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South India offers some of the best tourist places in the country with throbbing temples, laidback beaches, coconut tree lined canals and majestic hills. These tourist destinations of South India have something to offer for each and every traveller. Native Planet brings you a list of the best tourist attractions in South India which include all... well almost... the letters in the English alphabet.
From the Emerald Islands of Andaman and Nicobar to the devotion of Sabarimala and the serene backwaters of Allepey, South India is a tourist's paradise. For the devout tourist, there are places like the Living Chola temples or the legendary town of Rameshwaram, the getaway loving tourist has more than his share of the best beaches of Andaman and Nicobar islands or Lakshwadeep. The heritage lover has his fill of South India's best tourist places when he goes to places like Hampi or Golkonda. Go ahead and enjoy this list of the best attractions in South India.
Alleppey
The legendary backwaters of Kerala are here and a houseboat cruise in these waters is something that is best experienced than written about.
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Badami Caves
Located in North Karnataka, badami was the capital of the Badami Chalukya kings and is famous for its cave temples flanked on both sides by sandstone hills at the mouth of a ravine.
Pic credit: beontheroad.com
Living Chola temples
A World Heritage site built between 9th and 12th centuries by the Chola Kings, the temples are testimonial to the architectural skills of the Cholas.
Pic Credit: Pugaipadangal
Charminar
The signature of Andhra Pradesh, this is a mosque as well as monument built in 1591 during the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty
Pic Credit:ramnath bhat
Emeralds Islands of Andaman and Nicobar
Once feared as Kalapani (black waters) for the prison it houses, today the Andaman and Nicobar islands draw visitors towards themselves with remnants of colonial structures and near deserted beaches.
Golkonda
The site of the discovery of the world famous Kohinoot diamond, Golkonda fort rose to prominence durng the reign of the Qutb -Shahi dynasty (1518 to 1687). Do not miss the light and sound show in the fort in the evenings.
Pic credit: Wiki Commons
Hampi
Another World Heritage site, this is not a place for the traveller in a hurry. Sit, relax and travel back in time to imbibe the essence of the ruins of the mighty Vijayanagar empire
Idduki
This picturesque district in Kerala boasts of Munnar, Marayur, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and Eravikulam Wild Life Sanctuary
Kanyakumari
The Southermost tip of India is the meeting point for the Indian ocean, the bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Famous for its spell-binding sunrises and sunsets.
Pic Credit: Wiki Commons
Lakshadweep
The group of 36 islands are known for picture postcard beauty and also perfect fro your sund and sand vacation. Get away from it all and go off the grid in these beautiful islands, India's own Maldives.
Pic credit: beontheroad.com
Mahabalipuram
Also known as Mamallapuram, this 7th century port city is also another world heritage site famed for its rock cut temples, beaches and rock cut caves. Attractions include the Krishna Mandapam, the Five Rathas, the Varaha Mandapam and the Shore Temple. The Cholamadal Artist's Village is home to various paintings, crafty articles and sculptures. A must-see place in South India.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Another famed World Heritage Site, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway started in 1899, runs in the Nilgiri hills through rocky terrain, deep gorges, tea plantations and forested hills.
Ooty
The 'Queen of the Hills', is one of the best places to visit in South India. The Nilgiri hills give Ooty its scenic beauty and it is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the cities in Karnataka.
Pondicherry
Pondhicherry or Puducherry , another seashore place in Tamil Nadu can be also called the French part of India with its quaint pockets of French culture thanks to the French settlers of the 17th century. Go for it to experience a part of France in India.
Rameshwaram
A quiet, unassuming town in Tamil Nadu, this is a place you have to visit in your South India tour. This is a must-visit place as it is part of the Char Dham Yatra of the Hindus. Legend has it that Rameshwaram is the place where Lord Ram built a bridge to Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demon king Ravana.
Sabarimala
In the months of November, December and January, millions of devotees flock to Sabarimala temple to pay their respects to the Lord Ayappa. Devotees need to abstain from non-vegetarian food and wordly pleasures for 41 days.
Tirupati
The famed Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple, nestled in the hills of Tirupati attract millions of visitors every year. Lord Venkateswara is a form of Lord Vishnu. This pilgrimage place is ranked as one of the busiest pilgrimage centers of the world.
