30 Famous Temples In South India – A Spiritual & Architectural Guide

August 4, 2023

South India, a land steeped in rich history and spiritual significance, is a treasure trove of magnificent temples. These architectural marvels, each with its unique legends and intricate carvings, offer a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture and devotion. From the towering gopurams that pierce the sky to the serene sanctums that house divine idols, these temples stand as testaments to the enduring faith and artistic brilliance of generations past.

Unlike Hindu temples in other regions of India, what distinguishes the famous temples in South India is their majestic building, which is masterfully done in Dravidian and Vijaya Nagara styles. There are no compromised works of art in South India, especially in Hindu temples where people worldwide flock. Each monument in South India, regardless of location, shows excellent artistry within and on the Gopurams.

As we embark on a journey through the hallowed halls of South India's most revered temples, we will encounter a diverse array of architectural styles, intricate sculptures, and captivating rituals. These temples not only serve as places of worship but also as repositories of art, history, and cultural heritage. 

In the section below, take a guided tour of the top 30 Places to Visit in South India, elegantly designed to help you unearth some little-known exciting treasures this part of India holds. Be prepared to stand in awe of architectural delights and collect treasured memories for life.

30 Famous Temples In South India:

1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Trivandrum

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

You'll hear about the myths and legends surrounding the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the temple's unique blend of Kerala and Tamil-style architecture. It is supposed to have six underground vaults (A to F) containing rare treasures. However, vault B is the most mysterious and shouldn't be accessed by any human force. Be sure to visit one of India biggest temple and seek blessings from Shri Padmanabhaswamy.

  • Main Deity: Shri Padmanabhaswamy
  • Location: Pazhavangadi, West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
  • Timings: 3 am to 12 pm; 5 pm to 7:20 pm.

How to get there: Trivandrum, as a significant port city in the province of Kerala, has direct flights, trains, and road connections to all regions of India. Railways and flights to Trivandrum are relatively easy to arrange from all major and secondary locations in India. For a hassle-free option, you can always choose Kerala tour packages from the best trip planner in India for a wholesome journey.

2. Ramanathaswamy Temple - Rameswaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple

The Ramanathaswamy Temple, with an identical name, located on Rameswaram's Pamban Island, provides a powerful mystical vibe throughout the visit. It is one of the most famous temples in South India. Perhaps it has an aspect to do with the Ramayana mythology, in which Lord Rama appealed to Lord Shiva for mercy to murder his disciple Ravana. Inside the religious complex, you'll come across one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and twenty-two tirthas, or waterways in the shape of wells and tanks. If you are in these parts, be sure to explore this temple as it is one of the popular Tourist Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu.

  • Main Deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
  • Timings: From 4:30 am to 1 pm; From 3 pm to 8:30 pm.
  • How to get there: If you prefer to go by flight, the airport closest to Rameshwaram is in Madurai, which is 163 kilometers away. Rameshwaram Railway Station is well-linked, with regular trains from Thanjavur, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Trichy.

3. Ranganathaswamy Temple - Trichy

Ranganathaswamy Temple

Sri Ranganathaswamy Shrine is located in Tiruchirappalli, Srirangam. This temple honors Ranganatha, an incarnation of Vishnu, the Hindu deity. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is situated on an island in the famous river Kaveri. The shrine is brimming with architecture and tradition.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple boasts one of the most impressive religious structures in the world. The design of this temple is in the Dravid architecture. It has a stunning aesthetic as well as architectural elements. This temple is one of Lord Vishnu's eight Swayam Vyakta Kshetras. Take a tour package from trip planners india and start on a journey to visit one of the famous temples in TamilNadu.

  • Main Deity: Lord Ranganatha
  • Location: Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620006
  • Timings: From 9 am to 9 pm.
  • How to get there: Trichy has a local and international airport connecting it to places in India and worldwide. The city is very well accessible by train to major Indian metropolitan areas. By car, the closest major city is Chennai, which is 335 km away and takes about 6 hours to reach.

4. Venkateswara Temple - Tirupati

Venkateswara Temple

Venkateswara Swamy Temple, commonly called Tirupati Balaji Temple South India, remains one of the most famous temples in Andhra Pradesh. This holy spot is located on the cliffs of Tirumala in the Chittoor district, and the temple's front exudes real South Indian sculptural magnificence in the Dravidian style. This temple's magnificent gopuram is claimed to be five stories high, and beneath it lies the temple's primary entrance, Maha Dwaram.

