Top 20 Places to Visit in South India

Southern India is like a paradise for tourists as it offers everything, from splendid beaches, mind-blowing natural landscapes, enchanting hill stations, and widespread forests to historical monuments, wildlife safaris, and ancient cultural sites. One can spend weeks to months exploring the majestic and mesmerizing tourist destinations in South India without keeping track of time. This charming region attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. Whether you’re a fun or adventure lover or on a honeymoon tour, Southern India is a tourism marvel that won’t disappoint you in any manner. Although it’s hard to choose the best tourist destinations in this versatile region, we’ve summarized the top 20 places to visit in South India on your next trip.

20 Best Places in South India

1. Munnar, Kerala

Although Munnar is a small town in Kerala, this place should be at the top of your must-visit list if you love natural landscapes and the endless view of lush green plantations. Besides tea plantations spreading over a vast area, this magnificent town is home to misty hill stations, the Eravikulam National Park, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Attukal Waterfall, and a beautiful tea museum. If you love to spend some fun time with playful creatures like elephants, you must visit Carmelagiri Park here.

2. Coorg, Karnataka

The Coorg is a beautiful region in Karnataka famous for its pleasant, calm, and peaceful climate. It’s home to stunning beaches where you can soak in the soul-stirring warmth of the smiling sun. From scenic valleys to stunning falls, this region offers much more for nature lovers. You can visit the beautiful Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, the Nagarhole National Park, and the ancient Omkareshwara Temple here.

3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

If you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon spot in South India, Ooty is an excellent option. Famous as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” it’s a stunning and peaceful destination away from busy city life. You can visit many beautiful bungalows of the British Raj here. Its famous miniature “Toy Train” has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the Government Rose Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, and the famous Ooty Lake.

4. Alleppey, Kerala

Alleppey is famous as the “Venice of India” because of its remarkable backwater and stunning beaches. It’s home to many Ayurveda wellness centers, so if you want to increase your knowledge about Ayurveda, this place is worth visiting. Famous beaches here include Alappuzha Beach and Andhakaranazhi Bech. You can participate in snake boat racing and swimming for fun and adventure there.

5. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Rameswaram is a versatile destination in Tamil Nadu that offers almost everything a tourist can daydream about. You can visit historical temples and enchanting beaches with a touch of natural beauty. The Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the holy religious sites in the county. You can also visit the Rameswaram TV Tower and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial there.

6. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley is one of the natural wonders of Southern India. It has numerous naturally picturesque tourist destinations, including the Padmapuram Gardens, Ananthagiri Water Falls, and Borra Caves. Araku Valley is a perfect spot to bask in natural beauty and enjoy the calmness and comfort of it.

7. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Kanyakumari is called the “Land of Three Seas” as it’s the spot where an ocean meets with two seas. The place is popular for its magnificent beaches, such as Kanyakumari Beach, where you can enjoy the splendid sunset and sunrise view. It’s also the home to the gorgeous Courtallam Falls. You will also visit the Gandhi Memorial and Bhagavathy Amman Temple here.

Related: 15 Best Places to Visit in India

8. Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka. It consists of remains of ancient Hindu civilization. It has many historical pilgrimage sites, monolithic sculptures, and magnificent temples. If you’re a history lover, put this place on the top of your itinerary because visiting here will be extremely useful for you from a knowledge and educational perspective. The famous temples in Hampi that you would love to see include Virupaksha Temple, Monkey Temple, and Vitthala Temple.

9. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Nestled in the heart of the Dindigul District, Kodaikanal is a magnificent city popular for its peaceful vibes and pleasant weather. It’s also famous as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” offering a breathtaking view of misty skies and peaks. If you’re an adventure lover, there are many activities you can do here, such as hiking and birdwatching. Don’t forget to visit the Sliver Cascade Falls, Bryant Park, Pambar Falls, and the famous Kodaikanal Lake here.

10. Gokarna, Karnataka

Gokarna is a beautiful small town on the western coast of the country. Tourists, especially history lovers, visit this majestic destination for its culturally enriched historical sites and temples, like Maha Ganapathi Temple. As Gokarna spans a coastal area, it’s home to many golden beaches like Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach. You can also visit the Sri Kshetra Gokarna, which is the historical residence of Lord Shiva.

