Top 15 Escapes of South India
The top 15 escapes of South India is an initiative by which travelers will get to know about the destinations which are unique and beautiful. These top 15 destinations include hill stations, beaches and holy towns. Some of these hill stations in the list are obscure and still not explored by the travelers. The travel enthusiasts who are anxious to explore the top 15 escapes of South India can take a look on the under mentioned top 15 escapes of South India:
1. Agumbe Hill station: Agumbe hill station nestled near Tirthahalli, Shimoga district Karnataka; South India is dotted with waterfalls, rivers, lakes and hillocks. This hill station is easily accessible from Shimoga, Manipal, Kollur and Bangalore by road. This hill station is blessed with Gopalkrishna swamy temple built in Hoysala style. The R. K Narayan’s famous Malgudi days was shot here. However, the striking feature of this destination is its forests. The vast flora and fauna would give a valid reason to adventurers to laze and mellow around in the lap of nature. While on a tour to Agumbe hills in Karnataka, the travelers can make a tour to Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls and microwave tower respectively. The Agumbe hill station is also well known for its Rainforest Research Station set up by Romulus Whitaker. It is seen as the important dwelling place for king Cobra. Government has declared this area under the conservation scheme. Agumbe also has a sunset point which is thronged by millions of travelers every day, once it’s a clear day one can view the clear sunset.
2.B.R. Hills: B.R hills are nestled at Kemmanagundi, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, and Southern India. Spread over an area of 540 sq.kms, this hill station is adorned with the cover of deciduous forests. It is the high point of vacation and September to May are the best moths to make a visit to BR Hills. The BR hills are 3,375 feet above the sea level. The BR hill is a important link between the Eastern and Western Ghats. The River Cauveri flows South East and takes an abrupt turn to North and again turns to its initial course. The BR hills also have one temple where routine prayers are offered and special festival is celebrated with mirth and gaiety. The wildlife enthusiasts while on a tour to BR hills would get an opportunity to explore the dense wilderness existent in the region. The BR hills have more than 200 species of birds which can be viewed through pairs of binoculars or can be captured in the camera. The ride from jungle safari or jeep can also be done by the travel enthusiasts exclusively. Professional angling, fishing, coracle bird rides, river rafting, trekking, outdoor camping can be best experienced at BR hills. The travelers who want to view the bustling wild life can also visit the BR Hills during the months of June to October. The Ratha festival is celebrated every year at BR hills in Karnataka, South India.
3.Bababudangiri hills: The Bababudangiri hill/ Dattagiri is the highest peak point in Karnataka, South India. The peak can be reached through Chikmaglur which is 20 kms and 250 kms away from Bangalore. Dattagiri/Baba Budangiri is the location of a small Sufi shrine devoted to the saint Baba Budan and Guru Dattatreya. Mullayanagiri also spelt Mullayangiri or Mullainagiri is the highest peak in the Baba Budan Giri Range. The main tourist attraction at this hill station is Bababundagiri Dargah which is just a few kilometers to a walking distance. The climate of Bababudangiri hills is pleasant and cooler during winters. Three large caves said to have been sanctified by three (3) siddhas contain their icons and giddies (tombs) and an annual `jatra` (fair) is held here in their honour. The enthralling scenery around makes this a much frequented pilgrim centre. Different range of animal species can also be traced here. Birds, animal species, rivers and lakes are amongst the must sees of Bababundagiri hills. The nearest petrol pump, medical camp and hotels are located in Chikmaglur. The best time to visit Bababundagiri is the winter season.
4.Bisle Ghat: Generally known for the Bisle Reserve Forest, the Bisle Ghat spiraled over a great area. The Bisle village adjoins this forest in the east. The travel enthusiasts can explore the vast expanses and the different range of animal species. The wolves, deer, birds, Mahasheer fish can also be observed at Bisle ghat. Perched in Karnataka, South India, the Bisle Ghat is worth visiting. The travelers can also avail the jungle safari and jeep tour at Bisle ghat.
5.Gangamoola Hill Station: The Gangamoola hill station situated in Chikmaglur, Karnataka, South India is covered by dense forests. While on a visit to Gangamoola hill station, the vacationers can explore the dainty vistas adorned by wilderness and treacherous mountain trails. Three rivers namely Tunga Bhadra and Nethravathi orginate from here. The tough trails of the region also bestow adventure enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy the jungle safari and trekking. The adventure activities are the best ways to splurge your senses in the frills and thrills of undulated forested region. At Gangamoola hill station is the part of Kudremukh bio diversity cluster. Around 107 different species of birds and animal wild life have been recorded at Gangamoola Hill station. Bedsides this, Kadambi Falls and Lakya dam are the well known tourist magnets at Gangamoola range.
6.Horanadu hill station: Horanadu is a holy city in the Chikmaglur district of Karnataka, South India. The famous Annapoorna Temple is visited by good numbers of pilgrims. It is said that worshipping and offering prayers at this hill station provides a sense of fulfillment to the soul. Legend has that Lord Shiva was cursed by some deity and to get relinquish from it, he accepted alms from goddess Annapoorna. The idol of goddess is beautiful and an absolute peace can surely be noticed. The Annapoorneshwari goddess is standing on shell, Chakra, Shri Chakra and Devi Gayathri in her four hands. The goddess is also revered as Aadishaktiyatmaka Annapoorneshwari. Shri Bheemeshwara Joshi is the present dharmakartaru(religious head) of Annapoorneshwari temple. The main deity Anapoorna is ornamented with gold and it is said the person who offers prayers to the deity is never left hungry in his whole life. October to March is the best months to visit Horanadu Hill station.
