For spending luxury vacations in India, the tourists from far and away can go to some of the most offbeat locales in South India. Surrounded by beauty, and blessed by the sun, these blissful destinations are bound to provide the best possible luxury tours to India.
The unique features about South India that separates these destinations from all other parts of the country are the fascinating cultures, ancient traditions and ethnic values of these sites. The gifts of nature are in multifold here which are distributed without any bias to all those who come here.
There is so much to do and so many things to see around Kerala that is hard to summarize them in a single write-up. Still this is an honest attempt in the direction to list some of the unconventional activities and quirky destinations that you must visit at least once in your entire life.
Talakad Sand Dunes, Kerala
The historically significant destination in Kerala, Talakad, situated in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, once featured 30 Majestic temples. Now all of them are completely buried inside sands. It is believed among locals that five most significant temples, Vaidyanatheshwara, Arkeshwara, Maruleshwara, Mallikarjuna and Pathaleshwara are representative of Shiva’s five faces. Panchalinga Darshana Festival is organized once in every 12 years to pay tribute to these temples. It is also believed among locals that the once fertile land was destroyed and got completely buried under sand because of a curse laid down by a suffering widow. Even today, the rulers of this place are having troubles in producing legal heirs to sit on the throne!
Chilkur Balaji, Hyderabad
Well, this is the location in South India which is responsible for sending a lot of Indian to foreign lands. It is believed among locals that those who visit this temple and whole-heartedly make their prayers will find themselves availing a Visa, even if they do not pray for one! This is why the Balaji God at Chilkur Balaji Temple is often called as Visa God of India. This temple has been located here, in the Telangana region of Hyderabad, for over a millennium.
Lepakshi Pillar, Andhra Pradesh
Located in Andhra Pradesh, is a quaint little town of Lepakshi which is one of the most historically significant site in India. It is also regarded as the primary archaeological location of Andhra Pradesh. The popular Lepakshi temple where tourists come to worship Lord Veerabhadra, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is known for its exciting architecture and gorgeous paintings. The walls are adorned with gorgeous frescos that present the story Ramayana of and Mahabharatha. The pillars are carved with spectacular designs.
One can also book Luxury South India Tour Package to explore some of the magnificent destinations of South India.
Snake Boat Race, Kerala
The cultural traditions of Kerala, “God’s own country”, are unique and exciting. One of the most famous tourist activities in the state is the local Snake Boat Race. Locally called as Chundan Vallam Kali, meaning thereby Snake boat games are held at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha district of Kerala. In this thrilling competition, 100-120 feet long wooden canoes, called as “Aanjili thadi”, carries 90- 110 rowers who move the boat at a fast pace to cross the water channels. Those who reach the finishing line first win the competition. According to records, Chundan Vallam has “the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose.”
Ethipothala Falls, Andhra Pradesh
The tributary of the revered Krishna River, Ethipothala Falls, located on the banks of River Chandravanka, at a height of 70 feet, is one of the most serene destinations in Andhra Pradesh. The flowing water falls is formulated by combining three rivulets called as Tummala Vagu, Nakkala Vagu and Chandravanka Vagu. The name “Etitaposthal” is formed by the combination of two local Sankrit words, Ethi or Yathi which stands for “monks “or “sages” and “Thapothal” which stands for “penance”. In Telugu, Ethipothala stands for “lift and pour”. Other major tourist spots here are Dattatreya and Ranganatha temples. Tourists can also visit the nearby crocodile breeding farm.
Auroville, Tamil Nadu
This is perhaps the most intriguing destination in whole of India. It is an experimental town, Auroville, meaning thereby, the City of Dawn, which is located at Viluppuram in Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The artificial town was constructed by the efforts of Mirra Alfassa in the year 1968. She is locally referred as “The Mother”. The designing of the town was laid down by popular architect Roger Anger. The reason behind its creation was to establish a community where people from all religions, castes, genders, creeds and even nationalities can forget the imaginary existing shadow lines between themselves and live as a part of one community. Human harmony is believed to be the goal of the community, living with peace and progressive harmony is the mission and globalization is the aim.
Chembra Peak, Kerala
Located at an altitude of 6900 feet, Chembra Peak is the highest peak in the city of Wayanad in Indian state of Kerala. It is included in the popular Wayanad Hill Ranges of Western Ghats. Surrounded by Nilgiri Hills in Kerala, the views from these hills are truly spectacular. The major tourist destination here is the romantically heart-shaped lake of this region. It is believed among locals that this lake has never dried up. The scenic vistas visible from here that are surrounded by misty hills make an unforgettable sight. For romantic excursions in India, it is an ideal place to go.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is one of the most popular hill stations in the district of Visakhapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The surrounding villages produce remarkable sceneries with lush green forests. Tourists from all parts of the world come here mainly to enjoy the sights and taste of coffee plantations. The best feature about this destination is that the weather remains pleasant throughout the year. The whole village is truly blessed by Mother Nature as the surrounding rich vistas make memorable sightseeing excursions. Another major tourist hotspot of Arku Valley is the world popular Tribal Museum where one could notice thousands and thousands of splendid tribal handicrafts and learn more about the lifestyle of local villagers.
