South India is a fascinating region full of natural and man-made wonders that will leave you spellbound. Comprising of the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and the union territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Puducherry, this region boasts of a distinct cultural identity. Intricate temple architecture, pristine beaches, historical ruins, wildlife sanctuaries, enthralling waterfalls, captivating backwaters, and countless other attractions make South India the dream destination of travelers. If you are thinking of taking a South India vacation tour, make it a point to explore the top five tourist attractions in the region.
Hampi, Karnataka
Incredibly bewitching, the lonely ruins of Hampi will mesmerize you the moment you cast your eyes on them. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the top historical destination of India. This ruined 14th-century temple town offers visitors a glimpse of the long-lost Vijayanagara Empire. The ruins of the forlorn city stretch over 25 km and comprises of over 500 monuments. No South India tour can be truly complete without a visit to Hampi, the mute testimony bearer of its glorious past.
Kerala Backwaters
Cruising along the backwaters in God’s own country is a quintessential experience that you must not miss. A high point of South India tours, the Kerala backwaters are an extensive maze of lakes and lagoons that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. It is pure bliss to spend the night on a houseboat out in the backwaters, under a starlit sky. Far from the frenzied activity of normal life, backwaters in Kerala offer a laid-back travel experience that is difficult to be found anywhere else.
Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu
If you wish to see just one temple amongst all the exquisite temples of South India, Meenakshi Temple should be the one. This temple in Madurai is a gorgeous example of the Dravidian architecture. The temple has a history that dates back to thousands of years. The mandapam of the temple has 985 beautifully carved pillars. Meenakshi Temple was one of the top 30 nominees for the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Auroville, Pondicherry
While on a South India vacation, a visit to Pondicherry or Puducherry will introduce you to the beautiful French legacy. This union territory of India was a former 18th-century French colony. One of its main attractions is the Auroville, a township founded in 1968 by Sri Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa. The uniqueness about Auroville is that it is an experimental township that was created as a universal town where people from all over the world would live in harmony. Today the township has 2007 people from 44 countries living peacefully.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Whether you are a coffee lover or not you must visit Araku Valley for its hypnotic beauty. This hill station in the Eastern Ghats is famous for its coffee plantations. The clean air and the surrounding greenery are sure to cast a spell on you. The valley is also referred to as the Food Bowl of South India. Do not forget to visit nearby attractions like the Borra Caves while on a trip to this beautiful valley.
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