South India offers an incredible diversity of travel experiences, from misty hill stations and serene backwaters to ancient temples and pristine beaches. Whether you're planning
India Holiday Packages or seeking specific places to visit in South India, this region promises unforgettable memories.
The Western Ghats provide cool retreats in destinations like Munnar, Ooty, and Coorg, while Kerala's backwaters in Alleppey offer tranquil houseboat experiences. Historical enthusiasts can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hampi, while spiritual seekers find solace in Tirupati and Rameswaram.
Coastal lovers can enjoy Goa's vibrant nightlife or Andaman's pristine beaches. From Tamil Nadu's cultural capitals like Chennai and Madurai to Karnataka's coffee plantations in Chikmagalur, South India caters to every traveller's preferences.
Top Places To Visit In South India
Here’s the list of the best places to visit in South India, you can’t miss:
Munnar, featured in Kerala Holiday Packages is one of the best tourist places in South India for 3 days. It is a stunning hill station in Kerala's Idukki District.
Located 1600 metres high in the Western Ghats, it enchants visitors with tea plantations, misty landscapes, and scenic viewpoints.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Mattupetty Dam
- Eravikulam National Park
- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
- Rose Garden Munnar
- Best Time To Visit: September to May
Ooty is a renowned South Indian tourist place in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri hills. This former British summer capital features picturesque tea gardens, serene waterfalls, colonial architecture, and winding lanes, making it one of the best places to visit in South India for couples.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway
- Ooty Lake
- Dolphin's Nose
- Best Time To Visit: All year round
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Alleppey (Alappuzha), is one of the best tourist places in South India for 3 days. It features stunning backwater canals, lagoons, and houseboats for overnight stays.
This Kerala coastal gem offers excellent beaches and water sports, making it one of the top places to see in South India for honeymoons and family vacations.
Coorg is a premier South Indian tourist place in Karnataka. This misty coffee-producing hill station features beautiful green hills, flowing streams, and rich culture.
It ranks among the best places to visit in South India for couples. The hospitable Kodava community and scenic mountain landscapes make it perfect for romantic getaways.
Pondicherry (Puducherry), one of the most charming tourist spots in South India, is a coastal Union Territory located 160 km south of Chennai.
This unique destination blends French and Indian cultures, offering visitors rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and beautiful beaches for an unforgettable travel experience.
6. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Kanyakumari is one of the best tourist places in South India. It is a captivating coastal town at India's southernmost tip.
It features the stunning confluence of three oceans and holds deep spiritual significance and secures its place in the popular tourist destinations in South India list.
- Best Places To Visit in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari:
- Kanyakumari Beach
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial
- Thanumalayan Temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil
- Best Time To Visit: October to February
Hampi, one of the famous places in South India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka. This historical city features 500+ ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling markets, and captivating Vijayanagar Empire ruins.
An open museum with 100+ exploration sites, makes it truly a backpacker's paradise.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Virupaksha Temple
- Vithala Temple
- Lotus Palace
- Best Time To Visit: October to March
8. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Tirupati, among the most famous places in South India houses the renowned Lord Venkateshwara Temple.
This world's richest temple, located on Tirumala hill, attracts millions of pilgrims annually making it the most visited south indian tourist place and religious destinations globally.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Sri Venkateswara Temple
- Akasaganga Teertham
- Silathoranam
- Best Time To Visit: September to March
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, among the famous places in South India, offer pristine turquoise beaches and rich history. Located 1,400 km from mainland India, this paradise features popular Havelock and Neil Islands offering white sandy beaches and excellent diving experiences.
Explore Andaman Tour Packages for an ultimate fun, surrounded by lush landscapes. It is one of the top South India tourist destinations.
10. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal, among the most romantic places in South India is a stunning lakeside hill station in Tamil Nadu.
Known as "the gift of the forests," this famous honeymoon destination features beautiful climate, mist-covered cliffs, and waterfalls. It is one of the most beautiful places to see in South India. Now, it your turn choose Kodaikanal or Ooty for honeymoon!
- Best Places To Visit:
- Dolphin's Nose
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Green Valley View (Suicide Point)
- Best Time To Visit: September to May
Madurai, is one of the best places to visit in South India with family. It is Tamil Nadu's cultural capital and India's oldest continuously inhabited city.
Known as the 'Lotus City' for its unique layout, this historic destination features the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, making it perfect for family cultural exploration.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
- Vaigai Dam
- Best Time To Visit: October to March
12. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
As one of the best tourist places in South India, Rameswaram is a sacred island in Tamil Nadu near Sri Lanka. What makes it among the popular South India tourist destinations?
