South India completely changed my view of the country. The moment I walked through the ancient temples of Hampi, with massive boulders balanced impossibly against the orange sky and monkeys racing across 500-year-old ruins, I knew this wasn’t the India I’d seen in photos. Even now, I can close my eyes and smell the cardamom plantations of Munnar, where mountains of green tea leaves stretch endlessly into the mist.
From the wave-swept shores of Varkala Beach to the mind-blowing temple carvings of Madurai, these are the most beautiful places in South India that left me absolutely speechless. Hold onto your chai, because I’m about to share my favorite spots in this incredible corner of the world that seriously deserve a spot on your bucket list!
Best Things to Do in South India
Looking for the coolest things to do in South India? Visit the breathtaking Abbey Falls, explore the pristine beaches of Andaman, discover the underground wonders of Belum Caves, and witness the stunning canyon views at Gandikota. Whether you’re interested in nature, adventure, or history, here are the top attractions to visit in South India.
1. Abbey Falls
- 📍 Location: Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka, 8 km from Madikeri town
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, photographers 📸, waterfall chasers 💦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the 70-foot cascading waterfall, crossing the hanging bridge, early morning photography sessions
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-February, with peak flow during monsoon season (July-September) 🌧️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Tamara Coorg – Luxury plantation resort with private lake views
Hidden among coffee plantations, Abbey Falls creates nature’s most dramatic 70-foot water show. The waterfall plunges into a misty pool surrounded by lush forest. A 15-minute walk through aromatic spice gardens leads you to this spectacle.
Cross the hanging bridge for the best viewing angle. Early morning visits promise fewer crowds and golden lighting that makes the spray shimmer like diamonds. During monsoon season, witness the waterfall transform into a thundering cascade.
I recommend bringing waterproof bags since the spray reaches much farther than expected. October through December offers ideal conditions with impressive flow but safer paths.
2. Andaman Islands
- 📍 Location: Bay of Bengal, approximately 1,000 km southeast of mainland India
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, scuba divers 🤿, marine life enthusiasts 🐠
- 📸 Top Experiences: Scuba diving at Havelock Island, exploring limestone caves, visiting Cellular Jail, snorkeling at Elephant Beach
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-May for perfect weather; avoid monsoon season (June-September) 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Munjoh Ocean Resort – Beachfront eco-luxury on Havelock Island
Pristine coral reefs and untouched beaches await at the Andaman Islands. This remote archipelago features 570 islands scattered across turquoise waters. Havelock Island boasts Radhanagar Beach, consistently ranked among Asia’s finest.
Snorkeling at Elephant Beach reveals vibrant coral gardens right offshore. History buffs will appreciate Cellular Jail in Port Blair, which tells India’s freedom struggle story. Island hopping reveals hidden coves and natural bridges.
Plan at least five days to properly explore multiple islands. Book accommodations well in advance since quality options remain limited.
3. Belum Caves
- 📍 Location: Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, 3 hours from Bangalore
- 🏆 Best For: Cave explorers 🕳️, geology enthusiasts ⛰️, adventure seekers 🎯
- 📸 Top Experiences: Navigating underground passages, discovering stalactite formations, visiting the “Musical Chamber”
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-March for comfortable temperatures; caves maintain cool 15°C year-round 🌡️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Shobha – Cozy and budget-friendly stay with traditional South Indian charm, offering convenient access to local attractions and vibrant markets
Stretching over 3.5 km, Belum Caves holds the title of India’s longest natural cave system. Multiple levels create a maze of passages that challenge even experienced spelunkers. The Meditation Hall showcases massive underground chambers where ancient sages once practiced.
Listen carefully in the Musical Chamber, where different tones emerge when formations are tapped. Underground streams flow through Patalgangenga, while the 46-foot-deep Dhyanaagham pit reveals the cave’s multi-level complexity.
Constant 15°C temperatures feel surprisingly cold during extended exploration. Wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothing for the 2-hour guided journey through cement paths and electric lighting.
4. GandiKota
- 📍 Location: Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, 4 hours from Bangalore
- 🏆 Best For: Trekkers 🥾, cliff hangers 🏔️, photographers 📸, adventure enthusiasts 🎯
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring ancient gorge formations, rappelling down cliff faces, camping under stars, river trekking
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-March for pleasant weather; avoid summer heat and monsoon floods 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: AP Tourism Haritha Resorts – A network of government-run accommodations offering scenic retreats across Andhra Pradesh
Dramatic 300-foot cliffs guard the entrance to GandiKota, a hidden canyon rivaling America’s Southwest beauty. Red and white sandstone layers create stunning wall formations. A moderate trek leads down to crystal-clear pools perfect for swimming.
River trekking through the gorge unveils hidden waterfalls and emerald pools unknown to most travelers. Local guides offer basic rappelling experiences for thrill seekers. Night camping amplifies the adventure with stellar views above.
