10. Varkala, Kerala

A beautiful experience in itself, you taste the food even better when all your other senses are treated to the fresh sea wind and the sight of the never-ending ocean.  A complete and ideal tourist destination in South India, Varkala is Famous for its springs, fisheries, lighthouses, beaches, lake and much more. An important Vishnu temple known as the Janardhanaswamy Temple is present here which is said to be more than 2000 years old. An ashram known as the Shivagiri Mutt, founded by the well known Hindu reformer  Sree Narayana Guru, is also located close by.

11. Munnar

Located in God’s own country – Kerala, Munnar is undoubtedly the most romantic hill station in South India. A great place to drive to, you know you’ve reached Munnar when you smell tea in the air. It’s literally everywhere, and you will go back smelling like a teabag. The entire area is a collection of small hillocks that are trek friendly, with lakes, and water falls and large expanses of dense, green forests maintained by the forest department. The green countryside is bound to take your breath away. Have a look at the sandalwood forest as well while you are touring this place in South India.

12. Goa

Goa is synonymous with Indian tourism thanks to its famous party scene and stunning architecture. If you’re tired of the beaches and the churches, Goa is also the site of some intense quad biking expeditions that explore the rugged terrain of the forest or the intense trek to the magical Dudhsagar falls for the offbeat traveller.

Goa is THE must visit tourist place in South India the go to when you want that perfect balance of fun, adventure and a relaxed environment. With numerous beaches and an inexhaustible number of restaurants serving the freshest and the yummiest of seafood, could your vacation GET any better? Also, there are plenty of places for shopping in Goa as well. Something’s always happening in Goa, regular gigs at the local pubs, food festivals, and the most awaited, Sunburn music festival. One  Explore rocky terrains and get brushed on the cheek by leaves as you take the quad bike expedition along a route that runs 3 kilometres.

13. Ooty

The name says it all, you know what’s coming. Take the toy train from Mettupalayam, go boating, and breathe in the Nilgiri hills after climbing up the Dodabetta peak. No matter how many times you go to Ooty, it never fails to amaze you. This charming place in South India is a complete package to delight your senses. Also, having a romantic ambience, it’s one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in South India. Honeymooners from all over the country visit this lovely place throughout the year. There are several things to do here as well, such as trekking and angling. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the tea gardens.

14. Mahabalipuram

Soak up the deep culture and complex history of ancient Pallavas on the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, home to a large number of intricately patterned rock-cut monuments and temples. This resort town lies on a strip of land between the Great Salt Lake and the Bay of Bengal and is designated as world heritage site by UNESCO due to the multitude of the timeless wonders left behind by the past civilisations that once inhabited this spot.

15. Kudremukh

The second highest peak of Karnataka, Kudremukh literally means ‘horse-face’, named after the picturesque view of the side of the magnificent mountain that looks like the face of a horse. The mountainous paths decked with vast grasslands and dense forests make this serene hill station very popular amongst the inhabitants of Bangalore and Mangalore for a nature retreat, away from the din of the city.

16. Bandipur National Park

Part of the enormous Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the Bandipur National Park is a plethora of varied fauna and flora, serving as a large habitat for tigers and the Asian elephant. Rich in its ecological biodiversity, opt to either visit this massive bio-park or drive by NH 181 or NH 766 which pass through this lush nirvana, promising you scores of soothing forests and the chance to see some really cool indigenous animals.

17. Dandeli

Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is a great tourist place in South India for you wild, dirt-loving travellers. It is blessed with dense deciduous forests, wide variety of wild animals and the Dandeli river to boot. A popular weekend holiday destination in Karnataka, this places is a preferred destination for coracle boating, trekking and rafting. The scenic beauty of the place coupled with the adventure sports activities makes it an ideal holiday spot. Go white water river rafting with friends, and relax in the lush rain-forest to make your trip to south India memorable.

18.  Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

Yeracud, located in Tamil Nadu, is a popular hill station in South India. Soak in the beauty of the Eastern Ghats with the delightful little hill station of Yercaud. Famous for the beautiful forests that surround its marvellous lakes, this charming destination is sure to satisfy your naturaphilic tendencies. The divinity of the Emerald lake is worth the trip, the glory of the Kiliyur Falls, and the magnificent view from Pagoda point amplify the scenic serenity of this lovely region.

The land of seven forests, the peaks at Yercaud will leave you clicking away. You can never have enough. Also known as the poor man’s Ooty, this is one of the places to visit in South India that is comparatively less known, but with no compromise on the scenic beauty. It’s dotted with waterfalls and greenery all over. The remnants of the Colonial Era is visible in the colonial buildings still standing here. There are plenty of caves and coffee estates to roam in, and be sure to visit the silk farm as well.