It has Hindu mythology connections where Lord Rama built a bridge. It is home to India's first sea bridge and the abandoned Dhanushkodi town destroyed by cyclone.
Goa is India's smallest state known for endless beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delicious seafood.
This popular South Indian tourist place in the Konkan region attracts international and Indian tourists with its laid-back atmosphere, world-heritage architecture, and 24x7 entertainment options.
Undoubtedly, Goa is one of the most famous places in South India.
Kochi (Cochin), one of the famous places in South India, is Kerala's historic port city on the Malabar coast with over 600 years of trading history.
It is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," featurig diverse adventure activities, cultures, backwaters, beaches, and islands, making it one of the vibrant tourist spots in South India.
Kovalam, one of the best places to visit in South India with family, is a coastal town located 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
Famous for resorts and ayurvedic massage centres, it features three crescent-shaped beaches: Lighthouse Beach with its 30-metre tall lighthouse, Samudra Beach, and Hawa Beach, all offering shallow waters perfect for families.
Wayanad, one of the best tourist places in South India for 3 days, is nestled in Kerala's Western Ghats at 700-2100 metres altitude.
Famous for spice plantations, wildlife, and trekking opportunities, this picturesque region features lush forests, mist-covered hills, and beautiful Kerala waterfalls.
Among popular tourist destinations in South India, it offers perfect experiences for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
17. Mahalbalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Located on Tamil Nadu's Coromandel Coast, Mahabalipuram is one of the best tourist places in South India. This historically significant destination features intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves. It was once home to demon king Mahabali.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Shore Temple
- Mahabalipuram Beach
- Five Rathas
- Best Time To Visit: November to February
18. Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Thanjavur, one of the best tourist places in South India, is known as the "City of Temples."
Famous for Tanjore paintings, handicrafts, Carnatic music, and rich historical heritage, this culturally significant destination offers adventure sports alongside temple visits, making it essential for pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts. Undeniably, it’s one of the top South India tourist destinations.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Brihadeeswara Temple
- Saraswathi Mahal Library
- Shiva Ganga Garden
- Best Time To Visit: October to March
Gokarna, among popular tourist spots in South India, is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka featuring pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Often compared in Goa vs Gokarna discussions, this coastal destination welcomes global tourists seeking peace and relaxation.
One of the emerging tourist destinations in South India, Gokarna offers contrasting experiences with beaches like Kudle and Om Beach.
Thekkady, one of the prominent tourist places in South India, is home to India's largest Tiger Reserve - Periyar in Kerala.
This destination offers bamboo rafting at Mullaiperiyar Dam, night treks through wilderness, and romantic Periyar Lake experiences. The Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary make it perfect for nature lovers and honeymooners.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Periyar National Park
- Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
- Periyar Tiger Trail
- Best Time To Visit: All year round
One of the best places to visit in South India with friends, is Telangana's capital city, Hyderabad.
Featuring historic Old City with Charminar, modern Hitech City (Cyberabad), stately mosques, and bustling bazaars alongside trendy malls, this destination ranks among popular tourist destinations in South India for its rich heritage and promising future.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Charminar
- Ramoji Film City
- Hussain Sagar Lake
- Birla Mandir
- Chowmahalla Palace
- Best Time To Visit: September to March
Lakshadweep, formerly Laccadive Islands, is among the most exotic places to visit in South India. Located 400km off the Arabian Sea coast, this smallest union territory features 36 beautiful islands across 32 sq. kilometres.
As one of the top homeyoon destinations, it comprises 12 atolls, 3 reefs, with ten inhabited islands.
Varkala, one of the famous places in South India, is a coastal town in Kerala known for its unique 15-metre high Northern Cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Located 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this popular destination among South India tourist destinations features hippie culture, clifftop seafood shacks, global music, and the samadhi of saint Sree Narayana Guru.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Varkala Cliff
- Janardhanaswamy Temple
- Varkala Beach
- Best Time To Visit: October to February
24. Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram is one of the prominent tourist spots in South India. It is known for its beautiful Kanchipuram sarees and called the 'golden city of a thousand temples.' This Tamil Nadu destination attracts global tourists interested in Hinduism and South Indian architecture.
Among the must-visit places to see in South India, Kanchi offers marvelous architectural grandeur and cultural heritage.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Varadharaja Perumal Temple
- Devarajaswami Temple
- Best Time To Visit: October to May
25. Trivandrum, Tamil Nadu
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala's capital, is among the best places to visit in South India. Built on seven hills, this metropolis blends heritage with colonial legacy and urban charm.
