Awesome Reasons To Visit South India

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The vast majority of tourists to India head to the northern territories, where they find the incredible Taj Mahal and the rest of the Golden Triangle that is always such a popular draw. But for those looking for something different, why not head south? Explorers and travelers who want to see the real India, away from the general tourist traps, will find a lot on offer in the south, and I’m going to go through a few of the key attractions you should check out. Let’s get started right away.

Goa

Goa is a popular destination for party animals from all over the world, and for very good reasons. It’s one of the best places on the planet for nightlife, and its psychedelic beach parties are the stuff of legend. However, anyone going to Goa should take some time out from the 24-hour partying and explore the wider environment. As an old Portuguese colony, the cities of Old Goa and Panaji are perfect for exploring, and provide visitors with a beautiful mix of Indian and Mediterranean cultural influences. Some of the ancient churches and cathedrals are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list, so well worth checking out.

The temples

According to West Nature Cottages, southern Indian destinations such as Ooty and Tamil Nadu are great places for finding some spirituality on your trip to India. Many honeymooners head to these locations to enjoy the vast array of Hindu temples and the gorgeous natural environment they all inhabit. In fact, it’s fair to say that you won’t see a town or city without dozens of temples, and some of them are truly spectacular. Make sure you head down to Madurai, too, to check out the incredible Meenakshi Amman temple that is an amazing feat of architecture from ancient times.

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The beaches

If you want to have a laze on a beautiful Indian beach, head south - but avoid the more traditional areas such as Goa, Varkala, and Kovalam. Instead, explore further afield and head to Pondicherry or the Marina Beach in Chennai. Both beaches are beautiful places that offer the ultimate in relaxation - to almost spiritual levels. Watching the sun go down behind the sea while drinking chai is one of life’s most remarkable experiences - don’t miss out!

Wildlife

Wildlife lovers tend to choose Africa, but there is much to enjoy in South India, too - perhaps more than you might think. Tigers are, of course, the biggest draw for most people, although they tend to be incredibly elusive and hard to spot, even when traveling with a guide. Leopards are common, however, as are Asiatic elephants and the fantastic sambar and gaur. The Indian safari can be just as spectacular as its African cousin, so head south and experience one for yourself.

The locals

Finally, you can expect a warm welcome from South Indian locals, who always tend to be full of smiles and offers of help. Being offered hospitality from complete strangers is common, and even if you are a shy type, it won’t take much for the locals to get you talking!

Spice Up Your Travel with a Bit of Activity

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Train Tour of India

Indian train tours have been a delightful source of inspiration for film makers, poets, authors and even just normal travelers seeking a charming break from boring routines. They offer an exclusive view of the Indian country side: from the tea estates in the Southern most point of India to the Western most corner of Gujarat.

You can fly cheaply into India with Go Air, and then hop on board The IndianMaharaja Deccan Odyssey which is commonly known as the Palace on Wheels as only the royalty of India travelled in this elegant train from Mumbai to Delhi.  Enjoy fascinating onboard activities as the scenic beauty of the Thar Desert passes by. This is just one of the 5 luxury trains that ply through India. For royal treatment, book early and relax deeply aboard these opulent trains.

The Toy train that connects New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling is a fascinating tiny steam train once used to transport potatoes. The hill railway is now considered as a World Heritage Site. The train trudges through the dense forests and vast tea plantations giving you a splendid close view of tea pickers with baskets strapped on their backs.

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Golf Holiday in Turkey

Turkey is a place of mysteries, a melting pot where the Middle East meets the Mediterranean. It has a fascinating heritage bragging of thirteen successive civilizations. Turkey also boasts of some of the finest golf courses in the whole of the Mediterranean region.

For a relaxing seaside Turkish golf experience, Belek is ideal located in the Antalya region. Antalya is also home to the PGA Sultan course curved through lush green eucalyptus and pine described as one of Europe’s finest and attached to Turkeys finestgolf resorts. The magnificent National Antalya is reasonably routed across gently rolling terrain and mature pine and eucalyptus trees. The Antalya Pasha winds its way through the trees and crowns the Sultan beautifully.

If you are awed and inspired by nature visit the Old Course at Gloria golf resort which lies at the beautiful forest at the feet of the Taurus Mountains. It is a challenging course: to score in this course you have to hit the ball well because of the tight tee shots and greens.  

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Surfing in Morocco

Morocco is a place where seemingly all adventures take place: surfing is still in its bucket list of exciting activities you can engage in. Agadir is endowed with some of the best waves and most diverse surf spots in the world.  From the most experienced surfers to the basic learner, Agadir is ideal for a memorable surfing holiday.

Essaouira beach has the perfect conditions for beginners, the excitement of catching your very first magical wave, the fear of the waters and the desire to become one with nature will hook you on to surfing forever. For experienced surfers theTaghazout region has more challenging spots like Sidi Kaouki, The Cave and Imessouane.

Imessouane is a small fishing village with two renowned surfing spots, the Bay and the Cathedrals. At the Bay you can catch a wave as high as 500 meters from the harbor all the way to the beach. You will also be fascinated by the goats climbing trees!

This post comes from Tom at Top BackpackingDestinations