Southern India is an exciting destination for tourists and travellers alike. The south of India is nothing like anywhere else in India. Encompassing the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Goa including the union territories of Lakshadweep, Andaman, and Nicobar, and Puducherry with this in mind travelling south has never looked so good. Are you planning a perfect holiday in South India? Then check out some of the best places in South India here.
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10 Best Places in South India
Southern India is romantically bounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea through to the Indian Ocean. With diverse geography including two mountain ranges – the Western and Eastern Ghats and the life-giving rivers of Krishna, Kaveri, Godavari, Tungabhadra and Vaigai means this part of the world is a haven for the eco-warrior or those interested in biodiversity.
To get the most out of any trip, making plans is essential, so we’ve put together a list of the top tourist attractions plus some off the beaten track experience so that you can make the most of your trip to Southern India. Read on to find out the best places in South India that should be on your list.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Southern India | Best Places in South India
Enter Southern India in style on a private jet, fly to Thiruvananthapuram; the International airport, this is the southernmost airport in India and closest to the sites at Veli Lake Tourist Village.
Veli Lake Tourist Village
Visit Kerala, and your first stop should be the Veli Lake Tourist Village, a beautiful man-made lake full of stunning sculptures. The sculptures are the reason this park is on the list, and they sit serenely in the middle of the lake just waiting to be admired.
The village on the Arabian sea provides a unique boating and picnicking venue. Hire a boat and explore or visit the ornate gardens for a picnic. This village is a family-friendly place.
Move on to Varkala and get some R & R.
Varkala, Kerala
Varkala beach is one of the best beaches for solitude in Southern India. The beach looks like paradise stretching out under the cliffs with views over the Arabian sea.
Walk the footpath that stretches over the cliffs, and you’ll find plenty to do, visit the tourist shops. Local handicraft sellers, stay at any of the magnificent hotels or holiday homes with coconut palms shading the streets.
Why not travel inland and visit the eco-village called Idukki?
Idukki The Eco Village
Modern-day hippies travel to Idukki, one of the most bio-diverse areas in Kerala with more than half of the area covered with trees, plants and wildlife.
Idukki is a rugged hill resort known for its wildlife sanctuaries, tea and rubber plantations and forests all add up to make Idukki a place of great beauty.
Before you leave, why not take a Kerala backwater tour?
Kerala Backwaters
One of the most popular things to do is take a canal tour along the Kerala Backwaters. Enjoying a leisurely cruise along the palm-fringed canals, often included in the trip is a chance to try the traditional foods created by the on-board cook.
Why not extend the trip and book into one of the many resorts along the backwaters and relax, knowing you will be treated like a king.
Leave Kerala and head for Tamil Nadu and the Meenakshi Temple.
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
No trip to Tamil Nadu is complete without a trip to The Meenakshi Temple. The home of the temple is the fabulous and ancient city of Madurai. The city of Madurai is also over 4,000 years old, so it’s not surprising it is a cultural tourist’s dream destination.
Visiting Madura is best done on foot so you can take in the spectacle first hand and up close and personal. If you only see one temple on your trip, make sure it’s the Meenakshi Temple and you won’t regret it.
Next stop is the beach at Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram is filled with a holiday atmosphere. Enjoy the chilled-out beach resorts situated along the coast. Here you will find the perfect place to stay to continue your Southern Indian journey.
Mahabalipuram is the home to the UNESCO world heritage site of the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas. Each temple is sculpted to resemble chariots.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu
This historic railway line built-in 1899 is a UNESCO world heritage site. The 46-kilometre journey takes you up to the tea plantations, over the forested hills, across 250 bridges up to the famous hill station of Ooty.
Ooty is an excellent place to escape the heat and is very close to the tranquil village of Coonoor, where you can spend time enjoying its world-famous tea selection.
Chennai
Chennai formerly known as Madras is located just 30 miles away from Mahabalipuram on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. The town is considered the traditional gateway of Southern India with most tourists flying into Chennai International airport.
Chennai is among the most visited Indian cities by foreign tourists and for a good reason. The city is known as a major film production centre and home to the Tamil film industry.
170 kilometres away is Pondicherry; this colonial town is a sight for sore eyes.
Visit Pondicherry
Heavily influenced by the French colony that settled here in the early 18th century, Pondicherry is a unique fusion of Indian and French culture blended into one.
With cuisines unlike any other and architecture very different to the rest of India, you’ll feel that you’ve escaped into 18th century France when visiting Pondicherry.
Finish your trip in glorious Hampi.
Hampi, Karnataka
Known as one of India’s top historical destinations, the village of Hampi is one of India’s greatest Hindu empires.
It is said that the energy felt once you arrive at this location is life-changing. Travellers come from all over the world to bask in the glory of Hampi, Karnataka.
These are only some of the gems that are scattered around South India. The region abounds natural, heritage, and cultural landmarks that beckon the visitors with an enchanting charm. The best places in South India await your footfalls.
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My friend has been calling us to Madurai like forever and we haven’t reached there. Hopefully will go soon .
I have heard and read a lot about Kerala , it’s in my bucket list , would love to go there and spend some time 🙂
I so need this, as South India is almost unexplored, except Bangalore and Mysore. Will bookmark this.
I have been to some of the places on your list but saving this post for when I plan my next trip down south!
I haven’t been to India yet and I’m not too familiar with all of the sites you can visit, so this was a really interesting read for me! I love the look of Varkala Beach, it looks beautiful and very clean which is great. I would also love to visit some of the temples you’ve listed, I love visiting historical sites when I travel!
These are some really amazing places.. I would love to visit these places some day! Lovely post!
I haven’t yet visited any places of south India yet. But there are some awesome places to explore there.
This list of 10 best places in South India looks so fascinating. I have been to a few of these and cant agree more.
There is so much to explore in Southern India. I have been to some of these places and have some fond memories from my visit. In fact I have stayed in Chennai and Cochin for over months during my Flying days.
Hampi is on my bucket list but I hadn’t heard of Varkala before and it’s such a beautiful place I see. Idukki is another one I wanna visit
You blog never fails to amaze me !! Visiting south India in vacations is all one need to attain peace.
Kerela is my fav, though I have not visited karnataka and TN, would love to visit it soon.
You blog never fails to amaze me !! Visiting south India in vacations is all one need to attain peace.
Kerela is my fav, though I have not visited karnataka and TN, but will visit then soon too.
Thanks & Regards
South India has wonderful tourist destination in India. This is a great destination to start any trip. Great thoughts.
You blog never fails to amaze me with your writing and explaining skills. Though i have visited Kerela but love to visit Karnataka and TN anytime soon 🙂 <3
Hampi is really a beautiful place and you have shared great places people might , all these are really beautiful and worth a visit to explore southern India
Thanks for sharing another great review about the place. Hope this year end we can plan something around such place.
I so want to travel again and just today I was thinking about my Mahabalipuram trip. It is so pretty. I also want to visit and some relaxing time at the backwaters.
I never visited South India.
Shall definitely check these 10 best places recommend by you, whenever Iwill be there.
I’ve read of some of these places before, but wasn’t aware that they were relatively close from another. This seems to be an excellent golden thread for when I’m planning a trip to India since it includes beautiful beaches as well as fantastic temples – two things I love on my travels.