Featuring numerous architectural and historical sites, it ranks high among tourist destinations in South India and serves as a gateway to popular beach towns Kovalam and Varkala.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Poovar Island
- Best Time To Visit: October to February
Chennai, formerly Madras, is Tamil Nadu's capital city located on the Bay of Bengal's Coromandel coast. Known as the 'capital of the south,' this dynamic metropolis is one of the prominent tourist places in South India.
Chennai perfectly balances its rich cultural history and traditions with modern metropolitan lifestyle, making it one of India's four major metropolitan cities.
Bangalore, India's third-largest city, has evolved from the Garden City to Silicon Valley of India. As one of the most famous places in South India , it's loved for pleasant weather, beautiful parks, and numerous lakes.
Among popular South India tourist destinations, Bangalore offers diverse eateries, street food, quirky cafes, coffee roasters, and pubs serving global cuisines, brunches, and late-night dining options.
Kumarakom, one of the enchanting places to visit in South India with friends, is a backwater destination located 16km from Kottayam in Kerala.
Situated on Vembanad Lake's banks with emerald waters and lush vegetation, this cluster of human-made islands ranks among the top places to see in South India for peaceful retreats, offering serene waterways and rich biodiversity.
Kabini, located 245 km from Bangalore, is one of the popular tourist spots in South India known for luxury resorts around Kabini River and nearby Nagarhole National Park.
Topping among South India tourist destinations, it serves as a favoured weekend getaway from Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore, though budget-friendly accommodations are limited in the area.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Jungle Safari
- Kabini River
- Best Time To Visit: All year round
30. Chikmangalur, Karnataka
Chikmagalur, known as the 'Coffee Land of Karnataka', is one of the best places to visit in South India. Situated in the Mullayangiri Range foothills, this beautiful hill station features perpetual coffee fragrance from numerous plantations.
Famous for tall mountains, lush green forests, and tranquil environment, Chikmagalur offers a popular quick retreat for Karnataka residents.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Baba Budangiri
- Mullayanagiri
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Best Time To Visit: All year round
Mysore (Mysuru), famously known as The City of Palaces, is one of the most important tourist places in South India with rich royal heritage.
Located in Chamundi Hills' foothills, this third most populated Karnataka city features intricate architecture, famous silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood.
Among the top places to see in South India, Mysore attracts millions of tourists year-round.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Mysore Palace
- Brindavan Gardens
- Mysore Zoo
- Best Time To Visit: All year round
Thrissur, located in Kerala's heart about 80 km north of Kochi, is one of the vibrant tourist places in South India known for rich cultural heritage and colourful festivals.
Often called the "Cultural Capital of Kerala," this historically significant city preserves traditional arts and hosts the famous Thrissur Pooram festival, featuring iconic landmarks like the ancient Vadakkunnathan Temple.
Madikeri, typically part of Coorg trips, is one of the serene tourist spots in South India, featuring vast coffee plantations, lush forests, and misty hills creating breathtaking views.
Located in Karnataka's Kodagu District, about 6 hours from Bengaluru, this pollution-free hill town offers a perfect weekend getaway with cool breezes and peaceful surroundings.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Talacauvery
- Namdroling Monastery
- Best Time To Visit: February to September
Bijapur, one of the historic places to visit in South India, is famous for Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Rauza, known as the Taj Mahal of the Deccan.
This place among South India tourist destinations takes visitors back in time through ancient structures. Built by Kalyani Chalukyas in the 10th-11th century, Bijapur was originally called Vijayapura, meaning "City of Victory."
- Best Places To Visit:
- Gol Gumbaz
- Ibrahim Rauza
- Jamia Masjid
- Best Time To Visit: October to March
Coonoor, one of three beautiful Nilgiri hill stations, is among the popular tourist places in South India situated at 1930 metres altitude, just 19 km from Ooty.
As the second largest hill station in the Western Ghats, this destination ranks high among South India tourist destinations, featuring tea plantation slopes, numerous attractions, and year-round chilly weather perfect for summer retreats.
- Best Places To Visit:
- Sim's Park
- Dolphin's Nose
- Ketti Valley
- Best Time To Visit: October to March
What Are The Top Tourist Spots In South India?
South India stands as a testament to India's incredible diversity, offering experiences that cater to every type of traveller. From the misty hills of Munnar to the backwaters of Alleppey, from ancient temples of Madurai to pristine beaches of Andaman, each destination tells a unique story.
These places to visit in South India provide the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual significance.
Plan your journey to discover why these destinations continue to captivate travellers from around the world, creating lasting memories and inspiring return visits.
