Places to visit in Southern India

Tamil Nadu

Fourth largest state , located in the extreme south of the Indian subcontinent

More..

Kerala

Serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife

More..

Karnataka

Coastline of about 400 km,  evergreen forests, and serene beaches

More..

Andhra Pradesh

Coastal cities, stunning beaches and renowned Tirupati temple

More..

Puducherry

Made up of four former French colonies: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam

More..

Lakshadweep

Group of islands known for its natural beauty, marine life, and coral formations

More..

South India

South India, comprising the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a diverse and vibrant region of India. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, unique cuisine, and warm hospitality.

 

Highlights of South Indian States and Cities

Tamil Nadu

  • Population: Approx. 77 million
  • Famous for: Ancient temples, classical dance (Bharatanatyam), hill stations, and South Indian cuisine.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Chennai: Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Fort St. George.
    • Madurai: Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal.
    • Ooty: Scenic hill station in the Nilgiris, toy train rides.
    • Kanyakumari: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, sunsets, and sunrise views.
    • Rameswaram: Ramanathaswamy Temple, Pamban Bridge.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to February.
  • Tourist Activities: Temple hopping, hill station treks, heritage tours, and beach visits.

Kerala

  • Population: Approx. 35 million
  • Famous for: Backwaters, Ayurveda, spices, and traditional dance forms like Kathakali.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Kochi: Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi.
    • Alleppey: Backwaters, houseboat cruises.
    • Munnar: Tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park.
    • Thekkady: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice plantations.
    • Kumarakom: Bird sanctuary, Vembanad Lake.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Tourist Activities: Houseboat rides, Ayurvedic therapies, wildlife safaris, and spice tours.

Karnataka

  • Population: Approx. 70 million
  • Famous for: Historical sites, IT industry, and coffee plantations.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Bengaluru: Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Cubbon Park, and IT hub.
    • Mysore: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, Dasara Festival.
    • Hampi: UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins.
    • Coorg: Coffee estates, Abbey Falls, trekking.
    • Gokarna: Pristine beaches, Mahabaleshwar Temple.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Tourist Activities: Exploring ancient ruins, enjoying hill station getaways, and beach holidays.

Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

  • Population: Approx. 53 million (Andhra Pradesh), 40 million (Telangana)
  • Famous for: Temples, technology hubs, and spicy cuisine.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Hyderabad (Telangana): Charminar, Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City, and biryani.
    • Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh): Buddhist sites, Amaravati Stupa.
    • Tirupati: Sri Venkateswara Temple.
    • Visakhapatnam: Beaches, Araku Valley, Kailasagiri.
    • Warangal (Telangana): Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal Fort.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to February.
  • Tourist Activities: Temple visits, exploring historical sites, and enjoying regional cuisine.

Puducherry (Union Territory)

  • Population: Approx. 1.2 million
  • Famous for: French colonial architecture, beaches, and Auroville.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Promenade Beach, Auroville, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • Tourist Activities: Walking tours of the French Quarter, beach outings, and meditation retreats.

Lakshadweep (Union Territory)

  • Population: Approx. 68,000
  • Famous for: Coral reefs, water sports, and pristine beaches.
  • Key Attractions:
    • Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, Minicoy Island.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to May.
  • Tourist Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, and lagoon exploration.

Tourist Attractions in South India

  1. Historical and Cultural Sites:
    • Temples: Meenakshi Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tirupati.
    • UNESCO Sites: Hampi, Mahabalipuram, and the Western Ghats.
  2. Hill Stations:
    • Munnar, Ooty, Coorg, Kodaikanal.
  3. Beaches and Backwaters:
    • Kerala backwaters, Marina Beach, Varkala Beach.
  4. Wildlife Sanctuaries:
    • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai National Park.
  5. Adventure Activities:
    • Trekking in the Nilgiris, scuba diving in Andamans, and water sports in Lakshadweep.

Best Time to Visit South India

  • Winter (October to March): Ideal for most activities like sightseeing, trekking, and beach outings.
  • Monsoon (June to September): Great for Ayurvedic treatments and enjoying lush greenery.
  • Summer (April to June): Hill stations are the best retreat during this time.

South India offers a mix of serene landscapes, cultural heritage, and modern attractions, making it a must-visit destination for all types of travelers.