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South India is draped in green environs, charming hill stations and historical sites, which come together to offer a magical travel experience. As you explore the places to visit in South India, you will realise how these destinations offer the perfect setting for your dream holiday. From Mysore and Hampi with their architectural marvels to Munnar and Ooty with their mountains and hill stations, there’s so much to experience. For beaches, you have Puducherry and Gokarna while Mahabalipuram takes you to the bygone eras. With such diverse landscapes and experiences, South India opens up to its visitors with scenic beauty and alluring activities.
Top 10 Places To Visit In South India
From the emerald hill stations of Kerala to the historical grandeur of Karnataka’s temples, there are several places to visit in South India that offer an unforgettable travel experience.
1. Ooty
Photo: Chaitanya Rayampally / Unsplash
With its charming hills and surrounding lush greenery of the Nilgiris, Ooty or Udhagamandalam is an evergreen place to visit in South India that is replete with rolling tea gardens and a cool climate. Laden with diverse flora and lush tea gardens, Ooty’s most popular sightseeing spots include the native Botanical Garden and Rose Garden. For historical significance, visit the first house made on the land of Ooty, Stone House. Lastly, soak in the serenity around Ooty Lake and Emerald Lake and do not forget to visit Pine Forest, 9th Mile View Point.
Best Time To Visit: March to June (15°C – 20°C), and September to November (5°C – 15°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Doddabetta Peak, Emerald Lake
Top Things To Do: Hiking at Avalanche Lake
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In North India
2. Dandeli
Photo: sarangib / Wikimedia Commons
For adventure enthusiasts who wish to enjoy activities like cave hunting, rock climbing, trekking, etc, Dandeli in Karnataka is the perfect spot. Be it Shiroli Peak or Sykes View Point, Dandeli’s adventure activities take you through untapped nature trails for thrill and fun. You can go river rafting on Kali River or trek to the base of the Sathodi Falls that joins the backwaters of Kodasalli Dam. For wildlife spotting, visit Anshi National Park and for cave hunting, the Kavala Caves are the perfect spot.
Best Time To Visit: October to May (20°C – 30°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Kavala Caves, Syntheri Rocks, Supreme God Tree
Top Things To Do: River Rafting on Kali River, Jungle Safari, Kayaking, Bird Watching
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
3. Mysore
Photo: Chaitanya Rayampally / Unsplash
Basking in the royal history and architectural marvels, Mysore stands out with its amazing sightseeing spots that makes it one of the places to visit in South India. More commonly known as the City of Palaces, the main attraction here is the majestic Mysore Palace and the Jagan Mohan Palace. To witness the vibrancy of Mysore, visit the Devaraja Market. To explore the rich history of the South Indian railways, make your way to the Mysore Rail Museum. Also, explore the oldest zoo in the country, Mysore Zoo, and the most revered Chamundi Hill.
Best Time To Visit: October to March (15°C – 30°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hill, St. Philomena’s Church
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In South India
4. Gokarna
Photo: Pranet / Wikimedia Commons
From exploring the myriad beaches to the native Hindu temples, Gokarna is steeped in historical and religious significance. This small coastal town offers a balance between relaxation and entertainment. You can start your trip by beach hopping at Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach. These beaches have plenty of water activities like banana boat rides, and parasailing, to name a few. For spiritual seekers, make your way to the Mahabaleshwar Temple to witness and seek blessings from the Shiva linga. For an additional adventure, tourists can hike to Mirjan Fort.
Best Time To Visit: October to March (15°C – 30°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple
Top Things To Do: Hiking to Mirjan Fort
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
5. Hampi
Photo: Abhinandan J. Patil / Pexels
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is an ancient village that features the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, and is one of the major tourist places in South India. The best way to explore Hampi is on a rental bicycle or moped. From there, you can start exploring the ruins and temples around Hampi, which speaks of the grandeur of a bygone era. You will also find ancient temples like Virupaksha and Vijaya Temples. A quick trek takes you to the top of Anjaneya Hill, enabling you to catch views of the village. Also, you can’t miss out on the coracle rides while in Hampi.