  • Main Deity: Lord Venkateshwara
  • Location: S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504 
  • Timings: From 9 am to 9 pm.
  • How to get there: Tirupati has established an excellent airport connection to Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore since becoming a significant religious tourism destination. Tirupati is also connected by road and rail to all major towns in India, making it easier for the hundreds of thousands of devotees that visit the Tirupati shrine each year.

5. Chennakeshava Temple - Belur

Chennakeshava Temple Belur

Chennakeshava Temple, constructed in the middle of the 12th century by King Vishnuvardhana, was a major landmark in Belur, the initial capital of the Hoysala Empire. This is one of the most gorgeous temples in south India, drawing devotees from every corner of the country. To witness the mysticism and sacred vibes of such famous temples in India, make sure to book a comprehensive package from reliable tour operators who will guide you around.

  • Main Deity: Lord Vishnu
  • Location: Temple Road, Belur, Karnataka, 573115
  • Timings: From 9 am to 5:30 pm.
  • How to get there: The nearest airport to Belur is 114 kilometers away in Mangalore, which has excellent links to all major Indian cities. Sakleshpur, Karnataka, is the nearest train stop to Belur, 26 km away. There are regular bus services from Chennai, Mangalore, and Coimbatore.

6. Arunachaleswarar Temple - Thiruvannamalai

Arunachaleswarar Temple Thiruvannamalai

Arunachaleswar Temple, a Tamil Hindu temple constructed in the 9th century by the Chola empire, is one of the oldest temple in India. This temple is significant to the Hindu cult of Saivism and situated on the Anamalai hills in Tamil Nadu.

  • Main Deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Pavazhakundur, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601 
  • Timings: 5:30 am-12:30 pm; 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
  • How to get there: The closest airport to Tiruvannamalai is Pondicherry, 89 kilometers away. Tiruvannamalai train station is an important stop for trains traveling through Tamil Nadu. As a result, it is connected by road and rail to practically all of the major cities in India.

7. Brihadeeswarar Temple - Thanjavur

Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

The Brihadeeshwar temple in Thanjavur is a magnificent representation of Tamil craftsmanship from the Chola Dynasty. It is considered one of the most well-known South Indian temple and is part of the "Ancient Chola Temples. This magnificent shrine is also a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. This magnificent Indian temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, celebrated its 1005th anniversary in 2015.

  • Main deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
  • Timings: From 6 am to 12:30 pm; From 4 pm to 8:30 pm
  • How to get there: Because there is no runway in Thanjavur, the closest one is Trichy, 48 kilometers from the city center. There is an excellent train connection from Thanjavur Station to other significant cities in southern India. Frequent buses run from Thanjavur to Chennai and take 6.5 hours.

8. Meenakshi Temple - Madurai

Meenakshi Temple Madurai

Madurai is called the temple city of India as it houses some of the most important temples in India. One of them is the Meenakshi Temple, devoted to Parvati and her husband, Lord Shiva, and is situated on the southern banks of the Vaigai River. This architectural marvel, also known as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is a thriving center of culture and art.

The current tower, constructed between 1623 and 1655 CE, was among the greatest 30 nominees for the New 7 Wonders of the World. The temple's gopurams, halls, and shrines are beautiful and majestic in appearance. In terms of artwork, the temple's representation of Meenakshi clutching a parrot and Nataraja's right uplifted leg stand out.

  • Main Deity: Devi Paravati
  • Location: Madurai (Main), Tamil Nadu 625001
  • Timings: 5 am to 12:30 pm and 4 to 10 pm.
  • How to get there: To get to the city of temples in India, you can reach the main city which has a national airport and a commuter train station connecting to India's main metropolitan cities. The 462-kilometer road trip from Chennai to Madurai takes 8 hours.

9. Guruvayur Temple - Guruvayur

Guruvayur Temple Guruvayur

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, situated in Guruvayoor town, is one of Kerala's most important pilgrimage sites. It is considered one of the most widely famous temples in South India, with God Vishnu worshipped in the Balkrishna Avtar as the main deity. The divine idol, formerly known as Unnikrishnan, has four hands, each holding a mace, the conch, a lotus, and a discus. The Lord shows up in full splendor, adorned with the Tulasi, also known as Basil Garland, and a necklace of pearls, blessing the worshippers.