Self-sufficiency proves essential since facilities remain undeveloped. I suggest planning an overnight stay to fully appreciate this geological wonderland beyond day-trip limitations.
✈️ My #1 Hack for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going.com, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel upgrade I’ve ever made.
5. Hampi
- 📍 Location: Bellary District, Karnataka, 13 km from Hospet railway station
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, rock climbers 🧗♀️, sunrise chasers 🌅, culture enthusiasts 🎭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunrise from Matanga Hill, exploring Vijayanagara ruins, boulder scrambling, coracle rides on Tungabhadra River
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-March for pleasant weather; avoid summer heat (April-June) 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Evolve Back Hampi – Luxury tented accommodation with historical flair
Ancient temples emerge from surreal boulder landscapes at Hampi, creating a time traveler’s paradise. This UNESCO site spans 26 square kilometers of Vijayanagara Empire ruins. Matanga Hill provides sunrise views that photographers consistently rave about.
Explore Virupaksha Temple, where blessed elephants greet visitors. Musical pillars at Vittala Temple Complex demonstrate ancient acoustic engineering. World-class bouldering challenges await among the granite formations.
Rent a coracle for peaceful rides along the Tungabhadra River. Plan at least three days since hidden temples and secret viewpoints reward unhurried exploration.
6. Kodaikanal
- 📍 Location: Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, 4 hours’ drive from Madurai
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌲, trekkers 🥾, romantic getaways 💕, star gazers ⭐
- 📸 Top Experiences: Boating on Kodai Lake, trekking to Dolphin’s Nose, stargazing from Coaker’s Walk, exploring Pine Forest
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June for clear weather, September-October for post-rain freshness; avoid December-February for cold ❄️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Carlton – Heritage hotel with colonial charm overlooking the lake
Mist-covered valleys and pristine lakes await at 7,200 feet elevation in Kodaikanal. This hill station has mountain charm without overwhelming tourist crowds. Kodai Lake offers peaceful morning boating through rolling mist.
Trek to Dolphin’s Nose for views stretching 6,600 feet down to distant plains. Enchanting Pine Forest provides atmospheric walks beneath towering trees. Pillar Rocks showcase massive vertical cliffs rising dramatically.
Coaker’s Walk reveals spectacular sunsets and clear night skies perfect for stargazing. Colonial architecture and local chocolate shops add delightful character to mountain adventures.
7. Munnar
- 📍 Location: Western Ghats of Kerala, 4.5 hours from Kochi International Airport and 3 hours from Madurai
- 🏆 Best For: Tea plantation explorers 🍃, trekkers 🥾, nature photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting tea estates, trekking to Anamudi Peak, exploring Eravikulam National Park
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to March for pleasant weather, April to June for Neelakurinji bloom (every 12 years) 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Windermere Estate – Colonial-era tea plantation bungalow with misty mountain views
Imagine waking up to a carpet of green rolling hills as far as your eye can see. Munnar, perched at 1,600 meters above sea level, transforms Kerala’s Western Ghats into a living tea museum. The sprawling tea plantations here create landscapes so perfectly manicured they look computer-generated.
Start your morning at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the world’s highest tea plantation, where sunrise paints the mountains in shades you didn’t know existed. The Tata Tea Museum reveals colonial-era machinery and century-old photographs that transport you back in time. Next, head to Eravikulam National Park for a chance encounter with the endangered Nilgiri Tahr goats.
For thrill-seekers, Anamudi Peak beckons as South India’s tallest mountain. The trek rewards you with panoramic views that stretch into Tamil Nadu. End your day boating on Mattupetty Lake, where the water mirrors the sky perfectly.
8. Om Beach
- 📍 Location: Gokarna, Karnataka, 7 hours south of Bangalore and 2 hours north of Mangalore
- 🏆 Best For: Beach hoppers 🏖️, sunset watchers 🌅, temple visitors 🛕
- 📸 Top Experiences: Beach-hopping by boat, practicing yoga at sunrise, exploring sea caves
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for perfect weather, December-January for festivals ✨
- 🏨 Where to Stay: SwaSwara Resort – Luxury eco-resort offering yoga and wellness programs
The gods apparently had a sense of humor when they shaped this beach like the sacred Om symbol. Om Beach curves into two perfect crescents, creating a natural harbor that glows golden during sunset. Local fishermen say dolphins frequently visit these waters, especially during early morning hours.
The Shiva Cave remains hidden until low tide reveals its entrance among the rocks. Inside, natural formations create chambers that echo with the sound of waves outside. From here, the beach-hopping trek connects you to neighboring Paradise Beach and Half Moon Beach through rugged cliff paths. The adventure takes three hours but rewards you with secluded coves few tourists discover.
Back in Gokarna, the Mahabaleshwar Temple draws pilgrims from across India. Evening aarti ceremonies fill the air with incense and chanting, creating a spiritual atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the laid-back beach vibe.
