The Best places to visit in south India Must Visit
There are many places in South India that you simply cannot miss if you ever get the chance to visit the region.
From incredible beaches to charming towns and lively cities, here are some of the best tourist places in South India you can’t afford to miss if you ever find yourself in the area!
Best places to visit in South India
1. Chennai (formerly Madras)
Chennai, India’s 4th most populous city, is home to Fort St. George, which served as British headquarters during colonial rule.
Today, it’s a bustling city known for its seafood and people-watching—try Sowcarpet for good eats and a glimpse of local life.
The Great Living Chola Temples (constructed between 1010 and 1035 AD) are on UNESCO’s World Heritage list because of their exquisite sculptures and carved pillars.
Chennai is also home to Marina Beach (one of India’s largest), an excellent place to see a sunset over Mount Road Promenade or take part in New Year celebrations.
2. Trivandrum
With a population of around 4.5 million, it is Kerala’s capital and the largest city by far. It’s home to Fort Kochi, an old port district famous for its Chinese fishing nets and art festivals, as well as Mattancherry Palace, built in 1555.
The city’s stately buildings reflect centuries of colonial rule—first by Portugal and then by Holland—and many feature intricate wooden carvings.
Trivandrum’s traditional Hindu temple festival known as Attukal Pongala draws thousands every year while Kovalam beach, just 12 miles away, is a popular hangout spot for international tourists looking to get away from it all on India’s southernmost tip.
3. Kochi
Kerala’s commercial capital and India’s most visited city, Kochi is situated along a picturesque estuary lined with coconut palms.
This beautiful piece of land is also home to Fort Kochi, an old Dutch settlement that houses a plethora of churches and synagogues that are worth visiting.
Foodies would love Kerala’s ‘God’s own country’ because Kochi offers food from all around India as well as international fare, making it one of India’s best cities for food.
Admirers of art and history should head straight to Fort Kochi where galleries by world-renowned artists are housed at St. Francis Church.
4. Wayanad
Wayanad is situated in south India and has been known as a famous tourist destination. Wayanad is also named as:
The Scotland of India, Neelakurinji Capital of Kerala, and Valleys of Beauty. It comes under Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Wayanad offers four seasons to explore with greenery all around. One can do trekking, adventure sports like river rafting, skiing, etc. to enjoy their holidays here.
People come here to watch flora and fauna and spot animals in their natural environment.
5. Coorg
Located in Karnataka, Coorg is one of southern India’s most beautiful hill stations. The place is an adventurer’s delight with several adventurous activities that have contributed to it being named ‘God’s Own Country.
The place also has spectacular waterfalls and offers activities like trekking, bird watching, and hiking. It is a great escape from all your daily troubles and lets you enjoy nature at its best. So be sure to add Coorg to your next travel itinerary!
6. Munnar
Munnar is the Best place to visit in South India An excellent hill station, Munnar is known for its verdant tea plantations. Its natural beauty and cool weather have made it a popular tourist destination.
Notable attractions include Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, etc.
It is also a renowned spot for honeymooners and families who prefer to get away from crowded cities.
7. Palani
This is a small hill station in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. It has amazing waterfalls, natural caves, and three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The annual car festival at Palani attracts thousands of devotees from all over India. People also visit Palani to seek blessings from Lord Murugan, who is known as Palanivel Perumaal.
The ancient name of Palani was Kunnumur and it was mentioned in various scriptures during different periods in history including Valmiki Ramayana and Yajnavalkya Smriti.
8. Alleppey
Alleppey, Listed under the Best places to visit in South India You Must Visit is an ancient seaport and one of the most beautiful places in Kerala, which draws many tourists to its pristine backwaters, lush paddy fields, and rustic villages.
Named after Alli, meaning paddy, Alleppey has a history dating back several thousand years when it served as a center for trade between kingdoms in northern India and Arabia.
It also has been called Venice of East. Home to hundreds of temples dedicated to Hindu gods Vishnu and Shiva, Alleppey is visited by many pilgrims every year.
Alappuzha Beach is one of Asia’s longest beaches; guests can enjoy swimming in clean waters even during monsoon season.
9. Thekkady
It is located in Kerala, India. It is a beautiful hill station where tourists can roam around and enjoy peace and serenity at its best and is listed among the Best places to visit in south India Tourist Places.
It was declared one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO. The climate here makes it an ideal spot for tourists from all over the world to visit in summers as well as monsoons alike.
The view of sunset at Thekkady is absolutely breath-taking which makes it a perfect spot for honeymooners to unwind with their loved ones.
If you are looking for some adventurous activities, then there are plenty of opportunities for you here like boating on the lake, trekking through forest trails, and much more!
10. Kanyakumari
This place is known as one of the Southern tip points of India. Kanyakumari is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus and Jains.
They also offer a ride in a traditional country boat, where you can enjoy riding on a natural creek amidst coconut trees.
In addition to it, you can also find various tourist attractions like Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thirparappu Waterfalls, and Thiruvananthapuram Zoo here.
11. Ooty and Coonoor
If you want to experience hill stations in India, head to Ooty, which is located in Tamil Nadu. It is considered one of the best tourist places in India.
The main attractions here are Nilgiri tea plantations and honeymooners‘ paradise Coonoor. There are several other things like pepper farms, observatories, and flower gardens that can make your trip a memorable one.
It has recently become a favorite spot for film shootings because of its scenic beauty. If you want to get away from city life and take a break from your daily routine then visit these places in India during your next holiday trip.
12. Hampi
This is a village in Karnataka and it has been included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. There are several things to see and do here including Chamundi Hill, Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill, Kamalapuram village, and Anjanadri Hills.
The best way to get around Hampi is by hiring a bicycle or taking an auto-rickshaw tour. Some popular sites of interest include Hazara Rama Temple (an ancient Hindu temple), Vittala Temple (Vittala is an incarnation of Vishnu that means sacred geometry), Virupaksha Cave, Tungabhadra Dam, and Bandari Bavi Waterfalls.
This Concludes the Tropic on Best places to visit in South India
