For those who prefer quality time in India, a 7-day trip is ideal, balancing both time and budget. In the vast expanse of South India, the smart choice is to focus on the top attractions in South India. After all, travelers don’t want to miss the famous top spots that are widely recommended. South India has iconic destinations that are truly worth experiencing.
Top Attractions in Bengaluru
The top four attractions in Bengaluru are Lalbagh
Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer
Palace. These sites require time, as there is much to see and cover. While
gardens and parks highlight nature and greenery, and palaces showcase history
and architecture, some features, such as open lawns, walking paths, scenic
views, and garden areas around the palaces, can overlap (KULLU MANALI INDIA ATTRACTIONS).
For those with limited time, quick stops to view the exterior can still cover the main highlights. Not to forget, Bengaluru’s traffic can halt the schedule, affecting how much can be seen in a day.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden - Bengaluru
One of the largest and most iconic gardens
in Bengaluru, covering 240 acres, Lalbagh Botanical Garden was established in 1760
by Hyder Ali and later expanded by his son Tipu Sultan. Located in the central-south
part of Bengaluru, the garden is green, colorful, and cheerful, with over 1,000
species of plants, including rare and exotic flora from Africa, Australia, and
other parts of the world.
It’s a long walk from the entrance, which
also leads to the glasshouse, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. The
glasshouse is a highlight during the biannual flower shows held on Republic Day
and Independence Day, attracting many people, with locals forming at least 70%
of them.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is also famous
for its centuries-old trees, such as the Rajan tree, which is over 200 years
old, and a serene lake that adds to its tranquillity. For locals residing in
Bengaluru, the garden is used for recreational activities, including walking,
jogging along the paths, or simply relaxing on shaded benches. The landscaped
sections showcase seasonal blooms throughout the year.
Throughout the year, Lalbagh hosts events
and exhibitions, such as bonsai displays, gardening workshops, and photography
sessions. As a green space in the heart of Bengaluru, Lalbagh Botanical Garden
remains a favourite spot for its mix of history, horticulture, and relaxation.
Top Attractions in Mysuru - South India
From the list of attractions in Mysuru, the top two are Brindavan Garden and
Mysuru Maharaja's Palace. There are also others, such as Mysuru Zoo (Sri
Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens), St. Philomena’s Cathedral, and Jaganmohan
Palace and Art Gallery. Yet, the top two remain unmatched for their
significance and history.
Brindavan Gardens - Mysuru
Located about 20 kilometers from Mysuru
city, Brindavan Gardens is one of India’s most well-known and beautifully
planned gardens, spread across the area beside the Krishnarajasagara Dam. Built
in the 1930s, the garden is arranged in symmetrical terraces with green lawns,
colorful flowerbeds, and decorative fountains.
The musical fountain show in the evening is the main highlight, drawing large crowds every day. Brindavan Gardens became famous in Indian films during the 1960s to 1980s, often shown as the backdrop for romantic songs. It still holds that same appeal today, with its mix of lights, water displays, and scenic setting that make it one of the top attractions in Mysuru.
Mysuru Maharaja's Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) - Mysuru
The Mysuru Maharaja's Palace, also known as Amba
Vilas Palace, is the main highlight and most famous attraction in Mysuru. It
was once the royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, who ruled the Kingdom of
Mysore. Built in the early 20th century after the old palace was destroyed by
fire, the new structure showcases the Indo-Saracenic style, a blend of Hindu,
Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic architectural designs.
The palace stands out with its grand
domes, arches, and detailed carvings. Inside, the halls and corridors display
royal paintings, antique furniture, and decorative ceilings. The Durbar Hall,
with its stained-glass roof and mosaic floors, is one of the most impressive
parts of the palace. Photography, however, is not allowed inside the palace.
Every Sunday evening, and during the Dussehra festival, the entire palace is illuminated with close to 100,000 light bulbs, turning it into a breathtaking sight. Located right in the city center, Mysuru Palace remains the symbol of the city’s royal history and continues to be one of the most visited attractions in South India.
