Best Holiday Destinations in South India

Fenced by waters on three sides and hemmed in with the mountain range of the Eastern and Western Ghats, South India is one of the most extraordinary tourist spots in India. Being home to intricate temple architectures, palm-fringed canals, and historical ruins, there are numerous places in South India where a vagabond can seek felicity. With a plethora of magnificent temples, majestic forts, exquisite churches, and the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, South India has a lot to explore. To make the most out of your vacation, have a look at some of the best summer holiday destinations in South India:

1. Puducherry: The French Riviera of the East

Puducherry, colloquially known as Pondicherry, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. The city is filled with mustard-yellow houses that depict a spectacular blend of the French architecture and Indian tradition. This amalgamation makes the streets of the French Quarter of Pondicherry — White Town, one of the most amazing getaways in South India. One can also enjoy delectable French cuisine at the warm and comfy cafes, and you can also stroll along the alluring streets of this city. You can explore it all if you book one of the best Pondicherry tour packages.

2. Hampi: The City of Ruins

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a bunch of dreamy landscapes of the bygone era. Nestled in the depth of valleys and on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi boasts of its historical splendor that is enclosed in its ancient monuments, holy temples, captivating buildings, and fascinating remains of the Vijayanagar Empire. One can easily book a Hampi tour package to explore all these beautiful sights.

3. Kerala: God’s Own Country

Kerala, also known as 'God’s Own Country,' is undoubtedly one of the most scenic locations in South India. And this is the reason why any South India tour package is incomplete without Kerala. The city offers a spectacular view of the verdant coastlines, straggling tea gardens, and the relaxed backwaters. Kerala can be easily referred to as one of the best tropical tourist destinations. You can either hike your way to Munnar or bask the sun at the Kovalam beach and rejoice each day of your stay in Kerala.

4. Hyderabad: The City of Nizams

Hyderabad can be well-referred to as a melting pot of traditional and modern architectures. The city of Nizams exhibits a quaint charisma of its own while it still harmonizes with the fast-growing commercial spaces. The city has it all when it comes to tourist spots. You can explore the old mosques and bazaars that are lined parallel to posh office buildings. The iconic Charminar is a must visit that exhibits the Indo-Islamic architecture from the times of yore. Also, do not miss the famous Hyderabadi biryani and the delectable Haleem that is bound to satiate your taste buds. Opt for Hyderabad tour packages that cover it all!

5. Kanyakumari: The Land of Three Seas

Kanyakumari is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu which is also famous for being situated at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula. Formerly known as Cape Comorin, Kanyakumari is fenced by mountains and encircled by seashores. A highly favoured holiday destination in south India, The city boasts of patches of hills and valleys between the mountainous terrain and sea. Owing to its exceptional geographical situation, majestic temples, beautiful churches, and calm beaches, Kanyakumari is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.

6. Tirupati: Andhra's Temple Town

Tirupati, also known as ‘God’s Abode,’ is one of the most famous pilgrimage centers in India that is well known for its ancient temples, monuments, and heritage sites. It is also one of the oldest cities in the country and boasts of its major attraction, the Sri Venkateshwara Temple that houses the splendid 8-feet tall idol of Lord Venkateshwara. Some other renowned temples of Tirupati are Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, Sri Kalahasti temple, Parashurameshwara Temple, Kondandarama Temple, and ISKCON temple.

7. Andaman & Nicobar: Home to the Virgin Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an increasingly popular holiday destination in South India, is another location that is replete with lagoons of sparkling blue water and charming beaches. When on a relaxing vacation, you can bask the sun on the sandy shores while enjoying the symphony of colours during the sunset. And if you wish to indulge in some active sports, you can go for activities like snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving, and kayaking which are bound to give you that much-needed adrenaline rush.

8. Lakshadweep: A Cluster of Islands

Lakshadweep literally translates to ‘a hundred thousand islands' and is home to some of the most exquisite and exotic islands of India, making it one of the best honeymoon destinations in South India. It is also the smallest Union Territory of India that is a cluster of islands located in the Laccadive Sea, at 400 km off India's west coast. The beauty of these islands lies in the variety of water bodies that range from the softest aquamarine to the most vibrant turquoise shades. These islands offer a bunch of water sport activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing, surfing, kayaking, yachting, sport fishing, and night sea voyages that will make your vacation a lot more memorable.

9. Kodaikanal: Princess of Hill stations

Amongst all the coastal locations, Kodaikanal is one of the few cities in South India that is nestled amidst the Palani Hills, offering scenic views of cliffs covered in mist. With the cloud-capped mountains and striking lakes, Kodaikanal boasts of a pleasant climate throughout the year. One can head out on biking, trekking trails, or enjoy the breezy weather while exploring the sparkling waterfalls and the crystal clear lakes. Owing to all these elements, Kodaikanal is one of the perfect getaways if you wish to break the monotony of your usual and hectic city life.

South India is equipped to quench any vagabond’s thirst for travel. If you are a thalassophile, you can enjoy the scenic beach views, tranquil backwaters, soothing waves, and picturesque lagoons. And if you are a nature-loving person, you can explore the lush green hills, plantations of tea, spices, and coffee that bestow quaint sights. Get a move on to experience these tourist destinations in South India and cherish each moment of your trip to the southern part of India.

Fenced by waters on three sides and hemmed in with the mountain range of the Eastern and Western Ghats, South India is one of the most extraordinary tourist spots in India. Being home to intricate temple architectures, palm-fringed canals, and historical ruins, there are numerous places in South India where a vagabond can seek felicity. With a plethora of magnificent temples, majestic forts, exquisite churches, and the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, South India has a lot to explore. To make the most out of your vacation, have a look at some of the best summer holiday destinations in South India: