Places to Visit In South India

Known For : Eravikulam National Park Mattupetty Dam Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Famous for the tea estates, greenery, winding roads, blanket of mist, and viewpoints, Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district. Lying in the Western Ghats at 1600 metres, it is one of the most sought after and visited travel destinations globally, especially popular amongst honeymooners.

Best Time: September to May

54 Munnar Attractions

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty

Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a top-rated tourist destination. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway. Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect respite everyone. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

43 Ooty Attractions

Known For : Houseboats in Alleppey Alleppey Beach Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is known for its network of canals and lagoons with beautiful backwaters and the houseboats offering overnight stays. Located in the southern part of Kerala, the coastline of Alleppey offers some of the best beaches with water sports during the dry season. Coupled with other beautiful places in Kerala like Munnar and Thekkady, Alleppey is often considered for a honeymoon or for a great family vacation.

Best Time: June to March

39 Alleppey Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is a popular coffee producing hill station. It is popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specializing in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Best Time: October to March

37 Coorg Attractions

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is a charming coastal town and one of the Union Territories of India, located on the southeastern coast, about 160 kilometers south of Chennai. Famous for its unique blend of French and Indian cultures, Pondicherry offers visitors a taste of its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and picturesque beaches.

Best Time: October to March

48 Pondicherry Attractions

Known For : Kanyakumari Beach Vivekananda Rock Memorial Thanumalayan Temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kanyakumari is a captivating coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Renowned for its breathtaking confluence of three vast water bodies – the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean – Kanyakumari is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance. Also known as Cape Comorin, this town holds a special place in Indian mythology and folklore, with legends associating it with the virgin goddess Kanyakumari Devi.

Best Time: October to February

28 Kanyakumari Attractions

Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace

Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a backpacker's delight. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.

Best Time: October to March

31 Hampi Attractions

Known For : Sri Venkateswara Temple Akasaganga Teertham Silathoranam

Situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is known for Lord Venkateshwara Temple, one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in the world. It is also one of the world's richest temples known by different names - Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, and Tirupati Balaji Temple. Tirumala is one of the seven hills in Tirupati, where the main temple is located. The temple is believed to be where Lord Venkateshwara took the form of an idol and is home to the deity Govinda.

Best Time: September to March

40 Tirupati Attractions

Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway. Kodaikanal means 'the gift of the forests'.

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Known For : Radhanagar Beach Cellular Jail Scuba Diving In Andaman

Replete with turquoise blue water beaches and a bit of history, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a little slice of paradise tucked around 1,400 km away from the east coast of mainland India. Port Blair, the capital of this union territory, has a major airport and seaport connected with the rest of the country and with various tourist islands via multiple daily ferries. Havelock and Neil Islands are popular among tourists for their white sandy beaches and excellent diving options. 

Best Time: October to Jun

81 Andaman Attractions

Known For : Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Vaigai Dam

Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India. Ruled by Pandya kings for the longest time in its history, it is called as the 'Lotus City' as it was planned and built in the shape of a lotus. Madurai is known for Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar.

Best Time: October to March

20 Madurai Attractions

Known For : Rameshwaram Temple Dhanushkodi Temple and Beach Jatayu Tirtham

Rameshwaram is located on a beautiful island in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is separated by a small Pamban channel from Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama created a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram has the first sea bridge connecting the town of  Mandapam with Pamban Island, and Rameswaram. Abdandoned town of Dhanushkodi is also located on Pamban Island which was a bustling town until  it got destroyed in 1964 by cyclone.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Rameswaram Attractions

Known For : Mattancherry Palace Fort Kochi Jew Town

Lying on the Malabar coast in the southwest of India, Kochi or Cochin is a port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Known popularly as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is also Kerala's financial, commercial, and industrial capital. Exuding an old-world charm with diverse linguistics, such as the Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis, and ethnic communities like the anglo-indians, Kochi has an indiscriminate mix of backwaters, beaches, islands, coasts, and plain terrains.

Best Time: July to April

62 Kochi Attractions

Known For : Calangute Beach Baga Beach Dudhsagar Falls

Lying on the western coast, Goa is India's smallest state and unlike any other, known for its endless beaches, stellar nightlife, eclectic seafood, world-heritage listed architecture. Spread across just 3,702 km, Goa lies in the Konkan region. It is a far cry from the hippie haven or a beach getaway, and one of the only few destinations that is open 24x7. The laid-backness (susegad) of Goa attracts as many international tourists as it does Indians, or even more so.

