Taj Mahal Agra

South India Travel Guide

South India reminds you of places you wished to see in your dreams. Pristine beaches, vast stretch of ocean, high hills of the Western Ghats and centuries old history. Nothing disappoints you on your journey to the south. Walking down a road with trees on both sides on a sunny morning, the journey itself is as beautiful as the destination. Magnificent rock-cut cave temples depict stories of the ancient Dravidians.

About South India Tourism

South India comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and the Union Territories of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry. Lush green tea and coffee plantations on the slopes with a backdrop of different hues of blue sky fill your heart with solace. Not to forget the magnificent examples of Dravidian style of architectural brilliance such as the temples of Mahabalipuram, Hampi and Chola Temple among many others. South India is a treasure trove of peace, scenic views, nature’s bliss and ancient history of India’s glory. Thus, making it one of the best travel destinations in India.

presents a South India Travel Guide to make your travel plans convenient:

For the mountains are calling….!

South India is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Clean air, majestic hills and breathtaking views win your heart and soul. Nature tourism is on spike in recent years. Rather than visiting monuments or indulging in typical tourist activities, travelers prefer to leave the hustle behind and retire to the mountains for their holidays. Waking up amidst the picturesque Western Ghats is the best summer retreat you can ask for. Popular hill stations such as Munnar, Wayanad, Ooty and Kodaikanal among many others are becoming the hotshots of the tourist’s attractions in South India.

States & Union Territories in South India

Karnataka

Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh
Kerala

Kerala
Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu
Telangana

Telangana
Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep

Andaman & Nicobar

Andaman & Nicobar

Pondicherry

Pondicherry

Best Selling Tour Packages South India

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Golden Triangle Tour with Ranthambore
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4 Nights - 5 Days

Bangalore Mysore Ooty Tour

Best of Kerala Tour
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5 Nights - 7 Days

Best of Kerala Tour

Temple Tour South India
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11 Nights - 12 Days

Temple Tour South India

Ooty Munnar Kodaikanal Tour
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6 Nights - 7 Days

Ooty Munnar Kodaikanal Tour

Best of South India Tour
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10 Nights - 11 Days

Best of South India Tour

Divine Karnataka Temple Tour
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7 Nights - 8 Days

Divine Karnataka Temple Tour

Classical Tour of Karnataka
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6 Nights - 7 Days

Classical Tour of Karnataka

Coorg Kabini Tour
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4 Nights - 5 Days

Coorg Kabini Tour

Best of South India Hill Station Tour
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7 Nights - 8 Days

Best of South India Hill Station Tour

South India Tour Packages by Destinations

Karnataka

Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh
Kerala

Kerala
Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu
Telangana

Telangana
Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep

Andaman & Nicobar

Andaman & Nicobar
Pondicherry

Pondicherry

Popular Hill Stations to Visit in South India

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Munnar

Munnar

A summer retreat for Britishers during colonial times, Munnar has kept its natural beauty intact. This dainty town is filled with lush green plantations, stunning meadows, calm creeks and gushing waterfalls.

Ooty

Ooty

Queen of the Nilgiris, Ooty is where the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. This hill town is home to tea and coffee gardens, waterfalls, lakes and other natural beauties.

Coonoor

Coonoor

This hill town seems to come alive out of a fairytale. Located amidst the Nilgiris, Coonoor was first discovered by the British in the 19th century. Blessed with scenic views, dewy mornings and a vast stretch of coffee and tea plantations, this hill station is the definition of serenity.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal

Situated among the Palani Hills, this quaint town is situated around the artificial Lake Kodaikanal. Adorned with misty mornings, dense woods and echoing hills, this hill town is a paradise for natural enthusiasts.

Wayanad

Wayanad

Bliss in God’s own country, Wayanad shelters the long ranges of Western Ghats, white cascades and lush green woods. It is a perfect getaway from the fast-paced city life as its natural beauty stops time and makes you relish the views it offers.

Coorg

Coorg

A hill town that moves slowly and absorbs every ounce of beauty nature bestows on us, Coorg is one of the most visited hill stations of South India. The melancholic trails with clear sky and gushing waterfalls are a treat to mind and soul.

