Vattavada and Agumbe to Coonoor and Sakleshpur: Perfect swaps for popular tourist spots

Everyone loves to pack their bags and hit the road when vacation sets in. But things can get jittery when hundreds of travellers flock to one sought-after destination. A tourist spot bursting at the seams can be a spoiler as fun and frolic would be a distant dream amidst the cacophony. And that’s when you have to take the road less travelled and think of an alternative that doesn’t take the sheen off your travel plans. The fill-in tourist spot will have fewer crowds, but there won’t any compromise on the place of interest’s charm. 

Vattavada for Munnar 
Undoubtedly, Munnar in the Idukki district is a favourite destination for many holidaymakers. The hill station, which has scenic beauty and a mesmerising landscape, is one of the busiest tourist spots and attracts thousands of travellers daily. So, why not take a detour and head towards Vattavada, which offers the raw beauty of a hamlet? You won’t regret the decision. The man-made Kundala lake, which is hugged by rolling hills covered in lush greenery, is on the way from Munnar to Vattavada.

If you like pedal boating, the lake will satisfy your craving. The Top Station, which gives a spellbinding view of the Western Ghats and the Theni valley, is just 15km away from Vattavada. The village is easily accessible from a number of tourist sites, such as Vattavada vegetable farm, Pambadum Shola National Park, Shola forest trek, Kovilur village, Mattupetty dam, Echo Point, and Kurangani Hills. 

Munrothuruthu for Alappuzha 
Munrothuruthu or Munroe Island is a tranquil place at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River in Kollam district. It may be noted that Munrothuruthu is an archipelago consisting of eight isles. What attract tourists to Munrothuruthu are the narrow canals and dense mangroves. Tourists can enjoy the beauty of nature by meandering through the canals in canoes. A visit to the island gives an opportunity to know more about fishing, coir making and traditional farming techniques. A church, which was built by the Dutch in 1878, is another attraction of the island. The place of worship is an amalgam of Dutch and Kerala architecture. John Munroe bungalow, S Curve viewpoint, cycling tours, bird watching, and boating can enthral the backpackers. 

Agumbe for Coorg 
Agumbe is tucked away in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and is known for its rainforest, waterfalls and rich biodiversity. The enchanting place has earned the sobriquet ‘Cherrapunji of South India’, and is dotted with many waterfalls such as Barkana falls, Jogigundi falls, Onakke Abbi falls and Kudlu Theertha falls. Kundadri Hills, which house the 17th-century Jain temple, are just 16km from Agumbe. Other places of interest are Gopalakrishna Temple, Malgudi Days house and Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Coonoor for Ooty
The hilly region of Coonoor, which is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri, is famous for its tea plantations, colonial architecture and incredible vistas of nature. Coonoor is an ideal destination for those who want to be serene compared to the hustle and bustle of the neighbouring Ooty, a popular tourist spot. The Sims Botanical Garden is a haven for nature lovers as it’s replete with trees and plants, and hosts the fruit-vegetable show in May. The other must-see spots include the Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint, Lamb’s Rock, Katherine waterfalls, tea estate and factories, Droog fort and Nilgiri mountain railway, among others. 

Sakleshpur for Chikmagalur 
Saklespur, which is a blend of history and heritage, is the best place for nature lovers and those who want their dose of adrenaline rush. This spot in Karnataka boasts of Honey Rock Hill, which is the second-highest peak in the state, Bisile Ghat viewpoint and Manjarabad Fort, which Tipu Sultan supposedly built in the 18th century. Magajahalli waterfalls will also provide travellers with an unforgettable experience. Those who want to be in the midst of tranquillity can visit the Sakleshwara temple, and the Shettihalli Rosary Church will be a treat for tourists in the monsoon season. The admirers of coffee plantations can have a great time at Sakleshpur.