Top 15 Best Places In South India to Visit- Keep These Destinations in Your Next Travel Escapade

Introduction 

If you are obsessed with exploring exotic locales, meeting new people, experiencing myriad cultures, and getting lost in the lap of nature, then South India is your calling. One of the most serene parts of India, it is a favorite tourist destination among travel freaks. The region is a perfect juxtaposition of mountains and valleys, backwaters and rivers, beaches and forests as it's laced with a pristine environment and intriguing beauty.Comprising four states, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, South India's untamed splendor is what enchants visitors, leaving them spellbound at its beauty. Before highlighting the best places in South India to visit, let's see what makes South India a mesmerizing tourist hub: Pristine beaches: South Indian beaches are not limited to the popular shores of Pondicherry and Vizag; several lesser explored beaches define calmness and beauty. Watch the sunrise and sunset with the locals while you soak in the coolness of the soothing air, enjoy the local food, and relish life at its best.

• Lush greenery

  : Many regions are blessed with lush green forests, coffee plantations, and agricultural fields, making this part of the subcontinent heaven for nature lovers.

• Weather

  : Winter months are the best for visiting South India, so there is a rush of travel junkies each year, from October to March. The pleasant and balmy air is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

• Range of activities and sightseeing options

  : South India boasts various landscapes, from mountains to beaches to valleys and plains. You can enjoy a host of adventure activities and romantic getaways, and family trip ideas. In addition, there are temples, monuments, heritage sites, and numerous other options to explore.

• Easy travel options:

   

  Traveling to and across South India is easy as various conveyance options are available, from trains to flights to even rented cars. Also, there are abundant hotels and lodging options that you can choose.

• Lip Smacking food

  : Whether you are a fan of the famous Hyderabadi biryani and Haleem or delicious seafood and other South Indian delicacies like sambhar, idlis, and dosas, the region will not disappoint you.

• Exceptional hospitality

  : The locals here are humble, calm, and welcoming, making you feel at home away from home.So, while you pack your bags to your next South Indian destination, let us get to know the best south Indian spots. Here is the ultimate South India tourist places list!

Best Places to Visit in South India– Top Attractions You Can’t Miss Checking Out

Best Tourist Places/Attractions in South India

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and comes with a rich history and varied culture. Known as the City of Nizams, the city portrays a beautiful confluence of modern and traditional culture and architecture. Swamped by shopping malls, flyovers, and contemporary facades, the place also houses some of the most mesmerizing old-world Mughal monuments and buildings. It is indeed one of the best places in South India to visit.Popular tourist spots: Top tourist places in Hyderabad are Charminar, Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City, Hussain Sagar Lake, Jala Vihar, Chowmahalla Palace, Lumbini Park, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Birla Mandir, Salar Jung Museum, Purani Haveli, Laad Bazar, Durgam Cheruvu, Shilparamam, Taj Falaknuma Palace, Gandipet Lake, Paigah Tombs, KBR National Park, Mecca MasjidConnectivity: Hyderabad is well-connected by public buses that can help you go from one location to another. The average time taken for travel is about 40 minutes. You can also get rental cars in Hyderabad to make your travel easier.Expenses:  Staying in Hyderabad can cost you an average of Rs 3500 per day, including food and lodging.

Munnar

A charming hill resort in the Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar should be on your bucket list of must visit places in South India. It is perched atop Kenna Devan Hills and is often called the Switzerland of India. The place served as the summer resort of the British Governors of South India and housed the best tea estates in the world. Munnar also grows a wide variety of spices. It is one of the best places to visit in Kerala.

Munnar is the highest peak in South India, making it a trekker’s paradise.

Popular tourist spots: Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Top Station, Kundala Lake, Anamudi Peak, Nyayamkad Falls, Devikulam, Eravikulam National Park, Thoovanam Falls, Chinar Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tea Museum (where you can learn the history and process of tea growing and manufacturing).

Connectivity: Kochi Airport is the nearest to Munnar, while the nearest railway stations are Aluva and Ernakulam. You can avail of bus services from Madurai, Idukki, Aluva, Alleppey, and Kochi. Renting a car is also a great option.

