Top Ten Places To Visit in South India

South India comprises of five states, namely Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Each state has a distinct history, tradition, culture, and art that sets it apart from the rest of the country. The intricate ancient temple architectures, historical ruins, palm-fringed canals, ayurvedic therapies, pristine beaches, and lush vegetation with a variety of flora, fauna, and spices are some of the reasons that attract travellers over the world to wander in the unbeatable tranquillity of the charming places in South India.

1. Alleppey
   
   

Also known as the Venice of the East, is located in God’s Own land, Kerala. It is famous for its serene backwaters and cruising on houseboats. Its unique crisscross canal system connects the whole area, letting the travellers explore the whole area while relaxing on their houseboats. The other attracting spots in Alleppey is the Alappuzha beach, which offers a lot of water sports and fun activities, St. Mary Forane Church, Kuttanad, Alleppey Lighthouse, and Pathiramanal. Another exciting thing about this place is its Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, where each snake boat is accompanied by 150 oarsmen.

2. Munnar
   
   

One of the most renowned places for lovers, situated at an altitude of 6000 feet surrounded by lush vegetation and hills, waterfalls, lakes and tea plantations makes it a repository of a unique and memorable experience. Trekking, paragliding, camping, and rock climbing are the other activities that are also offered here. Some of the most visited places in Munnar are the Atukkad waterfalls, Muniyara Dolmens, Echo point, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and Chithirapuram.

3. Madurai
   
   

Madurai is known as the Hub of learning and culture in Tamil Nadu. This ancient city is over 4000 years and so is its intricate temple structures. The most visited spot in Madurai is the Meenakshi Temple, it has stunning Dravidian architecture with 14 complex gateway towers, sculpted pillared halls and colourful sculptures portraying the mythological tales from Hindu texts. Vilachery pottery village is another famous spot for pottery, and the other attracting places are the 17TH-century Tirumalai Nayal Palace, The 19th century Saint Mary’s Cathedral and the Gandhi Memorial Museum.

4. Kodaikanal
   
   

Enriched with tea plantation, lush forests, and picturesque places this is the most visited place in Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal is a photographer and nature lover’s delight with added activities like trekking, boating and forest walks. It houses some of the rarest fauna species and is surrounded by a thick layer of forests. Some of the most famous places of Kodaikanal are the Guna Caves, the silver Cascade falls, the Berijam Lake, and the Solar Observatory.

5. Coorg
   
   

Coorg is a popular hill station in Karnataka that is also known as the “Scotland of India”. The scenic landscape with spice and coffee plantation, waterfalls, mountains, trekking trails, and lakes makes it an ideal place for travellers. Some of the most highlighted places of Coorg are the Raja’s seat, Golden temple, Abbey Falls and Dubare.

6. Hampi

A place of historical significance and stunning architectural works, also designated by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site. This place is all about the remnants of one of the greatest empires of the past, the Vijaynagara empire. Hampi is ornate with several monuments, intricate temple structures, forts, and huge boulders. Some of the most highlighted spots in Hampi are the Lotus Mahal, Achyutaraya Temple, Vitthala Temple, The Krishna temple and many more.

7. Mysore
   
   

Located in the foothills of Chamundi Hills in Karnataka, Mysore is a famous tourist spot mainly known for its majestic palaces. These palaces are comprised of history, culture, artefacts, and artworks of some of the most renowned artists. Other attracting things of this place are the Mysore silk, Mysore Pak, food and the Dussehra festival which is celebrated hugely. The most highlighted places in Mysore are the Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal, Folklore museum, KRS dam, Jagmohan Palace, Shuka Vana and many more.

8. Hyderabad
   
   

Also called the city of Nizams for its Islamic heritage, is a culturally and historically rich city.

 Hyderabad is known for pearls, lakes, food, museums and some of the most splendid monuments in the country. Golconda fort, Mecca Masjid, Chowmahalla Palace, Qutb Shahi Tombs are some of the most highlighted places in Hyderabad.

9. Araku Valley
   
   

Located on the eastern ghats at an altitude of 1000-1400 meters above sea level is Araku valley.  Surrounded by rich vegetation, misty climate, waterfalls, and streams make it an ideal place for a pleasant vacation.  The other interesting thing about this place is its culture and tribal communities that are specialized in some forms of art like martial arts and many more. The most visited places in Araku valley are the Borra Caves, Tyda, Katiki Falls, Tribal Museum and Padmapuram Botanical garden.

10. Idukki
    
    

             It is known as the gem of Kerala. This place is ideal for relaxing and while watching colourful birds and also the perfect place for trekking. Surrounded by aromatic tea and spice plantation nestled amidst the verdant hills and rich forests are the ideal place for nature walk bird watching and trekking. The best time to visit Idukki is the month of November to January. The other attracting spots in Idukki are Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Thommankuthu falls and the Kalvari Mount.