3 Offbeat sites in South India

India is a country with many destinations worth exploring for a holiday. I shall focus on 3 offbeat sites in South India. Here is an insight into the unexplored, offbeat sites of Kodaikanal, Coorg and Yelagiri.

Kodaikanal is situated in the hills of taluk division of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is also known as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’. The climate is pleasant and the best time is April to June and from September to October.

• Berijam Lake– the most beautiful lake in South India is 21 km from Kodaikanal. The lake has pure water and is the main resource of water for Periyakulam, that is located in the valley below Kodaikanal. Pine forest surrounds this lake where ‘magic mushrooms’ can be found in abundance. It is an excellent trekking route, but one has to be careful as there are wild animals like bison and leopard.

• Kodai Lake The lake is beautiful and contributes to the picturesque hill station of Kodaikanal. It is in a shape of a star and has been artificially constructed over an area of 60 acres.
There are other places worth visiting here like Bryant Park, Kurinji Temple, Flora and Fauna Museum, SilverCascade Falls and Subrahmanya Temple.

Coorg– Located in the state of Karnataka, is a charming place with its range of hills, coffee plantations, and sweet oranges. Coorg has a lot to offer an adventure tourist with its high hills and valleys for amazing trekking experience. Coorg can be approached from 3 states of India; Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Beautiful coffee plantations can be seen here.

• Jungles of Coorg: Poisonous snakes can be spotted in the jungles of Coorg. Green snake and a viper resting on the leaves is an awesome experience. You can also find cardamom plantations. The atmosphere is peaceful.
• Dubare Elephant camp: You can take an elephant ride in Dubare. Dubare elephant camp lets you explore them closer and watch elephants.
One could stay in Kodagu valley which is a secluded place away from the commotion of Madikeri town. A stay in Coorg or Kodagu valley is different in many ways; weather, the people, the greenery, the smell of spices….

Yelagiri– it is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu near the leather town Vaniambadi, Jolarpettai Railway station around 20 kms and from Tiruppattur around 27 kms. Yelagiri is not a renowned tourist destination in South India Holiday packages like Ooty, Munnar etc. but is worth exploring. The tall hill is visible from other hills in the surroundings as you cross Vaniambadi. Yelagiri Hill is located at a height of 1050 meters above sea level. Some renowned spots for sight-seeing at Yelagiri Hills are

• Punganur Lake span across 57000 square meters is an ideal place for boat riding.

• Nature Park has plenty of trees, walkways, beautiful lighted fountains, flower gardens and a fish aquarium.

• Trekking at Yelagiri Hills: trekking assistance is given by Tourist Information center at Yelagiri. Some of the  trekking options worth checking out are – information center to Sunset Point 2km, Puthur to Perumadu Waterfalls -3km, Nilavur to Jalagamparai-6km. A visit to Yelagiri is quite enjoyable and refreshing.

So, go ahead and check out these offbeat destinations and have a wonderful time!