Top 8 Best Places to Visit in South India

South India, a region famous for its lush greenery, hill stations, ancient temples, serene beaches, and rich culture.

The region of India has something to offer in every season, no matter when you visit. There’s plenty to do in the south of India, whether you’re visiting with friends, taking your parents to temples, or taking a romantic getaway to a hill station or beach.

That’s enough praise for this region you’re thinking of visiting, right? You are, that’s why you’re here.

Therefore, here are some of the best places to visit in Southern India to make your planning easier. As you go through the list, you can plan your itinerary, whether it’s a honeymoon or a family trip.

Take a look at this write-up to begin preparing for your South India trip.

List of the Top 8 Best Tourist Attractions in South India

1. Munnar, Kerala

Looking for a way to escape the scorching heat? Then you should visit Munnar, one of the best hill stations in South India. 

This is a perfect place to unwind in the midst of nature. The idyllic landscapes and comfortable weather make it an all-year-round destination.

The awe-inspiring views of hanging clouds and a glimpse of the sun setting amidst the dramatic clouds are a treat for every tourist.

If you are planning a trip to the Southern part of India, whether it’s a family vacation or romantic getaway, make sure to include Munnar on your list of the best places to visit in South India.

Things to Do:

• Tea Estate Visit: Explore the sprawling green tea gardens, with Kolukkumalai being the highest tea garden in India. One can also visit the Tata Tea Estate.
• Boating: Enjoy pedal boating, row boating, or shikara rides at the scenic Kundala Lake.
• Trekking: Hike to the highest peak in South India-Anamudi Peak.
• Nature Walks: Explore the unique Marayoor Sandalwood forests and walk through the tea gardens.
• Wildlife Spotting: Visit Eravikulam National Park to see the rare Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife in this protected area.

How to Reach: You can reach Munnar by road from Kochi (about 110 km). The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. 

Best Time to Visit: September to June

Best For: Nature lovers, Couples, Photographers, Solo travellers

Other Tourist Attractions: Mattupetty Dam, Attukal Waterfall, Echo Point, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Blossom Park, Carmelagari Elephant Park.

2. Kochi (Cochin), Kerala

The next on our list of the best places to visit in South India is Kochi, perfect for history lovers. 

Let me tell you why?

The city is home to one of the oldest ports in the country. Apart from the ports, the city has colonial bungalows, churches, and a Fort. 

However, that does not mean the city attracts only history enthusiasts. Kochi offers beautiful coastal views, serene backwaters, and lush greenery. You can take houseboat rides in nearby Alleppey or Vembanad Lake.

Things to Do:

• Fort Kochi Exploration: Wander through historic streets lined with colonial buildings.
• Heritage Tours: Visit the oldest European church in India.
• Cultural Shows: Experience traditional Kathakali dance performances and martial art forms.
• Backwater Cruises: Take a short cruise on nearby backwaters

How to reach Cochin: The nearest railway station to Cochin is Ernakulam Junction (Ernakulam South). Alternatively, one can fly to Kochi International Airport.

Best time to visit: October to March

Best for: Beach lovers, architecture lovers, nature lovers and Couples.

Other tourist attractions: Jew Town, St.Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica, Marine Drive, Mangalvanam Bird Sanctuary, and Bolgatty Palace. 

3. Alleppey

Are you looking for a romantic place to create wonderful memories with your partner in South India? Then, Alleppey is a great destination for a honeymoon or a romantic trip..

It is often referred to as the “Venice of the East” due to its intricate network of backwaters, palm trees swaying in the wind, and traditional houseboats. 

The serene backwater cruises offer a glimpse into rural Kerala life and make it one of the most relaxing places to visit in South India.

Things to Do:

• Houseboat Stay: Overnight stay on a traditional Kerala houseboat
• Beach Visit: Take a relaxing stroll along Alappuzha Beach.
• Bird Watching: Don’t forget your binoculars to spot numerous bird species at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

How to reach Alleppey:

The distance from Kochi to Alleppey is 53 kilometres, so getting there by road is quite easy. Trains are available from Thiruvananthapuram to Alleppey.

Best time to visit: October to March

Best for: Honeymooners, Family trips, Beach lovers

Other tourist attractions:  Alappuza Light House,  Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum, Roman Catholic Basilica Church, Arthunkal, Vembanad Lake.

4. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, a hill town in Tamil Nadu, offers a perfect escape from summer heat. The misty clouds that surround this hill town give it the right name, the Princess of Hill Stations in South India.

The place is a must-see for anyone who loves nature or wants to satisfy their adventurous side. There are also lakes and waterfalls in this area, which are perfect for getting relief from the summer heat.

If you visit at the right time, you may see the Kurunji shrubs in bloom. 

