16 Most Popular Places to Visit in South India
Compared with North India, South India is more mysterious and full of breathtaking natural scenery. For people don’t like crowded tourists and want to enjoy a cozy holiday, South India is a great choice. There are 16 most popular places to visit in south India.1. Mumbai
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It is the biggest sea port in India and one of the best tourist places in south India. It is a charming international city where people can visit Gateway of India, a remarkable landmark and Chhatrapati Shivaji, a beautiful Victorian train station. Bollywood is also worth visiting, where you can watch authentic Indian movie. Cultural highlights and modern scenes coexist perfectly.
Location: On the western coast of Maharashtra. How to Get There: Air is the most convenient way to reach Mumbai. Or you can take trains to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station.
2. Pune
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It is the second largest city in Maharashtra where people can visit many religious sites and museums.
Location: Maharashtra State How to Get There: It is well-linked with other main Indian cities via air, train and road. For example, you can fly to Pune airport, then take taxi from airport to city.
Travel Tip: The best time to visit here is in summer.
3. Goa
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As the smallest Pradesh in India, Goa is a best place to visit in south India for pristine beaches and blue sea view. Basilica of Bom Jesus is a typical Baroque building and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can find many buildings blending with western and Indian cultures perfectly.
Location: It is located on western coast of India and faces Arabian Sea.
How to Get There: The most convenient way is to fly to Mumbai firstly, then transfer to Goa Dabolim Airport. Besides, you can arrive in Goa by train or road.
Travel tip: The best time to visit Goa is during December to February
Read More: 10 Facts about Goa
4. Hampi, Karnataka
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It is once the capital of Vijayanagar with splendid history and Hindu culture. 1986, it was declared as a World Heritage site. People can admire the magnificent relics everywhere.
Location: in Karnataka State
How to Get There: Hospet is close to Hanpi, as a transfer hub connecting other big cities. People can get to here by train, bus or air.
5. Pattadakal
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It is also called the Temple town because of its magnificent temple complex. People can watch many precious Dracidian and Nagara monuments in this place.
Location: Karnataka How to Get There: The common way is to take trains to Badami, then you can hire a cab or take a bus to Pattadakal.
6. Alleppey, Kerala
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It is an ancient town with picturesque beaches and rivers. It is the best tourist place in south India to experience famous backwaters tours and take the houseboat.
Location: It is situated on the coast of Arabian Sea, Kerala State.
How to Get There: You can fly to Cochin International Airport firstly, then take a taxi or a bus to reach Alleppey. Take trains to Alleppey Railway Station is also a common way.
See also 6 Best Honeymoon Places in Kerala Best Tourist Places in Kerala
7. Varkala Beach, Kerala
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It is one of the top beaches in the world. People can not only admire the breathtaking views and enjoy the top-notch ayurvedic and spa services.
Location: Kerala How to Get There: You can get to Thiruvananthapuram firstly, then transfer to this place by train or road.
8. Fort Kochi, Kerala
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It is a quiet and beautiful city full of colonial architectures. People can wander around on foot and find some interesting sites. It is a place to visit in south India famous for religious sites and museums. In the evening, you can watch traditional Kathakali dance.
Location: West Indian coastal line, Kerala State How to Get There: You can get to Kerala firstly, then transfer to Kochi by train or road. Travel tip: The best time to visit here is in February
9. Chennai
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It is the capital of Tamil Nadu State with many historical relics. It is recommended to go to Marina Beach to relax yourself, Kapaleeswarar Temple to admire this religious highlight and Bronze Gallery to Glimpse into India’s Glorious Past.
Location: Tamil Nadu How to Get There: The most convenient way is to take airplane. People can fly to Chennai International Airport. Travel tip: The best time to visit here is during January to March.
10. Madurai
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It is one of the seven holy cities in Hindu and has been a pilgrimage center for centuries. People can watch many great temples and carving works in different temples, such as Alagar Kovil Temple, Meenakshi Temple and Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple.
Location: On the banks of River Vaigai, Tamil Nadu How to Get There: It is well-connected to other cities in India. People can fly to Madurai International Airport. Or you can take buses from near cities like Chennai, Mysore.
11. Pondicherry
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It has been the colonial area for centuries so many western architectures are left over. The movie “Life of Pi” once filmed in this place. You can walk along the street and soak up the local culture atmosphere. Auriville, the last Utopia in the world, attracting people all over the world, is one of the best places to visit in south India. Besides, the Paradise Beach and Promenade Beach are good places to relax.
Location: Tamil Nadu State How to Get There: People can choose to fly to Chennai International Airport, then hire taxis to reach Pondicherry. Or take express buses to get to Pondicherry.
12. Coorg, Karnataka
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This beautiful mountainous place is famed for South Indian coffee and a year-round destination. You can visit coffee plantations and go hiking or trekking.
Location: Karnataka How to Get There: You can fly to Mangalore International Airport firstly, then transfer to this place by train or bus.
13. Mysore, Karnataka
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It was the culture center and one of the best places to visit in south India. There are numerous gardens and royal heritage sites everywhere. The must-see spots are Mysore Palace and Brindavan Gardens.
Location: Karnataka How to Get There: You can go to Bangalore firstly, than transfer to Mysore by road, train or airplane.
14. Hyderabad, Telangana
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It is renowned for splendid Islamic heritage. The recommended attractions are Charminar, top spot in Hyderabad, Falaknuma, an elegant place to enjoy meals, and local museums.
Location: Telangana How to Get There: The most convenient way is to fly to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.
15. Bangalore
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It is known as India’s Silicon Valley so this city is a more lively and vibrant place to visit in south India than other South Indian cities. There are many beautiful parks and gardens, such as Lal Bagh. Bangalore Palace - A Central Attraction of Bangalore, is also a must-see. In the evening, the colorful nightlife just starts.
Location: Karnataka State How to Get There: The most convenient way is to fly to Bangalore International Airport. Travel tip: The best time to visit here is in summer.
16. Havelock Island, Andamans
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It is a popular island where you can enjoy the blue sea and white sand and have a blissful holiday.
Location: It belongs to Andaman Islands. How to Get There: The best way is to take ferry.