Expenses: A 3-day trip can help you explore the best of Munnar. An average of Rs 2000 is enough for a single-day expense at Munnar.

Pondicherry 

Also known as Puducherry, Pondicherry is the capital of the union territory of the same name. It comprises an enclave enclosed by Tamil Nadu. The city consists of four coastal areas: Karaikal, Yanam, Mahe, and Puducherry. Pondicherry was a French colony since 1673 and was the French capital of India for over 300 years and gained independence in 1954. It is one of the most beautiful places in South India.

The city has a French world charm with some great French architecture and heritage. In addition, the city boasts of some serene beaches, making it a popular location among places to go in South India.

Popular tourist spots: French War Memorial, Hotel De Vile, Aayi Mandapam, Puducherry Museum, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville Ashram, Chunnambar Resort, Promenade, Romaine Rolland Library, and Old Lighthouse.

Connectivity: Chennai airport is the nearest, which is 148 kms away. Pondicherry railway station is well-connected to most Indian cities. The city also has bus services to and from other cities. Car rental facilities are also available here.

Expenses: You can explore most parts of Pondicherry in one day if you have hired a car. A one-day trip can cost you about Rs 2000, including food and conveyance.

Mysore

The 2nd largest city in Karnataka, Mysore, should be one of your must-visit places for your Bangalore trip. It is one of the best places to travel in South India. The city was the land of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled the place from 1399 to 1947, and it is also the land of traditions, palaces, and heritage buildings, all speaking high of its past glory. Since hills surround the city from North to South, the city has pleasant weather all year round.

Popular tourist spots: Chamundi Hill Temple, Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo, Brindavan Gardens, Devaraja Market, Karanji Lake, Lalitha Mahal, Jagmohan Palace, St Philomena Church, KRS Dam, Shuka Vana, Chunchanakatte Falls

Connectivity: The nearest airport is Bangalore, and Mysore Railway Junction is your stop if you travel by train. The city has direct bus connectivity with major Indian cities. You can tour the city by public transport or book a rental car for traveling.

Expenses: One day is enough to explore the major attractions at Mysore. A day’s trip will cost you Rs 2000 (approx.).

Travel Destinations in South India

Coorg

Coorg, in Karnataka, is one of the top tourist attractions in South India. Therefore, this list of the best places in South India to visit will not be complete without mentioning Coorg. Also known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is situated on the Western Ghats, at an altitude of 1525 meters. 

Coorg is the largest producer of coffee in India. It is also among those regions that receive the highest rainfall in India. One of the best hill stations of South India, Coorg pulls in tourists all year round owing to its scenic natural beauty. Lush green forests, misty hills, orange groves, coffee plantations, and breathtaking waterfalls will make your heart skip a beat.

 Popular tourist spots: Coorg boasts rich flora and fauna. Visit the three famous wildlife sanctuaries here – Pushpagiri, Talacauvery, and Brahmagiri.

You can enjoy trekking at the famous mountain peaks like Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri, and Thadiyandamol.

Other tourist destinations are Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, Chiklihole Reservoir, Honnamana Kere Lake, Mallalli Falls, Raja's Seat, Somwarpet, and Karada Village.

Connectivity: Mangalore is the nearest airport, and Mysore and Mangalore are the closest railway stations. The city is well-connected with buses, and if you want to ease your traveling across Coorg, opting for a rental car is the most convenient option.

Expenses: You can explore Coorg for an average of 4 days with a day and night trip costing about Rs 5000.

Kodaikanal

Often addressed as the "Princess Hill Station," Kodaikanal is a summer retreat for mountain lovers. It is a breathtaking hill station in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu making it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in South India. It is perched on the southern part of the Palani Hills at an altitude of about 7000 feet. One of the lesser commercialized hill stations in the south, Kodaikanal, is swamped with tourists from October to June.

Popular tourist spots: Kodai Lake, Green Valley View, Dolphin’s Nose, Bear Shola Falls, Thalaiyar Falls, Pillar Rocks, Mannavanur, Vattakanal, Coakers Walk, Devil’s Kitchen, Palani Trek, Berijam Lake, Bryant Park, Silver Cascade Falls, Silent Valley View, Kurinji Temple

Connectivity: The nearest airport is Madurai, and the closest railway junction is Kodai Road station. The hill station is well connected by buses with major nearby towns, and you can even hire a car for easy traveling across Kodaikanal.

Expenses: You can opt for a two-night and three-days trip to Kodaikanal, which can cost you about Rs 10,000.With this complete list of the best tourist places in India, we are sure you have already started your next trip. Feel free to share with us your experience in the comments section! 

Trivandrum

Trivandrum, or Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital city of Kerala. Located between the Arabian Sea and the western ghats, Trivandrum has an old-world charm to it being the land of the Travancore kings. Weekend drives in Trivandrum are more fascinating. Housing some of the most enchanting temples and heritage buildings, Trivandrum is rich in natural landscapes, breathtaking mountains, and scenic beaches, making it one of the must-see places in South India.Popular tourist spots: Poovar Island, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Neyyar Dam, Wildlife Sanctuary, Agastya Mala, Chalai Bazar, Napier Museum, Kowdiar Palace, and St Joseph's Cathedral.Connectivity: Trivandrum is well-connected by train and buses to other cities. If you love driving, you can find numerous car renting services in Trivandrum for traveling across the city.Expenses: A day's expense in Trivandrum will cost about Rs 4000.

Ooty

Located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is known to be the "Queen of hill stations. Comprising picturesque lakes and mountains, Ooty was a popular summer destination for the British generals in India. The region is scattered with sprawling grasslands, mesmerizing mountains, thick forests, and breathtaking tea gardens.Popular tourist spots: Ooty Lake, Wenlock Downs, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Pine Forest, Emerald Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Kalhatty Waterfalls, Kamraj Sagar Dam, Deer Park, Pykara Lake, Fernhill PalaceConnectivity: The nearest airport is Coimbatore airport, and Coimbatore Junction is the nearest railway station. There are excellent bus facilities and rental car facilities for traveling in Ooty.Expenses: A 5-day trip to Ooty can cost you about Rs 30000.

Most Beautiful Places in South India

Alleppey

Alappuzha or Alleppey is a splendid holiday spot in Kerala, featuring a stunning confluence of beaches and best backwaters in Kerala. The region is spotted with glorious paddy fields and coconut trees and is among the best places in South India to visit. The popular boat race is a unique festival and a must-experience activity during your trip here.Popular tourist spots: Alappuzha beach, Arthunkal Church, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Mullakkal Temple, Krishnapuram Palace, Champakulam, Vembanad Lake, Marari Beach, Pathiramanal, Karumandi.Connectivity: Kochi airport is the nearest to Alleppey, and Alleppey station is the primary railway junction. You can find excellent public transport alongside awesome car rental solutions in Kochi.Expenses: An average of Rs 4000 is your per-day cost of traveling around and staying in Alleppey with food.

Tirupati

Tirupati is an ancient holy city situated in the Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh that attracts Hindu devotees from PAN India. The city is full of temples and is famous for its festivals and fairs, which makes it worthy of counting as one of the most famous places in South India.Popular tourist destinations: Lord Venkateshwara Temple in Tirumala, Tiruchanur Temple, Varahaswami Temple, Govindaraja Temple, ISKCON Temple, Avanakshamma Temple, Chandragiri Fort, Talakona Falls.Connectivity: The nearest airport is Renigunta, and Tirupati Railway Station is well-connected with other major cities and towns. Bus services are also available to and from adjacent cities, while you can also find affordable car rental solutions.Expenses- A two-day trip to Tirupati will cost around Rs 5000.

Hampi

Northern Karnataka houses the ancient village of Hampi, which sits gloriously on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. The village is a part of the ancient Vijayanagar Empire and is rich in culture and heritage, making it a beautiful tourist attraction in South India.Popular tourist spots – Vittala Temple, Bala Krishna Temple, Pattabhirama Temple, Hampi Bazar, Lotus Mahal, Hubli, Durbar Hall, Queen's Bath, Elephant Stables, Matanga Hall, Archeological Museum.Connectivity – Hubli airport is the nearest airport, and Hospet Railway station is the central railway junction. You can get regular bus services and car rental services too here.Expenses- A day's tour in Hampi will cost about Rs 4000.

