Best South India Destinations: Top Places to Visit in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Beyond

When people talk about the best South India destinations, a vibrant mix of coastal beauty, ancient temples, and lush highlands that define the southern tip of the country. Also known as Peninsular India, this region isn’t just a collection of tourist spots—it’s a living tapestry of traditions, flavors, and landscapes you won’t find anywhere else. Forget the crowded north. South India moves at its own rhythm: slow boat rides through coconut-lined backwaters, the smell of cardamom and neem leaves in temple courtyards, and the sound of temple bells echoing over misty hills.

What makes these places special isn’t just their beauty—it’s how deeply rooted they are in daily life. In Kerala, a state famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda, and beachside cafes. Also known as God’s Own Country, it’s where you can sleep on a houseboat as fishermen cast nets at dawn. Then there’s Tamil Nadu, home to some of India’s most ornate temples and a culture that hasn’t blinked in 2,000 years. Also known as the temple state, its cities like Madurai and Kanchipuram still buzz with rituals that haven’t changed since the Cholas ruled. And don’t skip Karnataka, where the hills of Coorg offer coffee plantations and the city of Mysore still wears its royal past like a crown. Also known as the land of silk and spice, it’s where you can eat spicy chutneys and sleep in century-old palaces. These aren’t just places to visit—they’re places you feel.

You’ll find all of this reflected in the posts below: guides on how to travel through South India without rushing, which temples to prioritize, where to eat like a local, and which beaches are worth the drive. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for the third time, you’ll find real tips—not fluff. No generic lists. No overhyped resorts. Just what works, what’s worth it, and what you’ll remember long after you’ve left.