Top places to visit in South India in 2023

Popular Tourism Places in South India

ONE OF PLACE IS COORG (KODAGU)

Located amidst misty hills in Karnataka, it is a beautiful and affluent hill station in South India having lush green forests and huge tea/coffee plantations. Because of its breathtaking views and pleasant weather, it is also called 'Scotland Of India'. The city's cent Madikeri is a place from where all the transportation for the city starts.

It is one of the largest coffee-producing cities in India. Also, it gets the highest rainfall among all places in India. With stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping scenery, it is indeed one of the top places in South India to visit. Apart from its beauty, the city has a rich culture, mouth-watering cuisines, and warm and generous people who are trained in martial arts. Moreover, the long drive around the hills during winters will blow you away. It is a perfect holiday destination for people who are explorers and adventure enthusiasts. 

Hotspots in Coorg:  Iruppu Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, Cauvery River, Brahmagiri Hills.

Best Time to Visit: October to March is the peak time for outdoor activities like trekking, white water rafting. While March to April is the time to witness the valley blooming in white flowers.

Famous for: Coffee plantations, Steep hills, Trekking, River rafting.

SECOND PLACE IS HAMPI

Hampi, the land of culture and religion, is located in Karnataka, India. Recognized as the World Heritage site by UNESCO, it is placed on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Hampi is a religious place surrounded by beautifully architectured temples. The view of mountains on all three sides and the stunning smooth river on the fourth side is worth watching. Other attractions of the city are beautiful temples, royal platforms and pavilions, ancient buildings, and much more.

Hampi organizes a three-day long festival (known as Hampi Utsav) during October-November which is a must-watch. The experience of the illuminated city at night is a stunning view with all the monuments and temples lit up. Moreover, you can shop for leather crafts, musical instruments, and handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season 

Hotspots in Hampi: Sree Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Lotus Mahal, Hippie Island, Hampi Bazaar.

Famous for: Temples, Monuments, musical instruments

THE THIRD TOURIST PLACE IS MUNNAR

Munnar, situated in Kerala, is one of the most popular top tourist places in South India. It is known for its breathtaking views and a place with calmness and tranquility. It is a place with huge tea plantations, misty mountains, lush green forests, stunning waterfalls which will make you want to visit again and again. This hill station is home to beautiful lakes and approximately 50 tea gardens.  With clean air, jaw-dropping scenic views, and romantic vibes, this place is definitely the most sought after. 

'Moonu' means 'three' and 'Aru' means 'River', Munnar is a combination of three rivers namely, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. This hill station located at the South Western ghats of India is easily accessible from Koch and Coimbatore. Eravikulam National Park and Nilgiri Tahr are the two best attractions in Munnar. It also offers the best and affordable resorts and hotels for tourists to spend their vacations with reasonable packages like honeymoon package, family packages, and so on.

If you want to try the world's best and authentic tea and spices, then Munnar is definitely the place to explore. In addition, the homemade white, dark, and liquor chocolates are also worth buying. 

Best Time to Visit: August-May

Hotspots in Munnar: Marayoor, Kundala Lake, Nilgiri Tahr, Neelakurunji, Eravikulum National Park

Famous for: Tea gardens, Stunning waterfalls, Beautiful lakes

THE FOURTH BEST PLACE IS OOTY

Also referred to as 'Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty is a hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu, with picturesque hotspots and beautiful lakes. Due to its impressive scenery and splendid green valleys, Ooty was the best summer getaway for the British during colonial days. This place is a paradise on earth with majestic mountains, lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, and much more. Ooty is also called 'Blue Mountain' owing to the blue beautiful kurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years on the Nilgiris. During these blooming days, Ooty looks absolutely splendid and captures everyone's attention.

The famous toy train, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, is fun to raise your excitement. The journey to this tiny train covers tunnels, bridges, and steep curves which gives a spectacular view of the hill station. Apart from sightseeing options, there are also adventure activities in Ooty like mountain biking and hand gliding.

Hotspots in Ooty: Botanical Gardens, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Pykara Falls, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Pine Forest.

Best Time to Visit: While it is a year-round place to visit, however, September to November is the ideal time for tourists.

Famous For: Trekking, Mountain biking, Beautiful mountains, and lakes