Southern India is made up of the following states; Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana. Each place is unique and full of life that can only be found in Southern India.

Each state has its traditions, history, culture and art, and for a visitor, the region is full of exciting and enriching experiences. Whether you choose a beach holiday, a canal cruise or a visit to a Southern plantation India can offer anything and everything your heart and soul desires.

To make it easier to choose, we have made a list of some of the best places to visit.

Kerala - The Spice Garden of India

It’s not possible to choose just one place in Kerala to visit, given that every part of Kerala holds its own beautiful and travel-worthy appeal.

The state is a natural marvel, full of blissful backwaters; tea, rubber and spice plantations, gorgeous beaches to look at memorable sunsets.

Kerala also boasts a well-preserved art, cultural and historical heritage, which attracts art lovers and culture vultures. Plus, it’s also a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts, with wildlife safari, trekking, backwater cruising, bamboo rafting, something for everyone to enjoy.

The must-visit places in Kerala include the beaches at Varkala and Alleppey. We do not forget Munnar, Wayanad and Fort Kochi.

Coorg or Kodagu

Nicknamed the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is a popular hill station among travellers, and with good reason. The picturesque landscape grows acres of spice and tea plantations, scenic waterfalls, bleak mountains, vast lakes.

Hard to reach trekking trails make it a haven for intrepid nature lovers. At the same time, the lush forests harbour a diverse ecosystem which interests wildlife explorers from across the world.

Gandikota

Gandikota is one of the most beautiful villages in Andhra Pradesh. Home to the Grand Canyon, called ‘India’s Hidden Grand Canyon’. Gandikota has been carved out by the Penna River that flows through Erramala hills in Andhra.

The best way to explore this scenic spot is via a hike, which isn’t an easy one, but the unbeatable scenery and stunning views that await at the top are worth all the effort.

Mysore - Mysuru

 

Sitting in the foothills of Chamundi hills in Karnataka, Mysuru/Mysore is famous for its majestic palace, which is among the grandest palaces in the country.

Mysore Palace is a beautiful compilation that brings to life Mysore’s great history. Visit at night and marvel as the entire palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000 lamps.

Nearby the stunning Jagmohan Palace is a great place to visit, full of Southern India’s exquisite artefacts and pieces of art. Or visit Brindavan Gardens, a gorgeous botanical garden and picnic on Karanji Lake - the largest lake in the state.

Madurai

Known as the home of Tamil culture and learning, Madurai is an ancient city that is over 4,000 years old.

Visit the  Meenakshi temple; this temple is as old as the city. Built-in to honor Goddess Meenakshi the temple stands out with its stunning Dravidian architecture. Complete with intricately designed 14 gateway towers, sculpted pillared halls and sculptures depicting the mythological stories and famous scenes from the lauded Hindu texts.

Nearby is the 19th-century Saint Mary’s Cathedral, the Tirumalai Nayak Palace and the Vilachery Pottery Village. We are not forgetting the Gandhi Memorial Museum.

Kodaikanal

Overrun with tea and coffee plantations, beautiful lakes, waterfalls and forests, Kodaikanal is a photographer's delight and nature lovers dream.

With lots of recreational activities, such as rock climbing, trekking, forest walks, boating, and tea-drinking, Kodaikanal is a perfect place for relaxation and contemplation.

Other places to visit include the Kodai lake, Berijam lake, Guna Caves and the Silver Cascades Waterfall. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is a special place for those who love astronomy.

Gokarna, Karnataka

A tiny coastal town in Karnataka, Gokarna is often overshadowed by Goa, a neighbouring town. In Gokarna, there are pristine beaches, where visitors can relax and stroll in peace, a world away from touristy Goa.

The town will appeal to the spiritual-minded as it is home to many ancient temples, such as the Maha Ganapati temple and the Mahabaleshwar temple.

Finally, our favourite place, Pondicherry.

Pondicherry - Puducherry

Colonised by the Dutch and then the French, Pondicherry accepted its historical ancestors, and from then on it was known as the ‘French Capital of India’.

History buffs and architecture lovers alike can find several museums, historic structures and churches in Pondicherry. Its cobbled streets are filled with colourful houses built in the colonial time that will transport you back in time.

Foodies will be surrounded by temptation as there are plenty of fine-dining restaurants and beachfront cafes specialising in local and international cuisines after lunch you can relax on an unblemished beach to watch the world go past.

Be warned with so much to see you will want to return to southern India again and again.