Best Time: October to March

198 Goa Attractions

Known For : Kovalam Beach Vizhinjam Lighthouse Aazhimala Shiva Temple

Famous for its resorts and ayurvedic massage centres, Kovalam is a coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The largest beach in Kovalam is the lighthouse beach that features a 30-metre tall lighthouse. The other two adjacent beaches are Samudra beach and Hawa beach. All these three beaches are crescent-shaped shallow water and low tidal beaches.

Best Time: September to March

33 Kovalam Attractions

Known For : Edakkal Caves Banasura Sagar Dam Chembra Peak

Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Situated at an altitude ranging from 700 to 2100 meters above sea level, this picturesque region is blessed with verdant forests, mist-covered hills, and glistening waterfalls, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

46 Wayanad Attractions

Known For : Brihadeeswara Temple Saraswathi Mahal Library Shiva Ganga Garden

Also known as Tanjore or the city of temples, Thanjavur has a lot of cultural value and is known for its famous Tanjore paintings, antiques and handicrafts, textiles and saris , its Carnatic music and musical instruments and of course the temples.Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well modern south Indian civilization. Being of religious importance, this place is a must for all pilgrims. 

Best Time: October to March

15 Thanjevur Attractions

Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historically important and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram was later renamed Mamallapuram. 

Best Time: November to February

23 Mahabalipuram Attractions

Known For : Periyar National Park Kadathanadan Kalari Centre Periyar Tiger Trail

Home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is an important tourist destination in Kerala. Periyar National Park, a major attraction, is where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam. Travelers can also experience night treks in the wilderness of Periyar. The Periyar Lake, part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is one option for couples looking to make the most of their honeymoon in Thekkady.

Best Time: Throughout the year

27 Thekkady Attractions

Known For : Om Beach Mahabaleshwara Temple Paradise Beach, Gokarna

With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies. Situated on the coast of Karwar, every year Gokarna welcomes hordes of tourists from around the world in search of sanctity and relaxation. The out-of-town beaches like Kudle beach and Om Beach are a different contrast to life inside the town.

Best Time: Throughout the year

20 Gokarna Attractions

Known For : Ramoji Film City Charminar Golconda Fort

A city of contrasts, Hyderabad exudes an old-world charm of its own with the Old City (Charminar side), Hitech City (Cyberabad) and the other areas lying between the old and the new. The capital and the largest city of Telanaga, Hyderabad is home to stately mosques and noisy bazaars lined parallelly alongside swanky new office buildings and malls, and it is these very contrasts – these glimpses into the city’s rich past with inherent promises of an even better future.

Best Time: September to March

105 Hyderabad Attractions

Known For : Varkala Cliff Sivagiri Mutt Water Sports in Varkala

Varkala is a coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for the unique 15m high 'Northern Cliff' adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Located approximately 50 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala, Varkala offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural charm. It is popular for its hippie culture, shacks on the cliff serving great seafood and playing global music and the samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru. 

Best Time: October to February

31 Varkala Attractions

Known For : Kamakshi Amman Temple Varadharaja Perumal Temple Devarajaswami Temple

Widely known for its beautiful 'Kanchipuram sarees' and also referred to as the 'golden city of a thousand temples', Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is a popular tourist attraction. Kanchipuram or Kanchi attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world who are interested in Hinduism or just want to enjoy the marvel of South Indian architecture and grandeur.

Best Time: October to May

16 Kanchipuram Attractions

Known For : Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Poovar Island

The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, is an appealing blend of a strongly rooted heritage and a nostalgic colonial legacy. Built upon seven hills, this city has long since left the days when it was only used by seafaring explorers behind - today, Trivandrum is an expensive metropolis with quaint urban charm and plenty of architectural and historical places to visit. In addition, Trivandrum is a gateway to nearby popular beach towns of Kovalam and Varkala.

Best Time: October to February

45 Trivandrum Attractions

The second-highest plunge waterfall in India, Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka and is the highest waterfall in the state. Second, to the Nohkalikai Falls of Meghalaya, Jog falls drops about a huge 253 m (850 ft. ) in a single fall. However, due to the construction of Linganamakki Dam which is a hydroelectricity plant closeby, the flow in the falls is hugely restricted before monsoons. So, it is best to go during the Monsoon season to see the falls in its full form.

