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India.com
18 hours ago
- India.com
Explore 10 Offbeat Monsoon Getaways In South India For A Peaceful And Scenic Rainy Escape
photoDetails english 2918759 Updated:Jun 20, 2025, 10:33 AM IST 1 / 12 When the monsoon sweeps through South India, the region transforms into a lush, green paradise. While popular hill stations like Ooty and Munnar draw crowds, several lesser-known destinations remain under the radar — offering peace, raw beauty, and rich cultural experiences. Here's a list of 10 underrated South Indian getaways perfect for your monsoon escape. Agumbe, Karnataka 2 / 12 The Cherrapunji of the South Tucked in the Western Ghats, Agumbe receives heavy rainfall and is known for its stunning sunsets, thick rainforests, and waterfalls. It's also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those interested in spotting the elusive King Cobra. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh 3 / 12 A misty, unexplored hill retreat Surrounded by coffee plantations and tribal villages, Araku Valley near Visakhapatnam is a serene monsoon destination. With waterfalls, caves, and lush green valleys, it's ideal for a peaceful, scenic holiday. Thenmala, Kerala 4 / 12 India's first planned eco-tourism destination Located in the Kollam district, Thenmala is a unique combination of forest trails, waterfalls, and eco-adventure. The monsoon enhances its charm with gushing streams and mist-laden greenery, perfect for nature and adventure lovers. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 5 / 12 The quiet cousin of Ooty Set in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud is a peaceful hill station offering lakes, orange groves, and beautiful viewpoints. During monsoon, the forested slopes come alive with vibrant greens and cool breezes, far from the tourist hustle. Sakleshpur, Karnataka 6 / 12 A coffee-scented escape in the Western Ghats Surrounded by plantations and thick forests, Sakleshpur is ideal for trekking, monsoon camping, and exploring ancient forts. The Hemavathi River and numerous waterfalls make it a dreamy rainy getaway. Vattakanal, Tamil Nadu 7 / 12 Mini Israel tucked near Kodaikanal Often referred to as 'Vatta', this offbeat hamlet near Kodaikanal offers mystic charm with misty trails, cloud-kissed hills, and an artistic vibe. It's perfect for backpackers, writers, and monsoon lovers looking for solitude. Silent Valley National Park, Kerala 8 / 12 A rainforest untouched by time A UNESCO-recognized ecological hotspot, this park in Palakkad is a monsoon paradise for biodiversity enthusiasts. The dense forest, gurgling rivers, and rare species make it one of South India's most pristine green zones. Chikmagalur, Karnataka 9 / 12 Coffee country cloaked in monsoon mist While becoming more popular, Chikmagalur still offers many hidden trails and lesser-known homestays. The monsoon adds a magical touch to its waterfalls, coffee estates, and mountain treks. Kalpetta, Kerala 10 / 12 Wayanad's underrated gem Located in the Wayanad district, Kalpetta is surrounded by dense forests, tea gardens, and misty peaks. The monsoon brings out the beauty of waterfalls like Soochipara and Meenmutty, making it a soothing escape. Papi Hills, Andhra Pradesh 11 / 12 Backwater beauty with hill views Papi Hills (Papikondalu) along the Godavari River offers scenic boat rides amidst lush green hills and tribal settlements. During monsoon, the river swells, the forests glisten, and the fog adds a dreamy effect to the landscape. 12 / 12 If you're looking to go beyond the usual tourist trail this monsoon, these underrated destinations in South India promise unforgettable experiences. With waterfalls in full flow, greenery at its peak, and fewer crowds, they offer a perfect mix of nature, peace, and exploration.
