Yes, you read that right, South India is filled with adventures, some known and some hidden. After a well formed research, we present a list of 9 unexplored places of South India that could blow you away.
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Belum Caves, Andhra Pradesh
The Belum Caves are the second largest caves in the Indian subcontinent, and the longest caves in the plains of India, known for its speleothems, such as stalactite and stalagmite formations. The Belum Caves have long passages, galleries, spacious caverns with fresh water and siphons. The tourists are charged an amount of Rs.65.00 for entrance. Foreign Tourists are charged Rs.300.00 per person for entrance. APTDC has installed electronic gates at entrance. After passing through the gates, one can reach the caves by a metal staircase installed by APTDC.
Skandagiri Hills, near Bangalore
Also known as Kalavara Durga, Skandagiri is a mountain fortress located just 70 kms from the city of Bangalore. The photographs suggest that it’s a perfect weekend trip for people living in Karnataka. Only those who have booked for the trek are allowed to trek under the guidance of Certified Nature guides.
Athirappilly Falls, Kerala
One look at this place, and you’ll be in love. Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is nicknamed “The Niagara of India”. Situated in Athirappilly panchayath, Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur district, Kerala, this 80-ft-high waterfall is quite a hotspot for the people living nearby. Visitors can reach the top of the waterfall via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. A steep narrow path also leads to the bottom of the falls. Narrow winding roads, small villages and greenery make for a delightful sight as you make your way up there.
Maravanthe Beach, Karnataka
Maravanthe is a village and a beach near Kundapura, Karnataka, India. Considered as one of Karnataka’s most beautiful beaches by Outlook travel, it is one of the cleanest beaches in the country, it can also get pretty dangerous during high tide.
Halebidu, near Bangalore
Halebidu was the regal capital of the Hoysala empire in the 12th century. It is home to some of the best examples of Hoysala architecture. It is well connected by road and rail from Bangalore. Halebidu is connected by road and rail to Hassan (30 km) and Mysuru (150 km). It is close to Belur, known for its Vaishnavism Hindu temples.
Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu
Nothing short of breathtaking, the Hogenakkal Falls are located on river Kaveri in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. It is known for medicinal baths and hide boat rides, projecting itself as a major tourist attraction. Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world.
St. Mary’s Islands, Karnataka
Also known as Coconut Island and Thonsepar,St. Mary’s Islands are a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka. They are known for their distinctive geological formation of columnar basaltic lava. On research it came up that the basalt of the St. Mary’s Islands was formed by sub-aerial sub-volcanic activity around 88 million years ago when Madagascar was attached to India. The islands form one of the four geological monuments in Karnataka state, one of the 26 Geological Monuments of India declared by the Geological Survey of India in 2001. The only way of getting to the islands is by boat.
Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
A small village located right on the bank of the river Pennar in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, Gandikota is also known as the Grand Canyon of India. Getting there might be a bit of an adventure, but once you’re inside the place, there are no means of transportation.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
A coffee enthusiast would know the importance of Araku valley. Famous for its coffee plantations, Araku Valley is a Hill station in Visakhapatnam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is a valley in the Eastern Ghats inhabited by different tribes. A perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the city, this valley is surrounded by mountains like Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta and Chitamogondi.