Best Time: July to December

9 Jog Falls Attractions

Known For : Marina Beach Government Museum, Chennai MGR Film City

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, in the southern part of India. Located on the Coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal, Chennai is as dynamic as it is immersed in tradition. This 'capital of the south', is one among the four metropolitan siblings of India, having a rich cultural history which it perfectly balances with its metropolis lifestyle.

Best Time: October to March

91 Chennai Attractions

Known For : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kumarakom Backwaters Thanneermukkom Bund

With emerald green waters flanked by lush vegetation, Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination situated 16km away from Kottayam in Kerala. Lying on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of small human-made islands reclaimed from the lake. This picturesque village beckons travelers with its serene waterways, verdant landscapes, and rich biodiversity, making it a quintessential destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Best Time: October - February

19 Kumarakom Attractions

Known For : Lalbagh Cubbon Park Bangalore Palace

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden city to the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is India's third-largest city. Bangalore is loved for its pleasant weather, beautiful parks and the many lakes here. Bangalore is renowned for its eateries, street food corners, quirky cafes, coffee roasters and pubs dotting every corner of the city, serving cuisines from all over the world. Brunches, buffets, burgers, rooftop cafes, late-night eats - Bangalore has it all.

Best Time: Throughout the year

107 Bangalore Attractions

Known For : Borra Caves Katiki Waterfalls Chaparai Waterfalls

Araku Valley is a comparatively unexplored hill station mostly visited by locals as a weekend getaway and is situated some 120 kilometres away from Vishakhapatnam. If you're a tourist looking for exclusivity and tranquillity, Vistadome train leaves Vishakhapatnam at 6.50 AM, making way through 58 tunnels and passing over 84 bridges making way through the breathtaking landscape to reach Araku in approximately in 5 hours, go, catch that!

Best Time: September to February

8 Araku Valley Attractions

Known For : Jungle Safari, Kabini Boating in Kabini

Located around 245 km from Bangalore, Kabini is primarily known for its handful of luxury resorts around the Kabini River and Nagarhole National Park in the vicinity.  Please note that there are not many budget-friendly accommodations near Kabini River. It is a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore.

Best Time: Throughout the year

5 Kabini Attractions

Known For : Gopalaswamy Hills Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Situated in  Karnataka, Bandipur National Park was once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Mysore. It was later established as a reserve in 1974 under Project Tiger and these deciduous forests rich in wildlife have become a popular tourist attraction since then. It is 80 km from Mysore enroute Ooty in Tamil Nadu. Due to a lot of wildlife casualties because of speeding vehicles that go through the park, a ban on traffic between 9 PM to 6 AM has been established to ensure the safety of the animals of the park.

Best Time: October to May

2 Bandipur Attractions

Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Popularly known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range and is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka. Chikmagalur has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air with it plenty of coffee plantations. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a very popular tourist destination and is a quick retreat for the people of Karnataka.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Chikmagalur Attractions

Known For : Papi Kondalu Hills Gandi Pochamma Temple Perantapalli Village

Papikondalu mountain range runs along the River Godavari (Western Godavari) and is located in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. Papikondalu is a sheer fest to the eyes in terms of its scenic beauty. As the hills become closer and closer to the visitor, the width of the mighty Godavari becomes narrower. In accordance with this view resembling the middle partition of a woman's hair, it was initially named as 'Papidi' Kondalu- Paidi in Telugu means the middle partition of a woman’s hair. 

Best Time: October to March

5 Papi Kondalu Attractions

Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore, currently Mysuru, is one of the most important places in the country regarding ancient reigns. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Mysore Attractions

Known For : Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple Paramekavu Bhagavathy Temple Thiruvambady SreeKrishna Temple

Located in the heart of Kerala, Thrissur is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colorful festivals, and historical significance. Situated about 80 kilometers north of Kochi, Thrissur is often referred to as the "Cultural Capital of Kerala" due to its prominent role in preserving and promoting Kerala's traditional arts and festivals. The city is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Vadakkunnathan Temple, renowned for its ancient architecture and religious significance, and the Thrissur Pooram

Best Time: October - February; April, May

50 Thrissur Attractions

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats steeped in abundant greenery. Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations and great weather.

