Best Tourist Places in South India

South India is commonly known as Peninsular India or Dakshin Bharat. South India has many beautiful places to visit. The lakes, marvelous temples, parks, waterfalls, and hills attract tourists to visit south India. Tea and coffee's green farms on the slopes, with a backdrop of various shades of blue sky, give an excellent feeling to visitors. South India's best tourist places are described below.

1. Coorg

Coorg is encircled by towering mountains and shrouded by miSt. Another name of the Coorg is Kodagu. This town is famous for its rich flora and fauna, as well as scented spices and coffee farms. Misty hills, verdant forest, coffee and tea plantations, orange groves, and beautiful views make this one of Karantaka's must-see tourist destinations. For nature lovers, Coorg is heaven. Coorg is India's leading producer of coffee. The best time to visit Coorg is between October and March.

Coorg's Main Attractions:

Abbey falls, Omkareshwara temple, Tadiandamol peak, Iruppu falls, Raja's Seat, Namdroling monastery, Talacauvery, Nagarhole national park, Madikeri fort, Barapole river, and Gaddige Raja's tomb.

Coorg's nearest airport:

Mangalore Airport, Mysore Airport, and Kempegowda International Airports

Railway Station closest to Coorg:

Mysore

2. Wayanad

Wayanad is one of Kerala's most popular hill stations. Wayanad attracts trekkers and environment lovers. This area is well-known for camping also. This area is known for its camping, spectacular waterfalls, caverns, bird-watching, flora and fauna, and stunning landscapes. Wayanad's dams and lakes are perfect for an afternoon picnic.

Wayanad's Main Attractions:

Edakkal caves, Banasura dam, Soochipara waterfalls, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Chembra peak, Kanthanpara waterfalls, Kuruvadweep, Wayanad heritage museum, Thirunelli temple, and Neelimala viewpoint.

Wayanad's nearest airport:

Calicut International Airport

Railway Station closest to Wayanad:

Kozhikode

3. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is one of Tamil Nadu's most popular hill stations. The cold wind of Kodaikanal gives pleasant relief from the heat and humidity of southern India. This hill station is also known as the "Princess of Hill Stations" as this hill station is surrounded by misty clouds. Trekkers will enjoy the wandering paths, lakes, and waterfalls in Kodaikanal. Even the trees and shrubs in the Kodaikanal are unique. A visit to the observatory at night takes you to another universe entirely, and Kodaikanal's lakes are perfect for an afternoon picnic.

Kodaikanal's Main Attractions:

Kodaikanal lake, guna cave or devil's kitchen, silver cascade falls, mannavanur lake, thalaiyar falls, pillar rocks, Bryant park, kurinji andavar temple, bear shola falls, berijam lake, moir point, and Kodaikanal solar observatory.

Kodaikanal 's nearest airport:

Madurai International Airport and Coimbatore International Airport.

Railway Station closest to Kodaikanal:

Kodai Road

4. Ooty

Ooty is known as the "Queen of Hill Stations". Ooty balances the city's hustle life with large tea gardens. The lovely bungalows of the British Raj era in Ooty give a romantic feel to the visitors; that's why it has become one of the most famous honeymoon destinations. Its famed tiny toy railroad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors of all ages.

Ooty's main attractions:

Kamaraj Sagar dam, government botanical garden, tea factory and tea museum, thread garden, government rose garden, St. Stephen's church, Ooty lake, Nilgiri mountain railway line, Dolphin's nose, Government museum, Catherine falls, doddabetta, and deer park.

Ooty's nearest airport:

Coimbatore International Airport.

The railway station closest to Ooty:

Mettupalayam

5. Chennai

Chennai is a mixture of ancient and modern cultures. It is frequently referred to as the keeper of South Indian culture. On the one hand, it displays outstanding architecture from the city's past; on the other hand, It is recognized for its cosmopolitan culture, eccentric cafes, and boutique stores. The city also has the world's second-longest urban beach.

Chennai's main attractions:

Edward Elliot's beach, marina beach, government museum, Kapaleeshwarar temple, fort St. George, santhome cathedral, parthasarathi temple, arignar anna zoological park, valluvar kottam, dakshinachitra, Guindy national park, and B.M. Birla planetarium.

Chennai's nearest airport:

Chennai International Airport

The railway station closest to Chennai:

Chennai

6. Gokarna

Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage place. Gokarna is well-known for its stunning beaches with swaying coconut palms and white sand. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in South India for single visitors.

Gokarna's main attractions:

Half-moon beach, om beach, kudle beach, Mahabaleshwar temple, paradise beach, shiva cave, Koti teertha, maha Ganapathi temple, and Sri Bhadra kali temple.

