A romantic Cloudy View of a beach near Kailasagiri at 5 pm.
Road /Rail/Aerial Routes:
Since it is one of the major coastal towns in India. It is well-connected to major towns in India. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Amritsar. It has connectivity from all around India by rail.
Vizag has a significant airport connected to major cities in India.
MAP:
bengaluru visakhapatnam road rail
The Calcutta National Highway is a smooth road to reach Visakhapatnam from either side. APSRTC bus service provides ample buses to reach there from major cities of South India. KSRTC and TNSTC (Tamil Nadu Transport) also provide connectivity there. In addition, private buses are available whose bookings can be done majorly on red bus.
Time to Visit:
Mid-Oct to Mid-March
Entrance to Indira Gandhi Zoo
Spend Time With:
Since this place’s visit was a continuation of the Araku Valley trip, I just boarded a bus to Visakhapatnam from Araku. And then it was all about local buses. It made local sightseeing convenient for me there. I reached in the afternoon at Visakhapatnam and I covered what I could in the span of 6-7 day hours I had…
Visakhapatnam local bus charges: 50-60 INR
Kailasagiri Tourism: 5 INR
Toy Train Ride: 150 INR
Food: 200 INR
To Chennai: 600 INR (same day left, so no hotel charges)
The Kerala State of India has much to offer regarding greenery, forests, hills and beaches. One of the top spots we all know is Alappuzha, specifically for boat rides in backwaters in the early morning or sunset or just making a boathouse stay for a day or two, perfect for a honeymoon in winters-point noted! Cochin offers a Goa vibe with Portuguese and Jewish influence, beautiful beaches, boat rides and plenty of history. Ponumdi-many might not know, and it’s good because it’s less visited compared to Munnar or Ooty, and that’s why it’s peaceful being here with stunning views, more so after monsoons. If I was a resident of Thiruvananthapuram, off to Ponmudi every month at least once-it’s a must-visit place-trust me!
15 reasons why you must visit Cochin, Alappuzha and Ponmudi:
Ponmudi is a must-visit hill station in south India owing to its natural beauty and cool temperature-one of the top 3 hill stations for me in South India. Some notable tourist attractions in Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point, Golden Valley near Kallar River, deer park, Ponmudi Falls and Meenmutty Falls.
You can also try the Ponmudi trekking through the streams of Seethatheertham in Ponmudi.
The divine Ponmudi view
The stunning Fort Kochi Beach allows you to peep through the cultures and traditions of Kerala. There are a plethora of Chinese Fishing Nets here that are used for fishing by the locals.
Walking from Fort Kochi to Jew Street in Mattancherry, you can buy antiques and souvenirs. Also, the vibe of travelling through this street is unique and different; yes, it’s worth a visit.
Fishing nets,Cochin
Alappuzha is a host to several lakes and lagoons, hence called the Venice of the East. Houseboats on Alleppey backwaters are the prime attraction which can be used for a stay like a hotel, for activities like Sunset viewing, stargazing, paddy fields and village watching.
Alleppey Beach is a great clean beach with amusement facilities at Vijaya Beach Park, especially in the early morning and late evening when the cool breeze plays its part.
Vembanad Bird Sanctuary at Kumarakom in the Kottayam region on the banks of the Vembanad Lake gives a view of birds who fly from abroad for a few months here with the help of houseboats.
Location: About 450-500 km south of Bangalore and Mangalore lies Cochin, from where Alappuzha, Trivandrum and Ponmudi are within 300 km.
Alleppy backwaters. Alappuzha
Tourist Attraction on the spot:
Ponmudi hill station; Cherai Beach, Mattancherry palace, Vypin, Marine drive, FortKochi, Vasco Da Gama Square, Chinese fishing nets, Naval Museum, Alappuzha beach and backwaters-Marari beach.
1)Except for Ponmudi, the other two places, Cochin and Alappuzha, are better visited between October and early February when it’s a bit less warm and much less humid. Carry an umbrella in any case because the afternoon will burn your head anyway!
2)Cochin has some historical places to see like Jew Market, the Portuguese establishment and some museums which you should give ample time to.A day will be more than sufficient. Don’t forget a ferry ride from Ernakulam to Kochi.
3)Ponmudi is the most lovely hill station in the south for me, and I recommend you as well -at least visit once. It is just 1.5 hours by bus from Thiruvananthapuram and is worth an all-day stay. Get on top of the water tank or the tower and see the magnificent view of the Western Ghats – it’s not to be missed! If it is drizzles-more lovely with the sun peeping through the clouds!
5)You can make a trip to Munnar if you wish to as it’s just 3 hours from Cochin by state bus. Also, Kanyakumari is pretty close to Thiruvananthapuram-that can be covered as well.
Submarine on way to Fort Kochi
RAIL: Except for Ponmudi, for which Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest railway station, Cochin and Alappuzha have their own, with most trains making a halt.
