The Hill Station of South India

Adventure, Destinations, Domestic

The Southern region of India is known as being a hot, humid but, vibrant part of the country. The region is graced by many dance forms. Delicious food, colorful rituals, scenic beaches, tall trees, beautiful dress attire and more, but the only thing that we do not associate the southern part of India with it is snowing! Whenever we plan out a hill station holiday location, we always look for North India locations. It is always a debate between Manali or Shimla. But, if you are a little adventurous then it could be either Gulmarg or Auli. But, you’ll be surprised to know that the south part of has two such scenic spots that are said to be as chilly as the hill stations of North India.

LAMBASINGI

In the state of Andhra Pradesh lies a little quaint village called Lambasingi. The village is situated at a height of 3280 feet above sea level and is located around 100 km away from the city of Visakhapatnam. It has been given the title of the ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’ for its natural and untouched beauty. The Lambasingi hills is the only place in the southern region of India that entertains snowfall! It gained popularity in 2012 after its temperature dropped down to the sub-zero level. During the summer or spring months, this place receives sunlight after 10 am. The temperatures during the winter months remain between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius. It is regarded as the only place of southern India that is said to receive snowfall. Though it is not actually snowfall but dew which gets frozen due to the temperature near the freezing point. The place is surrounded by hilly regions, tall leafy trees, and lush forests, making it one of the most eye-pleasing places to visit in the southern part of India.

The Araku Valley is a famous hill station of Andhra Pradesh that is 114 kilometers away from the district of Visakhapatnam. The valley is located at a height of 911 m above sea level. Covered with the best natural occurrences like mesmerizing forests, scenic waterfalls, rich plantations, and steeping landscapes make this place a natural paradise. The place has been inhabited by a tribal group. The tribal people can be seen selling their handicrafts and artworks which act as one of the best souvenirs for you to take back home. The tribal people are known for performing their traditional dance called the Dhimsa dance while dressed in their tribal colourful attire, a must-see for tourists. The Araku Valley is also great for coffee addicts as it is one of the premium manufacturers of India’s first tribal growers’ organic coffee brand. Hence, providing you with the best kind of warmth in the winter seasons. You can also take these coffee beans home as they have been planted and nurtured in the utmost well manner. The hanging cottages, tribal museum and toy train rides are also great to experience.

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The Kothapally waterfalls are located near Paderu in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. A 27-kilometer ride away from the ‘Kashmir of India’, Lambasingi is a beautiful location. Frequent visitors of the northern hill station might have noticed how densely populated spots or places that receive a large footfall are not able to maintain the serenity of the place. But you’ll be glad to know that because the Kothapally waterfalls hasn’t been majorly discovered by tourists, its beauty is still intact. The place has not witnessed any form of construction or crowd, making it one of the most beautiful waterfalls to encounter. The place has one of the cleanest waters that are bound to take away all your stress away. The view of the falls is absolutely pristine that instantly calms down your nerves. Not many people are aware that the Kothapally waterfalls were discovered until only recently. They are the discovery of a village boy named Vanthala Abbi.

Located near the city of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh is Uppada beach. The beach is a two and a half hours car ride away from the Lambasingi. One of the cleanest beaches of South India, Uppada beach is one of the best places to enjoy your holiday. It is known for its wide shore which gives you ample to discover on foot. Since the shore has a wide shoreline with a gradual inclination, it is marked as one of the safest beaches. Hence, you can leave your child free to wander, build sandcastles or stare at the glaring sun setting at the end of the day. The Uppada beach is also the fitting spot to take out your cricket bat or football. As there is a lot of space, you can play a game of cricket, football, and volleyball. A small run on the beach shore is also ideal for some soulful time. You’ll also be able to spot many fishermen involved in their daily routine tasks. Tourists who want to try fishing can get real experience with the local fishermen of the arena. The restaurants and cafes located nearby offer great seafood for you to try.

The Ghat road is one of the most scenic routes near the village of Lambasingi. The place encompasses thick fog and chilly winds during the winter seasons, making it ideal to walk and discover the natural beauty that surrounds the path. It is an apt place for you to indulge in a walk either alone or with your partner.

The Thajangi Reservoir is located just six kilometres away from the Lambasingi village. If you are going to travel to Visakhapatnam from Lambasingi then you’ll be able to come across this reservoir in between your travel. The place is perfect as an apt spot location for you to rest from the exhausting ride. The mesmerizing view of the flowing water and hills in the background allows your senses to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. One glance of this reservoir will prompt you to take out your camera and catch this stunning reservoir.

How to reach Lambasingi?

Reaching Lambasingi is very easy. You can easily reach the village through the road connected to Visakhapatnam. The village is about a 100 km drive away from the city centre. Since the village area is not entirely developed, you will face some difficulties in getting an accommodation facility. Though tourists can choose to stay at Visakhapatnam, as the city is quite diverse in its facilities.

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LAKKIDI

Lakkidi is located in the picturesque district of Wayanad at the height of 700m above sea level in the state of Kerala. While travelling from Adivaram to Lakkidi you’ll come across slope hills, green trees, blooming petals and alluring views that will take you across the scenic Ghat pass. The widely spread of nature’s phenomenons has no bounds or limitations. It has been encompassed on a large scale that is both soothing and blissful. It is also regarded for being a calm hill station as many tourists are not aware of the serenity and tranquil winds it surrounds itself with. Though lately, it has gathered a few budding artists and poets who look for search for such places where they can channelize their creative energies. Lakkidi is regarded as one of the highest locations in Wayanad. The area receives a heavy onset of rainfall. It has a record of receiving the second highest degree of rainfall in the world.

