Places to Visit in South India

Updated on Dec 20, 2023 | Indian e-Visa

If you are a true adventurer at heart and wish to explore the scenic beauties of South India, then your eyes are in for a treat. Starting from the heart-warming hills of Bangalore to the ancient ruins in Hampi, and the beauty of Kanyakumari, you will be astonished at the sites you choose to visit. South India serves more than the purpose of a beach visit and exquisite plantations, there's much more to marvel at and experience in the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

Whether you are travelling with your family, your friends, your partner or even alone (like a true explorer), South India entails activities such as trekking or hitchhiking, water sports, sightseeing, safari, boat riding and much more! All you need to do is look at the right locations for the right kind of adventure and to help you out with easy locating of heart-wrenching places in South India, we have a few suggestions given below which you can refer to while planning your trip. Have safe fun in all the places mentioned below!

Coorg, Bangalore

If you are a mountain enthusiast and wish to experience the beauty of nature from the peaks of mountains, then Coorg is the place for you. Coorg is located very close to the city of Bangalore. If you happen to prefer your stay in Bangalore, you can make a 6-hour bus journey to Coorg and enjoy the scenic beauty it entails.

Coorg is not just famous for its lofty mountain chain, it is also famous for its various types of coffees, home-made wines of various flavours, spices of various kinds and if you consider yourself to be a true food connoisseur, you will definitely try their homemade wines. It is a delicacy you will remember for the rest of your travelling life. The most appropriate time to visit Coorg would be between October to March. Sites which you cannot miss when you are there are: Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, Barapole River, Omkareshwara Temple, Iruppu Falls, Raja's Seat, Nagarhole National Park, Talacauvery and Tadiandamol Peak.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

The beauty of Kodaikanal is rightfully described as the Princess of all Hill Stations because the scenic splendor of hill town is unmeasurable. The breeze is refreshing, not too cool to make you shiver, just the kind which makes you wish to stay there anchored.Even though humidity is typical of southern India, these hills differ in climate.There are well-etched out paths for trekkers, lakes to laze around in afternoons, waterfalls to freshen yourselves and many such thrilling activities are curled up amidst the hills. If you get lucky enough, you may be able to witness the Kurunji shrubs in their full bloom.

At night, trekkers are advised to take a trip to the observatory to experience a whole different world. The appropriate time to visit this beauty is between October to June. Attractions that are hard to miss are, Pillar Rocks, Bear Shola Falls, Bryant Park, Kodaikanal Lake, Thalaiyar Falls, Devil's Kitchen, Kurinji Andavar Temple and most importantly Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chennai can be best described as a place which balances the old and the new. The capital of Tamil Nadu is viewed by South Indians as the caretaker of ancient traditions. This is so because of the spectacular architecture that has stayed andnow speaks for the city’s past. Contrary to this ancientness, the city is also known for its modern and trendy lifestyle, cool cafes, unique traditional boutique stores and the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan landscape.

The city also bears the second-longest urban beach across the globe. If you’re a true travelling enthusiast, you will surely find yourself indulging in interesting sports. If you did not know already, Chennai happens to be one of the most visited travel destinations in Southern India. The most appropriate time to visit Chennai would be from October to February. Key places which you cannot afford to miss out on are, Marina Beach, Government museum, Kapaleswarar Temple, Arignar Anna Zoological Park,  B. M. Birla Planetarium, Fort Saint George and Partha Sarathi Temple.

Wayanad Hills, Kerala

Coming to the state of Kerala, we have one of the most visited hill stations in South -Wayanad. To say the least about Wayanad, the mountains are as if cut-out for trek lovers to explore their dimensions in trekking while enjoying the unfiltered beauty of Wayanad hills. The rolling pattern of the hills and the lush green spread out are believed to be home to a good number of species. The true beauty of Wayanad waterfalls only comes to life after a good rain, preferably in the monsoons which is also the advised time to visit this aesthetic display.

If you are in the mood for a nice and cozy picnic,you should head over straight to the dams and lakes. There are also old and ruined temples that are a must visit if you happen to he interested in the place's history. Temples in India store more secrets than you can ever keep! A few recommended tourist spots would be Chembra Peak, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Banasura Dam, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala Viewpoint, Kuruvadweep, Edakkal Caves and Soochipara Waterfalls.

Ooty and Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

Ooty

Ooty, very famously known as the Queen of Hill Stations, stands in-between the chaos of a hustling city life and the gorgeous natural spread out of tea gardens. The place is laced with aesthetic bungalows standing tall since the British-Raj era, adding an ancient flavor to the place, marking it as one of the most preferred places for honeymoon stays. It us also very famous for its miniature toy train which is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a pride of the people of the South.

The train travelling is suited for people of all ages. They generally choose to travel from Coonoor to Ooty or to other nearby hill station through the train. The model of train is designed to cover a distance of roughly 19 km, offering its traveler an experience which has almost gone amiss. To explore further, there are numerous churches, tea factories and museums, to content your heart with.

Recommended time to visit this delight would be between October to June. Tourist spots to touch upon are The Tea Factory, St. Stephen's Church, Government Rose Garden, Government Botanical Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, Dolphin’s Nose, Thread Garden, Kamaraj Sagar Dam, Catherine Falls and Deer Park.

Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi should be top priority if you plan on a trip to South India. It is an un-miss-able destination spot for an ardent traveler.Also one of the most visited destinations locales of travelers. The world heritage site will make travel back in time to roughly between the 15th and 16th century encompassing all it marvellous ruins from history. It is literally the emblem of a place we read and imagine as history. The remnants of temples, worn-out monuments, and tattered havelis all speak for themselves.

The place also includes artistic cafes set up on rooftops serving the cuisines you have unknowingly been craving for. The month of October to February would be an ideal time to savor the beauty of this place. The destinations you can't afford to miss are Lotus Mahal, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Stone Chariot, Hampi Architectural Ruins, Saasivekaalu Ganesha, Rama Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill, Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Hemakuta Hill Temple and Achyutaraya Temple.

Gokarna, Karnataka

If you happen to be a fan of beaches then this would be your ideal location for a holiday in South India. Gokarna in Karnataka is famous as a Hindu pilgrimage site, but is equally known for its dreamy beaches laced with white grains of sand and swaying coconut trees amidst the breezy landscape. Along with the beauty of white beaches, Gokarna is the destination spot for old and new temples, a place of interest for historians and explorers rightfully. In case you are travelling solo, this place is specially recommended to you.

Being a religious destinations for local and far off worshippers, the place generally serves vegetarian food to its visitors, however, if you don't mind travelling a little you can easily get access to local bars and restaurants. Recommended time to visit this location would be from October to March. Locations that you cannot afford to miss our, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Half Moon Beach, Om Beach, Paradise Beach, Sri Bhadrakali Temple, Shiva cave Mahaganapathi Temple, Kudal beach and Koti Tirtha.

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