South India, with its rich culture, scenic landscapes, and architectural wonders, offers travellers a unique experience. From beautiful beaches to ancient temples, every corner of this region is worth exploring. To truly enjoy a trip through South India, comfort and convenience are essential. A Tempo Traveller is the perfect way to travel around the diverse states of South India. Whether you are travelling with family, friends, or a group, a Tempo Traveller provides the space, comfort, and ease to explore at your own pace.
Why Choose a Tempo Traveller for Your South India Journey?
Tempo Travellers are designed for group travel. They offer ample space for passengers, ensuring everyone has a comfortable journey. With air conditioning, comfortable seats, and enough legroom, long trips become easy and pleasant. Many Tempo Travellers also come with entertainment systems, which make the journey enjoyable for everyone.
The flexibility of travelling in a Tempo Traveller allows you to create your itinerary. You can decide when to start your journey and where to stop along the way. This freedom is crucial when exploring South India, as there are countless places to visit, and a rigid schedule may not allow you to fully enjoy them.
Starting Your Journey: Chennai
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is the perfect starting point for your South Indian adventure. It offers a mix of modern and traditional culture. Start your exploration at Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world. Stroll along the shore or visit nearby landmarks like the San Thome Basilica or Fort St. George, a reminder of India’s colonial past.
From Chennai, you can take a short drive to Mahabalipuram, known for its UNESCO World Heritage temples and rock-cut sculptures. The Shore Temple, built in the 7th century, stands tall against the crashing waves of the Bay of Bengal, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Temple Hopping in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is famous for its ancient temples. A Tempo Traveller will take you comfortably from one majestic temple to another. Head to Kanchipuram, also known as the City of a Thousand Temples. The Kailasanathar Temple is one of the oldest and most beautiful here.
Next, make your way to the city of Thanjavur. The Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see. Its towering structure, intricate carvings, and massive Nandi statue are awe-inspiring.
Madurai, with the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, is another essential stop. The temple’s colourful towers and detailed sculptures will leave you mesmerized. Your Tempo Traveller makes travelling between these ancient sites easy and convenient, letting you enjoy each temple without worrying about transport.
Into the Heart of Kerala
As you leave Tamil Nadu, the lush green landscapes of Kerala welcome you. Known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala is a land of stunning natural beauty. Start your Kerala journey in Kochi, a coastal city that blends old-world charm with modern energy. Visit Fort Kochi for a glimpse into the region’s colonial history and watch the famous Chinese fishing nets at work.
From Kochi, drive to Munnar, a hill station covered in tea plantations. The cool climate and rolling hills make Munnar a perfect retreat. Visit the tea gardens, take a boat ride on the serene lakes, or simply enjoy the view from your Tempo Traveller as you drive through the winding roads.
Kerala is also famous for its backwaters. Head to Alleppey, where you can hop on a houseboat and cruise through the tranquil backwaters. The lush green surroundings and peaceful waters create a calming experience that is hard to find elsewhere. While you relax on the houseboat, your Tempo Traveller waits onshore, ready to take you to the next destination.
Exploring the Coastal Beauty of Karnataka
From Kerala, make your way north to Karnataka. This state offers a blend of coastal beauty and rich history. Start in the coastal town of Mangalore, where you can enjoy pristine beaches and fresh seafood. The relaxed atmosphere makes Mangalore a great place to unwind.
From Mangalore, drive to the town of Udupi, famous for its Krishna Temple and delicious vegetarian cuisine. The nearby Malpe Beach offers a peaceful retreat, and a short boat ride will take you to St. Mary’s Island, known for its unique rock formations and clear waters.
Karnataka is also home to the historic city of Mysore. The Mysore Palace, with its grand architecture and stunning interiors, is one of the most visited landmarks in India. A visit to the Chamundi Hills, where the Chamundeshwari Temple stands, provides a beautiful view of the city below.
Unveiling the Ruins of Hampi
No trip to South India is complete without a visit to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, and its ruins spread across a vast area. Exploring these ruins can take a full day, but the experience is unforgettable. Temples, markets, and royal structures lie scattered across the landscape, offering a glimpse into the past.
Travelling through Hampi in a Tempo Traveller makes the journey comfortable, as the site is vast, and walking between different points of interest can be tiring. The Virupaksha Temple, the Stone Chariot, and the Vitthala Temple are some of the key highlights of Hampi that you should not miss.
Discovering the Natural Beauty of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is a state filled with natural wonders. A Tempo Traveller is the perfect vehicle to explore its diverse landscapes. Start your journey in Visakhapatnam, a coastal city with beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints. The drive along the coastline offers breathtaking views, especially from places like Kailasagiri Hill Park.
Make your way to Araku Valley, a picturesque hill station known for its coffee plantations and waterfalls. The lush greenery and cool climate make it a great place to relax. On the way to Araku, you can also stop by the Borra Caves, which are filled with fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Visiting the Spiritual Sites of Tirupati
Tirupati, located in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in India. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple attracts millions of devotees each year. Travelling to Tirupati in a Tempo Traveller ensures that your journey is comfortable, especially when travelling with family or a large group.
The temple is located on Tirumala Hill, and the drive-up offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After visiting the temple, you can explore other nearby spiritual sites, such as the Kapila Theertham and the Sri Kalahasti Temple.
The Beauty of Pondicherry
As you make your way back towards Tamil Nadu, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Pondicherry. This former French colony is known for its charming streets, colonial architecture, and serene beaches. The French Quarter, with its colourful houses and quaint cafes, offers a unique experience in South India.
Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful retreat for spiritual seekers, and take a stroll along the Promenade Beach. The peaceful atmosphere of Pondicherry makes it a perfect place to relax and unwind after a long journey through South India.
Final Stop: Rameswaram
End your journey in the town of Rameswaram, located on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. This sacred town is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, with the Ramanathaswamy Temple being the main attraction. The temple’s long corridors and intricately carved pillars are impressive sights.
Take a drive across the Pamban Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland. The view of the sea from the bridge is breathtaking, and it’s a great way to conclude your South Indian adventure.
Conclusion
Exploring the wonders of South India with a Tempo Traveller ensures that you travel in comfort and style. Whether you're visiting ancient temples, scenic hill stations, or serene beaches, a Tempo Traveller makes the journey enjoyable and hassle-free. With the freedom to create your itinerary, you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of South India. So gather your friends or family, book a Luxury Tempo Traveller, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through this fascinating region!