ADVENTURE

3 Close-to-Nature Experiences to Have in South India

Deepa N

Last updated: Feb 24, 2022

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Find a hidden world of birds and fishes in the mangroves of Pichavaram in Tamil Nadu, or go snorkelling in the light blue waters of the Havelock Islands in Andaman Nicobar. Then rise above it all and nestle in treehouses in Munnar, Kerala. Find your perfect connect with nature in South India.

Go Sea Walking and Scuba Diving in Havelock Island, Andaman Nicobar

andamans

The Havelock Island in Andaman Nicobar is known for its beauty—be it the crescent shaped Radhanagar Beach, the tree-lined Vijayanagar Beach, or the Elephant Beach with coral reefs underwater.
With azure waters that are home to sheltered reefs, the Elephant Beach is a treat for those who love underwater adventures. The island has scuba diving and sea-walking experts who train you for the experience of swimming with the scores of fishes and turtles, and even walk on the sea bed. Fret not, even non-swimmers can do it! The dives usually last for 30 minutes with 2 hours in training before that, and the deepest dives go up to 8 m.

How to get there: It’s a 90-minute journey from Port Blair, and it is best to book tickets in advance
Charges: Packages start at INR 4,500 per person*
Dive timings: 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

Book Your Flight to Port Blair

Get on a Mangrove Trail at Pichavaram, Tamil Nadu

Never mind that you haven’t heard about the mangroves of Pichavaram. Located 30 minutes from the temple town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, Pichavaram can also be reached by train via a 4-hour long journey from Chennai, or a day trip from Pondicherry.

Joining the Bay of Bengal, Pichavaram is the second largest mangrove jungle in the world, spread over 3000 acres, and second only to the largest in the world, the Sundarban National Park in West Bengal.

A nature lover’s dream come true, this mangrove jungle is habitat for over 200 species of birds, many types of fishes, seaweeds, prawns, crabs, oysters, turtles, and otters, and more than 15 varieties of trees.

Tamil Nadu Tourism offers boat rides into the mangroves, which could take a minimum of two hours. That being said, only traditional paddle boats can access the interiors of mangroves.

When to go: November to February (it can get very hot and humid during summers)
Charges for getting there: From Chidambaram, a taxi can cost about INR 700, return.*
Boat charges: Paddle/row boat for two: Approx INR 150; Motor boat: Approx INR 2,200 per hour*

Book Your Flight to Tiruchirapalli (nearest airport)

Stay in a Treehouse at Munnar, Kerala

treehouse-munnar — Image Courtesy: Jungle Jive Treehouse, Munnar

Live under the canopy of tall trees overlooking the bounteous tea gardens of Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala, at 6000 m above sea level. ‘Erumadams’, or treehouses as they are called in Malayalam, are perched on tall, sturdy trees, and made of coir, bamboo and wood. The rustic stay—sometimes in treehouses made with not a single nail rammed into the structures—come with all modern amenities like LED television sets, coffee–tea machines, well-equipped living spaces, and bathrooms with modern fixtures. While away languid moments on balconies with a cup of steaming tea (or coffee if you prefer) as you gaze out at the lush surroundings.

Most treehouse resorts offer organic, fresh home-cooked dishes to their guests. Among other activities, travellers can expect trekking, jeep safaris, fishing, boating, coffee and tea plantation tours, camp fire, and barbecue. Some resorts even offer yoga classes.

Resort: Jungle Jive Treehouse, Muthuvankudi, Near Aanchal, Munnar
Tariff: INR 5,760*

Book Your Stay at Jungle Jive Treehouse Munnar Book Your Stay at Jungle Jive Treehouse Munnar

*Prices may vary

Deepa N

Writer. Editor. Storyteller. (And sometimes a poet.) Deepa hopes to continue spending the rest of her lifetime watching people, places and things so that she can create her art someday.

Comments

Simon | on 04 September 2018

Hi Deepa N, Thank you for sharing about South India. I'm also a fan of South India and travelled this region most of the time. I like to stay in the tree house in Munnar. I have a nice experience with the foods and luxury in South India. Simon @ Holidayatbeach I read your post because I have a lot of interest in South India Traveling...