Breathe in the balmy breeze at the foot of India this vacation. South India captivates travellers with its culture and tradition. Their scenic landscape and architecture are some of the best things to see in South India.
Not just that, their intricate temple architecture, and palm-fringed canals. The historical ruins and pristine beaches are some of the allures of this side of India.
There are exotic places in South India with an idyllic ambience that’ll tickle you pink. If you are travelling here, you can gently cruise along the east coast’s pristine beaches. And soak in the tranquil nature on the west coast. Make sure to live in the moment as you sail on the backwaters of Kerala. Run along the narrow paths at the tea gardens of Munnar. And sigh at the marvellous temples of South India.
South India has the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. They have countless escapes worth exploring.
There are many places to explore. But with vigorous search, here are the best 10 breathtaking places to explore in South India.
Alappuzha
Alleppey is an incredible city surrounded by palm-fringed canals. What fascinated people coming here are the traditional houseboats. Some even call Alleppey the Venice of the South.
The backwater city has several attractions. Some of these are beaches like Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach. Iconic religious places like Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple and St. Mary Forane Church. And the iconic Alleppey Lighthouse.
Alleppey is one of those places to visit in October in South India. It is an ideal time to soak in the balmy breeze and pleasant weather.
Pondicherry
Come to North Vancouver and walk along the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge. One of the Instagram worth attractions in Vancouver. The bridge spans over 140 metres and it is at a height of 70 meters above the Capilano River.
Dare to look down! Your heart will figuratively drop down to your legs. And within the vicinity are other thrill-inducing places. Do not miss the Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure. Get a spectacular view of the rainforest and go on a tour inside the treetops. While here, make sure to check out the Cleveland Dam and Grouse Mountain. It is situated just around the corner!
Mahabalipuram
Down by the east coast. Between Pondicherry and Chennai is Mahabalipuram. This fishing town has a handful of sites to see. From the lighthouse to the long stretch beach. But the famous attraction in Mahabalipuram is none other than the temples.
The beach town has a thriving backpackers ambience. Come here and witness the golden sunset, relax in your hotel and savour every moment of being here. Carry on with your exploration and check out the bazaars and little cafes.
Not to forget the impressive Shore Temples that has stone sculptures carved. Pancha Rathas sculptures in the shape of chariots and Arjuna’s Penance. It is a massive carving on the rock depicting the scenes of the Mahabharata.
Skandagiri Hills
Skandagiri Hills can be an ideal adventure place in South India. Located a few hours from Bangalore, it is an easy to visit attraction in Karnataka.
Skandagiri Hills, also known as Kalavara Durga gives a panoramic view of the plains below. It is an easy to moderate hike at an altitude of 1350 m. The trek consists of the entire day, 10 hours at most. On top of the hill lies a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the only shrine there making it worthy to visit.
For more natural bliss in South India, you can also visit other places near Skandagiri. Nrityagram, Grover Zampa Vineyards, and Ghati Subramanya. These are some of the must-visit places in South India.
Dhanushkodi
Amongst the places to visit in India, Dhanushkodi is an iconic landmark. This place is historically and geographically important. Once a functioning town was torn apart by a cyclone in 1964. Since then this town has turned into ruins and sand. Tourists have given Dhanushkodi a bonafide tag, the ghost town.
Many people visit Dhanushkodi to watch the sandy shoreline and its historical significance. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama built a bridge here. He used stones to enter Sri Lanka to retrieve his captured wife, Sita.
Getting to Rameshwaram is dramatic in itself. And train for that matter is iconic. It traverses through a narrow track across the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
St Mary Island
St Mary Island can be an ideal place to visit during the lockdown in South India. Being an island, it acts as a natural quarantine island. The best part is, you get to quarantine in the open where the land meets the sea.
Despite being the least visited island in India, it receives a handful of tourists. The island consists of four islands. North Island, South Island, Daryabahadurgarh Island and Coconut Island.
One of the many reasons that make St Mary Island worth a visit is its white-sand beaches. Also, the wildlife and rock monoliths found here is awe-inspiring.
Wayanad
One of the places blessed with pristine natural beauty is Wayanad. Kerala’s majestic hill town captures the hearts of every traveller. The town is blessed with riveting waterfalls, spice plantations, and majestic caves.
Wayanad has several vantage points. From there you get picturesque views of the valley. It is an ideal escapade for honeymooners and backpackers. Furthermore, it is a good place for hiking and camping. Perfect for adventure lovers.
Some of the major attractions here are Chembra Peak and Banasura Sagar Dam. Edakkal Caves, Kuruva Island, Pookode Lake are also favourite sites. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is an enchanting sight to see wildlife.
Gokarna
Gokarna, facing the Arabian Sea is a rejuvenating destination in India. Gokarna is a great alternative to Goa. With pristine beaches and fewer tourist, it allure domestic travellers. This beach destination is also one of the budget-friendly places to visit in South India.
The visitor’s first impression of Gokarna demands a return time and again. The picturesque beaches and busy temple town is hard to ignore. Some of the beaches to visit are Half Moon Beach, Om Beach and the main beach of Gokarna.
Gokarna is also a hotspot for religious people with a series of temples present. Temples like Mahabaleshwar Temple and Maha Ganapati Temple are religious hotspots here.
Kodaikanal
A hill town is often resonating with romance. And rightfully so! Kodaikanal happens to be a romantic hill station in Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal has lakes, temples and waterfalls. It marks a great escapade from the cities.
Kodaikanal is the best destination for nature lovers. Most of the visitors engage in birdwatching activities. Or relaxing in the resort, taking a break from the city stress.
There are several tourist attractions in Kodaikanal. Places like Silver Cascade Falls, Thalaiyar Falls, Bryant Park and Kodaikanal Lake. Dolphin’s Nose and Berijam Lake are also idyllic places to enjoy nature.
Kanyakumari
The southernmost city of India must be on everyone’s must-visit list. Why? It happens to be the meeting point of three major water bodies. Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.
Kanyakumari has a spiritual significance. It is an abode to the virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari. Who later was incarnated as Goddess Parvati.
Besides being a popular destination for pilgrims, Kanyakumari is also a backpackers’ retreat. The must-visit places are Courtallam Falls, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and Thiruvalluvar Statue.
In Conclusion
South India is a treasure trove with so much to see and do. These 10 places are only the main part of the tourism sector in South India. Once you come here, you can root down to different unchartered places. But if you need help with travel packages to South India, call Nixtour. We have a good collection of budget travel deals and cheap flight tickets across India and abroad.