Things to Do:

• Lake Activities: Enjoy boating, cycling, or simply strolling around the picturesque Kodai Lake
• Viewpoint Visits: Take in panoramic views from Pillar Rocks, Dolphin’s Nose, and Moir Point
• Waterfall Exploration: Explore Bear Shola Falls and Silver Cascade Falls
• Nature Walks: Take a stroll through the Bryant Park Botanical Garden

How to Reach: The closest airport is Madurai Airport (120 km), from which you can take a cab or a bus to Kodaikanal.  From Madurai and Coimbatore, buses and taxis are readily available.

Best Time to Visit: September to June

Best For: Nature lovers, honeymooners, adventure seekers, photographers

Tourist Attractions: Kodai Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Kurinji Andavar Temple

5. Madurai

Madurai, in South India, is a perfect destination for devotees, culture lovers, and history buffs. The Meenakshi Amman Temple in this city offers an authentic glimpse of Tamil culture and traditions. This temple honours the goddess Meenakshi and her consort, Sundareshwarar.

This city was built in the shape of a lotus and ruled by the Pandya kings for the longest period of its history. 

Things to Do:

• Temple Tour: Explore the massive Meenakshi Amman Temple complex.
• Gandhi Museum Visit: This museum offers an insight into India’s freedom struggle
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace Exploration: Witness the fusion of Dravidian and Islamic styles, the palace exhibits
• Food Trails: Sample authentic Tamil cuisine, especially the famous Madurai halwa and jigarthanda

How to Reach:  The city is served by the Madurai International Airport, which connects it to major cities in India. Road and rail connections are also good in the city.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Best For: Culture enthusiasts, Spiritual Seekers, History buffs

Tourist Attractions: Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Alagar Koil

6. Pondicherry

Have you ever read The Life of Pi? It is a story about an Indian boy, Pi Patel, who grows up in Pondicherry.

The novel has piqued my interest in visiting Pondicherry. Also, if you have read the novel, you might be interested in visiting here.

If you haven’t read the novel yet, let me tell you why you should come here..

French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, a spiritual atmosphere, and beautiful beaches make Pondicherry one of India’s best-kept secrets. Unlike other tourist attractions in South India, this former French colony maintains a unique cultural blend.

No matter what your interests are, whether you love peace, history, or nature, Pondicherry is a must-see in South India.

Things to Do:

• Explore French Quarter: Stroll through the streets lined with colourful French-style buildings and cafes
• Beach Time: Enjoy a relaxing day at Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, or Serenity Beach
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Meditate and practice yoga at this spiritual retreat
• Water Sports: Enjoy scuba diving, surfing, or kayaking

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Puducherry Airport, which has limited connectivity. The best way to reach Pondicherry is to fly into Chennai International Airport and then take trains or buses to Pondicherry.

Best Time to Visit: September to May

Best For: Spiritual seekers, Beach lovers, History buffs

Tourist Attractions: Rock Beach, Auroville, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Chunnambar Boat House

7. Hampi

The ancient city of Hampi is filled with the remains of temples and forts built during the Vijayanagar Empire in Karnataka. History lovers are drawn to this village because of its ruins of ancient temples and forts.

If you are a history buff, you must visit Hampi. Take a trip to the 7th-century Virupaksha Temple. In addition, there are the Achyutaraya temple and Vijaya Vitthala, both of which have ruins from another age. 

Things to Do:

• Temple Tours: Take in the architectural splendour of the Virupaksha Temple.
• Coracle Ride: Experience traditional round boat rides across the Tungabhadra
• Sunset Views: Watch the spectacular sunset from Hemakuta Hill

How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction. From the railway station, you can take city buses that will take you directly to Hamp. You can book a cab for a private transfer.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Best For: History enthusiasts, photographers, architecture lovers, backpackers

Tourist Attractions:  Queen’s Bath, Elephant Stables, Lotus Mahal

8. Wayanad

The last place on our list of best tourist attractions in South India is Wayanad, located in Kerala’s Western Ghats.

There are verdant forests, mist-covered hills, and glistening waterfalls in this picturesque region, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Things to Do:

• Wildlife Safari: Spot elephants, deer, and tigers
• Bamboo Rafting: Experience gentle rafting at Karlad Lake
• Spice Plantation Tours: Take a tour of a pepper, cardamom, and other spice plantations

How to Reach: The nearest airports are the Calicut International Airport and the Kannur International Airport. There are regular bus services connecting Wayanad to major cities in Kerala and neighbouring states.

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Best For: Nature lovers, Wildlife enthusiasts

Tourist Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Conclusion

South India combines natural wonders, spiritual experiences, architectural marvels, and cultural immersion. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, spiritual growth, or cultural exploration, these 8 places in South India will make your trip memorable 

Take time to plan your journey thoughtfully, immerse yourself in local experiences, and enjoy the magical charm of South India.

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