Travellers are enthralled by South India’s culture, traditional values, shimmering beaches, and picturesque scenery. There are innumerable tourist places in South India that are worth discovering, from the backwaters of Alleppey to the expansive plantations of Munnar, the beautiful temple cities of Odisha, and the historic towns of Madurai and Thanjavur. Here, we’ve included South India’s tourist places for sightseeing and thrilling excursions.
15 best tourist places in south India
Places to visit in south India #1: Gandikota
The little village of Gandikota is located in the Andhra Pradesh region’s Kadapa District beside the Penner River. Gandikota, among the most tranquil tourist destinations in south India, provides the ideal haven for those wishing to escape the rush of city life.
You can participate in water sports offered at Owk Reservoir. The most well-known tourist destinations in Gandikota are Mylavaram Dam, Raghunatha Swamy Temple, Jamia Masjid, Gandikota Fort, and Pennar Gorge.
Best tourist places in south India #2: Pollachi
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Another undiscovered location in southern India is Pollachi. It is around 40 kilometres from Coimbatore and has beautiful scenery.
Additionally, the area offers a variety of adventure sports. It has fantastic weather, made possible year-round by the cool air flowing from Palghat Ghats.
The location has served as the setting for several well-known south Indian movies and ads. Additionally, Annamalai, about 34 miles from Pollachi Town, is a great place for a picnic.
Arivu Thirukoil, Arulmigu Masani Amman Temple, Topslip Tiger Forest, Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, and many other places are also prominent attractions in this area. This tourist place in south India is well-known for its waterfalls and temples.
South India tourist places #3: Devbagh Beach
An underrated spot, you may enjoy peace at Devbagh Beach, in southern Konkan. Additionally, it features a resort where you can rent private islands. Other activities involve water sports such as kayaking, banana boat excursions, snorkelling, and jet skis.
On the sacks along the shore, you may relax while watching the serene sunset on Devbagh Island from across the beach. This place to visit in south India is noted for its tranquil beauty and receives very few visitors.
The beach is surrounded by a crystal-clear blue sea, and majestic mountains covered with casuarina trees serve as the background. About 2 kilometres from southern Goa, this fascinating island is located in the Arabian Sea.
Best tourist places in south India: #4: Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad, one of Kerala’s most popular hill stations, attracts nature lovers and trekkers alike. The undulating hills and verdant woodlands are home to numerous species of animals and birds. The waterfalls also spring to life with a newfound vigour after the monsoons.
For a picnic in the afternoon, Wayanad’s dams and lakes are perfect. Then there are the tunnels and temples begging to be explored in this tourist place in south India.
Check out more Wayanad tourist places
Best places to visit in south India #5: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
The highland town of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu offers a welcome break from the humidity closely correlated with southern India. This hill town, nestled among the misty clouds, is appropriately known as the Princess of Hill Stations.
There are several lakes to spend the day at besides winding routes for hikers, waterfalls to bathe in, and more. Here, the trees and flora are distinctive. You might be able to view the Kurunji bushes in bloom if you schedule your visit properly. A visit to the observatory at night transports you to a whole different planet.
See also: Top places to visit in Kodaikanal
Tourist places in south India #6: Belum Caves
Belum Caverns are the second-largest caves in the Indian subcontinent, spanning 3,229 metres. The caverns, in Andhra Pradesh, which are made of black limestone and contain vast corridors, chambers, and freshwater galleries, are among the most well-liked tourist destinations in south India.
Additionally, the caverns’ deepest point is 120 ft above entry-level. Therefore, schedule a trip to Belum Caves if you have an interest in history or architecture to discover the south India tourist place’s uniqueness.
Best places in south India #7: Varkala, Kerala
Varkala Beach’s picture-perfect environment, which includes a long, twisting length of cliff and vistas of the Arabian Sea, is enough to make you gasp.
A paved walkway encircles the whole cliff’s edge and is surrounded by coconut palms, cute boutiques, beach shacks, lodging options, and hotels.
A beautiful beach lies tucked away at the base of the cliff and is accessible by steps from the rock’s summit. The fact that Varkala is among India’s top beaches is not unexpected. It certainly is beautiful!
