Northern India is home to the “Golden Triangle” – the main tourist route between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. And most tourists don’t venture outside of this triangle.

But Southern India is also full of beautiful cities, stunning temples, and natural wonders. You’ll encounter far fewer tourists in Southern India as you travel to more off-the-beaten-path places.

Here are the must-visit places in Southern India!

Chennai

Located on the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It’s also the most important cultural, economic, and educational center in Southern India.

Chennai’s musical traditions earned it a spot in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The city is known for its museums and art galleries. The Government Museum and the National Art Gallery are the most famous. The beaches in Chennai are also great.

One of the most visited sites in Chennai is the Santhome Church (also known as Saint Thomas Church). This church was built in the 16th century over the tomb of Saint Thomas, the apostle.

While you’re in Chennai, I’d recommend taking a half-day trip to the nearby coastal town of Mahabalipuram. Here, you’ll find the stunning Shore Temple (pictured above).

Chennai has two train stations – Central and Egmore – that have daily trains to all major cities in India. The city is also easily accessible by car or bus via the national highway system. And Chennai International Airport has daily flights to all major towns in India and some international cities.

For all rail and bus travel in India, it’s best to get your tickets ahead of time. The Man in Seat 61 is one of my favorite booking sites.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the joint capital of the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and a cultural hub. Currently, Hyderabad is the second-largest producer of movies in the country.

The most recognizable landmark in Hyderabad is the Charminar (pictured above), which translates to “four minarets.” You’ll have fantastic views of the city from the Charminar’s viewing platform.

Hyderabad is known for its shopping, but don’t shop on the streets closest to the Charminar. Items there will be less authentic and more expensive. Many of the city’s traditional bazaars are still open, so shop at these instead. Other sites worth visiting are the Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, and Paigah Tombs.

Hyderabad’s airport has daily flights to every major Indian city and some international cities such as Bangkok and London. You can also get to Hyderabad by bus or train from every major city in India.

Ooty

Ooty is both a town and a municipality in the state of Tamil Nadu. The indigenous Toda people originally occupied it until the East India Company arrived. Today, the Toda still live in the area, but in far fewer numbers. You can visit the Tribal Museum to learn about and support the Toda people.

Other places worth visiting are St. Stephen’s Church and the Botanical Gardens. Doddabetta, the highest peak in the Nilgiris Hills, is worth a climb. You should also visit a tea plantation in the jungles of the Nilgiri Hills and the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

Buses and trains from major Indian cities run regularly to and from Ooty, but there’s not an airport.

Kerala

Kerala is on the southwestern coast of India. National Geographic named Kerala one of the “50 must-see destinations of a lifetime.” Travel and Leisure has also listed Kerala as “One of the 100 great trips for the 21st century.”

Kerala has it all – beaches, backwaters, lakes, mountains, waterfalls, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries.

I recommend using the city of Kochi as your “home base.” You should definitely take a boat ride or two through the backwaters. I also recommend Fort Cochin, the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Varkala Beach.

Kerala is one of the Best Destinations To Visit In February!

Madurai

Madurai is the cultural capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. The Meenakshi Amman Temple (pictured above) is the focal point of the city, and it’s a must-visit site.

Other sites of interest are the Gandhi Memorial Museum of Madurai, the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, and the Eco Park. Madurai has also earned the title of Thoonga Nagaram (“the city that never sleeps”) because of its nightlife.

You can reach Madurai by road, rail, and air. Flights from all major Indian cities and Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore land and depart from the Madurai airport every day.

Four national highways pass through the city if you’re hiring a car, and the city has three bus terminals. Madurai Junction is the station for trains to and from other major cities in India.

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