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Talacauvery Namdroling Monastery

Generally covered as a part of trips to Coorg, Madikeri is a hill town in Karnataka with vast coffee plantations, lush forests and misty hills, all culminating into a breathtaking view. Located in Kodagu District around 6 hours from Bengaluru, Madikeri is a perfect weekend getaway. There is no pollution, no noise to hurt your ears and the cool breeze that accompanies you throughout makes your trip memorable.

Best Time: February to September

18 Madikeri Attractions

Known For : Gol Gumbaz Ibrahim Rauza Jamia Masjid

Famous for the Gol Gumbaj and Ibrahim Rauza which is considered to be the Taj Mahal of the Deccan, Bijapur is a tourist destination in Karnataka that takes its visitors back in time through its glorious ancient structures. Bijapur is an important commercial district in the state of Karnataka. Built around the 10th-11th century by the Kalyani Chalukyas, Bijapur was known as Vijayapura in those times. Vijaypura literally translates to City of Victory. 

Best Time: October to March

14 Bijapur Attractions

Located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, Belum Caves are the largest and longest cave system in India still open for the tourists. The second largest caves in India after the Krem Liat Prah in Meghalaya and famous for their unique formations such as stalactite and stalagmite formations, the caves were formed over a period of millions of years with the consequent formation of limestone. 

Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley

One of the three beautiful Nilgiri hill stations, Coonoor is the second largest hill station of the Western Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1930 meters and just 19 km from Ooty. With slopes of tea plantations, dotted with many attractions and blessed with chilly weather throughout the year, this place is a perfect summer retreat.

Best Time: October to March

17 Coonoor Attractions

Known For : Minicoy Island Agatti Islands Kalpeni Island

Formerly known as Laccadive Islands, Lakshadweep translates to 'one hundred thousand islands' in Malayalam. Home to a few of the most beautiful and exotic islands and beaches of India, Lakshadweep lies 400km off the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The smallest union territory of India has 36 islands having a total area of 32 sq. kilometres. It's made up of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks out of which ten Islands are inhabited. 

Best Time: September to May

18 Lakshadweep Attractions

Known For : River Rafting in Dandeli Kali Tiger Reserve Magod Falls

Located on the Western Ghats of Uttara Karnataka, Dandeli is bestowed with the lush green forests and lies on the banks of the Kali river. Known for its many fantastic adventure opportunities, Dandeli is a hub for river rafting on river kali . Adventure seekers have many options such as mountain biking, trekking, cycling, kayaking and canoeing. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is another exciting element that Dandeli has to offer.  

Best Time: October to May

25 Dandeli Attractions

Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is primarily a hydropower project location but has gotten massive attention for its stunning waterfalls: Gaganachukki and Barachukki. Travellers enjoy the view of waterfalls from the benches, and there are steps that take visitors to many levels of vantage points. The Barachukki Falls cascades down from 250 feet with a U section resembling the Niagara Falls. The Gaganachukki falls is a brilliant sight especially after the rains when the River Kaveri is full.

Best Time: August to February

3 Shivanasamudra Attractions

Known For : Bekal Fort Bekal Beach Kappil Beach

Located on the west of the Malabar coastline, Bekal is a small town in the Kasargod district of Kerala. It is famous for its beaches, backwaters, forts and some tourists spots. Bekal is home to the largest fortress in Kerala. It's one of the primary landmarks of Kasargod district. Shaped like a giant keyhole, the Bekal fort is bordered by the Arabian on three sides. A set of 45 caves called the Nityanandashram caves, Kappil Beach and Chandragiri fort are few of the other major attractions. 

Best Time: October to March

12 Bekal Attractions

Known For : Borra Caves Submarine Museum Kailasagiri

Visakhapatnam, also commonly known as Vizag, is one of the oldest port cities in the country. Situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Vizag was announced as the state capital of Andhra Pradesh on January 31, 2023. The city is known for its picturesque beaches and serene landscape, as well as a rich cultural past. The port of Visakhapatnam is renowned for being home to the oldest shipyard in all of India.

Best Time: September to March

27 Visakhapatnam Attractions

Known For : Pathala Ganga Srisailam Tiger Reserve Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Srisailam, a hill town in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is home to the holy Malikarjuna Jyotirlinga and also as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of goddess Parvati. Situated on the banks of river Krishna, Srisailam is identified with a wildlife sanctuary and a dam. You could seek the blessings of the almighty by visiting the many majestic temples in the city such as the one dedicated to Lord Shiva (it is renowned as Sikhareswara Swamy temple) or the famous Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy Temple.

