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South India i.e. the southern part of India is rich in cultural diversity and heritage. The states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana constitute the southern part of India. Blessed with coastline and other natural amenities, South India offers many tourist destinations that are worth visiting. Each state is unique when it comes to culture, language, people, and biodiversity. Temples are the essence of the festive spirit of South India. We have compiled a list of popular tourist places in South India that you can refer to while planning a trip to South India. These are the top 10 famous tourist places in South India that we are talking about!
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and falls in the Vijayanagar district of Karnataka. The ruined temples of Hampi attract visitors from around the world. Also, there are so many of these temples that you will find yourself in a completely different world altogether. People come here to observe the ancient ruins and to learn about the history and culture of the empires that ruled here once! You will also find rocky mountains here that are ideal for hikers and adventure seekers. Due to all these reasons, Hampi is one of the top tourist spots in South India.
Rameshwaram is the place where Lord Hanuman built the famous Ram Setu for rescuing Sita from the demon king Ravana. You will also find many pilgrims visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple and bathe in the holy water. Near Rameshwaram, you will find a ruined town Dhanushkodi. It was destroyed completely in a storm in 1964. However, the remains of the town create eerie surroundings and attract visitors. If you want to experience the unique blend of nature and mythology, these are the coastal towns of Tamil Nadu that you must visit.
Coorg is popularly known as Kodagu in Karnataka. It is known for its deep forests, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. If you happen to visit it during the rainy season, you will be amazed at the numerous waterfalls that cascade from the mountains to refresh your spirits. Coorg is a popular tourist attraction in South India for honeymoon couples due to its natural vistas and the adventurous experience it provides to them. You can easily reach this place via Mysore or Bangalore and refresh your mind by roaming in one of the numerous coffee estates that are found in this region.
Gokarna is a small town in Karnataka that can be easily accessed via local trains and buses. It gives the charm and feel of Goa but you don’t have to spend a lot here as food and accommodation options are fairly economical. You will find many foreigners travelling here to tan their bodies on its beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in India like Paradise Beach, Om Beach, Kudle Beach, etc. are next to Gokarna. Gokarna is also the place where Lord Ganesha placed the Atma linga after getting it from King Ravana. Therefore, it is a famous pilgrimage place for devotees as well. You should avoid visiting Gokarna in summer because it gets too hot and humid during this part of the year.
Hyderabad is known for its Islamic heritage and historical sites. However, other places make it one of the best tourist places to visit in South India. The capital of Telangana, Hyderabad is well-connected to all parts of the country via train, air, and road routes. Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Birla Planetarium, Golconda Fort, etc. are some of the best tourist places in Hyderabad. You can also enjoy shopping at the Chandi Chowk or Laad Bazaar and get the fashion accessories for yourself or your loved ones. Also, don’t miss out to taste biryani and other delicious cuisines of Hyderabad.
If there is a heaven on the earth it has to be the Munnar in Kerala! This is the line that most tourists that visit Munnar say about it. Nestled in Kerala’s western ghats, Munnar is a hill station that is one of the best-unexplored places in South India. It is getting popular due to the stories the visitors share on Instagram and other social media sites after visiting here. The tea estates and lush green forests provide a blissful experience whereas you can also observe its wildlife along with some endangered animals like Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji. All these reasons make it one of the best tourist destinations in South India.
Popularly referred to as the Spice Village of Kerala, Periyar is a village that amazes tourists with its simplicity and beauty. You can stay in one of the artistic cottages and explore the spices and delectable cuisines of this place. The cottages are equipped with modern facilities like a swimming pool and a bar. It is a perfect holiday destination for the people who have been frustrated by the hectic life and pollution of the cities. You can also visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to observe different species of wild animals.
Ooty is a picturesque hill station that you will find in many popular romantic songs in Bollywood movies. Lush green gardens, tea plantations managed on the hill slopes, and comfortable staying options make it nothing short of a paradise. Honeymoon couples visit Ooty to find the true meaning of love and to explore its scenery and natural bounties. Located in Tamil Nadu, Ooty will amaze you with the different varieties of tea. You can enjoy them while relaxing at the resorts or have them in the local resorts after enjoying a rejuvenating walk in the tea plantations. The botanical gardens and churches are among the worth visiting places of Ooty. You can also enjoy boating and horse riding here.
Mudumalai National Park is located in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the best tourist destinations in South India due to many reasons. You can experience some of the exotic flowers and herbs in this national park. Also, wildlife thrives in abundance here including several endangered species of animals. Over 200 bird species also make it one of the best places to observe a variety of birds. There are over 34 varieties of reptiles here that crawl beside its lakes and rivers to provide you with a spooky and adventurous experience. There are some waterfalls in Mudumalai that get exquisitely beautiful during the monsoon. Therefore, if you want to create a list of the best tourist places to visit in South India, don’t forget to add Mudumalai to it!
Located in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district, Yelagiri is considered to be a nature’s paradise. It has enchanting rose gardens and orchards nestled in lush green valleys and hill slopes. It is a wonderful place for those who want to experience adventurous hiking and trekking. Punganur Lake, a man-made lake in this region attracts thousands of visitors every month as it is a great picnicking spot. During summer, many cultural activities and events are held by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department including the dog show and flower show.
These were the top 10 best tourist attractions in South India. If you face any difficulty in finding hotels, air tickets, or railway reservations for these places, you can visit Cleartrip.com. Check Cleartrip to find the best hotel deals and recommendations. Also, don’t miss out on the best discounts on flight tickets on Cleartrip!
Yes, there are so many best tourist spots in South India that it becomes hard to choose among them. Therefore, you must also find the places that are not mentioned in our list like Badami, Kerala Backwaters, Madurai, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, etc.
Yes, the Archaeological Survey of India conducts excavations in this area frequently.
Kerala is famous for its backwaters, hill stations, spice plantations, and unspoiled beaches.
Rameshwaram is the nearest railway station from where you can catch a bus or taxi to reach Dhanushkodi.
Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of mainland India whereas Indira point located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the southernmost point of the Indian territory.
