There are a lot of places you could spend the year before you start college, but India is one of the most unique. Its history stretches back thousands of years, and there are exciting things to see and do everywhere. Below, we’ll list some of the top things to do when you’re visiting South India.
Cruising the canals of Kerala:
Spending a day (or a night) on a boat in the backwaters of Kerala is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The surprising luxury of your accommodations, the delicious Keralan cuisine, and the peace of being on the water make for an unforgettable stay.
Hampi:
The ruined Vijayanagara empire made the list at #4 in a poll for the seven wonders of ancient India. Taking a trip to see the ruins will show you a side of the country you’ve never seen—you’ll see carvings from the Kama Sutra, and you’ll also see the Lotus Mahal, a combination of Jain, Muslim and Hindu architecture.
Coorg, Karnataka:
Here, you can spend the night away from the noise and bustle of the city. You can get a guided tour of the coffee plantation there, and see not only coffee crops but fields of oranges, vanilla, cardamom and pepper. During your stay, you will see how that latte really gets to your cup—and you can even spend the night there.
Mahabalipuram:
This small fishing village is the ideal spot for a weekend getaway. From the shore, you can watch the arrival and departure of fishing boats; you can also frolic in the waves or sample the local cuisine at any number of local restaurants. If you’re into hiking, there are two beautiful World Heritage sites here as well.
Bandipur and Mudumalai Parks:
A gap year in South India wouldn’t be complete without a trip to these two national parks. While en route to Ooty and other places, you’ll see wildlife such as deer, boar, monkeys, elephants, panthers and peacocks.
Mysore:
Karnataka’s second largest town is less than three hours from Bangalore, on one of the area’s best roads. Among the “must sees” are the Mysore Palace (where you’ll get the chance to ride an elephant), the Chamundeswari Temple (with its enormous statue of a bull), and the aviary at Ranganathittu, where you can take a boat ride to see local wildlife up close.
Pondicherry:
Almost 300 miles from the northern end of the island of Sri Lanka, a trip to Pondicherry will allow you to see the French influence still felt in India. Eat dinner at Le Cafe and follow it up with some of the area’s nightlife, or just sit and people-watch. Either way, you’ll be making lifelong memories.
India is a land of extreme contrasts; from abject poverty to enormous wealth, from small shacks to five-star hotels, you’ll find it there. South India has its own stories, its own dialect and its own cuisine. Taking a year off to explore the area will let you see the country from all sides.
