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Many travellers look for offbeat places in South India to avoid large tourist groups and enjoy a quieter trip. While popular destinations get busy, some places still have open spaces, clean air, and good views. These places are good for short breaks or long stays. Some have old temples, while others have lakes, forests, or small villages. Exploring these places in South India is a great way to see a different side of South India’s tourist attractions without too much noise and rush.
Top 10 Offbeat Places In South India
Here are the top 10 offbeat places in South India for a relaxing and memorable holiday with your loved ones.
1. Thalassery, Kerala
Photo: Manas Manikoth / Unsplash
Thalassery, in Kerala’s Kannur district, has a long history and was once an important port for trade. The place has a strong European influence because the British East India Company set up a settlement here. It is also known as the “City of Seven Hills,” which adds to its uniqueness. The town is popular for its different kinds of food, including Thalassery biryani, which is famous in Kerala. Visitors can explore the old British-era buildings, visit markets, and enjoy the coastal views. It is one of the offbeat tourist attractions in South India that many travellers do not know about.
Major Attractions: Arakkal Museum, Dharmadam Beach Island, Bekal Fort, Kottiyoor Shiva Temple
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport
2. Tharangambadi, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Matthew T Rader / Wikimedia Commons
Tharangambadi, also called Tranquebar, is a small town by the sea in Tamil Nadu. This place was once a Danish colony, and you can still see buildings from that time. The old fort and churches show the European history of the area. The streets have houses built differently than most South Indian tourist places. The beach here is quiet, and visitors can walk along the shore. The Danish Museum in the town tells the story of the past and is an interesting place to visit.
Major Attractions: Fort Dansborg, Zion Church, Old Danish Cemetery, Masilamani Nathar Temple
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
3. Pollachi, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Divyacskn1289 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pollachi is a town near Coimbatore famous for its green fields and coconut farms. It is not as popular as other places to visit in South India, but it has much to offer. Many Indian films have been shot here because of the beautiful background. The weather is usually pleasant, and the town has many spots for short trips. Visitors can see Aliyar Dam, a good place for a picnic. Small waterfalls, such as Thirumoorthy Falls and Iraichal Parai Falls, are nearby and worth visiting.
Major Attractions: Aliyar Dam, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Topslip Tiger Forest, Masani Amman Temple
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport
4. Badami, Karnataka
Photo: amara / Wikimedia Commons
Badami is an old town known for its rock-cut cave temples. These temples were built by the Chalukya dynasty many years ago. The town is surrounded by red sandstone hills, making it look different from other South India tourist places. The Badami cave temples have beautiful carvings and are an example of early Indian architecture. There is also a fort on top of a hill that gives a great view of the area. Visitors can also see the Agastya Lake, which is believed to have religious importance.
Major Attractions: Badami Fort, Archaeological Museum, Dakshina Kaashi Shri Mahaakuteshwara Gudi
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Belgaum Airport
5. Nagarhole, Karnataka
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Nagarahole has one of the highest tiger populations in India, after Corbett and Kaziranga tiger reserves. The park has many trees and rivers, which make it a good place to see wildlife. Visitors can take a jeep safari to see the animals in their natural habitat. The Kabini River flows through the park, and many animals can be seen drinking water there. It is one of the offbeat tourist attractions in South India for those who want to see animals in their natural surroundings.
Major Attractions: Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Rameshwara Temple, Thirunelli Temple, Irpu Falls
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport
6. Devbagh Beach, Karnataka
Photo: Sean Oulashin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Devbagh Beach is near Karwar and is not as crowded as other beaches in South India tourist places list. The beach has soft sand and clear water, making it a good spot for a quiet holiday. There are many water activities here, including snorkelling and kayaking. Fishing boats can also be seen along the shore. Visitors can enjoy seafood from small restaurants near the beach. The sunset here is a good time to take a walk and enjoy the view.
Major Attractions: Snorkelling, Kayaking, Banana Boat Rides, Sunset Views
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport
7. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: Maina Tudu / Wikimedia Commons
Araku Valley is a hill station in Andhra Pradesh that is not as crowded as other famous hill stations in places to visit in South India. Hills and coffee plantations surround the valley. The weather remains cool throughout the year, making it a good place to visit at any time of the year. The valley is also known for its tribal culture, where the Kodhu and the Adivasi tribes live, and visitors can see their traditional dance performances. The nearby Borra Caves have interesting rock formations and are one of the main attractions.
Major Attractions: Tribal Museum, Katiki Waterfalls, Galikonda Viewpoint
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport
8. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: Akanksha1811 / Wikimedia Commons
Gandikota is a small village with a huge canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of India.” It is one of the most unique South India tourist places. The Pennar River has cut deep into the hills, creating a large gorge. The village also has a fort named Gandikota fort that was built hundreds of years ago. The fort has old temples, granaries, and large walls that show the quality of its construction. The view of the canyon from the top of the fort is the main highlight of a visit here.
Major Attractions: Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Jamia Masjid, Belum Caves
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport
9. Belum Caves, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: Daniel Romanson / Wikimedia Commons
Belum Caves are the second-largest caves in India and a unique tourist attraction in South India. These limestone caves were formed by water flowing through rock over thousands of years. Inside, there are long passages, deep chambers, and freshwater galleries. Some areas have lights, making it easy to see the rock formations. Visitors can explore the caves with a guide and walk through the winding paths. The caves also have natural air vents, keeping them cool even in summer. It’s a great place for an unusual and exciting underground experience.
Major Attractions: Patalaganga, Meditation Hall, Long Passages
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Hyderabad Airport
10. Skandagiri Hills, Karnataka
Photo: Hermann / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Skandagiri Hills is a good place for trekking, especially at night. It is located near Bangalore and is one of the few places for a South India trip where people can trek under the moonlight. The trek takes 2-3 hours and leads to an old fort at the top. The fort is in ruins, but the view from the top is worth the effort. The best time to reach the top is before sunrise so visitors can watch the sun coming up over the hills.
Major Attractions: Night Trekking, Ruined Fort, Sunrise View
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport
Travelling to offbeat places in South India is a good choice for those who want a relaxed and quiet trip away from the crowd of popular tourist places. These places have simple charm, fresh air, and open spaces. They allow visitors to see a different side of unexplored South Indian tourist places. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore these quiet and refreshing destinations.
Cover Photo: Kaushik Dey / Unsplash
