10 Unexplored Places in South India That Have Been Ignored for Far Too Long!

India is a land of undiscovered secrets. In case you have covered most of the tourists' places in South India and want to explore the offbeat places, hereby taking you to a tour to some of the exciting locations that will fill your bucket list for memorable memories. 

1. Vattakanal

Located 7 km away from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, this small village is away from commercialisation and known for its serene mountain locations. Hidden in Palani range of Western Ghats and covered with dense forest Vattakanal attracts a lot of bag packers, hippies who generally visit this awesome place between September to December as the weather is cold, full of greenery and suitable for a relaxing holiday. It is also called as Little Israel as Israeli people’s invasion is high in this area, where they use to flock together at a specific span of time just for chilling. Locals called this place by Vetta. 

2. Chimmony and Ponmudi

Located 53 km from Trivendrum city in Kerala, Ponmudi is also called Kashmir of Kerala and is a popular honeymoon destination in South India. this place is filled with tea-plantations, lush green hills and Hidden amidst the unexplored corners of the surreal Western Ghats, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary can be your hideout away from the city life. 

3. Athirapilly Falls

Located 60 km from the Thrissur district of Kerala, Athirapally Falls is a marvellous cascade of frothy waters which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. It is often known as the Niagara Falls of India" as it is the largest waterfall in Kerala, which stands tall at 80 ft and wide by 330. From here, the Athirapally falls flows through the lush greenery of Vazhachal Forest towards the Arabian Sea, creating a magnificent view of bubbling water, emerald jungles and bright sky. The place is a perfect hideout for the people who want to spend some time away from the maddening crowds of the city .  

4. Araku Valley. 

Located on the Eastern Ghats at an altitude range of 900 to 1400 meters above sea level, Araku is a perfect tourist destination with a pleasant climate, lush greenery, waterfalls and streams. It is located at a distance of 112 km from Vizag and a hidden tourists sport for both nature & wildlife lovers Surrounded by various mountains like Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta and Chitamogondi. Jindhagada Peak, the valley is popular for its forests, lovely orchards and the coffee plantations. The valley is also a home to many tribal communities who exhibits rich tribal traditions. 

 5. Devbagh Beach

Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, Devbag beach is located in Malvan in Sindhudurg district of southern Maharastra.  The serene beach is known for Boat rides, Dolphin sightseeing, exciting water sports activities, cruises. The best part of the beach is the confluence of the Arabian sea with Karli River - a place little further to Devbagh beach called "Devbagh Sangam". The sunset at this beautiful beach is worth to watch for!

6. Nagarhole National Park

A part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole National Park is one of Karnataka’s best wildlife getaways. Spread across the verdant surroundings of Mysore district, the park is home to many predators like Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena & Herbivores like Elephants, Chital, Sambar Deer, and Barking Deer.  It is also under consideration for of UNESCO's World Heritage Site. The park is also is declared as thirty-seventh Tiger Reserve in India and serves as a great attraction for photography enthusiasts in the present times. 

7. Badami Caves

Set in the Bagalkot District of north Karnataka, this town in the 6th century was the capital city of the Chalukya dynasty. Badami Cave is famous for its rock-cut structural temples. 4 cave temples in Badami exhibit brilliant carvings with the sculptures of gods from the Hindu pantheon. Badami has been selected as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India. 

8. Pollachi

Located about 40 km to the south of Coimbatore, Pollachi is a gem to be discovered. It is a paradise to traveller offering a spectacular view of misty mountains, tall coconut trees, tea gardens, adventure activities. A melange of culture, religion and nature, this spot is one of the preferred choices of Directors for shooting movies too. Only a few know Pollachi is a major centre for cattle trade also. 

9. Tharangambadi (Tranquebar)

This place certainly lives up to its name Tharangambadi which means ‘Place of the singing wave’. Danish Fort and buildings of Danish architecture are the main attractions exhibiting Danish colonial history of this town. It can be your ideal getaway destination in South India for an unusual and tranquil experience. 

10. Thalassery or Tellicherry

Commonly known as ‘Paris of Malabar’, an evening spent on the coast of this small town would tell you why it is called so. Being the birthplace of cakes & bakeries, the place has a rich culinary culture. A city of cakes, cricket and circus, there are innumerable tourist spots in Teliicherry, even though it is hardly explored.  Major tourist attractions of Thalassery include the English Church, Fisherfolk Temple, Overbury's Folly, Thalassery Fort, Juma Masjid and The bungalow of Herman Gundert, the German missionary who compiled the first Malayalam-English dictionary.