Bangalore or popularly reckoned as Cosmopolitan Bengaluru is one of India’s most progressive and developed cities, blessed with a benevolent climate. Having evolved gradually from being the Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is the third largest and one of the most livable cities in India. The city reflects a blend of old and new – some parts with historical monuments are still kept intact, and in others, you can see the high-rise corporate complexes. Bengaluru seems to have a bit of everything for everyone, lined with long stretches of trees and parks, famous heritage buildings, busy markets and newly constructed buildings. Bangalore or Bengaluru seems to have something for everyone.

The statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali at Shravanabelagola is one of the most important tirthas (pilgrimage destinations) in Jainism, one that reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Western Ganga dynasty of Talakad. The name of this holy center is derived from the pond called ‘bili-gola’ (white pond) between two hills. A great festival is held in every 12 years, called as ‘Maha Mastakabhishek’. That time the place is filled with devotees and you would experience the zeal.

Search for the French flavours in India will take you to this beautiful city of Puducherry, locally known as Pondicherry. The old French territory holds the impact of colonisation with beautiful French architectures and delicious food. Pondicherry boasts of tremendous scenic beauty, portrayed by mesmerising and impressive beaches. The older part of Pondicherry is a intense contrast to the common South Indian culture and gives you different feel than the surrounding South Indian cities. This tiny French part of Pondicherry is crafted with small houses, hotels, cafes, street-side shops selling an alternate world of French to the Indians.

Mysore is soaked in rich colonial as well as royal history. The beautiful historical buildings and tree-lined boulevards lend the former capital of the state of Mysore a stunning appeal. For nature lovers, the hotspots would be the Brindavan Gardens, where you must witness the beautiful musical fountain show and the Karanji Lake where you can enjoy a round of boating. If you love shopping, you are sure to find many options in Mysore to please you. For starters, Mysore offers beautiful handicrafts made from sandalwood and rosewood. Sweet lovers are in for a real treat with the sinful Mysore Pak dripping with ghee waiting to be devoured.

Ooty, also called Udhagamandalam, is a small hill town located 80 km north of Coimbatore, at an altitude of 2240 meters above sea level. It is situated on Nilgiri Hills, it is the most popular hill station in South India with picturesque landscapes, babbling streams and tea plantations. The fir, pine and eucalyptus vegetation and the scenic beauty not only enchants you but also offers solitude. Being a weekend gateway since the colonial era, it is well connected by all kinds of transport. It has a subtropical highland climate which keeps the weather pleasant. The area is a blend of colonial charm and traditional culture with landscaped vistas, a true paradise on Earth.

A buzzing city located in the heart of Tamil Nadu is the captivating Chennai – a heritage of south India with rich historical significance, artistic expressions and inviting people. You will find surprises on every lane you turn with the urban touch to the large hearts of chennaities. This commercial hotspot is the capital of Tamil nadu and has endless attractions to entertain you. Beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship adorn the streets. A variety of slangs and languages can be heard as you wander along the roads. You can also enjoy yourself in the newly inaugurated metro trains running right through the heart of the city.

Tirupati is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites because of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, besides other historical temples, and is referred to as the “Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh”. Tirupati is also home to many educational institutions and universities. For the year 2012-13, India’s Ministry of Tourism named Tirupati as the “Best Heritage City”. The holy city of Tirupati is one amongst the 8 most scared places of Lord Mahavishnu and is highly revered, glorified and worshiped.

Located on a tiny island and considered to be the devotional gateway of India is the town of Rameshwaram. It has also gained popularity as the birthplace of the late scientist and former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. A prominent pilgrim centre, the town has rich religious values with a scene and historical backdrop. Hindu mythology has it that the holy abode possesses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Boasting of a medieval Dravidian style of architecture, the town has grand prakaras with beautiful sculptures. The Ramanathaswamy temple has the pride of housing the longest corridor in the world. The sacred waters are where the pilgrims take a dip to be rid of their sins. The prominent Hanuman Temple and Agnitheertham are mandatory places of visit.

Chennai may be the capital of Tamil Nadu, but Madurai claims its soul. Madurai is Tamil-born and Tamil-rooted, one of the oldest cities in India, a metropolis that traded with ancient Rome and was a great capital long before Chennai was even dreamt of. It is also called as Thoonga Nagaram that means a City that never Sleeps. The Meenakshi Amman temple is the city’s most important landmark. It is one of the five sabhas (divine dance stages) called as Velli Ambalam (silver Hall). Madurai, perhaps appropriately given her age, captures many of India’s glaring dichotomies, with a centre dominated by a medieval temple and an economy increasingly driven by IT, all overlaid with the energy and excitement of a big Indian city and slotted into a much more manageable package than Chennai’s sprawl. Historically it is also called as the Athens of the East.

Kurnool is city and the headquarters of Kurnool district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as the Gateway to Rayalaseema. Kurnool served as the state capital of Andhra from 1 October 1953 to 31 October 1956. Kurnool is the longest cave system and is one of the Kurnool attractions which are visited by most of the people. It is an underground cave and has three well like cavities. The main attraction of the cave is the exquisite stalactite and stalagmite formations. Huge marble Buddha statue on these caves is the sign of worship of Buddhist monks. Natural waterfall is also seen in this cave which is very beautiful and attractive. Oravakallu Rock Garden, which has natural rock formations. This place is located between water bodies.The Kethavaram rock paintings, from the Paleolithic era, are located along a stretch of the Orvakal rock formations. It is also a perfect place for picnics.

