Top 9 Cultural Attractions in South India

Take advantage of the vacations with South India Culture Tour

If you are looking out for the best cultural destinations in South India, this piece of information will be extremely beneficent for you. South India is the region where you can find all, including antique temples, charming nature, exciting activities, and unblemished beaches along with friendly and welcoming people.
Most-Popular Destinations of South India
South India Culture Tour offers you an opportunity to witness the elegance of South India with your own eyes. This repository is bound to provide you with unforgettable experiences for a lifetime. To make a haul of your vacations, just have a look at the given list and make up your mind accordingly.
- Madurai: The Temple City

Known amongst the oldest cities of India, Madurai is the cultural capital of South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Owing to its great cultural heritage and vast mythological history, this city is also one of the most-visited cities of South India. The city’s cultural richness can be estimated by attending the festivals.
Tourist attractions
- Meenakshi Temple
- Gandhi Museum
- Vaigai Dam
- Koodal Azhagar Temple
- Alagar Koli
Local food
- Paruthi Paal
- Jigarthanda
- Panakarkandu Paal
- Idiyappam
- Sooji Appams
Best time to visit
- October to March
2. Chennai: Capital City of Tamil Nadu

One of the four metropolitan cities of India, Chennai is endowed with a rich cultural history. This city can be opted if you wish to visit churches, temples, well-stocked museums and colonial-era buildings. Moreover, you can also visit the second largest beach in the world- Marina Beach in this ancient city.
Tourist attractions
- Senate House
- Vadapalani Andavar Temple
- Ripon Building
- Edward Elliot’s Beach
- Marundeeswarar Temple
Local food
- Onion Tomato Uttapam
- Idli and Sambhar
- Milagai Bajji
- Paniyaram
- Poori with Chana masala
Best time to visit
- October to March
3. Mahabalipuram: Seaside Town

The renowned town of Tamil Nadu is highly popular among tourists due to its historical significance. Comprehend the diversified culture and colossal history of this coastal town with the South India Culture Tour. This place is home to breathtaking rock carvings and monolithic sculptures represent the grandeur of the Pallava Dynasty.
Tourist attractions
- Varaha Caves
- Shore Temple
- Five Rathas
- Mandapams
- Group of Monuments
Local food
- Grilled Fish
- Tiger Prawns
- Payasam
- Vegetarian Thali
- Sweet Pongal
Best time to visit
- November to February
4. Kanchipuram: Cultural Hotbed

Enriched with astute and splendid culture, Kanchipuram is a quaint city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Abode of thousands of temples, this place is world-famous for its fine silk sarees. No place could be better than this city to witness the architectural grandeur of South India. One can satiate their desire for knowledge by gathering information about Hinduism in this philosophical city.
Tourist attractions
- Devarajaswami Temple
- Thiruthani
- Uthiramerur
- Anna Memorial
- Vaikunta Perumal Temple
Local food
- Vada
- Dosa
- Payasam
- Kovil Idlis
- Sweet Pongal
Best time to visit
- October to May
5. Mysore: City of Palaces

Counted among the most pleasant cities of Karnataka, Mysore is notable because of the majestic historical monuments, gleaming heritage, elaborate constructions, yoga, sandalwood, etc. Frequented by thousands of tourists every year, this city is replete with history and it can be seen in the form of impressive palaces, temples as well as festivals.
Tourist attractions
- Somanathapura Temple
- Mysore Palace
- Chamundeshwari Temple
- St. Philomena Church
- Brindavan Gardens
Local food
- Mysore Pak
- Shavige Bath
- Vangi Bath
- Rave Unde
- Jalebi
Best time to visit
- July to March
6. Hampi: Glorious City of Ruins

Recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is situated in the middle of hills and valleys in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Well-suited for the history buffs, the city portrays the excellence and prowess of the former rulers. Deemed as the most brilliant ruins of India, this location is an open museum for the historians to inquire into.
Tourist attractions
- Elephant Stables
- Vithala Temple
- Monolithic Bull
- Coracle Crossings
- Virupaksha Temple
Local food
- Vegetable Curry
- Fried Rice
- Cauliflower Manchurian
- Saaru
- Mosaru
Best time to visit
- October to March
7. Thrissur: Cultural Capital of Kerala

The Keralan culture is sure to leave you awestruck with its glitter and dynamism in Thrissur. Also known as Trichur, it is a town built around a hilltop. A tour to Kerala will allow you to get to know the classical arts, renowned Thrissur Pooram festival (celebrated in the month of April or May) and religious sites of Thrissur as well.
Tourist attractions
- Vadakkumnathan Temple
- Arattupuzha
- Tomb of Shakthan Thampuran
- Athirapally Falls
- The Heritage Garden
Local food
- Vellayappam
- Kuzhalappam
- Achappam
- Puttu
- Meen Porichathu
Best time to visit
- August to April
8. Kochi/Cochin: Queen of Arabian Sea

This lively port city is the holder of history dating back to at least 600 years ago. Kochi hosts an amalgam of traditional and cosmopolitan culture. This city is illustrated with influences of the Phoenicians, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabs, Dutch and British. And the sculptures in the city are the best representations of the diverse culture.
Tourist attractions
- Jewish Synagogues
- Fort Kochi
- 17th-century Portuguese Homes
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
Local food
- Appam
- Stew
- Fish Molly
- Kaalan
- Pachadi
Best time to visit
- July to April
9. Kollam: Land of Cashew

Lying on the southwest coast of India, Kollam is the focal point of several hidden treasures in the South Indian state of Kerala. Known as the largest producer and exporter of cashews, it is snarled up with a unique culture. Owing to its commercial significance, it has also been tried by the Chinese, Portuguese, French and Dutch traders.
Tourist attractions
- Tangasseri Fort
- Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram
- Mayyanad
- Amritapuri
- Kulathupuzha
Local food
- Seafood
- Tapioca
- Spicy Fish Curry
- Karimeen Porichathu
- Fish Moilee
Best time to visit
- September to February
Conclusion
To get a touch of the diverse culture and scenic beauty of South India, take a tour to a destination of your choice and you can also customize the South India Culture Tour as per your interests.