Devikulam

Devikulam

A quiet hill town shadowed by the popularity of Munnar, Devikulam is a hill station with exceptional nature’s bliss, peace and a hint of legend. Believed to be blessed with the presence of Goddess Sita, this hill town has so many reasons to visit and cherish its existence.

Yercaud

Yercaud

Set amidst the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Adorning the beauty of silver oaks and teak woods along with a magnificent botanical garden, this hill station is a paradise away from the unsettling life of the city.

Ananthagiri

Ananthagiri

Located in the state of Telangana, Ananthagiri hill station is a beautiful hill town. With scenic valleys, misty mornings and loud waterfalls, this quaint town has an aroma of tea and coffee hanging around due to the lush green plantations.

Peermade

Peermade

This hill station got its name from the Muslim saint, Peer Mohammad, who is believed to be the first spice trader in this region. This town is filled with plantations of various Indian spices. Not to forget, it is a natural beauty with sprawling hills, plantations and gushing waterfalls.

Best Heritage Places to Visit in South India

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Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram

Once home to a great Pallava King, who was interested in architecture, commissioned to build a group of temples in the 7th and 8th century. These temples were carved in the shape of chariots, cave sanctuaries and open air-relief. The most popular of them all is the ‘Descent of the Ganges’ and the Shore Temple.

Malaprabha

Malaprabha

Group of monuments at Pattadakal in Malaprabha is part of the precious UNESCO world heritage sites. This group of monuments is a perfect blend of the architectural style of northern and southern India. The structures are a storybook of history with inscriptions detailing the lives of people in the eighth century.

Bijapur

Bijapur

Now known as Vijaypura, this old town is famous for the highest dome in the world. It also houses some exceptional architectural brilliance such as Ibrahim Rauza, Taj Mahal of the south and Chand Bawi built by a husband in the memory of his beloved wife.

Hampi

Hampi

A lost city with a great past, Hampi is home to intricate carved temples, beautiful royal complexes and elaborate sculptures. The architecture was defined as the Indo-islamic style. This city holds legends of glorifying times with its ruins such as Ganesh and Vittala Temple, Gagan Mahal and Lotus Mahal.

Thanjavur

Thanjavur

The Chola Dynasty has ruled South India for the longest time. During their prosperous reign, they built various beautiful temples. The Great Living Chola Temples are a perfect example of the art and designing of the cholas. The three must visit temples are- Brihadisvara Temple, Brihadeshwara Temple and Airavatesvara Temple.

Popular Wildlife Attractions in South India

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Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park

Former royal hunting ground for the Maharaja of Mysore, Bandipur National Park is the most prominent national park of Karnataka. The national park shelters varied mammals and numerous other species along with a diverse flora.

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park

Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, this abode of wildlife is blessed with the ruling cat families such as tigers and leopards. It is a thrill ride for all wildlife enthusiasts as this park shelters a humongous number of flora and fauna.

Mudumalai Sanctuary

Mudumalai Sanctuary

Home to several endangered and vulnerable species such as Indian elephant, Bengal Tiger, Gaur and Indian Leopard, Mudumalai Sanctuary is one of the most diverse wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the quiet town of Dandeli in Karnataka, this wildlife sanctuary is an abode of mammals, birds, reptiles and a rich flora. The park is home to tigers, elephants, gaurs, civet and flying squirrels among many others.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

This national park is adorned with a 100 years old artificial lake in the centre. Periyar National Park protects wild elephants and tigers along with other species. This park is nestled in the scenic Western Ghats with rich biodiversity.

Popular Spiritual Places to Visit in South India

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Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Referred to as the ‘Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh’, the city is home to the famous hindu shrine of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. It is believed that Lord Rama along with his wife and brother resided here on his return from Lanka.

Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

One of the four holy pilgrimage sites, Char Dham of India, Rameshwaram invites devotees from all over India to visit atleast once in a lifetime. It is believed to be the starting place of the journey of Lord Rama to bring back his wife, Goddess Sita.

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Popularly known as the ‘City of Thousand Temples’, Kanchipuram is the second holiest place after Varanasi. It is an important holy pilgrimage for hindu. The famous temples situated here are the Ekambareswarar Temple and Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple among many others.

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Abode of one of the famous temples of India, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, also known as ‘Meenakshi’ and her husband Lord Shiva. Built with exceptional architectural brilliance this temple has a mythological legend attached to it.