Best Time To Visit: October to February (15°C – 30°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Royal Enclosure
Top Things To Do: Coracle Ride on the Tungabhadra River, Rock Climbing
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In India With Family For A Memorable Vacation
6. Munnar
Photo: gaurav kumar / Unsplash
Despite being a small town in Kerala, Munnar is on the South India tourist places list due to its stunning natural landscapes, tea gardens and misty hills. As you stroll past the terraced hills with tea plantations, stop to take a picture and preserve the memory. Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation is one of the highest tea plantations in the world. To catch the views of the surrounding city, hike until Pothamedu View Point or soak in the beauty of the Lakkam Waterfalls. Visit the Rose Garden, tea museums and Eravikulam National Park to view the natural wonders of this hill station.
Best Time To Visit: September to March (10°C – 25°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum, Anamudi Peak
Top Things To Do: Boating on Kundala Lake, Bird Watching at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, and Trekking to Lakkam Waterfalls
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
7. Kasaragod
Photo: Praswin Prakashan / Unsplash
Off the radar of most tourists, Kasaragod is steeped in folk art, heritage and local culture and is one of the places for a South India trip. It is located in Kerala and is known for its historic forts, pristine beaches, and backwaters. From Bekal Fort to Ranipuram Hills, Kasaragod offers a quietness from the chaos of life. To rejoice in its coastal charm, make your way to Thaikadappuram Beach. It doesn’t stop there because places like Hosdurg Fort and Kottancheri Hills in Kasaragod feel like they are from a movie.
Best Time To Visit: October to March (20°C – 30°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Kappil Beach, Ananthapura Lake Temple
Top Things To Do: Houseboat Cruise on Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Visiting Ranipuram, Watching Theyyam
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India
8. Alleppey
More traditionally known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is a city in Kerala famous for its intricate network of backwaters and houseboats. If you wish to immerse yourself in a tranquil environment with no chaos, this is it. Beyond exploring the backwaters on a houseboat, you can also indulge in history at Coir Museum or take some time to learn the art of Kalaripayattu. To seek blessings from deities, visit the Ambalapuzha Temple and enjoy the sweet rice porridge there.
Best Time To Visit: November to February (17°C – 32°C)
Top Tourist Attractions: Alleppey Beach, Vembanad Lake, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal Island
Top Things To Do: Houseboat stay, Kayaking in Backwaters, Snake Boat Races
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
9. Dhanushkodi
Photo: LABEEB K A / Wikimedia Commons
An often underrated spot in South India, Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu is often referred to as the “ghost town” on Pamban Island. It is a meeting point for the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Apart from being a geographical wonder, it is considered important in Hindu religion and mythology due to Rama’s Bridge. Beyond exploring the town itself, there are additional tourist attractions in South India like the Dhanuskodi Beach Point and the Old City Beach as well. Don’t miss out on visiting the House of Kalam while you are there.
Best time to visit: October to March (20°C – 30°C)
Top tourist attractions: Rama’s Bridge (Adam’s Bridge), Dhanushkodi Beach, Ruins of Dhanushkodi
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In North East India
10. Chikmagalur
Photo: DiversePixels / Shutterstock
Chikmagalur is yet another popular hill station that’s located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri peak. Featuring breathtaking landscapes, coffee plantations and a pleasant climate, this is one of those places that leave you with enriching memories that last a lifetime. For trekkers, the challenging climb of the Mullayanagiri Peak and the view from the top is enchanting. Another tourist attraction is the Hebbe Falls and Baba Budangiri, which is a renowned pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Muslims. For a more adventurous trip, visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary to spot the local wildlife species of Karnataka.
Best time to visit: September to March (10°C – 25°C)
Top tourist attractions: Mullayanagiri Peak, Hebbe Falls, Baba Budangiri, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
South India is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences. From the lush tea gardens of Munnar to the ancient ruins of Hampi, each destination offers something special for every traveller. As you gear up for your next vacation to South India, plan your booking with TripXL. Secure the best deals and avail ongoing discounts to fit the experiences in your budget.
Cover Photo: Naufal MQ / Shutterstock