Best Time: October to February

16 Srisailam Attractions

Located in the Mysore district of Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park boasts of rich wildlife including both flora and fauna. Located near Bandipur National Park, it is packed with the bounty of raw nature in its best form. Bestowed with best of wildlife, forest cover and varied topography, this place offers gushing streams,  gentle slopes and shallow valleys. The place is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.

Best Time: October to May

7 Nagarhole Attractions

Known For : Hogenakkal Falls Mettur Dam Melagiri Hills

Hogenakkal is a waterfall located in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu where the Kaveri river splits into multiple streams of waterfalls. Located at a distance of 180 km from Bangalore, Hogenakkal has water throughout the year. The carbonite rocks, the coracle (basket boat) rides, freshwater fish, oil massages by locals make it a perfect one day trip or a weekend getaway from Bangalore.

Best Time: October to March

9 Hogenakkal Attractions

Known For : Kudremukh Trek Kudremukh National Park Hanuman Gundi Falls

Popular and named after a mountainside that resembles a horse's face, Kudremukh is famous for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. A popular hill-station among the Bangalore crowd, Kudremukh is actually a hill range in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Kudremukh Peak is a paradise for trekkers and naturists alike, with its mountainous paths and floral and faunal diversity.

Best Time: October to May

10 Kudremukh Attractions

Known For : Pakhal Lake Thousand Pillar Temple Ramappa Temple

Warangal takes you back to the era of kings and queens with its beautiful historical sites and an impressive natural beauty with Parkhal Lake being worth checking out. The Warangal city is credited as the fifth largest city in this state. The legends have it that it was known as Oruguallu or Omtikonda or Ekasilanagaram mainly due to the existence of a huge hillock which seemed to have been carved out entirely off one stone.

Best Time: September to Apr

23 Warangal Attractions

Known For : Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi Temple Nandi Bull and Paintings

Lepakshi is a small quaint village with a trail of several great kingdoms that once ruled the area. Located in the Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi is located at a distance of 120 km from Bangalore making it a great choice for one day trip. Founded in 1535 AD by Maharaja Aliya Rama Raya of the Vijayanagara empire, Lepakshi is a trove of several fascinating archaeological sites, beautiful ancient temples and rich culture.

Best Time: September to February

4 Lepakshi Attractions

Known For : Kodachadri Jog Falls Agumbe

With nature in its full bloom, the town of Shimoga has been home to several great dynasties and kingdoms. Packed with several marvels of nature in the form of picturesque landscape, gorgeous waterfalls, mystical temples and lush green surroundings, its raw beauty will leave you absolutely enchanted. The main city of Shimoga District derives its name from the words 'Shiv-Mukha' implying 'Face of Lord Shiva'.

Best Time: July to December

37 Shimoga Attractions

Known For : Raghavendra Swami Temple Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple

Mantralayam is a holy town situated 74 km from Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh and 250 km from its state capital, Hyderabad. It is located near the border of Karnataka and on the banks of the river Tungabhadra. Mantralayam is known for Sri Guru Raghavendra Swami, a saint who entered into a samadhi alive in front of his disciples in 17th Century. He was a Madhwa saint who is considered to be a reincarnation of Prahlada (A daitya king who was saved by Lord Vishnu's Narasimha avatar).

Best Time: October to March

2 Mantralayam Attractions

Located on the east coast of India, the Borra Caves are situated in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district. Breath taking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forests, and wild fauna of the Borra Caves are a visual feast. A marvellous creation of nature, the Borra caves were formed when river waters flow through a limestone area, and the calcium carbonate turns into calcium bicarbonate, which is easily washed out by the running water. 

Anthargange is situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka in the Shathashrunga range, about 70 km from Bangalore. The mountains at an altitude of 1712 meters from sea level with rocky boulders, small caves and dense plantations are one of the best getaways for trekking, rock climbing and cave exploration enthusiasts.

Best Time: October to March

2 Anthargange Attractions

Known For : Palakkad Fort Silent Valley National Park Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

The quaint town of Palakkad in central Kerala boasts of picturesque landscape, tranquil scenery and clear backwaters. Also known as Palghat, Pallakad is located near a wide low pass in the Western Ghats mountain ranges. Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and Paddy Fields and is famous as the chief granary of Kerala.