Nature Attractions in South India: Ooty
& Kodaikanal
Ooty - South India
Located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu,
Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is one of South India’s most popular hill stations. Known
for its hills, tea plantations, and botanical gardens, it has a cool climate
and scenic views throughout the year.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (toy train) runs through the hills, adding a notable feature to the journey. Ooty is also famous for its Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, and well-planned terraced gardens, highlighting cultivated landscapes alongside natural scenery.
Kodaikanal - South India
Situated in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu,
Kodaikanal is a hill station known for its misty valleys, dense forests, and Kodaikanal
Lake. The town is at an altitude that gives it a cool climate throughout the
year. Kodaikanal is also known for Coaker’s Walk, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls,
terraced gardens, and pine forests, highlighting the more forested and natural
aspects of the region.
Kodaikanal Sightseeing
Silver Cascade Falls
Heading up or on the way down from
Kodaikanal town, Silver Cascade Falls is hard to miss. Visible from the drive,
and closer, it is one of the most popular waterfalls in Kodaikanal. The sound
of the cascading water comes from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake, dropping over
180 feet along the rocks. Set against the surrounding greenery, the falls are
popular with locals for dipping and picnicking.
A quick stop of about 15 minutes is enough for photographs and to get close to the water. Well maintained and for safety, Silver Cascade Falls is bordered by a strong, solid fence.
Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary
Deer, wild boars, and a variety of bird species are not the only attractions at
Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary features viewpoints and forested
trails that reveal the full spectrum of Kodaikanal’s unspoiled nature.
It is home to dense Shola forests, patches
of wildflowers, and towering oak and eucalyptus trees, adding color and life to
the trails. Several trekking paths wind deeper into the forest, where deer
graze and wild boars roam the undergrowth, highlighting the untouched
wilderness.
Preserved for its ancient natural beauty,
the sanctuary’s viewpoints are simply stunning. The vistas are so captivating
that it is hard to look away. Between October and March, the skies are clear,
making migratory birds easier to spot. Nearby attractions like Coaker’s Walk
showcase more of Kodaikanal’s breathtaking landscapes.
Guna Caves (Devil’s Kitchen) - Kodaikanal
One of Kodaikanal’s most mysterious and thrilling natural formations is Guna
Caves, known as Devil’s Kitchen. It can be challenging during the rainy season
or when Kodaikanal is misty, as the walking path is jagged with rock faces and
large boulders. While intriguing, Guna Caves can be intimidating too. The caves
are deep, narrow, and often hidden beneath thick vegetation, giving them a
sense of isolation and an untouched wilderness.
The caves earned their nickname from the
eerie sounds of wind passing through narrow crevices and the shadows cast by
sunlight filtering through the rocks. Legend adds to the mystery, with stories
of secret hideouts and unexplored passages. The site is accessible through a
steep trek along forest trails and moss-covered rocks.
The surroundings of Guna Caves reveal biodiversity.
Bird species, small mammals, and unique plant life thrive within the rocky
cliffs and under the forest canopy. Guna Caves remains a destination in
Kodaikanal for adventure seekers, photographers, and those drawn to the wilder,
untamed side of nature.
Kodaikanal Lake
One of the few high-altitude lakes in
South India, Kodaikanal Lake is the heart that brings the town together. It is
the central landmark, with most of the town’s main roads, hotels, and
attractions built around it. Kodaikanal Lake is man-made, created in 1863 by
Sir Vere Henry Levinge, then Collector of Madurai. It also holds ecological
significance, helping maintain the local microclimate and supporting birdlife
in the region.
The surroundings of Kodaikanal Lake include shola forests, eucalyptus trees, and kurinji flowers (which bloom once every 12 years), adding to its appeal. Lined with walking paths and gardens, activities at the lake range from cycling, horse riding, and boating to simply being by the water.
