Exceptional Tourist Places in Southern India: State Wise

India is great land of tourism. South India also known as Peninsular India has area occupying 19% of India’s area , including the

Indian states of

• Andhra Pradesh
• Telangana
• Karnataka
• Kerala and
• Tamil Nadu

as well as the union territories of

• Lakshadweep
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands and
• Puducherry

To other countries, I may go as a tourist, but to India, I come as a pilgrim –                Martin Luther King, Jr.

South India is famous for its vibrant culture, delectable food, among other manmade marvels.There are various unexplored sites and natural attractions present at every nook and corner, but here are the most amazing places of each state & UT that must be toured atleast once in a lifetime and  your memories.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, Rice Bowl of India and Egg bowl of Asia is a state bordering south-eastern coast with ultimate eco-friendly destinations and fiery food. It is well known for it’s natural resources,temples and rivers. Don’t miss the famous sweet here Pootharekulu.

The state is famous for the great Tirupati temple, so that’s the one must place I would recommend travelers to visit. The main festival for them is Ugadi celebrated in April annually, Makara Sankranthi,which is celebrated in January month annually.

Learn more at  Cultural tourism and Performing Arts of Andhra Pradesh

In short, this state REFLECTS THE REGION’S PERFECT BALANCE OF NATURE AND TRADITION.

Capital: Hyderabad(Temporary), Amaravati(de facto)

Language: Telugu

Places to visit:

Place	Type
Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala	City, Pilgrimage
Araku Valley	Hill Station, Nature & Scenic
Papikondalu,Srisailam	Lake & Backwater, Nature & Scenic, Pilgrimage
Talakona Waterfalls	Adventure/Trekking, Waterfall
Vizag	Beach,Nature & Scenic
Lepakshi	Historical & Heritage, Pilgrimage
Arasavalli (Only Sun temple in India)	Pilgrimage
Srikalahasti	Lord Shiva Temple (Dakshina Kailasam)

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Telangana

Telangana, the 29th state of India, was formed in June 2014 as a result of the split of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh state. Here we can see a mix of  Nizami Tradition and Royal Heritage.This place is mainly known for spiced up hot Biryani.

It’s history and culture have endless opportunities for an avid traveler.The capital city Hyderabad, is known as “City of Pearls”.

Capital: Hyderabad

Language: Telugu

Places to visit:

Detailed Explanation here Off to Karnataka (Discover India)

Place	Type
Hyderabad	City, Historical & Heritage
Yadagirigutta	Vishnu Temple,Pilgrimage
Basara	Saraswati Temple,Pilgrimage
Nagarjuna Sagar	Lake & Backwater,Nature & Scenic
Bhadrachalam	Sri Rama Temple,Pilgrimage
Kuntala Falls	Waterfall
Alampur: Jogulamba Temple (a Shakti Peetha)	Historical & Heritage, Pilgrimage
Warangal: Thousand Pillar Temple	City, Historical & Heritage

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Karnataka

Home to India’s IT hub, the place is full of wildlife adventure and historical palaces. Notable celebrations of Karnataka are Ugadi, Yellamma Fair.

Idli, chutney of coconuts are very prominent dish that attracts tourist .By Kayaking, Camping, boat rides and angling you can make your trip a full proof adventurous.

Capital: Bengaluru

Language: Kannada

Places to visit:

Also refer this blog for a short but interesting story on Hampi :  Hampi, a sad story of glorious captial of South India — Expressed Digitally

Place	Type
Chikmagalur	Hill Station
Murudeshwar	Beach,Pilgrimage
Coorg (madikeri)	Hill Station
Mysore	City,Historical & Heritage
Gokarna	Beach,Pilgrimage
Bandipur National Park	Wildlife
Bangalore	City ( Garden City, Pub City and “Silicon Valley of India” )
Hampi	Historical & Heritage
Dandeli	Adventure / Trekking

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Kerala 

“God’s own country”, famous for spices, Ayurveda and the Malabar coast.

Kerala is one of the best tourist destinations,especially for Honeymoon. Get through the rich culture and heritage out there. The coconut filled beaches in Cochin and Tiruvanthapuram are calling you with its optimal beauty.

Ananta Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a must visit place in Kerala ,a lot of facts about the temple treasury and history is explained here The World’s Richest Temple: Everything To Know About Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala

Thrissur is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala because of its cultural, spiritual and religious leanings throughout history.

You will love the martial art classes and Kathakali dance out there. December is the time where you can watch the famous boat race. So get there and enjoy the foods made of triple refined coconut oil. The yummy taste of the foods is calling you to the furthest point of India.

Capital: Thiruvananthapuram

Language: Malayalam

Places to visit:

Place	Type
Alappuzha / Alleppey	Beach, Lake & Backwater
Munnar, Wayanad (kalpetta)	Hill Station
Thekkady: periyar Wildlife Sanctuary	Hill Station,Wildlife, Lake & Backwater
Athirapally Waterfalls	Waterfall
Gokarna	Beach,Pilgrimage
Kottayam	Nature & Scenic,Pilgrimage
Sabarimala	Pilgrimage
Thrissur: Vadakkunathan Temple	Historical & Heritage,Pilgrimage
Kochi	Beach,City

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Tamil Nadu

India’s fiercely independent southern tip,famed for its Dravidian-style Hindu temples.