7.Kudremukh Hill Station: The Kudremukh hill station may sound like a unique name to the senses. Kudremukh means horse face. Nestled 95 kms of the Chikmaglur district, Karnataka, South India, Kudremukh is visited by good numbers of vacationers anxious to do trekking, mountain climbing and many other adventure activities alike. Festooned with lush green forests, rivers lakes and zippy hills, the traveler would resist leaving this destination. Situated at the height of 1,894.3 meters above the sea level, Jamalbad Fort is one of the prime attractions in the region. Built in the memory of her mother in the year 1794, it was renamed as Jamalbee. The climate here is cool and salubrious around the year. The nearest rail head to Chikmaglur is Mangalore. Kudremukh is very well connected by road to Chikmaglur, Manglore and Sringeri.
8.Yana Hills: The Yana Hills are located 40 kms from Sirsi, Karnataka, South India. This hill station is known as the fabulous haven for the rock climbers. Garlanded with majestically standing rock formations, the travelers from away can get the commanding view of waterfalls, perennial chains of rivers and the holy temple. The tallest peak at Yana hills are Bhariraveswara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. The mighty rocks have been roughened by weathering by sun and rain. They comprise sold black, crystalline lime stone. Hives of bees can be seen in the caves. One can also walk to the Vibhuti or Mattigatta Falls.
9.Horsley Hills: The Horsley Hills Station in Andhra Pradesh, South India is known for verdure hills, serene environs and crystal clear rivers can surely be noticed at Horsley hill station. Surrounded by hills from all the sides, this destination is am quiet place for all the travelers seeking to rejuvenate their senses. Horsley hills is the well known destinations amongst the the young bustling crowd in the near by cosmopolitan cities of South India. During weekends, the vacationers of all age groups come here and spend some precious days with their family or friends. W.D Horsley was the district collector in British era after whom this destination got its name. The major attractions around Horsley Hills in Andhra Pradesh include Lake Gangotri, Horsley Hills Museum, Gaalibanda and Environmental park.
10.Kailasgiri Hill Station: Located a picturesque hill is the Kailasgiri Park in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, South India. Surrounded by the verdant hills, and crystal clear Bay of Bengal overlooking the entire stretch are the marvelous views craved to be behold by every aspiring traveler looking for an exciting tour. Talking about Kailasgiri Park, this is place is perhaps amongst the major attractions in the region. Floral clock, jungle trail, rope way tour from Appu Ghar to Kailasgiri hill and a capsule lift to the highest view point are some of the must sees and to experience at this place. If your adrenaline rush is set at all time high and are quiet keen to discover the thrill in your own way then Kailagiri Hills must be visited once in a life time. Apart from all, the Kailasgiri Hill got its name from the Shiva and Paravti statue present there. The statues of celestial gods in their most complete forms are amongst the common finds at this destination.
11.Pavuralakonda: The Pavuralakonda in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh is also known as hill station of pigeons. The six rock cut cisterns are quiet famous here and is also must see tourist magnet. This crescent shaped valley has long linear shaped curved coastline. The Pavuralakonda is blessed with thousands of years old Buddhists artifacts. Stupas, caves, Viharas, cisterns that could hold rainwater and many more alike are amongst the common finds at this destination.
12.Tyda: Tyda is a beautiful hill station in Andhra Pradesh, South India, located 40 kms from Araku Valley. Tyda is an excellent tourist spot for the vacationers searching for the mesmerizing views. Birds, rare animal species, rivers and lakes can be easily spotted at this destination. Situated 1529 feet above the sea level, this destination provides a great chance to the revelers to come close to the mother nature. Trekking, rock climbing and shooting are the activities which can indulge travelers in an incomparable touring experience. To get one with the mother nature, the travelers can also plan their stay at Igloo cottages and log huts. September to December is the best time to visit Tyda.
13.Anantagiri Hill: Anantagiri Hill station is located in Andhra Pradesh, South India. The travelers are advised to take a drive from Vishkakhapatnam to Anantagiri hills. While on a long drive, the vacationers would come across to most beautiful vistas of the region. Verdant hills, vast stretch of sea line, rivers, birds and different species of animals can be best viewed at while on a drive to Anantagiri hill station. Nestled on the Elysian Tirumala hills, Anantagiri hills are just 17 kms away from the Araku Valley. The travelers can figure out the spell binding rivulets, unfathomable gorged and farm lands on the low lying hills. Such is the beauty of Anantagiri that it will surely compel you to behold the view of the entire region continuously. The nearest rail head to Anantagiri hill is Srikakulam Railway Station at the distance of 3 km.
14.Ramakrishna Ashram Beach: The Rama Krishna Ashram beach is nestled in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, South India. This vast stretch of emerald beauty offers the revelers an a great chance to laze freely with bare feet in and around the sea shore areas. Perhaps, if the revelers want to observe peace, Ramakrishna beach is genuinely the destination worth to visit. Suffused with serenity and solace only disturbed by the sea waves, this destination is the travelers paradise.
15.Poovar Island, Kerala, South India: The Poovar Island, Kerala, South India attracts is an incomparable tourist hot spot in terms of beauty. It is a small fishing island attracting thousands of vacationers. Legend has that it is the same place where King Solomon`s ship landed. Poovar has been a major trading center in the ancient times. Spices and other products were traded at this place. It is the same place where Maharaja Marathanda was given protection from the enemies by a powerful merchant Moosa Marikkar. It is close to the harbor Vzinjham. Connected very well with the network of lagoons, rivers, lakes, canals, estuaries and deltas finally interspersing in Arabian Sea, this catches every individual`s view. Located 38 km from the main state capital, it takes 15 minutes to reach this place.
