This post is part 1 of my “Top Photographs from India” initiative, that aims to bring out some interesting and off-beat places in India.  It’s also to showcase to the world, the wonderful mountains/lakes/temples/forts and other places that’s still largely unknown to most people. This first part post is South India top places , though tehnically there are several other places which deserves a special mention

Here are some of my best photography clicks over the years covering the 4 southern states, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala & Andhra Pradesh.Photographs are sorted state wise with no other ranking preferences.

(Since I’m from the state of Tamil Nadu in India and toured a significant part of it, I may have ended up with more clicks from my state, compared to others. The bias however ends there 🙂

The places mentioned below are only handful of the million places in South India that you can actually get to visit. South India covers a vast area and some of the top “tourist” destinations include Ooty, Kodaikanal, Mysore, Munnar, Pondicherry. These are apart from the main tier cities of Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Cochin. However the photographs selected below are randomly picked from my previous travels with no specific preference to any destination or state.

Tamil Nadu

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (60 Kms from Chennai, TN)

Marina Beach, Chennai, TN  – World’s Second longest beach

I clicked this Photo from the top of Marina lighthouse )

Rameshwaram Pamban Bridge – Rameshwaram, Southern tip of India, TN

Spectacular engineering marvel, where a railway track was laid in the middle of the sea. The road bridge stands parallel to that. Amazing and thrilling experience to go in a train to Rameshwaram island and see the sea up close. Also historically known to be the birthplace of the epic Ramayana

Brihadeeswarar temple – Thanjavur(or)Tanjore, 350kms from Chennai, TN

One of the largest temples in the world and over a 1000 years old, this Hindu Shiva temple was built by the great Raja Raja Cholan King and also a UNESCO world heritage site.

Tea Estates : Near Valparai / Top Slip ,100 Kms from Coimbatore, TN

Aliyar Dam, Pollachi Town, Coimbatore District Tamil Nadu

A beautiful dam, located just below the Anaimalai Hills in Tamil Nadu and definitely a spectacular sight to see it in person. It is situated 20 Kms from the town of Pollachi, near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu

Kerala

Athirapalli Falls, Chalakudy River, Trichur District, Kerala

Athirapally Dam, Kerala

Karnataka

Jog Falls, Shimoga, Karnataka – 300Kms from Bangalore , Karnataka , India

Andhra Pradesh

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh : A magnificent fort situated in the heart of the city, Golconda is a huge citadel and also famous for its mines. This fort has seen many wars and in fact it’s known for producing the world famous Kohinoor Diamond.