Places to visit in south India #8: Athirapally Waterfall
Athirapally Falls, a magnificent waterfall coming from the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats, is situated more than 60 kilometres from the Thrissur district of Kerala. Due to its beauty, the waterfall is known locally as Bahubali waterfalls.
The waterfall, which is the biggest in Kerala, is 330 ft wide and 80 ft high. The cascade runs through the Vazhachal Forest and toward the Arabian Sea and is sometimes called the ‘Niagara Falls of India’.
Nothing short of breathtaking is the lovely sight of the lush Sholayar Peaks over the waterfall. This tourist place in South India has a pool where you may unwind and rest above the waterfall.
Places to visit in south India #9: Maravanthe Beach
There is a beach in Kundapur that is 12 kilometres from the city centre and is so tranquil that this place to visit in South India just wow you.
One of the unusual spots to visit in South India is Maravanthe Beach, in Karnataka, where you can watch waves breaking at the coast on one side and the Kodachadri Hills providing a stunning background for the Souparnika River on the other.
A must-see sight in this area is the sunset. This location is a sanctuary that will make you breathless because of the expansive vistas, the tranquil and peacefully running river, the deep ocean, and the gorgeous mountains. Scuba diving, sunbathing, and beach strolls are just a few activities available at Maravanthe Beach.
Places to visit in south India #10: Dhanushkodi
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Dhanushkodi is a little coastal town in Tamil Nadu with stunning scenery and a low population.
Dhanushkodi was damaged by one of the biggest storms to ever hit India in 1964. Still, Tamil Nadu has since restored this little community into one of the country’s most picturesque and distinctive beach towns.
The coastal village is remote, undeveloped, and shut off from the outside world. This tourist place in South India is one of the nicest beach towns in India, and the history of the place attests to its splendour and attractiveness.
See also: Best places to visit in Tamil Nadu in 2022
Tourist place in south India #11: Halebidu
Halebidu, formerly known as Dwarasamudra, is a city found in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It is a city filled with exquisite sculptures, shrines, and temples. The Hoysala empire’s opulent capital formerly stood in this metropolis, which is now in ruins. Due to the Hoysala architecture, Halebidu is referred to as the ‘Gem of Indian Architecture’ and is home to gorgeous Jain ruins as well as spectacular religious structures.
Places to visit in south India #12: Gokarna, Karnataka
The most famous feature of Gokarna, a Hindu pilgrimage destination in Karnataka, is its stunning beaches, which have white sand and swinging coconut trees. Gokarna is home to both, new and antique temples, in addition to its beaches.
It is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in south India for lone travellers. There are a lot of vegetarian-only restaurants in the town because of their religious significance, but it’s also not difficult to locate seafood restaurants and a bar to unwind in.
See also: Best places to visit in Karnataka
Places to visit in south India #13: Thekkady, Kerala
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A welcome change from city life is Thekkady’s rural way of life. There are paddy farms, spice plantations, an ashram, and rolling hills covered in beautiful greenery in this hill region in south India. Tigers, wild bison, and a wide variety of other animal species may be found at the Periyar National Park. You may take cookery courses and market excursions after hiking over the hills and inhaling the fragrances of the spice farms.
See also: 10 best tourist places to visit in Kerala and things to do
Places to visit in south India #14: Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley, which is only a few hours drive from Visakhapatnam, is a well-liked weekend getaway location in south India. The Vistadome train offers a 360-degree view of the trip as well. The valley is well-known for its breathtakingly beautiful natural surroundings, remote tribes, and local coffee farms. Araku Valley has a variety of hiking paths that loop around the hills for those looking for excitement.
Places to visit in south India #15: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
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Coimbatore is sometimes referred to as the Manchester of south India and is best known for its textile business. This picturesque hill town in south India serves as a rest stop, en-route to Ooty and Kerala. People travel to Coimbatore to unwind, kick back, and lead a leisurely lifestyle. Visit historical temples and museums while you’re at one of the best tourist places in South India, and have a meal by the waterfalls.
