South India Offbeat Weekend Getaways For January

Javadi Hills

An ideal getaway for an adventurer, the Javadi hills in Tamil Nadu promise a perfect holiday for anyone interested in exploring untrodden trails. While you can trek through the lush green Amrithi forests, another option would be to trek up to Yelagiri village and spend your time in beautiful orchards and rose gardens.Soak your tired feet at the bottom of the Beemanmadavu Waterfalls, one among many in the region. There's also Kommutteri lake, the largest in the region, with an artificial island in the middle, making it an ideal spot for boating and picnics. One of the most important places to visit would be the Kavalur Observatory, home to the Vainu Bappu Telescope named after the astronomer who started it. It is open to visitors and one should not miss the opportunity to explore the skies and the world beyond it through this tool. Javadi Hills is ideally for travellers for the southern region of the country for a long weekend break. 

Getting There Nearest airport is Vellore Airport, 78 km away. Nearest railway station is Katpadi Railway Station, around 54 km away. Javadi Hills are well-connected via road. There are regular buses and taxis available from Thiruvannamalai and Vellore to Javadi Hills.

Yelagiri

Just 228 kilometres away from Chennai lies the scenic hill station of Yelagiri, abundant in nature and religion. An abode for nature lovers, the Swami Malai Hills are a must visit and the highest point in Yelagiri. You can indulge in an afternoon out on the boats on the Nilavoor Lake or Punganoor Lake and marvel at sunsets in the Forest Hills. Be sure to visit Fundera Park, home to 300 exotic bird species. Visit Jalagandeeswarar Temple and Moksha Vimochana Temple and do not miss the Vainu Bappu Observatory. It houses a telescope through which you can observe the celestial bodies and marvel at the night skies. The observatory was once home to Asia&rsquos largest telescope. You can reach Yelagiri by road through a 4.5- hour car journey or head to the nearest airport, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

Getting There&nbspNearest airport is Bengaluru (198km). Nearest railway station is in Jolarpettai (20km). There are plenty of cabs available for Yelagiri from the station. Yelagiri is a comfortable drive from Bengaluru along two excellent national highways. You can do the drive easily under 4hrs, or a little more with a break en route. 

Tharangambadi

Located in Tamil Nadu, this sleepy town was once a Danish colony, sold to the British in 1845. A bonus It&rsquos a bit offbeat, especially when compared to Pondicherry and Goa, making it the perfect getaway. A trip to the city must start with the Dansborg Fort, which also houses a small museum. The beach-facing fort was, in its prime, the second-largest Danish castle in the world. There are plenty of churches to visit, Zion Church and New Jerusalem Church being the most popular. Head to the Old Danish Cemetery and then to the 700-year-old Sri Masilamani Nathar Temple, which shows a surprising mix of Chinese and Hindu architecture. The Ziegenbalg Museum Complex is a true gem, home not only to the first printing press in India but also to the first printed book, a Bible. And take a boating through Pichavaram Mangrove Forest.

Getting There&nbspNearest airport is Tiruchirapalli and Chennai. Nearest railway station is Karaikal (13 KMs.) and Mayiladuthurai (29 Kms.) All the buses from Chennai to Velankanni on ECR are run by this way.