Welcome to the land of Kanchi Kamakshi ,Madura Meenakshi .The landmass is over the Deccan plateau and is rich in culture and heritage. Famous temples, ancient arts and tradition is crowding the state, along with rich food culture.

Do not forget to have Sambars, while visiting the state. Get to the southernmost corner of the nation at Kanyakumari and get to one of the famous Jyotirlingams at Rameshwaram.

Chennai is the city of temples and the base of Dravidian art and culture.Also called as  “Detroit of India” due to presence of a major automobile hub of Asia.

Capital: Chennai

Language: Tamil

Places to visit:

Place	Type
Kanchipuram, Chidambaram	Historical & Heritage, Pilgrimage
Kodaikanal,Ooty	Hill Station
Madurai	Pilgrimage, City
Rameshwaram: Jyotirlingam	Pilgrimage
Thanjavur	Historical & Heritage, Pilgrimage
Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)	Watching sunrise and sunset over the ocean, Nature & Scenic, Pilgrimage
Kumbakonam	Pilgrimage
Mahabalipuram	Historical & Heritage, Beach
Hogenakkal	Waterfall
Chennai	City, Detroit of India

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Lakshadweep

Blue Sea and Unspoiled Beaches, Archipelago (Island group) off the west coast of India, the rarely visited northern end of the Maldives chain.

Lakshadweep, which means “One hundred thousand lands” gives the tourist thousands of reasons for visiting this place. Lakshadweep has few of the most beautiful and exotic islands and beaches of India.Not all of the islands are inhabited, and only a few are open to visitors (permits required). Permits can be obtained from Kochi itself.

Must buy book for good knowledge on Lakshadweep in low cost.

The major attractions of this place are the three coral reefs, five submerged banks and twelve atolls. Other than these the beautiful marine life, tourists resorts, villages are some best aspects of this destination which enrich the minds of the tourists. 

Capital: Kavaratti

Languages:

Official:  Malayalam, English

Spoken : Jeseri Dhivehi Language (Mahl)

Places to visit:

Place	Type
Kavaratti Islands	Lagoons,Scuba Diving,Coral Reefs
Minicoy Island	Scuba Diving, Beach
Kadmat Island	Unspoiled coral island & Marine reserve
Agatti Islands	Beach,Ideal for Honeymoon
Bangaram Atoll (Only accessible by ferry)	Tranquil Island
Kalpeni Island	Wildlife,Beach

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Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Blue seas, virgin islands and colonial past off the eastern coast of India, a remote group of gorgeous tropical islands closer to Thailand than mainland India.

Andaman and Nicobar is one of the most perfect choices for an enjoyable, laid-back holiday where you can go on long treks, laze around in the backwaters of the island, or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, even go for a bit of deep sea diving.

The history of Indian independence is closely linked to the infamous Kaala Pani or Cellular Jail (which is now a major tourist attraction) lies in Port Blair and attracts hundreds of tourists every day who want to get a feel of the old-world colonial era. To know the history, you can refer this The Heroes of Cellular Jail

For more facts about Andaman Islands, do buy this book from Amazon Andaman Islands: In Wonderland

Capital: Port Blair

Languages:

Official:  Hindi, English

Spoken : Bengali,Hindi,Tamil,Telugu,Nicobarese,Malayalam

Places to visit:

Place	Type
Andaman Islands	Beach
Corbyn’s Cove Beach – Port Blair	Beach
Bharatpur Beach – Neil Island	Adventure / Trekking, Beach
Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach – Havelock Island	Adventure / Trekking, Beach
Long Island,Little Island	Beach
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park	Wildlife,Beach
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling,Sea walk – Havelock Island	Adventure / Trekking
Viper Island – Port Blair	Beach
Ross & Smith Islands – Diglipur	Beach
North Bay Island	Adventure / Trekking

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Puducherry

The French Riviera of the East – a group of enclaves, former French territorial charms.

Puducherry or Pondicherry, located in the state of Tamil Nadu is a little town tucked away on the south-east coastline of India.Destination that promises travelers sanctity and serenity, in the real sense of the terms.

Reach the aesthetic height at the place with spiritual environment all around the town.

Capital: Puducherry

Languages:  Tamil, French, English

Places to visit:

Some interesting facts about Pondicherry are worth reading here Puducherry Facts

Place	Type
Matrimandir – Auroville	Heritage
Paradise Beach	Beach
Basilica Of Sacred Heart Of Jesus	Church
Water Sports in Pondicherry	Adventure
Varadaraja Perumal Temple – Pondicherry	Pilgrimage
Old Light House	Heritage
Seaside Promenade	Piers & Boardwalks
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple	Sacred & Religious Sites
Rock Beach	Beach

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What are you waiting for !! Pack your bags & make your impressive memories .

I will cover the tourist places of North,West and East India in my next blog posts.

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