10 Best Historical Places in South India

India is a country rich in culture and history. It is home to some fascinating places on Earth that are worth visiting at least once in your lifetime! South of India is the land where history unfolds itself in all its glorious forms. You learn about each part of the country, from ancient temples to old forts, through these fantastic places. This article lists the top historical sites in South India that are worth visiting on your next trip.

Here is the list of the Top 10 Historical Places in South India:

1. Belum Caves

These are natural limestone caves which are located in Andhra Pradesh state in India. These caves are mainly known for their rock-cut architecture, similar to the Kailasa temple at Ellora. The Belum caves were built during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty, somewhere in the 12th century CE.

The most exciting part about these caves is that you can find inscriptions belonging to different dynasties on its pillars, like the inscriptions of PratapRudradeva (1308—1326), his son, Mahadeva (1326), Ganapathideva (1428-1466), and Rudradeva III (1463-1516). The presiding deity in this temple is Lord Shiva which is placed on a giant pillar. Also Read: November in South India: Best Places to Explore

The main attraction of this place is its architecture and sculptures representing different deities.

• What to Expect: The second largest cave system in India, known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March, when the weather is cooler.
• Getting There: Located about 110 km from Kurnool, accessible by road from cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
• Key Highlights: Underground passages, spacious chambers, and the meditation hall. It’s a fascinating site for history and geology enthusiasts.

Check out the itinerary for Andhra Pradesh Tour Packages

2. Halebidu

Halebidu is located in Hassan district of Karnataka state in India, which was initially built during the reign of the Hoysala dynasty, somewhere around the 12th century CE. The town has derived its name from two Kannada words – ‘Haalu’ meaning old and ‘Ibidu’ as the town of Hoysala. Halebidu comprises two important Hindu temples, namely Virupaksha Temple and Shiva temple dedicated to Parshwanath, constructed much after the former.

This place is a fine example of Hoysala architecture, also known as the Vesara style of temple architecture in Karnataka. Halebidu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in South India. You can get here by road, train or air depending on your convenience.

• What to Expect: A city famous for its Hoysaleswara Temple, known for intricate carvings and detailed sculptures from the Hoysala period.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable weather.
• Getting There: Located around 30 km from Hassan; easily accessible by road from Bengaluru (220 km).
• Key Highlights: Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples with impressive stone carvings, historical significance, and archaeological exhibits.

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3. Hampi

The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire lie in this city located in the Karnataka state of India. This grand city was built by King Krishnadeva Raya and his successor, Achyutharaya, on a plain surrounded by hills. The city is spread over 10 square kilometers, comprising many temples, royal structures, open areas, and defensive structures like the stone walls.

Hampi also includes many granites and earthen statues of different deities. However, the most exciting part about Hampi is that its massive landscape still preserves and reflects the beauty and extravagance, which was once a part of this medieval city.

• What to Expect: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is renowned for its ancient temples, palaces, and ruins.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February for a pleasant climate.
• Getting There: Located 350 km from Bengaluru, accessible by train or road (nearest railway station: Hospet).
• Key Highlights: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Hampi Bazaar, and the Royal Enclosure. It’s an excellent spot for history lovers and photographers.

View the package for the 03 Nights 04 Days Hampi Tour Itinerary.

4. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Mahabalipuram is located in Tamil Nadu, is one of the popular tourist destinations in South India with its massive group of monuments built during 7th century CE to 9th Century CE.

However, this place is most famous for its rock-cut monolithic temples, mandapas, and giant open-air reliefs representing mythological scenes or events from the Hindu epics.

• What to Expect: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-cut temples and shore temple, reflecting Dravidian architecture.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler weather.
• Getting There: Located 60 km from Chennai, easily accessible by road.
• Key Highlights: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots), Arjuna’s Penance, and the Descent of the Ganges. The coastal scenery adds to the charm.

Explore the Mahabalipuram and Chennai Tour Itinerary for 2 Nights 3 Days.

5. Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort

Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort is located in the Tamil Nadu state of India. This impressive structure comprises 7 concentric walls separated with massive rampart walls in between these main walls. These concentric forts have citadels at each level, with the topmost being Rajagopuram.

The rock-cut temples represented in the structures of this fort are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Siva Krishna. The main entrance of this place is called Rajagopuram, which has a massive stone structure with a gateway.

• What to Expect: A historic fort with a temple at the top, offering panoramic views of Tiruchirapalli.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March to avoid the heat.
• Getting There: Located in the heart of Tiruchirapalli, easily accessible from Chennai (330 km).
• Key Highlights: The climb to the Ucchi Pillayar Temple, ancient architecture, and stunning city views.

6. Mysore Palace, Mysore

Mysore is one of the most visited tourist destinations in South India. In addition, it houses some of the most significant archaeological sites like Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal (palace of Mysore), and Jayalakshmi Vilas, popularly known as Mysore Palace, Mysore.