Gokarna's nearest airport:

Dabolim Airport

The railway station closest to Gokarna:

Ankola and Gokarna Road

7. Hampi

Hampi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. The remnants of temples, monuments, and Havelis in Hampi attract visitors. A variety of cuisines are available at beautiful rooftop cafes and are fantastic spots to spend an evening.

Hampi's main attractions:

Virupaksha temple, Vijaya vitthala temple, matanga hill, kadalekalu Ganesha, Hazara Rama temple, hemakuta hill temple, Hampi architectural ruins, lotus mahal, achyutaraya temple, stone chariot, and saasivekaalu Ganesha.

The railway station closest to Hampi:

Hospet Junction

8. Varkala

Varkala is known for having the best beaches in South India. Varkala's gorgeous white sand beach that is surrounded by cliffs, which makes it a popular photography spot. Aside from the beach, there are fresh fish and flea markets that add uniqueness to this location. Varkala is a Hindu pilgrimage destination and temple town.

Varkala's main attractions:

Janardanaswamy temple, Varkala beach, sivagiri mutt, kappil beach, golden island, anchuthengu fort, and Varkala cliff

The railway station closest to Varkala:

Varkala Sivagiri

9. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram was once a bustling seaport, and now this place is a must-see world heritage site. Mahabalipuram is included in the bucket list of every historical site lover to visit. Mahabalipuram is rich with architectural marvels. The beautifully carved work on stone and subterranean temples attract tourists to visit this place. The warm glow of sunset enhances the charm of Mahabalipuram monuments, making sunsets even more memorable.

Mahabalipuram's main attractions:

Ganesha Ratha, shore temple, group of monuments, India seashell museum, Pancha rathas, arjuna's presence, the descent of the Ganges, Krishna's butterball, mahishasuramardini mandapa, thirukadalmallai, tiger cave, and Mahabalipuram beach.

The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram:

Chennai International Airport

The railway station closest to Mahabalipuram:

Chengalpattu and Chennai

10. Tanjore

Tanjore is famous for its gold relief paintings. Tanjore's metropolitan atmosphere easily merges with the palaces and temples that give testimony to former rulers. Visitors tour Tanjore and also search for antiques and reproduction pieces to take with them.

Tanjore 's main attractions:

Aiyarappar temple, brihadeeswara temple, Thanjavur Maratha palace, Saraswathi mahal library, thanjai mamani Koil, royal palace museum, sivaganga park, great living Chola temples, and mani mandapam.

Tanjore's nearest airport :

Tiruchirappalli International Airport

The railway station closest to Tanjore:

Trichy Junction and Thanjavur Junction

11. Madurai

Madurai is one of the top tourist destinations in South India. This place is known as Tamil Nadu's soul. Madurai is a place that preserves the Tamil culture and tradition. The temples in this region are religiously significant and architecturally beautiful. Along with the city tour, visitors enjoy a variety of South Indian cuisine also.

Madurai's main attractions:

Alagar koyil, vandiyur Mariamman teppakulam, Thirumalai nayakkar mahal, Meenakshi Amman temple, koodal azhagar temple, thirupparamkunram Murugan temple, Gandhi memorial museum, samanar hills, Meghamalai, thirumohoor kalamegaperumal temple, Goripalayam Dargah, kazimar big mosque, and pandi kovil temple.

The nearest airport to Madurai:

Madurai International Airport

The railway station closest to Madurai:

Madurai Junction

12. Kanchipuram

This is a well-known tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. This place is famous for its opulent Kanchipuram sarees. Kanchipuram is also known as a city of beautiful temples. It is especially well-known as a philosophical and cultural hub.

Kanchipuram's main attractions:

Chitragupta temple, kailasanathar temple, thiru ekambaranathar temple, varadharaja perumal temple, kamakshi amman temple, ekambareswarar temple, ulagalantha perumal temple, tiru parameswara vinnagaram, and kanchi kudil.

The nearest airport to Kanchipuram:

Chennai International Airport

The railway station closest to Kanchipuram:

Kanchipuram

13. Munnar

This is a popular hill station in South India. The tourist enjoys the hazy sky and green hills. It looks like the area is covered with tea plantations. Visitors purchase tea powder of a variety of aromas and tastes to take home with them. Trekkers will enjoy the wandering paths and waterfalls in Munnar.

Munnar's main attractions:

Mattupetty dam, Eravikulam national park, tea museum, nayamakad waterfall, pothamedu viewpoint, attukal waterfall, chokramudi peak, kolukkumalai tea estate, anamudi, and carmelagiri elephant park.