AIR: Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram have big airports.
ROAD: The connectivity by road to these three places is well established. After reaching Thiruvananthapuram via Alappuzha from Cochin, you can get a bus to Ponmudi every hour. Kerela SRTC offers excellent bus services 24/7.
Map:-
Kochi-Alappuzha-Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Map
Time to Visit:
October-March will be the least humid and best time to be here. Ponmudi has to be your must-visit place
Ponmudi has to be on your must visit place
Spend Time With:
Family, Friends,Solo, Couple,Groups
Food and Lodging:
There are plenty of hotels in Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram, so there are no issues with that anytime. Ponmudi has a resort or two-but. It’s more of a picnic spot, and I am guessing you aren’t allowed at the top at nights-so. Thiruvananthapuram is your base. Alappuzha has many houseboats to stay in, so there are no issues. For food, Cochin-Trivandrum has options but be ready to get mostly local cuisines-you’ll get vegetarian food as well!
Expense:
A 3-day full-fledged tour will cost:
A view from house boat, Alappuzha
Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X3
Transport: At most times, say Cochin or Ponmudi, you’ll all be in buses-the max cost must be around INR 600-700, and a solo boat ride will cost around an INR 1000 for a 2-3 hours ride at Alappuzha. Lodging: INR 700/day X2 (1 night in Cochin and other night in Trivandrum)
Entry Fees include various places: INR 100 at most.
Road to heavens
Total: 4100 INR(Boating is a must in Alappuzha -that’s why you are here!)
Want a weekend gateway to forest areas from Bengaluru-Look no further -Wayanad in Kerala and the adjacent district of Karnataka that is Coorg is waiting for you. When the monsoon calls it quits leaving a trail of fresh air and green aura, that’s when you should be here, seeing overflowing Iruppu Falls, the gigantic Cauvery river at Talacauvery, the tea estates in Wayanad, and beautiful treks like Pakshipatalam or Brahmagiri trek.
15 Reasons why you must visit Ooty and Coonoor:
Ooty is one of India’s most visited year destinations and should be on your charts if you make it to south India.
Doddabetta Peak
You could go boating in the beautiful Ooty Lake or to Pykara lake to enjoy a boat ride in paddle boats, motorboats, or rowing ones with your friends or family. Cycling and horse riding around the lake is equally enjoyable.
The Nilgiri Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must rail journey in India, starting from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam and crossing about 250 bridges and 16 tunnels. You can halt at places like Coonoor, Wellington, and Lovedale on the way to Ooty.
Four hundred feet Kalhatti Falls in Bellikal is known for lush greenery around the falls and birds unique to this region.
The Nilgiri railways dotting the plains of Ooty
Visit Doddapetta park, which houses the highest point, the Doddapetta peak offering beautiful views of Nilgiri hills and Chamundi hills and the sunset through telescopes and binoculars.
Coonoor, another hill station near Ooty, is famous for its tea plantations and is at a good height of about 2000 meters offering splendid views of the valleys and vast hilly regions.
Dolphin’s Nose is located about 1500 m above sea level and is one of the most frequented places by tourists in Coonoor. There are canyons and valleys with lush green hills, along with a clear view of the Catherine Falls.
Three kilometers from Coonoor, Highfield Tea Factory, is a place for tea lovers to learn how tea is processed, packaged, and shipped. You can also get some tea for your friends and family, chocolates, and eucalyptus oil.
Location: Ooty is 300 km south of Bengaluru via Mysuru and 600 southwest of Chennai via Erode.
The lake in Ooty boasts good boating facilities
Tourist Attraction on the spot:
Ooty: Ooty Boat House, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak Telescope house, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line; Coonoor: Pykara waterfalls, Sim’s Park, Catherine Water Falls, Rangaswamy Peak
Tea estates in Ooty is pretty common and pretty to look
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:
1)Ooty and Coonoor are pleasant hill stations throughout the year-I was here in May, and the climate was just mindblowing. So hop in anytime monsoons from June to September are better avoided.
2)Hotels can get damn expensive and scarce in summers, which is the peak season, so get yourself a booking or hard luck. Off-season getting a hotel is no big deal, even with no booking.
3) Some tours are organized to see tourist spots at Coonoor and Ooty. Check them out on relevant sites and travel agents in and around Ooty.
4)Buses are an excellent way to travel to some tourist spots and in and out of big cities to and fro Ooty. They are economical and have a good frequency.
5)Food at restaurants can be damn costly. What can save you bucks is having idli-dosa on the streets or small hotels-They are tasty authentic, and cheap! However, North Indian hotels will be a lot more expensive.
Flowers from Botanical Garden
RAIL: Nearest railway stations are Ooty as well as Coonoor. There’s a toy train plying between Mettupalayam and Ooty, and Mettupalayam is connected to Coimbatore by a broad gauge line.
