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 15 Top Tourist Places to Visit in South India

Must-See Destinations in South India Fact checked by 

JILLIAN DARA

Badami, Karnataka. Anders Blomqvist/Getty Images.

South India (comprised of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu) really has a distinct culture that sets it apart from the rest of the country. Not only that, each state has managed to retain its own distinct identity. Intricate temple architecture, historical ruins, palm-fringed canals, spirituality, and beach will provide you with a varied and interesting trip. This article highlights the top tourist places to visit in South India. There are so many great destinations that it's difficult to select only a few!

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Hampi, Karnataka

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One of India's top historical destinations, the laid-back village of Hampi was once the last capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu empires in India's history. It has some extremely captivating ruins, intriguingly intermingled with large boulders that rear up all over the landscape. The ruins, which date back to the 14th century, stretch for just over 4187 hectares (16 square miles) and comprise more than 1600 monumental remains. An incredible energy can be felt at this ancient place. Hampi is commonly visited from Goa, as there are a number of transport options from there.

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Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, Karnataka

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The heritage sites of Badami (formerly Vatapi), Aihole and Pattadakal are a worthwhile side trip from Hampi. They're rich in monuments, temples and ruins from the Chalukya empire, which ruled there between the 6th to 12th centuries. The renowned Chalukya style of architecture originated in Aihole and the village is filled with around 125 stone temples, which unfortunately don't get the attention they deserve. Badami is one of the top places to see caves in India, with four sets of magnificent ancient rock-cut cave temples. Pattadakal is smaller but has one impressive temple complex that's also a UNESCO Heritage Site.

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Kerala Backwaters

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Cruising along the palm-fringed canals, known as the backwaters, is one of the best things to do in Kerala. Time truly seems to stand still. Indian food cooked by a chef and chilled beer on-board the boat make it even more enjoyable. You can spend the night on the boat, out in the middle of the water, surrounded by serenity. Bliss! And while you're in the area, why not stay a night or two at a resort or homestay on the backwaters? You'll be able to feast on freshly caught and prepared seafood, according to traditional recipes. Plan your trip with this guide to the Kerala Backwaters and how to best visit them. Or check out these top homestays in and around Alleppey (Alappuzha) and top Kumarakom hotels and resorts for all budgets.

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Varkala, Kerala

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The fairy-tale setting of Varkala Beach is enough to take your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guest houses. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is a sparkling beach, reached by steps leading down from the cliff top. It's not surprising that Varkala is one of India's best beaches. It sure is picturesque!

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Fort Kochi, Kerala

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Known as the "Gateway to Kerala", Kochi is an enchanting city that's had an eclectic influence. The Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese have all left their mark on the city. Most people recognize Kochi from pictures of the famous Chinese fishing nets that line the waterfront. Fort Kochi is full of architecture and historical sites, and is a marvelous place to stroll around and explore on foot.

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Madurai, Tamil Nadu

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Ancient Madurai is home to the most impressive and important temple in South India, the Meenakshi Temple. If you only see one south Indian temple, this temple should be it! The city of Madurai is more than 4,000 years old, and has remained a major center for Tamil culture and learning. The old traditional part of the city is fascinating to explore on foot. These days, Madurai attracts pilgrims and tourists in equal numbers. The two-week long Chithirai Festival, featuring a re-enacted celestial wedding of God and Goddess, is also held in Madurai during April and May each year. It's worth visiting some of the magnificent temples in South India too.

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Pondicherry

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Pondicherry (also known as Puducherry) was a former 18th century French colony and remains a separate union territory on the east cost of Tamil Nadu. It retains a distinctly French flavor and provides a delightful break. Wander around the atmospheric French Quarter and along the Promenade, soak up the peaceful atmosphere, dine in delicious restaurants, and browse the boutiques.

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Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), Tamil Nadu

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Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) is a beach town with a thriving backpacker and surfing scene, an hour or so south of Chennai. It's also renowned for its stone sculpture industry, so set some money aside to shop! Other attractions are the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas (temples sculptured in the shape of chariots), and Arjuna's Penance (a huge carving on the face of a rock depicting scenes from the Mahabharata). A classical dance festival happens there every year from late December to late January. The many beach resorts in the area make Mahabalipuram a popular getaway from Chennai.

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Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu

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Rameshwaram is a peaceful little pilgrim town in southern Tamil Nadu, brought to life by the constant stream of pious devotees that come to bathe in its holy water, get a puja done to purify their karma, and visit Ramanathaswamy Temple. The town and temple are tied to the great Hindu epic The Ramayana. This is where Lord Ram got Lord Hanuman to build a bridge across the ocean to rescue Sita from her abductor, Ravana. Adam's Bridge (also referred to as Ram Setu), a chain of reefs and sandbanks, is said to be the place where the bridge was located. In this area, not far from Rameshwaram, are the eerily crumbled and windswept remnants of Dhanuskodi, a town destroyed by cyclone in 1964. The approach to Rameshwaram is dramatic, with two long bridges (one for trains and one for other vehicles) linking it to the mainland.

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Mysore, Karnataka

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Mysore has an impressive royal heritage, with the city's main tourist attraction being the imposing Mysore Palace. There are many other interesting buildings, palaces, and temples to see. The zoo is notably one of the best in India. Mysore is also an excellent place to shop for sandalwood, and study Ashtanga yoga. The annual 10-day Mysore Dasara festival is another attraction.

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Coorg, Karnataka

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For fresh aromatics of south Indian coffee and stunning scenic beauty, head to Karnataka's Kodagu region (often referred to as Coorg, the English version of its name). This alluring mountainous area in southern Karnataka, not far from Bangalore and Mysore, is renowned for its plentiful coffee estates. And, yes, you can stay on one! There are accommodations for all budgets including some lovely homestays and luxury resorts in Coorg. The magnificent Golden Temple, one of the top Buddhist monasteries in India, is not to be missed as well.

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Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu

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The Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train chugs its way up to the popular hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The historic railway line was completed in 1899 and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. The 46 kilometer (28.5 mile) journey is an enthralling one. It passes through rocky terrain, ravings, forested hills, tea plantations, 16 tunnels, and over 250 bridges (including 32 major ones). Ooty is a great place to escape the heat, although it has become quite commercialized and crowded. Nearby Coonoor is quieter and is world famous for its tea. It's one of the top destinations for tea tourism in India.

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Gokarna, Karnataka

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Think Goa is too touristy these days? Across the border, Gokarna still provides a feel for what Goa used to be like. Time is limited through, as development is already taking place. This small and remote holy town has four of India's most secluded and pristine beaches (Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach) nestled nearby. Each has its own appeal.

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Periyar National Park, Kerala

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One of the few national parks in India to remain open during the monsoon season, Periyar is known for its herds of wild elephants. They can sometimes be seen by the side of the lake on a boat safari. Many other activities are possible in and around the park including guided nature walks, border hikes, bamboo rafting trips, and night jungle patrols.

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Hyderabad, Telangana

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Hyderabad may not top too many itineraries but you may be surprised by what it has to offer. In contrast to other places in South India, it stands out for its remarkable Islamic heritage and is known as the City of Nizams. The Nizam dynasty's rule ended when Hyderabad was merged with the rest of India after Independence in 1947. The legacy lives on though, with many architectural treasures remaining, particularly in the area around the iconic Charminar. Here are 8 essential things to do in Hyderabad to get immersed in the city's culture.

Author : anushri

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