Hi Everyone, Can anybody tell me which is the best place in South India to visit.I am confused between Ooty ,Munnar and Kerala Backwaters & Kanyakumari. And what convene will be suitable for the tour : my own Car or i have to hire a rental cab? Please suggest me.
Hello there, @Rosy Werner! Welcome to the forum! All these destinations are good in their own way. The hill stations of Ooty and Munnar, both are beautiful and scenic. But in a way, Ooty is more commercialised, thus it's well-connected to other cities and has better facilities for tourists. So if you'd like to do many sightseeings and also enjoy shopping plus other activities, then Ooty might be a good choice for you. Ooty can get crowded though during peak tourist season and hotel rates might be higher. On the other hand, if you'd like a place more serene but has stunning beauty, then Munnar is a good choice. It might not be as commercialised as Ooty but in terms of landscapes, it doesn't disappoint. Downside is that it is less accessible and might not have all the tourist facilities you need. It does have some hotels and resorts though they might be priced a bit higher because of the remote location. The Kerala Backwaters is popular amongst tourists. They say having a cruise amidst the water is just like being in Venice, as they are almost the same in terms of sceneries. So if your idea of a vacation is just relaxing and enjoying, then this might be a good choice for you. You get to enjoy the vibe of the real rural life and also enjoy the tranquil environment around you. Lastly, Kanyakumari is another good destination since it has plenty of tourist attractions to explore. If you're the kind of person that loves history, then Kanyakumari might work for you. It has many memorials, statues, forts and temples that you can visit. It also has a number of natural attractions like waterfalls and beaches that you can visit. So for me, the best option out of these four would have to be Munnar. I do like serene destinations the most and Munnar best fits that category. Its untouched landscapes and serenity can certainly help you have a relaxing vacation. Here are some of the best attractions in Munnar that you have to visit: Religious CSI Christ Church - This church has a long history behind it, from once being the location for the burial grounds of British officials and now to being the head church in the region. It was built around the early 19th century and has over 100 years in its history. It is fairly small and located on top of a hillock, giving one a commanding view of the surrounding areas. The structure is made from granite but its roof is made of wood. There are a few stained glass artwork in the windows of the church as well. Mount Carmel Church - At the end of the 18th century, the Mount Carmel Church was established in Munnar. It is the first ever church to be established in the region. A Spanish missionary, by the name of Father Alphonse, headed the church until his death in 1916. You can find his memorial grave located within the church premises. It is also located amidst a hillock thereby giving you a glimpse of the town of Munnar. Bodies of Water Lakkam Waterfalls - This is about 24 kilometres away from Munnar. It is located within the area of the Eravikulam National Park and its water originates from the Eravikulam Stream. There's an entrance fee of Rs. 20 to enter the premises where the waterfalls is located. You also need to walk for five minutes before reaching the waterfalls. The waterfalls fall from a height of about 2,225 metres above sea level. It then cascades into different levels which can be a stunning view especially during monsoon season. The waterfalls create a small pool below in which you can enjoy a dip. However, the rocks are a bit slippery here so be very careful. Attukal Waterfalls - At just about nine kilometres away from Munnar, this is one of the closest waterfalls that you can visit. During monsoon season, the waterfalls become so powerful that the area surrounding it becomes covered in mist. During other seasons, you can enjoy trekking around the waterfalls areas. A small bridge connects one area of the waterfalls to the other, which can be quite a treat to cross. Cheeyappara Waterfalls - One of the few waterfalls in the area wherein waterfalls flow even during summer. It is about 38 kilometres away from Munnar, found along the Cochin Munnar Highway. It is located right on the highway so you would spot tourists flocking near it especially during peak season. The waterfalls cascade into seven layers, which look stunning during monsoon season. There are many eateries around the waterfalls where you can enjoy freshly cooked meals along with the views of the waterfalls. Thoovanam Waterfalls - This waterfalls is located about 50 kilometres away from Munnar. For the adventurous people, this is a good trekking option. You