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Why bringing a King Cobra to Bhopal wasn't a good idea
One of the two King Cobras brought to Madhya Pradesh from Mangalore zoo died at the Van Vihar National Park's snake enclosure. Said to be five years old, the snake was found dead by the caretaker in the morning of June 18. Officials scanned CCTV footage of the enclosure to get an idea of what could have killed the snake. Though usually two veterinarians conduct the postmortem of the other animals like tigers listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to carry out the snake's postmortem a team of five veterinarians, including some called from outside Bhopal, was brought in—perhaps due to the sensitivities involved. They prima facie reported respiratory distress as the cause of death. Viscera samples were sent to the state wildlife health college at Jabalpur for King Cobra is not a species endemic to the state and had been brought to Van Vihar on April 6 at the behest of the chief minister. Forest department officials had scouted around the country looking for the cobras before zeroing in on two male specimens at the Mangalore zoo. The one still alive has now been shifted to the Indore CM had in a meeting of IFS officers announced that King Cobras should be brought to MP from elsewhere. Though they are expected to know wildlife management, the officials rather feebly protested the CM's demand before giving in. The CM had said he wanted the King Cobra back in MP because the population of other snake species had increased a lot. He cited a large number of snake bite cases in Dindori, a district in eastern MP where the state government had to shell out lakhs in compensation. The CM felt the presence of King Cobras would check the population of other the CM also ordered a snake census, which has never been done in India and is dismissed by experts as carrying little conservation value. While MP has done exceptionally well in translocation of species, none of the species introduced before the King Cobras were brought in had been alien. In other words, all of them, such as the cheetahs or even Gaur in Bandhavgarh and swamp deer in Satpura National Park, had existed in these habitats before they were wiped out due to local officials say the department is also finalising getting zebras, rhinos and giraffes from Africa to be kept at Van Vihar National Park. However, when conceptualized in the early 1980s, this national park was meant to house species endemic to MP, says a former official associated with the park's setting to India Today Magazine
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Five-year-old king cobra ‘Nagarjun' dies at Van Vihar
Bhopal: A five-year-old King Cobra named 'Nagarjun' died on Wednesday at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal. The snake was brought from Karnataka to Bhopal nearly two and a half months ago. Since its arrival, it was kept under 24-hour veterinary observation. The reptile was found dead inside its enclosure. According to the Van Vihar officials, no movement was observed in Nagarjun through CCTV surveillance on Wednesday morning. Concerned by the inactivity, the attending veterinarian entered the enclosure and confirmed the cobra's death. A post-mortem was conducted by a team of veterinary experts. The exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem report is released. Van Vihar officials said that Nagarjun's behaviour appeared normal until Tuesday evening. Van Vihar's wildlife medical officer was in regular contact with the veterinary officer of Pilikula Biological Park in Mangalore, Karnataka, from where the snake was brought. No abnormalities were reported until then. Under the wildlife exchange programme, two male King Cobras—Nagarjun (age 5) and Nagshayna (age 8)—were brought to Van Vihar from Pilikula Biological Park, Mangalore, Karnataka, on April 6. Since their arrival, both snakes were under round-the-clock surveillance to ensure their adaptation and health. Further updates are expected following the results of the post-mortem examination, officials said.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
King cobras found near Mount Everest, scientists issue warning after bizarre discovery
In a bizarre discovery, as many as 10 venomous snakes, including nine king cobras and one monocled cobra, were found near Mount Everest in Nepal within a span of one and a half months, The Kathmandu Post said in a report. Experts have warned that the appearance of these deadly snakes in colder climates near the Himalayan range could be a warning signal of worsening global warming. Typically, these snakes are found in tropical and humid areas such as paddy fields, swamps, and mangrove forests. "Those snakes were rescued from houses and compounds with the help of a snake rescuer and were released in the nearby forest. Locals have also found King Cobra eggs and nests in nearby jungles," Jaya Thapa Magar, a municipality officer, told The Kathmandu Post. Following the startling discovery of cobras near Mt Everest, scientists have suggested that climate change may be