The railway station closest to Munnar:

Aluva and Ernakulam

14. Tirupati

It is a sacred site in South India. Tirupati is also known as the city of the temple. Thousands of pilgrims visit this temple city every day, but along with visiting, they maintain a calm and serene atmosphere of the city. Aside from the temples, tourists can visit forts, gorgeous hills, and museums. This place is also a fantastic destination to try a variety of South Indian cuisines.

Tirupati's main attractions:

Govindarajan temple, sri venkateswara national park, kapila theertham, chandragiri fort, TTD gardens, deer park, kapila theertham, sri venkateswara museum, natural arch- tirumala hills, nagalapuram, sri padmavathi ammavari temple, tumbhuru teertham, sri venkateswara zoological park, kanipakam, srivari mettu, silathoranam and varahaswamy temple.

The nearest airport to Tirupati:

Tirupati Airport

The railway station closest to Tirupati:

Tirupati

15. Alleppey

Alleppey is famous for its backwaters. That backwater gives a romantic feel to the visitors; that's why it has become one of the most famous honeymoon destinations. Alappuzha is another name for Alleppey. The visitors enjoy the houseboat ride in the backwaters. Alleppey is also home to a thriving coir industry.

Alleppey's main attractions:

Krishnapuram Palace, Alappuzha beach, sree Krishna Swamy temple, mullakkal temple, Vembanad, international coir museum, Marari beach, punnamada lake, the basilica of St. mary, pathiramanal, revi karunakaran memorial museum, and edathua church.

The railway station closest to Alleppey:

Alappuzha

16. Kumarakom

This place is well-known for its backwater tourism. This location features lovely villages, a stunning blue lake, and a bird sanctuary. The backwaters houseboat ride is a popular attraction for visitors. Along with staying on a houseboat overnight, there are lots to do here, like night fishing, shikara boating around the backwaters, and bird-watching.

Kumarakom's main attractions:

Thanneermukkom bund, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Vembanad lake, karthyayani Devi temple, aruvikkuzhi waterfall, pathiramanal, Kumarakom beach, village life experience, jatayu rock, bay island driftwood museum, backwaters, vagamon and St. Thomas church.

The railway station closest to Kumarakom:

Kottayam

17. Thekkady

This is a popular hill station in South India. Thekkady's pastoral lifestyle is a nice relief from metropolitan life. Thekkady attracts trekkers and environment lovers. This place has a lovely green undulating hillside, paddy fields, ashram, and elephants roaming through the spice plantations. Periyar National Park is a tourist attraction in Thekkady. Wild bison, tigers, and a variety of other animals are found in the Periyar National Park.

Thekkady's main attractions:

Chellarkovil viewpoint, Kumily, tiger trail, spring valley mountain, Mullaperiyar dam, Periyar national park, green park ayurvedic & spices plantation, Thekkady lake, kadathanadan Kalari center, anakkara, Mangla Devi temple, and pandikuzhi.

The nearest airport to Thekkady:

Madurai International Airport and Cochin International Airport

The railway station closest to Thekkady:

Kottayam Railway Station

18. Trivandrum

This city is the capital of Kerala. This is a small town that has an illustrious heritage. Trivandrum is a Hindu pilgrimage destination and temple town also. This place has many museums and palaces that pay homage to the city's heritage through well-preserved architecture.

Trivandrum's main attractions:

Napier museum, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, kuthira Malika, shankumugham beach, koyikkal palace, Trivandrum zoo, kanakakkunnu palace, kowdiar palace, attukal temple, Kovalam, and karikkakom Devi temple.

The nearest airport to Trivandrum:

Trivandrum International Airport

The railway station closest to Trivandrum:

Thiruvananthapuram

19. Hyderabad

The history and regality of the Nizams are balanced with a dynamic cityscape in this city. This city has forts, ramoji film city, palaces, museums, cafes, and Hussain Sagar lake that attract visitors. A variety of cuisines are available at Hyderabad's beautiful cafes and are fantastic spots to spend an evening. Hussain Sagar lake is perfect for an afternoon picnic.

Hyderabad's main attractions:

Salar Jung Museum, Charminar, Osman Sagar, Hussain Sagar lake, Golkonda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, Lumbini Park, Ramoji Film City, Necklace Road, Birla Mandir, Snow World, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Shilparamam, NTR Gardens, and Paigah Tombs.

The railway station closest to Hyderabad:

Nampally and Hyderabad

20. Warangal

In Telangana, this place is a famous tourist destination. The temples, forts, and historic structures abound in this city. This place has gardens and beautiful lakes, and also there are sparkling emerald fields that provides a stunning backdrop for photographers.

Warangal's main attractions:

Padmakshi temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, Kakatiya Zoological Park, Waddepally Lake, Bhadrakali Temple, Kakatiya Musical Garden, Bhadrakali Lake, Warangal Fort, and Kush Mahal.