need to trek for about four kilometres to reach the main waterfalls area. But since it's located inside the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, you need to buy an entry ticket to be able to access the waterfalls. The waterfalls look magnificent during monsoon season and post-monsoon season when it's fed by the rains. An added bonus would be being able to see the wildlife amidst your trek to the waterfalls. Thommankuthu Waterfalls - This is located about 18 kilometres away from Munnar. It is famous as the waterfall cascades from seven angles at a height of about 1,500 metres above sea level. You need to trek for about three kilometres from the main entrance to the waterfalls area. It is not as crowded as other attractions though and worth a visit for some tranquility and serenity. Kundala Lake - At about 20 kilometres away from Munnar, Kundala Lake is one of the most popular attractions in the region. Perhaps the lake is most well-known for the rare Kurunji flowers that bloom here every 12 years only. But aside from that, the Kundala Dam, located a few minutes away from the lake, can also be visited. Here, boating facilities are available and it's a must to try boating in the dam. You can also visit the nearby golf course from the lake. Gardens Tea Gardens - There are over 50 tea gardens that you can visit around Munnar. Some of the best tea estates to visit here are the Sevenmallay Estate, AVT Tea and Harrison Malayalam Estate. The highest tea estate in the region, Kollukkumallay, is also worth a visit. At about 2,407 metres above sea level, the views here are stunning. You can sip freshly made tea while enjoying these views. Rose Garden - Although this is a homestay, you can still visit the surrounding Rose Garden for a nominal fee. The entrance fee is just Rs. 20 and you can enjoy the beautiful colours amidst the garden. If you visit during September to May, you'd find that the roses are all in bloom and quite beautiful to see. You can even purchase seeds to grow your own plants or maybe buy some of the herbal products available within the garden. Wildlife Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary - This is about 50 kilometres away from Munnar. The main attraction here is the giant grizzled squirrel, about less than 200 in number in the sanctuary. The giant grizzled squirrel belongs to the endangered species of animals in the country. Other animals that you might be able to spot here are elephants, langurs, sambars and macaques. Since the sanctuary receives relatively less rain, the forests here are dry and deciduous. It's a great attraction if you love nature and wildlife. Museum Kannan Devan Tea Museum - This is just 1.4 kilometres away from Munnar. This museum features the history and process of tea making. There's a documentary presentation shown here that showcases the history of tea. Then, you can also visit and witness the process of tea making here. The entrance fee is quite high so if you're not interested in the topic, you can just skip this place. Otherwise, it's worth a visit for tea lovers and buying freshly made tea here is also recommended. Peaks Echo Point - This is about 13 kilometres away from Munnar. Echo Point is popular for the natural phenomenon wherein you can hear your own voice after screaming in the peak. Thus, it's one of the most popular attractions in the region. It can get very crowded during peak tourist season because, in addition to tourists, there are also numerous stalls around the point. Boating facilities are also available within the premises. Top Station - At about 32 kilometres away from Munnar, you need at least an hour or so to reach Top Station. Once, the Kundala Valley Railway Station was located here, giving it the name Top Station. Some of the remains of the railway station like tracks and signboards can still be spotted here. Other than that, the view from the Top Station is quite stunning, with the Western Ghats on one end and with the Theni Valley on the other. With regards to the vehicle, it depends upon you. It would be more convenient to have your own car but driving can be tiring. But if you'd like the adventure, then go for driving your own car. Hiring a taxi can be very expensive but it's a good option for those who want to relax for the whole vacation. Yet another option would be to hire your own driver for your car, as it can be very convenient to have someone there to drive you from attraction to attraction easily. I hope this helps you!
Personally, I find Ooty to be overrated. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice place, but is often hyped more than deserved. I can't comment on Munnar as I have never been there. Among the choices you listed, if it were for me, I would choose Kerala backwaters. It's a unique trip that needs to be experienced, but also beware of mosquitoes in the houseboat.