11. Kochi, Kerala

Kochi is one of the popular tourist places in Kerala state. Also called Cochin, it’s a beautiful city famous for its gorgeous lake, magnificent historical monuments, and enchanting beaches. The Fort Kochi takes you back in the history. You will have the opportunity to take a soul-calming sunbath at Cherai Beach and see birds of different species at Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Kochi has many lush green gardens for nature lovers.

12. Wayanad, Kerala

Decorated with vibrant and spell-casting waterfalls and stunning caves, Wayanad has everything that can turn your trip into an unforgettable experience. The town is famous for its rich spice plantations. You should also visit the famous Pookode Lake and Banasura Sagar Dam here. Furthermore, if you’re an adventurer, Wayanad offers numerous options for you, like hiking and trekking. Some other best places you can visit in Wayanad are the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, and Kuruva Island, where you can observe nature closely.

13. Thekkady, Kerala

Thekkady is one of the magnificent hill stations in Southern India that offers a great and calming break from your busy routine life. If you love greenery, Thekkady offers a stunning view of lush green spice plantations and paddy fields to comfort your eyes. The famous Periyar National Park is heaven for wildlife enthusiasts as it’s home to many endangered species, like tiger. You can have a splendid view of the majestic peaks surrounding Thekkady from the Chellarkovil Viewpoint. For adventure and fun, you can trek through these peaks while inhaling the enchanting aroma of spice plantations.

14. Hyderabad, Telangana

Besides being the capital of Telangana, Hyderabad is a highly popular city for its cultural and historical importance. Some of the most visited historic landmarks here are Charminar, Golkonda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, and the Beautiful Birla Mandi. You would also love to visit Hyderabad’s magnificent parks and gardens, such as Lumbini Park and NTR Gardens. The famous Hussain Sagar Lake is one of the significant attractions in the city.

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15. Bangalore, Karnataka

Although Bangalore (Capital of Karnataka) is famed as the economic hub of Southern India, this wonderful city doesn’t disappoint you regarding tourism. It has several historical landmarks, such as the famous Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and Nandi Temple. You can also visit many lush green gardens here, like Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and Lumbini Gardens. Visiting the Bangalore Fort takes you back to its beautiful history.

16. Mysore, Karnataka

Mysore is famous for its awe-inspiring and stunning cultural event, Mysore Dasara, which attracts tourists from all across the globe. The event features a picturesque display of arts and culture, immersing thousands of spectators in its beauty and elegance. Furthermore, this charming city is also home to numerous gorgeous places and temples, like Mysore Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, and Jaganmohan Palace. If you love gardens, don’t forget to visit the magnificent Brindavan Gardens and Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden here.

17. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chennai (Capital of Tamil Nadu) is a sublime blend of ancient and modern cultures. It’s believed to be the home to the golden South Indian traditions. Chennai offers everything you expect, from historic temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and stunning beaches like Marina Beach to attractive parks like Guindy National Park. You would also love to visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park and the Government Museum here.

18. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

With majestic temples like Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple and parks like Venkateswara Zoological Park, Tirupati deserves to be on the list of top 20 tourist places to visit in South India. The city is famous for its natural elegance, enriched cultural heritage, and religious importance. It’s a fascinating destination for history and art lovers with its exceptional historic structure and sculptures.

19. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram is famous for its peaceful yet picturesque beaches, like Mahabalipuram Beach, historical monuments, and magnificent temples. If you want a spectacular view of the sea and ocean together, Mahabalipuram is the best place to visit. You can visit the Shore Temple, Group of Monuments, the famous India Seashell Museum, and the Tiger Cave.

20. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

The famous attractions of Coimbatore are its cultural heritage, scenic greenery, and pleasant weather, encompassing all four seasons. You can visit numerous cultural sites here, like Perur Pateeswarar Temple, GD Naidu Museum, and Gass Forest Museum. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is the best place to visit if you want to have a close look at nature.

Conclusion

As you have read about the top 20 tourist places to visit in South India, we hope that this list has inspired you to plan your next journey towards these remarkable destinations. These places have everything to offer, from adventure, fun sublime landmarks, historic monuments, lush green forests, and amusement parks. So, don’t waste your time thinking, and get ready to embark on a journey that leads you toward exploring the magic of Southern India.

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