About Author:-
Karan Saxena is a literature student, with keen interest in writing about India and the world. His write-ups give an intricate, detailed version of the cultures and surroundings of the locations, he is writing about. All his write ups are thoroughly researched and completely accurate in providing factual details.The unique features about South India that separates these destinations from all other parts of the country are the fascinating cultures, ancient traditions and ethnic values of these sites. The gifts of nature are in multifold here which are distributed without any bias to all those who come here.
There is so much to do and so many things to see around Kerala that is hard to summarize them in a single write-up. Still this is an honest attempt in the direction to list some of the unconventional activities and quirky destinations that you must visit at least once in your entire life.
Talakad Sand Dunes, Kerala
The historically significant destination in Kerala, Talakad, situated in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, once featured 30 Majestic temples. Now all of them are completely buried inside sands. It is believed among locals that five most significant temples, Vaidyanatheshwara, Arkeshwara, Maruleshwara, Mallikarjuna and Pathaleshwara are representative of Shiva’s five faces. Panchalinga Darshana Festival is organized once in every 12 years to pay tribute to these temples. It is also believed among locals that the once fertile land was destroyed and got completely buried under sand because of a curse laid down by a suffering widow. Even today, the rulers of this place are having troubles in producing legal heirs to sit on the throne!
Chilkur Balaji, Hyderabad
Well, this is the location in South India which is responsible for sending a lot of Indian to foreign lands. It is believed among locals that those who visit this temple and whole-heartedly make their prayers will find themselves availing a Visa, even if they do not pray for one! This is why the Balaji God at Chilkur Balaji Temple is often called as Visa God of India. This temple has been located here, in the Telangana region of Hyderabad, for over a millennium.
Lepakshi Pillar, Andhra Pradesh
Located in Andhra Pradesh, is a quaint little town of Lepakshi which is one of the most historically significant site in India. It is also regarded as the primary archaeological location of Andhra Pradesh. The popular Lepakshi temple where tourists come to worship Lord Veerabhadra, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is known for its exciting architecture and gorgeous paintings. The walls are adorned with gorgeous frescos that present the story Ramayana of and Mahabharatha. The pillars are carved with spectacular designs.
One can also book Luxury South India Tour Package to explore some of the magnificent destinations of South India.
Snake Boat Race, Kerala
The cultural traditions of Kerala, “God’s own country”, are unique and exciting. One of the most famous tourist activities in the state is the local Snake Boat Race. Locally called as Chundan Vallam Kali, meaning thereby Snake boat games are held at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha district of Kerala. In this thrilling competition, 100-120 feet long wooden canoes, called as “Aanjili thadi”, carries 90- 110 rowers who move the boat at a fast pace to cross the water channels. Those who reach the finishing line first win the competition. According to records, Chundan Vallam has “the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose.”
Ethipothala Falls, Andhra Pradesh
The tributary of the revered Krishna River, Ethipothala Falls, located on the banks of River Chandravanka, at a height of 70 feet, is one of the most serene destinations in Andhra Pradesh. The flowing water falls is formulated by combining three rivulets called as Tummala Vagu, Nakkala Vagu and Chandravanka Vagu. The name “Etitaposthal” is formed by the combination of two local Sankrit words, Ethi or Yathi which stands for “monks “or “sages” and “Thapothal” which stands for “penance”. In Telugu, Ethipothala stands for “lift and pour”. Other major tourist spots here are Dattatreya and Ranganatha temples. Tourists can also visit the nearby crocodile breeding farm.
Auroville, Tamil Nadu
This is perhaps the most intriguing destination in whole of India. It is an experimental town, Auroville, meaning thereby, the City of Dawn, which is located at Viluppuram in Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The artificial town was constructed by the efforts of Mirra Alfassa in the year 1968. She is locally referred as “The Mother”. The designing of the town was laid down by popular architect Roger Anger. The reason behind its creation was to establish a community where people from all religions, castes, genders, creeds and even nationalities can forget the imaginary existing shadow lines between themselves and live as a part of one community. Human harmony is believed to be the goal of the community, living with peace and progressive harmony is the mission and globalization is the aim.
Chembra Peak, Kerala
Located at an altitude of 6900 feet, Chembra Peak is the highest peak in the city of Wayanad in Indian state of Kerala. It is included in the popular Wayanad Hill Ranges of Western Ghats. Surrounded by Nilgiri Hills in Kerala, the views from these hills are truly spectacular. The major tourist destination here is the romantically heart-shaped lake of this region. It is believed among locals that this lake has never dried up. The scenic vistas visible from here that are surrounded by misty hills make an unforgettable sight. For romantic excursions in India, it is an ideal place to go.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is one of the most popular hill stations in the district of Visakhapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The surrounding villages produce remarkable sceneries with lush green forests. Tourists from all parts of the world come here mainly to enjoy the sights and taste of coffee plantations. The best feature about this destination is that the weather remains pleasant throughout the year. The whole village is truly blessed by Mother Nature as the surrounding rich vistas make memorable sightseeing excursions. Another major tourist hotspot of Arku Valley is the world popular Tribal Museum where one could notice thousands and thousands of splendid tribal handicrafts and learn more about the lifestyle of local villagers.
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