A charming hill station resting in nature’s lap is Kodaikanal. The name translates to ‘The Gift of the Forest’. The granite cliffs, valleys and amazing lake make the place a popular weekend getaway along with it being a famous honeymoon destination. It has panoramic landscape with the dense forests. Also known as the Princess of Hill Stations, the misty and chill weather and wooden forests will leave you in a state of tranquility. You can enjoy trekking, horse riding, boating in the artificial lake at the heart of the city or simply enjoy the romance in the air with your loved ones. This quaint hill resort needs to be ticked off every traveller's bucket list.

One of history’s most intriguing mysteries is the ancient portside town of Mamallapuram, which is now a major resort town with historical monuments. Widely known as Mahabalipuram, the historic city is a World Heritage Site coming under UNESCO, a hotspot of art, culture and literature. It is also known as the Temple Town with 9 ancient temples of remarkable architecture. The Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance and the beaches are a must visit locations to be on your bucket list. The swaying trees, slippery silver sand and crafts makes it a fascinating tourist spot. The richness and beauty of the city along with its grandeur is sure to intoxicate any tourist visiting the Mahabs.

Bandipur is a national park in Karnataka. Located at the foothills of Nilgiris. It has been declared as a National Reserve as it is a host to abundant wildlife. There are plentiful animal and bird species. Not lacking in vegetation;the premises is full of bountiful flora. Three rivers pass through the forest making the environment perfect for the wildlife. Bandipur provides facilities for the tourists to enjoy the wilderness. Jeep Safari, Van Safari and Elephant safari is practised there for a complete trip around the forest. The tranquility and the beauty attracts the tourists. The destination is perfect for a getaway. The landscapes are like the beautiful desktop backgrounds, but real. One gets lost in the mesmerising panoramas offered by the forest. It makes you never want to leave.

Located on the foothills of Annamalai hills, Tiruvannamalai has been ruled by the Pallavas, the Medieval Cholas, the Later Cholas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Carnatic kingdom, Tipu Sultan, and the British. It served as the capital city of the Hoysalas. The town is built around the Annamalaiyar Temple like other Nayak capitals. Tiruvannamalai is named after the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple, Annamalaiyar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the Annamalai hill. The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly.

Sitting above the southern plains, smaller and quieter than other hill stations is Coonoor. It is the second largest hill station in NIlgiri Hills at 1930m. Coonoor is a blissful destination to get a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and falls. It is a dream come true location due to its colonial culture and amazing scenery. The rolling hills and plantations in Coonoor with dewdrops covered tea leaves ensures that you are left enchanted. Admiring the mist covered peaks and gushing falls with aromatic fragrances tingling your nose buds will leave your hair on edge. Coonoor is an ethereal haven of bliss will keep you engrossed in the flavours of fun and calm.

Shivanasamudram is a small town in the Mandya District of the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, and is the location of one of the first Hydroelectric Power stations in Asia. The Shivanasamudra falls are formed on the Kaveri. A little distance before the falls, the river splits into two, forming an island. The two streams falls down to the same point and flows downstream. The two falls are called Gagana Chukki (90 metres) Bhara Chukki (69 metres). The two falls are really majestic in the monsoon season.

Yercaud is a hill station situated on the Shevaroys Hills of the Eastern Ghats, located in Salem District of Northern Tamil Nadu. The abundance of trees that happened to be near the lake made the locals to name this area as Yeri – Kaadu meaning Lake Forest. Later on, the name turned out to be Yercaud. It is popularly known as ‘Jewel of the South’. Yercaud region, includes the predominantly short and rocky hills that welcomes all travellers with its cool climate & pleasant surroundings. Scenically, it is an enchanting hill station with trekking as the most enjoyable way to spend time along friends and family. The popular points of interest here are Yercaud Lake, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point, Bear’s Cave etc.

The perfect weekend getaway to bliss is the village of Hogenakkal. It will certainly sweep you off your feet with its majestic falls and towering peaks. This quaint hill station offers you an exuberant experience with various activities to keep you entertained. Hogenakkal, known as the Smoking Rock means the clouds of mist and spray arising from the falls. It is a popular film shooting location with jagged peaks and captivating waterfalls. You must certainly experience the coracle ride in the falls among other attractions, a thrilling temptation no adventurer can resist. It is a lively retreat for the tired, filling your soul with fun and warmth.

Nandi Hills is a perfect escape from Bangalore. It has got its name from the shape of a sleeping bull, the nandi hills is a passage to the past, potentially taking you back in time. Cloud kissed hazy hills, picturesque landscape, Nandi hills will surely leave awestruck by the glorious aura acting as the perfect getaway from the dreaded city life by making you fall with the place. Wandering across the very famous fort of the great tipu sultan, you can feel the royalty, sending down a chill as you come across the tipu drop, having a frightening past. Its bewitching how in its captivating topography, this place unfolds historical events in the most chilling and majestic manner. Cycling or hiking across the breathtaking ‘hill of happiness’- it will surely be an amazing experience to visit such an eccentric destination

Nestled in the peaks of Vellore is the quaint hill station of Yelagiri, a cluster of 14 beautiful hamlets spread amidst 4 beautiful mountains. The authentic surroundings have a tranquil atmosphere soothing your senses. The alluring vistas has subtle savouriness of fruit foliages tingling your nose buds. The town has attractions from various smaller peaks to nature trails to a manmade lake, Lake Punganoor. It is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts with a number of trek routes to discover and explore. Yelagiri is renowned for the popular paragliding sport. In this free flying sport, you can get a splendid aerial view of Yelagiri. Have a once in a lifetime soaring experience as you touch the skies.