9. Periyar National Park
- 📍 Location: Thekkady, Kerala, 4 hours from Kochi and 3.5 hours from Madurai
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🐘, boaters 🚤, spice plantation visitors 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Periyar Lake boat safari, jungle tracking with tribal guides, spice plantation tours
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to June for wildlife spotting, February-April for maximum sightings 🦌
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Lake Palace – Former royal summer retreat turned into a luxury heritage hotel
Elephant herds gather at Periyar Lake during early morning hours like clockwork. The 1895 dam that created this artificial lake inadvertently built one of India’s best wildlife viewing platforms. Your boat glides silently across mirror-like water while massive tuskers bathe mere meters away.
Beyond elephants, Periyar National Park harbors wild boars, Indian bison, and if fortune smiles, Bengal tigers prowling the forest edges. Jungle tracking expeditions led by tribal guides reveal hidden waterfalls and ancient pathways invisible to casual visitors. These Mannan tribespeople share generations of forest knowledge during the trek.
The surrounding spice plantations perfume the air with cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper. Plantation tours include tastings that awaken your taste buds to flavors you never knew existed. Adventurous souls can try bamboo rafting down Periyar River for a different perspective on this wilderness.
10. Pookode Lake
- 📍 Location: Wayanad, Kerala, 3 hours from Calicut and 4.5 hours from Bangalore
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, boaters ⛵, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Paddleboating through misty waters, nature walks around the lake, exploring freshwater aquarium
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to May for clear weather, monsoon season (June-September) for lush greenery 🌧️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Vythiri Resort – Treehouse accommodations surrounded by misty forest
Early morning mist transforms Pookode Lake into something from a fairytale. This heart-shaped freshwater lake, sitting at 2,100 meters elevation, reflects the surrounding mountains like a giant mirror. Paddle boats glide across water so clear you can spot fish swimming five meters below.
The 1.7-kilometer walking path around the lake winds through spice gardens where cardamom and pepper vines climb ancient trees. Blue lotus flowers float on the surface, opening only during sunlight hours. The Children’s Park and Freshwater Aquarium make excellent stops for families exploring together.
Ancient legends claim forest spirits inhabit these waters, which explains the ethereal quality of dawn here. I discovered the best photo opportunities occur when morning fog lifts slowly off the water, creating layers of mist between the mountains. Time your visit for sunrise to witness this daily magical transformation.
11. Skandagiri Hills
- 📍 Location: Near Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, 1.5 hours northeast of Bangalore
- 🏆 Best For: Sunrise trekkers 🌄, adventure seekers 🥾, history buffs 🏰
- 📸 Top Experiences: Night trekking to catch sunrise, exploring ruined fort, cloud walking
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to March for comfortable trekking, post-monsoon for green landscapes 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Sri Sierra – A modern hotel in Chikkaballapur offering comfortable accommodations with city views, an on-site restaurant, and convenient access to nearby attractions
Starting at 2 AM with only headlamps for light, this trek promises one of India’s most spectacular sunrises. Skandagiri Hills rises 1,450 meters above sea level, crowned by ancient fort ruins that tell stories of Tipu Sultan’s reign. The rocky path challenges even experienced hikers with its steep grades and loose stones.
When dawn breaks, clouds form a white ocean below you, with mountain peaks emerging like islands. The ruined Kalavara Durga fort walls frame this ethereal scene perfectly. Stone steps carved centuries ago guide you through different levels of the fortress, each offering unique viewpoints.
Physical fitness determines success here more than hiking experience. The descent proves trickier than climbing up, especially after exhaustion sets in. Remember to obtain Forest Department permission for night treks and carry enough water for the journey. Nandi Hills, visible to the west provides orientation when fog rolls in.
12. St. Mary Island
- 📍 Location: Off the coast of Udupi, Karnataka, accessible via ferry from Malpe Beach (20-minute boat ride)
- 🏆 Best For: Geology enthusiasts 🪨, beach lovers 🏖️, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring basalt rock formations, sunset watching, swimming in turquoise waters
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for calm seas, November to February for perfect weather ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Paradise Isle Beach Resort – Beachfront property on the mainland with island tour packages
Hexagonal basalt columns rise from the Arabian Sea like a giant’s causeway frozen in time. St. Mary Island formed 60 million years ago during massive volcanic eruptions, creating geometric rock formations found nowhere else in India. These dark pillars contrast dramatically against white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
The unique geology creates natural swimming pools trapped between rock formations. Tide pools harbor colorful marine life that kids love exploring during low tide. Legend connects these islands to Vasco da Gama, who allegedly planted a cross here in 1498, though locals tell different stories about the name’s origin.
No accommodations exist on the islands, making this a perfect day trip from Malpe Beach. Time your visit for late afternoon, when the setting sun transforms the basalt into glowing sculptures. Pack sturdy shoes since the volcanic rock can be sharp, and bring snorkeling gear for underwater exploration.
- Read Next: 7 Cheapest Airlines in India