The Pookot lake is one of the most popular tourist spots of the Wayanad district of India. This scenic freshwater lake is surrounded by dense green forests and landscapes. The main streams of the Kabini River, the Panamaram Rivulet begins from the Pookot Lake that then continues its waters into the Panamaram Valley. The freshwater of the lake is home to many varied and vibrant fish that attract a lot of visitors, especially young kids. Children will also have fun boating on the waters of the lake, enjoying rocking the swings of the Children’s Park, glaring at the fishes of the aquarium and visiting the greenhouse located near the Pookot Lake. Tourists who love art and craft side of a place can also try spending time at the Handicrafts and Spices Emporium.

The Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshmana Perumal Temple is one of the oldest Rama Temples of South India. According to hearsays, the temple was visited by Lord Rama and Lakshmana. In the caves of the Vennimala, many philosophers used to visit to meditate. But, their meditational practices were disturbed by demons who were creating nuisance next to the temple. In the search for help, the philosophers requested Lord Lakshmana to help. Lord Lakshmana killed the demons due to which it was then renamed to Vijayadri. Vijayadri in Sanskrit translates to the ‘hill of victory’. After the request of Kapila Maharshi, the king of Kerala, Cheraman Perumal Bhaskara constructed the temple. Earlier, the name of this place was Eravipuram originally. But, Lord Cheraman Perumal accepted Lord Rama as his king and he declared that Lord Rama of this temple will be called by the name Vennimala Perumal. Though the main idol inside the temple of Lord Lakshmana, Lord Rama is preached in an equal preached by devotees. The temple hosts annual celebrations of Arattu. It begins from Rohini in Makara and ends at Rohini in Kumbha. During the celebration, the Ramayana is enacted along with the Vennimala Koothu. The temple consists of idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Ganapati, Lord Nagaraja and Lord Yakshi. According to saints, the Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshmana Perumal Temple is more than a thousand years old.

The Edakkal Caves are located 1200 m above sea level on the Ambukuthi Mala. The name ‘Edakkal’ translates into ‘a stone in between’ just like how both the two caves are twenty-five kilometers apart. The caves were discovered by Fred Fawcett during his hunting trip to Wayanad. He was earlier the Superintendent of Police of the Malabar district in 1890. He discovered the Edakkal rock-shelter which was situated on the western side of Edakkal Mala. He identified the spot as the habitat of Neolithic people According to legends, these caves were said to be formed by the arrows that were fired by Lav and Kush, the sons of Lord Sri Rama. Another one is associated with KuttiChathan and the Goddess Mudiampilly. The local people used to conduct a pilgrimage trip to the caves in honour of the Goddess. Edakkal caves are famous for the pictorial paintings that have featured on the walls of the caves. The painting depicts significant events or a message that was created by the people who were alive during the 6000 BC. You will also be able to spot carvings belonging to the Neolithic and Mesolithic age.

Soochipara Falls or the Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is located in Vellarimala, Wayanad. The water of the falls seamlessly merges with the Chulika River which also the fourth-longest river of Kerala. The falls descend into an astonishing height of 200 meters from the top. the beauty of the falls is enhanced by the nearby green shrubs, trees, and exotic birds. The drive from Lakkidi to the Soochipara Waterfalls will only take you one hour. But, during the ride, you will come across a man’s natural personified area. The route is also great for tea lovers as you will come across many tea estates. Hence, making your drive a journey that you will surely remember and will be willing to share with others. The waterfalls also allow you to get involved in some adventurous activities like rock climbing. but, if you aren’t a big fan of rock climbing, then just the view of the Western Ghat region would make your ride up to here worthwhile. The forest department provides a few tree-top accommodations to its visitors too.

The Chembra peak with a great height of 2,100 m above sea level and is regarded as one of the highest peaks of the western ghats. It is also marked as the highest peak of the Wayanad hills. The hills create the perfect atmosphere for you to sit back and relax. Tourists willing to see the Chembra peak will have to travel for an hour to witness the stunning ghats and its highest peak. The Chembra peaks are joined by the famous Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu and Vallarimala in Kozhikode. Though you will get to spot the tip of the peak from the entire town of Wayanad. Adventure seekers can ditch the luxury of their cars and plan a trek up to this peak. The trek will land you here in two to three hours. Though, you will have to take prior permission from the Meppady forest office before planning a trek. The forest office is open every day. Overnight camping is not allowed at the Chembra peak as there is a constant threat of wild animals. During your trek, you’ll also come across the ‘Hridhayathadaka’ lake, which is a major tourist attraction. The lake is shaped like a heart and the greenery that surrounds the waters of the lake makes it the perfect spot to grab a breath or snack.

How to reach Lakkidi?

By Air: The nearest airport to Lakkidi Wayanad is the Karipur Airport which is located at a distance of 100km. Book a cab to cover the remaining distance to reach Lakkidi.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Lakkidi Wayanad is the Kozhikode Railway Station. Kozhikode to Lakkidi is a one hour ride. You can either travel by the regular state-run or private buses or hire a cab to reach Lakkidi.

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