kadaykkan Ganapati temple with India’s biggest Ganapati statue, Viroopaksha temple, Thungabhadra river, Aanakothalam, Hampi Bazar, Queen bath specially built for female members of royal family, Matanga Hills, Lotus Mahal, Chariot of Vittala, 1000 pillar mandapam, Pattabhirama temple and Purandara Dasa Mandapam – tourist spots are countless in Hampi.

You need to park your vehicles 1 km away from historic monuments. You can travel by foot or use electric car inside Hampi site. Soon after it found place in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, Karnataka state has given importance for tourism development. Both star hotels and ordinary hotels are available. 

Best season: October-February is the best season to visit Hampi. It’s misty winter this time. Yet tourists reach this place in all months, and the climate fits it. But you need to take care during monsoon season. As temperature is high during February – May, use cotton clothes and choose suitable sandals too. From Mysore you can catch train to reach Hampi. Take Chitra Durga path from Bangalore to reach this place. From Kerala-Karnataka border village Kutta of Wyanad, you need to travel 560 kms by road to reach Hampi. You can also take NH 48 and travel 655 kms to reach here.

There is no direct train from Kerala to Hampi. Hospat is the nearest railway station. If you want to go by train, first reach Bangalore and then go to Hospat. Bus service is available from Manglore to Hospat. Bus service is also available from different parts of Kerala to Hospat. Hoobli is the nearest airport, which is 160 km away.

Here I come to an end of this post, which describes 10 best tourist spots of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and how a Malayali can easily reach these places. Hope you like it.

You can read a few more articles on some of the major tourist spots of Kerala here. Here is the page link. Click on the images in the gallery to read