Splendorous South India
A drive down north Kerala and coastal Karnataka
If you are looking for an experience that blends nature, culture, cuisine, ancient temples, and life in small towns, this drive is just for you! The southern part of India offers some of the most Kerala tourist places, along with ancient temples like the Murudeshwar temple that have been drawing devotees for centuries. Explore the small towns and villages of South India, where culture, traditions, and cuisine remain untouched by mass tourism. This road trip will also take you through wild countryside, with chances to spot wildlife and enjoy serene beaches along the way!
Places You Shall Visit
Kalpetta
Our trip starts at Calicut ( Kozhikode ) in Kerala which is well connected by train and air from the rest of the country and Kalpetta in Kerala would be our first stop.
It is a town in the northern part of Kerala and the headquarters of the Wayanad district. This charming small town is located at an altitude of about 2500 feet and is surrounded by dense jungles, mountains and coffee plantations. During your two days of stay at Kalpetta you shall visit some of the most secluded waterfalls, dams (one of which is the largest earthen dam of India), coffee plantations and ancient natural caves dating back to 6000 BCE. And here’s more….a thrilling jungle walk also awaits you at Kalpetta!
What's in store for you here?
During your stay, you shall visit secluded waterfalls, the largest earthen dam in India (Banasura Sagar), and ancient natural caves dating back to 6000 BCE (Edakkal Caves). A thrilling jungle walk also awaits you here, offering a deep dive into the biodiversity of Kerala's highlands.
Madikeri
Madikeri is our next stop which a very popular hill resort of Karnataka. However, it is the drive which would make this day one of the most memorable experiences you would have. This day we shall drive through one of the wildest parts of India as most part of this drive would be through hills and plains with dense forest cover where you have bright chances of spotting wild animals and rare birds right next to the road! A part of this thrilling drive would be along the periphery of the famous Nagarhole Tiger Reserve too.
Perched at an altitude of about 3500 feet, Madikeri is beautiful hill station in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. Apart from its acclaimed coffee, Coorg is also known for its scenic beauty and the origin of the famous Kaveri river located not too far away from this town. The architectural beauty of Madikeri Fort, built by king Mudduraja and later renovated by Tipu Sultan and Omkareshwar temple which show a curious blend of Islamic and Gothic style of architecture, are sights to behold.
What's in store for you here?
Explore the Madikeri Fort, built by King Mudduraja and renovated by Tipu Sultan, and the Omkareshwar temple which displays a curious blend of Islamic and Gothic architecture. The area is a haven for birdwatchers and those hoping to spot wildlife right next to the winding mountain roads.
Murudeshwar
Located about 150kms north of Mangalore, Murudeshwar is famous for the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue, the town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Situated on Kanduka Hill and surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, the town blends stunning coastal views with deep-rooted Hindu mythology tied to the epic Ramayana. Murudeshwar is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of spectacular beaches along with the holy essence that pervades this quaint town.
What's in store for you here?
Apart from the temple, you can head out for world-class scuba diving and snorkeling at Netrani Island. Those preferring land can take an excursion to the scenic Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mangalore
A prominent city in Dakshina Kannada, Mangalore is synonymous with rolling hills, scattered patches of coconut groves, freshwater streams, hard red-clay tiled-roof buildings, pristine beaches, broad roads and calm localities. This slow-paced city preserves the culture, traditions and cuisine of this part of Karnataka in their pristine form. Due to its extraordinary concentration of high-quality, artisanal ice-cream makers Mangalore has earned the title as the “ice-cream capital of India”!
What's in store for you here?
Sample Mangalorean seafood, visit Sultan Battery, and soak up the city’s mix of temple towns and Arabian Sea shoreline before continuing along the coast.