Madurai

Madurai, a popular pilgrimage destination in Tamil Nadu, is the state's cultural capital. Located on the banks of the Vaigai river, the temples here feature marvelous sculpting techniques and are, therefore, popular among Hindu devotees. So if you're searching for the best places in South India to visit, Madurai must be on your list.Popular tourist spots- Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Koodal Alagar Temple, Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Alagar Koil, Narasingam, Gandhi Museum, Vaigai Dam, Kumbakkarai Waterfalls, Kodaikanal.Connectivity – Madurai airport and Madurai railways stations are the best ways to reach the city. Periyar bus station is also well-connected to other towns. You can also avail of car rental services here for easy conveyance.Expenses – Rs 5000 is the average trip cost for a day in Madurai, including food and lodging.

Holiday Destinations in South India

Kovalam

Kovalam, in Kerala, is a bustling coastal town next to the Arabian Sea. It is one of the cool places in South India. A favorite beach destination, the region of Kovalam is full of coconut trees that line the areas adjoining its beaches. It is a fishing village that offers its visitors excellent adventure sports and holiday activities. You can sunbathe, swim in the sea, go rafting, kayaking, fishing, surfing, and water skiing. In addition, there are many ayurvedic resorts where you can enjoy herbal massages and other relaxing therapies.Popular tourist spots: Light House Beach, Samudra Beach, Eve’s Beach, Poovar, VarkalaConnectivity: The nearest airport is Trivandrum airport, and the nearest railway station is also Trivandrum. You can choose bus and car rental services too.Expenses: A day's trip to Kovalam will cost around Rs 3000.

Vizag

Vizag or Vishakhapatnam is a port city and one of the largest in Andhra Pradesh. The city faces the Bay of Bengal and is lined by the Eastern Ghats hills. Vizag is a dream destination for tourists as it's full of pristine beaches, caves, valleys, and lofty hills, which makes it one of the unique places to visit in South India.Popular tourist spots: Rishikonda Beach, Kailasagiri, Rama Krishna Beach, Submarine Museum, Bheemili Beach, Tatipudi Reservoir, Bavikonda, Gangavaram Beach, Borra Caves, Araku Valley, Lamba Singi, Vizag Harbor, Yarada Beach.Connectivity: You must come to Vizag Airport to reach the city. Also, Vizag is located on the main railway line between Kolkata and Chennai. Therefore, you can conveniently travel in rental cars across the city.Expenses: A 3-day trip to Vizag can cost about Rs 15000.

Wayanad 

A dreamy location in Kerala, Wayanad is a popular hill district in South India. It is a unique region among other South Indian tourist places. It is a beautiful plateau sitting between the Western Ghats mountains. Local tribes inhabit the place, and it's rich in spices, coffee, and tea plantations. It is one of the best hill stations in Kerala.Popular tourist spots: Meenmutty Falls, Pookode Lake, Karapuzha Dam, Chembra Peak, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Kuruva Island, Nagarhole National Park, Ripon Tea Factory, Irupu Falls.Connectivity – Kozhikode International Airport and Railway Station are the pit stops here. Hire a rental car in Wayanad for traveling across the city hassle-free.

What Makes IndusGo the Best for Your Traveling?

So, if you plan to take some cool adventurous trips to South India, our list above is all you need. From picturesque hill stations to soothing beaches and culturally rich cities, our list of best places in South India to visit will surely help you plan your travel itinerary.To ease traveling from one destination to another, you can rent a car from IndusGo. Here you can avail the most convenient and affordable rental car services. You will get a wide range of vehicle options at great prices.Here's why you should opt for IndusGo, especially when looking for car rental providers:

• You can book 100% insured vehicles on a daily, weekly, or hourly basis without any security deposit

• You will get the car delivered to your door

• You can get the car at any airport or station or any location that you prefer

• You can also opt for self-driving or get a driver from IndusGo as per your preference

• You will get 24-hour assistance, unlike other car rental companies

IndusGo is India's leading car rental company, and you will never be disappointed with their services. Your trip will be a smooth affair if you have easy conveyance solutions. Visit https://www.indusgo.in/ or call 9539580000 for more details.