Trivandrum, Kerala

Trivandrum, Kerala

Popularly known as the ‘City of the Lord of Anantha’, where Anantha stands for the great serpent god on which Lord Vishnu reclines. The temple is listed as the richest temple in the world with six treasure boxes holding precious stones and metals.

Popular Adventure Activities to Do in South India

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Bamboo Rafting

Bamboo Rafting

One of the most exciting adventure programs, bamboo rafting in Thekkady, Periyar Tiger Reserve is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all the adventurers. It is a full day program that involves exploring the dense woods of this reserve.

Waterfall Rappelling

Waterfall Rappelling

The excitement of sliding down a gushing waterfall is soul food for all adventure buffs. Waterfall rappelling at Chelavara Waterfall is nothing more than pure thrill and it is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea.

Paragliding

Paragliding

Test the adventurer in you while flying among the clouds. Munnar is offering paragliding opportunities with its scenic view from above and we do not recommend missing out on the fun.

Skydiving

Skydiving

One of the top skydiving spots in India, Mysore offers the thrill of free fall. Located at the base of Chamundi Hills, this spot offers a scenic view of the city from above.

Snorkeling

Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a big fat yes for all the water babies to go and explore the coral reefs and swim with the fishes. With water sports activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, the islands have become one of the best travel destinations in India. And who knows if you get lucky with a hidden treasure on a shipwreck?.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winter is an ideal season to visit Southern India. The best time to visit North India is between the months of December and March. One can also visit the Southern India hill stations in Summers & Monsoon.

There are many wonderful wildlife destinations in South India. Some of the most visited wildlife places in Southern India are:

  • Bandipur National Park
  • Nagarhole National Park
  • Mudumalai Sanctuary
  • Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Madumalai National Park
  • Kudremukh National Park
  • Bannerghatta National Park
  • Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary

The best places to visit in Summers in South India are mountains. Head over to the pleasant hill towns to escape the sun. Some most visited hill stations in South India are -

  • Munnar, Kerala
  • Ooty, Tamil Nadu
  • Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
  • Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
  • Wayanad, Kerala
  • Coorg, Karnataka
  • Devikulam, Kerala
  • Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
  • Ananthagiri Hills, Telangana
  • Peermade, Kerala

States and union territories in South India are:

  • Karnataka - Scenic Western Ghats, exotic beaches, carved temples, majestic palaces and manicured gardens adorn the state of Karnataka. The state is a treasure of traveling opportunities for every genre of explorers.
  • Andhra Pradesh - Land of the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, Andhra Pradesh was once a major Buddhist pilgrimage centre. This can be proved by the ruins of many stupas. Head to this beauty of heritage, nature and art.
  • Kerala - Popularly known as ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is a sprawling beauty of emerald backwaters, lush green tea estates, pristine beaches and scenic hill stations.
  • Tamil Nadu - Listed in the New York Times 2016 edition as one of the top places to visit in the world, Tamil Nadu is home to some of the top tourists’ attractions in India. Exotic beaches, mesmerising hill stations, undeniable rich heritage and culture is what you are seeking on your trip to Tamil Nadu.
  • Telangana - Home to the famous Charminar, Telangana is for explorers who admire the past more than the present. Ancient forts and palaces with magnificent temples adorn this state and whisper stories of the glorified past.
  • Lakshadweep (UT) - Situated off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is a perfect amalgamation of islands. White sandy beaches and pristine water attracts all the beach bums to this wonderful destination.
  • Andaman & Nicobar (UT) - Breathtaking archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a perfect tourist destination for travelers who love sunny beaches, clear waters and icy margaritas.
  • Andaman & Nicobar (UT) - Breathtaking archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a perfect tourist destination for travelers who love sunny beaches, clear waters and icy margaritas.

Why Choose TMI?

  • Experienced

    Experienced

    An experienced South India tour operator, with a team of an experienced travel enthusiast ensure to give our clients well - designed South India tour packages

  • Certified

    Certified

    We are certified by major tour and travel associations in India and world like IATA, IATO, TAAI, IMF & MOT (Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India).

  • Happy Customers

    Happy Customers

    TMI has received numerous accolades from its happy customers for its excellent services and best South India holidays.

  • Local Offices

    Local Offices

    We have local office in South India for our customers to find assistance anytime and anywhere.