forcing these venomous reptiles to leave their natural habitats. Research indicates that hill and mountain temperatures in Nepal are rising at a rate of 0.05°C per year. This warming trend may allow tropical species to migrate to higher altitudes and thrive. However, some rescuers like Subodh Acharya believe the snakes may have been unintentionally transported from low-lying areas to higher altitudes via wood or haystacks on trucks, inadvertently introducing them to new habitats. According to the National Red Data Book of Nepal and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, king cobras are classified as a vulnerable species, threatened by ongoing habitat destruction, human conflict, and snakebites. The Lancet reported in 2022 that snakebites and resulting deaths are common in Nepal's Tarai region, with approximately 2,700 fatalities recorded each year. (Also read: Internet reacts to video of king cobra wearing knitted bear cap, man teasing it. Watch video)
The Star
6 days ago
- Science
- The Star
As temperatures in Nepal rise, highly venomous snakes are slithering up to higher altitudes
Spotted near Mount Everest: Global warming might be leading venomous snakes to adapt and settle in higher altitudes, experts say. — SUBODH ACHARYA/The Kathmandu Post/ANN IN the past one and a half months, 10 highly venomous snakes typically found in warmer climates – nine King Cobras and a Monocled Cobra – have been rescued from various locations in the Kathmandu Valley. Both the snake species, common in Tarai districts, especially in the summer season, have now started to appear in the supposedly cooler hilly and mountainous areas as well. 'Locals have also found King Cobra eggs and nests in nearby jungles,' said Jaya Thapa Magar, chair of the municipality's ward. What worries experts is that these venomous snakes are not only starting to slither into hill and mountain areas but are also adapting and settling in the regions. Global warming might be behind the phenomenon, they say. Nepal is one of the countries most vulnerable to the climate crisis and has witnessed extreme weather events over the past decade and a half. Evidence indicates that the maximum temperature in Nepal is rising at a greater rate (0.05°C per year) than the minimum temperature (0.03°C per year). Meterologists said that compared to the districts of the Tarai region, hilly and mountainous districts have been witnessing a faster rise in maximum temperatures. Subodh Acharya, a snake rescue trainer from Mithila Wildlife Trust said that some of the tropical venemous snakes might have come to the Valley with the logs and hay in trucks and made their habitats there. Acharya, who rescued all the venomous snakes – king cobras and monocled cobras – said that people should be cautious while they are in forests, as rescued venomous snakes have been released there. Incidents of snakebite and resulting deaths are common in Tarai districts in southern Nepal during the summer. Each year, around 2,700 people, mostly children and women from Nepal's Tarai region, die of snakebites, according to a March 2022 report published in The Lancet, a leading international medical journal. However, snakebite cases are vastly underreported in the country. The government has committed to reducing 50% of deaths and disabilities through snakebite envenomation by 2030, the national target aligned with the World Health Organisation's 'Snakebite Roadmap'. Herpetologists and public health experts emphasise the urgency of raising awareness and training local health workers to meet this crucial health goal. Experts say authorities must also strengthen health infrastructures to achieve the target. Meanwhile, many people in rural areas lack awareness and often consult shamans instead of physicians when they are bitten by a snake. Doctors say women who go to the fields to collect fodder, farmers working in plantations or during harvest, and children who play in open areas are more vulnerable to snakebites. Poor people living in thatched-roof houses are also highly vulnerable to snakebite, as snakes visit such homes in search of rats, their food. Experts say there should be a greater awareness drive on keeping homes and surroundings clean, preventing children from playing in bushes, and avoiding walking outside at night. If absolutely necessary, people must use torchlights when walking in the dark. The Health and Population Ministry said that it has expanded treatment centres to around a dozen places in the hilly regions to address the growing number of venomous snakebite cases. Officials say they have already stockpiled the anti-snake venom and supplied it to treatment centres. Nepal imports quadrivalent antivenom from India, which is effective against four common species of snakes found in India: the common cobra, common krait, saw-scaled viper, and Russell's viper. The saw-scaled viper has not yet been found in Nepal. Deaths from pit viper bites in the hills and mountainous regions have also risen recently. However, the antivenom made for other venomous snakes does not treat pit viper bites. — The Kathmandu Post/ANN
