South India's unique travel experience serves a kaleidoscope of landscapes, heritage, architecture and cultural delights. (Supplied)
From calming one’s senses in the backwaters of the port city of Kochi to taking a coffee break in the plantations of Karnataka, South India’s unique travel experience serves a kaleidoscope of landscapes, heritage, architecture and cultural delights. Simple, uncomplicated and fascinating is what traveller’s receive in this part of the country.
The true wonder of travel, as we know it, lies in awe-struck delights while exploring unknown spaces. As you draw up your list of must-visit spaces for 2024, South First prompted its readers to pick destinations that haven’t been attention-grabbers. And yet, they pamper our need to pause and soak in the moment in places that are hearty and healthy for our otherwise fast-tracked life.
With the first long weekend of the year coming up during the festive occasion of Makar Sankranti, here’s our readers’ list of lesser-explored destinations of South India.
Towering ramparts, majestic citadels, and intricate architecture whisper tales of bygone eras. (Supplied)
Gingee Fort, a historical marvel in Tamil Nadu, India, welcomed me with its charm. Towering ramparts, majestic citadels, and intricate architecture whispered tales of bygone eras. Ascending the formidable steps, panoramic views unfolded, painting a vivid picture of the fort’s strategic significance. The granary, temple, and palace ruins echoed the once-thriving life within these formidable walls. The vivid journey left a lasting memory about this piece of South India.
—Agni Kirupha
At Kanthalloor, one can expect picturesque meadows and pristine waterfalls. (Supplied)
My friends and I had been planning a trip for the longest time. We came across an Instagram reel of a car next to a beautiful waterfall, which was also beside the road. That was enough for us to decide our next destination in South India. Kanthalloor is a tiny village in Kerala, which is slowly becoming a sought-after tourist destination. From picturesque meadows, serene fruit farms, pristine waterfalls and star gazing nights, Kanthalloor had everything to offer which made our weekend getaway an amazing one.
—Amirtheshwar Santhosh
The dam provides an ideal retreat for those seeking serene experiences. (Supplied)
The Gadananathi Dam, also known as Kadana Nathi Dam, located near Alwarkurichi, Tenkasi, is a picturesque and offbeat destination. Despite drawing tourists during specific seasons, its untouched charm remains intact. Set against the Western Ghats foothills backdrop, the dam provides an ideal retreat for those seeking serene experiences in a pristine environment.
– Ebenezer Disha
Mala, a 300-year-old ancestral Mangalorean house turned into a homestay, offers an immersive experience in nature. (Supplied)
For the ones who find solace in wilderness and crave for a touch of local culture, Mala, a village near Kudremukh national park, is the place to be. I visited Mannapapumane, a 300-year-old ancestral Mangalorean house turned into a homestay. Surrounded with lush greenery, it was difficult to believe I was in a non-hill station location in Karnataka during the scorching heat of March. The weather was cool, the kind that makes one feel pleasant and energised. The host cooked delicious vegetarian local food and took us on a short hike. This hike had us playing with gurgling streams, drinking fresh water from a secret mini waterfall close by and climbing rocky terrains to watch sunset.
—Aishwarya Iyer
North Karnataka’a Gadag is an ideal getaway for a community experience filled with culture and spirituality. (Supplied)
Gadag , a small town located in North Karnataka, India boasts a varied cultural richness and culinary brilliance. Experiencing Guru Purnima, in 2023, at this beautiful town was exhilarating. The sheer sense of community and the Shirdi Sai Baba temple serving a scrumptious lunch for over 800 people was the highlight of this visit.
With a blend of history, art, and culture, Gadag’s humility and community with their love for girmit (mandakki /murmura) and mirchi bajji makes this one of the must-visit destinations of North Karnataka.
—Rekha Karna
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 18, 2024
![[Left] File photo of BJP MLA Harish Poonja, who has been booked, and [right] Poonja sitting for a protest in front of Belthangady Police Station in the early hours of Sunday, 19 May, 2024.](https://s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media.thesouthfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Harish-Poonja-and-Belthangady.jpg "Harish Poonja and Belthangady")
