The South Indian states are gems to experience. From lush greens to serene beaches, this part of India has everything for you. From a larger-than-life cinematic world in Chennai to God’s own country- Kerala, you can live a never-before experience.
If you are planning to explore a vibrant travel experience, the southern part of India is just for you. Here are the top 10 places to visit in South India in 2024.
Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and Tamil Nadu offer everything you aspire for. Beaches, film cities, greenery, hill stations, delicious food—you name it, and it is available. Here, you can enjoy the blend of cultures and cuisines with a touch of scenic beauty every day.
List of 10 Best Places to Visit in South India | |||
S. No. | Places | Location | Budget Per Person (INR)* |
1 | Munnar | Kerala | 10,000 - 25,000 |
2 | Coorg | Karnataka | 10,000 - 40,000 |
3 | Ooty | Tamil Nadu | 20,000 - 50,000 |
4 | Hampi | Karnataka | 13,000 - 25,000 |
5 | Alleppey | Kerala | 15,000 - 30,000 |
6 | Pondicherry | Tamil Nadu | 8,000 - 15,000 |
7 | Mysore | Karnataka | 20,000 - 35,000 |
8 | Kodaikanal | Tamil Nadu | 7,000 - 25,000 |
9 | Varkala | Kerala | 21,000 - 30,000 |
10 | Wayanad | Kerala | 25,000 - 40,000 |
This place is one of the best South Indian tourist places to experience the best of nature. October to May can be an ideal time to visit Munnar. The key attractions include Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, Tea Museum, Pothamedu View Point, Attukal Waterfall, Nayamakad Waterfall, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Chokramudi Peak, and Carmelagiri Elephant Park. You can get here by flight or train, as the nearest airport is Cochin Airport, and the railway station is Aluva and Ernakulam.
Coorg is a small town in Karnataka, a majestic place to witness flora and fauna. It has been a centre of tourists from all across the country and has intrigued many filmmakers, and they have shot their films and songs.
The best time to visit Coorg is October to March. The key attractions one should not miss are Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Raja’s Seat, Tadiandamol, Namdroling Monastery, Nagarhole National Park, Omkareshwara Temple, Barapole Rover, Madikeri Fort, and Gaddige Raja’s Tomb. You can reach Munnar by aeroplane; the nearest airports are Mysore Airport, Mangalore Airport, and Kempegowda International Airport.
Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in April in India
Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations, is another place to experience divine Mother Nature. Its vast tea gardens balance the bustle of the city.
The best time to visit Ooty is October to June, and the key attractions here are the Government Botanical Garden, the Government Rose Garden, The Tea Factory and Tea Museum, St. Stephen’s Church, Thread Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, the Government Museum, Doddabetta, Ooty Lake, Kamaraj Sagar Dam, Catherine Falls. Dolphin’s Nose, and Deer Park.
One of the best destinations in south India is Hampi. The places you should not miss are Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill, Hemakuta Hill Temple, Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Hampi Architectural Ruins, Achyutaraya Temple, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Saasivekaalu Ganesha, Lotus Mahal, Hazara Rama Temple, and Stone Chariot. The best time to visit Hampi is between October to February.
Also Read: 20 Best Places to Travel in August
Nothing compares to Alleppey's backwaters. Alappuzha, another name for this well-liked South Indian honeymoon spot, provides a picture-perfect environment for couples to deepen their love. The best time to visit Alleppey is between November to February, and if you want to enjoy the boat races, you can visit during August. The key attractions here are Alappuzha Beach, Vembanad, Marari Beach, Pathiramanal, Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Punnamada Lake, Krishnapuram Palace, Basilica of St. Mary, Mullakkal Temple, International Coir Museum, and Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum.
One of the few locations in India that truly captures the influence of French culture on our history is Pondicherry. The best time to visit Pondicherry is from October to March, and the key attractions are Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Promenade Beach, Rock Beach, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, French War Memorial, Bharathi Park, Aayi Mandapam, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in March Month in India
Mysore, a charming city well-known for its royal lifestyle, is best visited between July and February. The key attractions are Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo, Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden, Venugopala Swamy Temple, Jaganmohan Palace, Philomena’s Church, Somanathapura Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundeshwari Temple, and Karanji Lake.
Thanks to its cool air, the hill town of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu offers a refreshing change of pace from the heat usually associated with southern India. The best time to visit Kodaikanal is between October and June, and the key attractions are Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Silver Cascade Falls, Pillar Rocks, Bear Shola Falls, Guna Cave or Devil’s Kitchen, Moir Point, Thalaiyar Falls, Kurinji Andavar Temple, and Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.
Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in January Month in India
Kerala's little town of Varkala is home to one of the best beaches in South India. The best time to visit Varkala is October to March, and the key attractions are Varkala Beach, Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala Cliff, Janardanaswamy Temple, Kappil Beach, Golden Island, Anchuthengu Fort, Varkala Cultural Center, and Sreenarayanapuram Temple.
Trekking enthusiasts and those who enjoy the outdoors are drawn to Wayanad, one of Kerala's most popular hill stations. The best time to visit Wayanad is between October to May, and the key attractions here are Banasura Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Waterfalls, Kuruvadweep, Thirunelli Temple, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Wayanad Heritage Museum, and Neelimala Viewpoint.
Also Read: 17 Best Destination To Visit in October
If you want to travel to South India and are worried about the expenses, we can help you simplify your travel plans with Hero Fincorp. You can avail a personal loan with Hero Fincorp and travel without any stress. Here are a few ways in which we can help you.
Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in February Month in India
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With this, we can conclude that tourist places in South India will never disappoint. One can enjoy nature, peace, and beauty in South India. Summers are just around the corner, and so is the vacation season. Start booking already so you do not lose your chance to explore the country's southern region and escape the blazing sun.
1. What are the best places to experience South Indian culture?
The best places to experience South Indian culture are Mysore, Munnar, Coorg, Kodaikanal, Varkala, Pondicherry, and Hampi.
2. What are the major festivals celebrated in South India?
The major festivals celebrated in South India are Onam, Pongal, Thrissur Pooram, Hampi Festival, Mysore Dasara, Chithirai, Thiruvizha, and Madurai.
3. What are the popular backwater destinations in South India?
The popular backwater destinations in South India are Alleppey Backwaters, Kochi Backwaters, Kumarakom, Kasaragod, and Kozhikode.
4. What are some famous waterfalls in South India?
Jog Falls, Ethipothala Waterfalls, and Hogenakkal Waterfalls are famous in South India.
5. Which places in South India are known for their cuisine?
Cuisines of Kerala are the most famous in the country, not only in South India.