ROAD: You can come from pretty much anywhere to Ooty. TNSTC and KSRTC have excellent bus services directly to Ooty.
Map:-
Chennai-Erode-Coimbatore-Coonoor-Ooty road route
Bengaluru-Mysuru-Ooty-road-route
Time to Visit:
Except for rains-June to August-anytime is fine.
Catherine falls,Ooty
Spend Time With:
Family, Friends, Solo, Couple, Groups
Food and Lodging:
Food isn’t an issue but is costly, especially if you ask for out-of-context north Indian cuisines. Grab idli dosas, and you’ll do fine. Talking about hotels-in peak seasons, it’s not easy to get cheap, and the best hotels-its full jammed. Better book in advance through Goibibo, Makemytrip, or the Yatra website; that will save hassle and bucks.
Expense:
A 2 day wholesome trip in Ooty and Coonoor will cost:
Ketti Valley
Food: INR 150/person/day(3 times a day)X2
Transport: There are shared tours happening-you. I need to do a bit of google search -take it as INR 1000. Else you can hop for bus services for main spots only which will cost INR 500.
Lodging: INR 800/day X2 (1 day in Ooty and other at Coonoor)
Entry Fees include various places (varies): Assume INR 300 as there are entry fees on several sites (including boating on sharing basis)
Avalanche Lake or Emeralad Lake
Total: 3300 INR(INR 3800 if a shared tour is taken, which is a better way to go)
Hampi has to be on your bucket list – trust me, it’s the historical masterpiece that gets the most points from me. In the extensive area of some 30 sq. km. You get to see a lot and what’s interesting is that you hardly see repetitions. The architecture changes according to the purpose that the building serves. That variety makes it more than exciting, and even though it’s a historic place, you’ll love it if you aren’t a historic freak just like me! Don’t forget to see the Tungabhadra reservoir over the Tungabhadra river-its park and reservoir site are yummy to watch-the waters glittering against sunlight. The beautiful dam construction that leads to a beautiful garden makes it all worth being here! It’s easy to be here and hardly takes much time to visit, so you can also manage to visit this place.
Eight beautiful reasons why you must visit Hampi:
Hampi is a must-visit as it used to be once the wealthiest city in India and the second-largest city after Beijing. It was spread over a large area and was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire in the 14th century.
The Chariot,Hampi
The stone chariot at the Vittala Temple marks the symbol of the great Hampi empire. A must not be missed tourist spot!
There are several temples in and around, like-Virupaksha temple and the Vijaya Vittala temple being the must-visit ones.
Anjuna and Matunga Hills are the hills where you can plan for a short trek and get a panoramic view of the historic city from the hilltops and catch a brilliant sunset.
Elephant’s Stable Hampi
You can reach the Hampi Bazaar near the Virupaksha temple, which was once a busy marketplace for trading silk, gemstones, and other precious items.
You can visit a street where once diamonds used to be sold, called the Pan Supari Street; also, you can visit Vittal Temple, known for its outer Musical Pillars as the pillars produce music.
There are several other temples and ponds like Pushkarini, museum, Hemakunta Temple complex, and Tungabhadra river to visit, enough to take about a day provided you hire an autorickshaw.
Location: Hampi is about 350 km northwest of Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India.
The beautiful Hampi
Tourist Attraction on the spot:
You have the Archeological Remains and Tungabhadra Reservoir to visit around Hospet.
1)Hampi is an all-year-round tourist place, but it is best if you come between September and February, offering a pleasant climate. 2)The public transport in this area is next to nil. So either has 2-3 days to cover all places on foot or hire an auto and see the sites in under 6-7 hours. For Tungabhadra reservoir, you have a bus every hour, so that’s not an issue. 3)As I say for most trips, have an umbrella, a water bottle, and snacks as you need to walk around the Hampi region and choose the early morning hours to avoid the scorching heat of the afternoon.
The Hampi Archaeological Museum
RAIL: Hospet is the nearest railway station to Hampi.
AIR: Hubli airport is the nearest though Mysuru/Bengaluru may be more convenient.
ROAD: There’s a single well-metaled road to Hampi via Hospete from Bengaluru. The Hospet-Hubli section is rough and patchy or a smooth roller. Direct buses to Hospet are available by KSRTC.
Map:
Bengaluru to Hampi Map
Time to Visit:
August to March is an excellent time to be here.
Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple
Spend Time With:
Friends, Groups, Solo, Couple, Family
Food and Lodging:
Hampi is a place to visit, so it has a few hotels, but Hospete will be better for accommodation, and freshening up-hotels are cheap- no booking needed. Food is trouble here, so have snacks and water with you.
Expense:
A day trip will cost:
Tungabhadra Reservoir
Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X1
Transport: To do local sightseeing only at Hampi will cost INR 700 by booking a local auto. Reaching this majestic historical city from Hospet and from Hospete to Tungabhadra will cost around INR 200 bucks approx.