This palace houses many paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, the great Indian painter of Indian portraits. So the king invited him to decorate these palaces with vibrant colors and motifs.

The Mysore Palace epitome of Indian architecture, encompassing large courtyards, pillared verandas, and gopuras.

• What to Expect: One of the most famous palaces in India, known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, stunning interiors, and the annual Dasara festival.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March, especially during the Dasara festival in October.
• Getting There: Located in Mysore, 150 km from Bengaluru, easily accessible by train or road.
• Key Highlights: The Durbar Hall, Wodeyar dynasty artifacts, and the palace illumination at night.

Click the package for 3 Nights 4 Days Mysore and Coorg Itinerary from Bangalore.

7. Thanjavur Big Temple

This place comprises one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by Rajaraja Chola I. This marvelous temple is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, and it took almost 19 years to complete this beautiful monument built using bricks and stones. The main deity, the Lord Shiva statue, measures up to 41 feet, one of the largest South Indian temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. More Read: Top 10 Most Popular Temples to Explore in Tamil Nadu

• What to Expect: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 11th-century temple is one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Getting There: Located in Thanjavur, about 60 km from Tiruchirapalli, easily accessible by road.
• Key Highlights: The massive 66-meter Vimana (temple tower), the Nandi statue, and intricate Chola-era sculptures.

Towards the right side of this temple, there is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

8. Srirangapatna

Srirangapatna is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka state. This place comprises the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who rest hereafter defeating demons like Hiranyaksha and Hiryavanthaa during the Samudra Manthan.

Built by Sri Krishnadevaraya, this temple is an excellent example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture.

• What to Expect: A historic town known for its association with Tipu Sultan and its 9th-century Ranganathaswamy Temple.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Getting There: Located 15 km from Mysore, easily accessible by road.
• Key Highlights: Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace (Daria Daulat Bagh), Ranganathaswamy Temple, and Gumbaz (Tipu Sultan’s tomb).

9. Talakadu

Talakadu is located in the Mysore district of Karnataka state. Talakad is one of the most important pilgrim centers in south India, which houses several temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Sun God.

The most popular among these is the Marikamba Temple, dedicated to Goddess Marikamba, worshiped as a form of Kali or Durga. This place comprises ruined temples and more than 300 stone inscriptions dating back to the 5th century CE.

• What to Expect: A historically significant site with buried temples along the banks of the Kaveri River, known for the mystery of its shifting sands.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March for a comfortable climate.
• Getting There: Located about 45 km from Mysore, accessible by road.
• Key Highlights: Temples buried under sand dunes, Panchalinga temples, and the scenic Kaveri River.

Read More: Explore South India in October

Conclusion

The 10 best historical places in South India that we’ve mentioned are great places to start your search for the perfect destination. Whether you’re looking for temples, caves, or monuments from different eras of history, there’s something on this list to suit any traveler.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which historical monument is located in Mahabalipuram?
The Shore Temple and rock-cut temples in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, are UNESCO World Heritage sites known for their ancient architecture.

2. What are the five most famous historical places in South India?

The five most famous historical places are Hampi (Karnataka), Meenakshi Temple (Tamil Nadu), Golconda Fort (Telangana), Brihadeeswarar Temple (Tamil Nadu), and Mysore Palace (Karnataka).

3. Which famous monuments are located in Karnataka?

Famous monuments in Karnataka include Hampi, Mysore Palace, Belur and Halebidu temples, and Chitradurga Fort.

4. What is a famous monument in Chennai?

Fort St. George in Chennai is a well-known historical site, built by the British in 1644, now housing a museum and a church.

5. What are the must-visit historical places in Tamil Nadu?

In Tamil Nadu, visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, Mahabalipuram, Meenakshi Temple, and the rock fort in Trichy for a glimpse into the state’s rich history.

6. Which historical place is famous in Hyderabad?

The Charminar is Hyderabad’s iconic monument, built in 1591, symbolizing the city’s heritage. Golconda Fort is another must-see historical site.

7. What are some famous temples in South India?

Famous temples include the Meenakshi Temple (Madurai), Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur), and Virupaksha Temple (Hampi).

8. What is the significance of Hampi?

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its ancient ruins, temples, and monuments.

9. What are some historical places to visit in Kerala?

In Kerala, visit Padmanabhapuram Palace, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), and Bekal Fort for historical insights.

10. Which famous monument is located in Mysore?

The Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is one of India’s largest palaces, famous for its grand architecture and history.

11. What is a famous monument in Telangana?

The Golconda Fort, once the capital of a medieval sultanate, is a well-preserved monument with a rich history in Telangana.

12. What are the top historical places in Karnataka?

The top historical places in Karnataka include Hampi, Mysore Palace, Chitradurga Fort, Belur and Halebidu temples, and Badami cave temples.

13. Why is Mahabalipuram famous?

Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-cut temples and sculptures, including the Shore Temple, which showcase the brilliance of Pallava architecture.