Best Time: July to March

37 Palakkad Attractions

Known to be the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad, the area is home to a large variety of wild animals. This sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Bioreserve along with Nagarhole and Bandipur area of Karnataka. Promising an endearing view with plenty of experiences, the sanctuary has been declared a Project Elephant site. You can spot these animals roaming around freely if you drive along the road. 

Best Time: October to May

Known For : Ayyappa Temple Makaravilakku Malikkappuram Devi Temple

More than 30 million pilgrims visit the temple in Sabarimala annually, making it the largest in India and second largest in the world, after Hajj Pilgrimage of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Located inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Sabarimala is a temple town on the bank of the River Pampa.

Best Time: September to Apr

6 Sabarimala Attractions

Known For : Murudeshwar Temple Netrani Island Murudeshwar Beach

Murudeshwar is home to the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva (123 ft) in the world. With the shimmering Arabian Sea on three sides and the magnificent Western Ghats imposing their presence on this town, it is a favourite picnic spot for the folks from Kerala and Karnataka. The beaches and the adventure activities around Netrani island are significant attractions for the tourists.

Best Time: October to May

8 Murudeshwar Attractions

Known For : Vydehi Falls Adiyogi Shiva Statue Kovai Kondattam

Often termed as 'Manchester of South India', Coimbatore, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu, photographically situated on the banks of River Noyyal. Coimbatore, also known as Kovai, is a welcoming area with the backdrop of hustle-bustle and charm of activity and industry.  From ancient temples to classy new buildings, from breathtaking mountains to jaw-dropping waterfalls, from mouth-watering cuisine to pleasant weather all year round.

Best Time: September to March

27 Coimbatore Attractions

Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal Kashiviswanatha Temple Jain Temple

A treasure trove of Hindu and Jain temples, Pattadakal is part of the Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal complex that got the UNESCO World Heritage title and it is the best representation of Chalukyan Architecture. Resting on the banks of River Malaprabha, it boasts of a rich legacy that dates back to the 4th century. Excavations have revealed that the region was originally called Raktapura and was under the control of the Badami Chalukyas.

Best Time: October to March

8 Pattadakal Attractions

Known For : Thangassery Lighthouse Kollam Beach Jatayu Earth's Centre

A treasure trove of natural wonders and historical edifices, Kollam is an enchanting town with backwaters and picturesque landscapes. Located 70kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Kollam is a commercial centre and home to India’s cashew producing industry. Popularly known as Quilon, it is often regarded as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala.

Best Time: September to February

40 Kollam Attractions

Known For : Matrimandir Marc's Cafe Arka

Located around 15 km from the city of Pondicherry, Auroville is located in Tamil Nadu and was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo and fondly known as the 'Mother' of Sri Aurobindo Society. This place is the epitome of tranquillity and proves as the perfect escape for the ones in search of peace. The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to actually just sit in one of the cafes, and talk to some of the residents here about their experience of living in the city.

Best Time: November to March

21 Auroville Attractions

Known For : Bhavani Island Kanaka Durga Temple Undavalli Caves

Nestled on the banks of River Krishna in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada is the second-largest populated city in the state. Known as the ‘commercial, political and media capital of Andhra Pradesh’, the city is one of the most rapidly growing urban cities in India. Covered by hills and canals, Vijayawada is also home to numerous caves and rock-cut temples carved out of these caves.

Best Time: September to March

25 Vijayawada Attractions

Known For : St. Mary's Island Malpe Beach Krishna Temple

Udupi is a coastal town in Karnataka, most famous for its vegetarian cuisine and South Indian restaurants all over the country. With beautifully carved ancient temples, laidback beaches and unexplored forests, Udupi is also the place where the educational hub of Manipal is located. Situated 60 km from Mangalore, Udupi is famous for its temple culture and beautiful beaches.

Best Time: Throughout the year

31 Udupi Attractions

Nestled in the southwestern corner of India, Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," is a land of enchanting beauty and rich cultural tapestry. Lush with tropical vegetation, pristine beaches, serene backwaters and a variety of flora and fauna, Kerala is an ideal destination for honeymooners and families. The famous backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom, adorned with houseboats gently gliding on tranquil waters, epitomize the unique charm of Kerala.

Situated along the Bay of Bengal in south India, Tamil Nadu is one of India's most well-known tourist destinations owing to its natural splendour, unique culture as well as religious significance. The state boasts of a plethora of religious sites that attract pilgrims, historical attractions, vast plantations, mesmerising hill stations, diverse wildlife, delicious cuisine and loads of festivities.