Everyone deserves vacations at some point in time, to break free of the shackles of deadlines and meetings. So, if you are reading this, this is a sign for you to stop procrastinating and book your tickets right away for that long-awaited trip. And if you are still doubtful of your destination, we are here to aid you. Read on and find out about some of the best places in South India where you can have a relaxing and refreshing 3 days trip.
1. Mysore
Located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Mysore is a city that preserves its cultural heritage intact, attracting thousands of visitors every year to the remnants of the glorious past. The city is a blend of architectural wonders, lush green gardens, parks, temples, and museums. It is a total package that can take you through multiple places at the same time. Summer in Mysore can be hot, whereas winter will treat you mildly and pleasantly. Hence, it will be a good destination to cool off in this city that holds on to the past during winter.
The most famous attractions of Mysore include the Mysore Palace which is among the oldest, largest, and most magnificent palaces in India. Mysore Zoo too is equally famous for the wide range of fauna it houses, attracting animal lovers from all over the country. The Brindavan Garden with its beautiful fountains and lights, is something that you should not miss while you are here. The Chamundeshwary Temple, atop the Chamundi Hills, calls you with its serene and calm beauty. The museums and palaces that you can find around the city will surely charm you with a beauty that belongs to a distant past.
2. Coorg
Lovingly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, takes you to the most beautiful and serene hill station in Karnataka. The misty mountains and the smell of coffee will embrace you the moment you step foot in this paradise, which will be a wonderful beginning to one of the best trips in your life. The hills and streams here give you the perfect detox spots where you can relax and fill up your body and mind with peace and positive energy and adventurous treks for the fitness enthusiast in you.
Coorg is a place that has a rich culture and heritage, and people who will treat you the best way they could. When you are here, some of the places that you must not miss include Abbey Falls and the adventures waiting for you there, the Madikeri Fort that will excite you with the culture and heritage of the place, and the numerous spots where you could go for trekking in Coorg, and escape into nature. You can enjoy an adventurous ride through the mist-covered roads in winter, and these roads will also take you to some beautiful towns where you can explore the local cuisines and life of Coorg.
3. Hampi
Hampi is the land of ruins, of kings and emperors who fought and conquered, only to leave it all behind. Located along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, this temple town takes you to the time of kings and dynasties and times of glory. You can find the ruins of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire and dwell on the stories each monolith and boulders have to tell. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Karnataka, which holds the enchanting beauty of a bygone era.
Hampi is known as the temple town for a reason, and when you are here, you must not miss some of the temples like Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, and Hanuman Temple. The Lotus Mahal will treat you with its one-of-a-kind architectural style, and a visit to the Queen’s Bath will delight you with its beauty, surrounding you with an air of royalty. You can head to Hippie Island for great cafes and shacks and have a cozy stay at the lodges here. The Hampi Bazaar is yet another significant spot in the town, stretching more than a kilometer.
4. Wayanad
Wayanad is a hilly district of Kerala that will enchant you with the greenest cover you could find. This place welcomes you for a treat right from the moment you enter, captivating you, calling you to its nature, and leaving you with a serene and calm mind. The hill station that stays cozily amidst the green carpet of the Western Ghats is also home to many tribal groups and wild animals. While you are there, you can explore the varied culture of these people and see in detail the beauty of raw and rustic life.
The main tourist attractions of the place include green forests, valleys, misty mountains, clean and clear water bodies, and a variety of wildlife populations. The Edakkal Caves are one of the spots that you cannot miss while you are in Wayanad. The caves behold the stories and secrets of the past in its cave art, taking you back to ancient times. The Chembra Peak is the highest point in the district, which calls for a little trek in the nice weather. You will not want to miss the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, where you can even enjoy a wildlife safari. Numerous water bodies like dams, lakes, and waterfalls add to the captivating beauty of Wayanad, calling you over and over again to this green paradise.
5. Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the perfect blend of ancient and modern, and it can be seen throughout the city, in each wall and street. Famously known as Pearl City, Hyderabad is home to many of the historical buildings and monuments that took their rightful places in our GK textbooks. The city also houses some of the premium educational institutes of the country as well as many technological institutions. While the city keeps pace with the advancing technologies on one side, the other side does not fail in keeping its charm from the golden era.
Hyderabad city owns the world’s largest film studio complex, the Ramoji Film City, which is among the top attractions of the place. Historical monuments such as the Golconda Fort and Charminar take you back to the marvelous era of architecture. The Birla Mandir and the Birla Planetarium too are famous tourist destinations in the city. You can enjoy your time shopping at the Laad Bazaar, one of the oldest shopping spots in Hyderabad. Apart from these, the city is no less captivating with its scenic beauty of places like the Hussain Sagar Lake and the many parks it has.
6. Pondicherry
The beach town of Pondicherry will attract you with its colorful streets and café, making you come back here again. The city, which was the French capital of India, still holds the French essence close to it, making you think that you have reached a faraway land. This unique place, adorned with bougainvillea all over the streets and houses is among the best places to have a good time with your friends and family.
This town that lies in close contact with the sea is obviously a land of beaches. Paradise Beach, Promenade Beach, and Rock Beach are among the prominent beaches in Pondicherry, which welcome you to an enchanting other world through its beauty. The town is also famous for its French-inspired cafes and restaurants, giving your taste buds a trip through the French land with its food. The many clubs and restaurants too are major attractions of the town, adding to the list of things to do in Pondicherry. A trip to the Auroville village and Sri Aurobindo Ashram takes you to the calm and serene Pondicherry, where you can have a peaceful time with you and meditation.
7. Mahabalipuram
For an appreciator of art and architecture, Mahabalipuram would be their ultimate abode. Located in Tamil Nadu and 58 km away from the capital city Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a small town filled with many temples and architectural marvels. The fame of the city has made commuting to the town hassle-free, with many modes of public and private transportation easily accessible. Though the best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from October to March, the weather here remains almost the same throughout the year, mostly humid. While here, you can explore the local cuisines as well, which will help you awaken the tastes of an ancient land.
The Shore Temple is a must-visit destination when you are in the town, which is one of the oldest temples in South India, located on the shores of West Bengal. The Pancha Rathas is yet another attraction here, which is a group of five temples that are structured in the shape of chariots. One can spend hours admiring the beauty and detailing these sculptures hold in them. The Mahabalipuram Beach will be an exciting destination for you as well, with the golden sands, rock sculptures, and temples in the background. You can also visit the Crocodile Bank, which is located at a small distance from the temple town, which is home to different types of crocodiles and alligators.
Conclusion
A trip to South India will take you through different terrains and ages. Given above are some of the best places in South India where you can have a fun, relaxed 3 days trip. The fact that all these places are easily accessible and offer a wide range of options for accommodation too makes them the right spot for you. So, wait no more and start picking dates and packing bags for your next vacation to the beautiful South.
Written by: Sameera R.
