TRAVEL SECTIONS

WHAT ELSE TO see While in South INdia ?

Here are some suggestions for what to see while you are in South India and the vicinity of Bangalore.  We also provide some possible itineraries.  Do let us know and we can help you plan! 

Here is a map of the locations above, as well as some other major sights
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-ZBlBmRAVPZoQ2z6AS2OIL7m8Tw&usp=sharing

Also, below are some possible itineraries to visit

Trips Around South India

Bombay (1-3 nights)
Note: Bangalore to Bombay is approx 2 hour flight

  • Hotels: Taj, Oberoi / Trident, Four Seasons, InterContinental, Leela, JW Marriott (a bit far)

  • Sights: Victoria Terminus, Gateway of India, Hanging Gardens/Malabar Hill, Colaba area

Goa (~2-3 nights)
Note: Bangalore to Goa is a 1 hour flight

  • Hotels: Leela Goa, Taj Exotica, Goa Marriott, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt

  • Sights: Fort Aguada, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Spice Plantation, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, a number of beaches

Kerala (~2-3 nights)
Note: Bangalore to Cochin is a 1 hour flight

Good article in Washington Post about why Kerala is called "God's Own Country"

  • Hotels: Vivanta by Taj, Holiday Inn Cochin, Trident, Marriott, Le Meridien

  • Sights: Fort Kochi, Pardesi Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Cherai beach; day trips to Alappuzha (~1-2hrs) or Kumarakom (1-2hrs) for beaches / backwater

Quick trips Near Bangalore
 

Shravanabelagola (~2-3 hours by road) - A Jain temple started in 200BC, boasting of the world's largest monolithic stone statue from 1000AD.  Close to Halebedu, the former capital of the 12th century Hoysala Empire.

Hampi (~1-2 nights)
Note: Bangalore to Hampi is ~5-6 hours by road

Hampi is a historical and religious place in India that tells the story of one of India's richest empires at that time. Being a UNESCO world heritage site, the ruins of Hampi is today a museum of Indian religion, architecture and history. You can stay overnight.

Good article in Washington Post about the forgotten empires of Hampi

Mysore (~1-3 nights)
Note: Bangalore to Mysore is ~3-4 hours by road

Mysore is the charming old capital of the State of Karnataka, and has many historical sights, as well as nearby wildlife reserves

  • Hotels : Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Windflower Resort and Spa, Country Inn and suites, Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel.  In nearby Coorg, Orange County Coorg is a nice resort

  • Sights: Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Mysore zoo, Karanji Lake, Shivanasamudra falls, Chamundi Hills, Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, Coorg coffee estates, Kushalanagar

  • Add an extra night: Kabini (Kabini is a wildlife sanctuary where one can spot tigers, deers, elephants and gaurs among other commonly found wildlife)
    Note: Mysore to Kabini is ~1-1.5 hours by road
    Hotel : Jungle lodges (http://www.junglelodges.com/kabini-river-lodge/)