More than beaches and spice plantations, South India has a lot to offer. With rich cultures, food, traditions, and languages, the southern part of India welcomes tourists with warmth and love. Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have attracted tourists from all over the world. Be it a honeymoon getaway at Back Waters or an adventurous friend trip at Coorg, South never disappoints anyone.
Here’s a curated list of top 5 places to visit in South India.
1. Chennai, Tamil Nadu:
With the blend of the old and new, the capital city of Tamil Nadu is known as the “Keeper of Traditions.” It flaunts the spectacular historical architecture with a twist of cosmopolitan lifestyle, quirky cafes, and a vibrant local market. It also is proud to have the longest urban beach in the world. Chennai offers everything to everyone making itself the most loved family destination.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Key Attractions: Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Government Museum, Edward Elliot’s Beach, Santhome Cathedral, Fort St. George, Guindy National Park, Parthasarathi Temple, Valluvar Kottam, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Dakshina Chitra, and B.M. Birla Planetarium.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Chennai Central
2. Ooty And Coonoor, Tamil Nadu:
The Queen of South Hills, Ooty is a mix of honeymoon packages and adventure treks. The British Raj era’s mesmerizing bungalows, the famous miniature toy trains, and the expansive tea gardens make it the best place to visit. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed toy train takes you to another amazing place, Coonoor a nearby hill station. The museums, churches, and tea factories will find the place in your itinerary.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Key Attractions: Government Botanical Garden, Government Rose Garden, The Tea Factory and Tea Museum, St. Stephen’s Church, Thread Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, Government Museum, Doddabetta, Ooty Lake, Kamaraj Sagar Dam, Catherine Falls. Dolphin’s Nose, and Deer Park.
- Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Mettupalayam Railway Station
3. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu:
Another reason to visit Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal, is called the princess of the hill stations. The cool breeze, misty clouds, rambling paths for trekkers, mesmerizing lakes, and waterfalls make the city famous for reasons. Plan your trip on time when the valley is blooming with Kurunji Shrubs and at night visit the observatory to observe the new world.
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Key Attractions: 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.
- Nearest Airport: Madurai International Airport and Coimbatore International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Kodai Road
4. Wayanad, Kerala:
This place must be on the wishlist of all backpackers who love nature. This hill station is visited the most in Kerela as it offers rolling hills and lush green forest which is home to many species of birds and animals. Plan your trip after monsoons to witness the breathtaking waterfalls, dams, and lakes where you can have a family afternoon picnic. Don’t forget to explore the caves and temples as well.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
- Key Attractions: Banasura Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Waterfalls, Kuruvadweep, Thirunelli Temple, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Wayanad Heritage Museum, and Neelimala Viewpoint
- Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode
5. Coorg, Karnataka:
The nature lover’s paradise, Coorg is the most famous hill station in the Southern part of India. Diverse flora and fauna, aromatic spices, and coffee plantations make it the most visited place in the South. Apart from these, there is a lot to explore like the trekking routes to temples and forts, waterfalls, Tibetan settlements, retail therapy, and delicious food.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Key Attractions: Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Tadiandamol Peak, Raja’s Seat, Talacauvery, Namdroling Monastery, Nagarhole National Park, Barapole River, Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, and Gaddige Raja’s Tomb.
- Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport, Mangalore Airport, and Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore
- Nearest Railway Station: Mysore
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q1. The most beautiful state in South India.
Ans: The most picturesque state of Southern India is Kerela. The backwaters, network of canals, coconut grooves, and lush green landscape make it the most beautiful place to visit.
Q2. Mention the coolest place in South India.
Ans: With beautiful valleys, majestic lakes, cascading waterfalls, and grassy hills make Kodaikanal the coolest place in the South.
Q3. Ooty or Munnar, which is the best?
Ans: They both are amazing in their way. While Munnar holds more places to visit than Ooty, the latter has picture-perfect tea plantations. And the former is famous for green tea carpets and misty clouds.