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South India includes the states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, and Andhra Pradesh, known for their culture, beautiful temples, beaches, languages, and cuisines. Many gorgeous cities and hill stations in these states offer mesmerizing tourist spots. We have listed down the top 10 places to visit in South India. Have a look:
1. Coorg
Best time to visit – October to March
One of the best places to visit in South India is Coorg, located in Karnataka. Coorg is known for its lush green landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cascading waterfalls. The place is also widely famous for its green and luscious tea and coffee plantation.
Coorg’s best tourist attractions include the Madikeri Fort, Iruppu Falls, Tadiandamol Peak, and Brahmagiri Hills. If you are up for thrill and adventure, you can also participate in activities like camping, trekking, quad biking, etc.
2. Ooty
Best time to visit – September to November and April to June
Looking for cool places to visit in South India? Then Ooty or Udhakamandalam is the best place for you. It’s a must-visit famous hill station in Tamil Nadu. Ooty is famously known as the Queen of the Hills for its beautiful landscapes.
Besides the scenic hills, this small hill station has much to offer the tourists, such as its famous toy train, St Stephen’s Church, Botanical Garden, Tea Factory and Museum, and more. It’s also one of the best places for a honeymoon in South India.
3. Munnar
Best time to visit – October to May
Another gorgeous place nestled in the south region of India and a perfect holiday destination is Munnar. It’s a breathtaking peaceful hill station located in Kerala, rich in greenery, has glistening waterfalls, and pleasant weather all year round.
Some famous places to visit include the Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Attukad Waterfalls, and more. Lovers of nature and wildlife will love this place a lot. It’s one of the best family destinations in South India.
4. Kodaikanal
Best time to visit – October to June
The hill town of Kodaikanal is located amidst the misty clouds in Tamil Nadu. It’s a perfect destination in the south for those looking for a break from their busy city life. Kodaikanal is also famously known as the Princess of Hill Stations and offers a panoramic view of the gorgeous hills.
You can visit many tourist attractions at this hill station, such as Kodaikanal Lake, Dolphin’s Nose, Pambar Falls, and more. So, book your stay at hill resorts and have a wonderful vacation.
5. Alleppey
Best time to visit – October to February
Also known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is one of the most beautiful and famous honeymoon destinations in South India. You can enjoy boating in the backwaters, stay at a houseboat, walk down the pristine beaches, and witness the famous boat race if you visit Alleppey in August.
This city in Kerala offers plenty of hotspots like Marari Beach, Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum, Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, and more. Don’t forget to try some of Alleppey’s delicious foods.
6. Araku Valley
Best time to visit – October to March
Located across the mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh is the mesmerizing Araku Valley hill station. If you wish to be surrounded by scenic hills, natural beauty, and coffee plantations, this is the place to be. You can also visit Araku Valley via the Vistadome train for a PAN view of the hill station.
There are many things to do and places to visit in his majestic location, such as Coffee Museum, Borra Caves, Chaparai Water Cascade, Madagada Viewpoint, and more. Araku Valley is also an ideal popular weekend destination in South India.
7. Wayanad
Best time to visit – October to May
One of the most visited hill stations in Kerala is Wayanad which offers its visitors many riveting and breathtaking places to explore. If you want to be closer to nature, Wayanad is the place to be, as it offers stunning waterfalls, majestic caves, lush plantations, and wildlife. Some famous places to visit here include Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, and more.
8. Tirupati
Best time to visit – September to February
Tirupati is one of India’s most prominent religious sites, well-known for the sacred Sri Venkateswara Temple. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple from different corners of India to seek the blessings of Lord Venkatesh, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. Even the Prasad of the temple is very famous and has its own GI tag.
Besides the main temple, you can also visit the ISKCON, Swami Pushkarini Lake, Akasaganga Teertham, and explore wildlife at the Sri Venkateswara National Park.
9. Mysore
Best time to visit – July to February
Mysore in Karnataka is an enchanting city and one of the top South India destinations for a vacation. The royal city is rich in history and culture and offers many monuments, shopping locations, and temples. The Royal Palace is one of the must-visit places in Mysore and is also a World Heritage-listed site. Other places to visit in this majestic city include the Chamundeshwari Temple, Karanji Lake, Railway Museum, and more.
10. Kanyakumari
Best time to visit – October to February
Located in Tamil Nadu is the astounding city of Kanyakumari, where the two seas meet an ocean. There are many places to visit in the city, such as the paddy fields, churches, temples, and more. The city also offers riveting sunset and sunrise views from its beaches. Some of the must-visit places in Kanyakumari include the Tsunami Monument, Kanyakumari Devi Temple, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Our Lady of Ransom Church, and more.
And these were the top places to visit in South India. Whether you are a history buff and want to explore monuments, a nature enthusiast who wants to witness the cascading waterfalls and wildlife, or relax and unwind listening to the hypnotizing waves at the beach, South India has much to offer. So, pick any place from the list, start looking for luxury hotels, and plan your exciting trip.