Kerala Tourism: Nestled in India's southwest, Kerala's fame stems from its lush landscapes, tranquil backwaters, and vibrant culture. With stunning beaches, Ayurvedic wellness, and rich wildlife, it enthralls all. The allure of houseboat rides, Kathakali dance, and spicy cuisine add to its charm, making Kerala a must-visit destination.

  • Main deity: Lord Vishnu
  • Location: Guruvayur Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101
  • Timings: From 3 am to 1:30 pm; From 4:30 pm to 9 pm
  • How to get there: The nearest airport to Guruvayur is Kochi International Airport, which is only a 90-minute drive away and provides the temple with good domestic and international connectivity. Guruvayur has its rail station, which connects to important transportation hubs in south India, such as Chennai, Ernakulam, and Coimbatore. You can also opt for a Kerala tour package to enjoy a smooth journey. Due ti 

10. Kailasanathar Temple - Kanchipuram

Kailasanathar Temple Kanchipuram

Rajasimha, the ruler of the ancient Pallava Dynasty, built this South Indian shrine devoted to Lord Shiva between 685 and 705 AD. The temple on the river Vegavathi bank has 58 temples representing Lord Shiva's various forms and avatars. Be sure to take a detour of one of these famous temples in India if you are in Kanchipuram.

  • Main deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
  • Timings: From 4:30 am to 12 noon; From 4 pm to 9 pm
  • How to Get There: Kanchipuram is 68 kilometers from Chennai, making it fairly accessible by flight for those who prefer to visit the ancient temples in India. Along with that, Kanchipuram has its own bus depot and rail station, allowing it access to all of the major towns in India due to its proximity to Chennai.

11. Ekambareswarar Temple - Kanchipuram

Ekambareswarar Temple Kanchipuram

You may plan a trip to Ekambareswarar, recognized as one of the most important pilgrimage places in India for Mahadev devotees, and roam through the temple complex, which features several impressive gopurams. The temple has 63 stone images of the Nayanmars and several Shiva Lingam. With a magnificent pond in the core of the complex, the temple's architecture shines even brighter and is rightfully considered as one of Chennai famous temple. According to tradition, Goddess Parvati created Prithvi Lingam using sand and worshipped it beside a mango tree. 

  • Main deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Ekambaranathar Sannathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
  • Timings: From 6 am to 11 am; From 5 pm to 8 pm
  • How to get there: Kanchipuram is only 68 kilometers from Chennai, making it highly accessible for those who prefer to travel to this place of devotion by flight. Besides that, Kanchipuram has its own bus stop and railway station, allowing its accessibility to all major cities in India due to its proximity to Chennai.

12. Sarangapani Temple - Kumbakonam

Sarangapani Temple

Sarangapani Temple, one of the three most famous temples in South India of the Hindu deity Vishnu, is thought to have been built more than 2000 years ago, as it was routinely honored in the earliest scriptures of the 7th century AD. The temple, which is also considered one of the 108 Divya desams, is said to have many notable antiquities from various dynasties, such as the Vijayanagar and the Cholas Empires. Be sure to visit this one of the top 5 temples in Kumbakonam if you are traversing around Tamil Nadu.

  • Main deity: Lord Vishnu
  • Location: Sarangapani North Madavilagam, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001
  • Timings: From 7 am to 12 noon; From 5 pm to 9 pm
  • How to get there: Kumbakonam needs an airport; the closest one is 77 kilometers away at Tiruchirappalli. On the other hand, Kumbakonam has great rail and road connectivity, as it has a distinct train station and bus terminal. If you want a simple alternative, you can book a Tamil Nadu tour package from the best trip planner in India for an effortless and amazing journey.

13. Vadakkunnathan Temple - Thrissur

Vadakkunnathan Temple

This traditionally built shrine with a Kerala style of architecture is a must-see temple in the heart of Thrissur, located among lush greenery. Explore the stunning array of mural paintings and artworks depicting Mahabharata stories in this one of the Best Places to Visit in Kerala. The best time to visit Vadakkunnathan Temple is during the yearly Pooram Celebration to witness the stunning fireworks and Pooja.

  • Main deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
  • Timings: The Vadakkunnathan temple timings starts from 4 am to 11 am; From 5 pm to 8:30 pm
  • How to get there: The Thrissur train terminal is only 2 kilometers from the temple, making it the most convenient alternative. If you enjoy flying, the Kochi airport is 50 kilometers from Thrissur, and a taxi or bus ride from there to the sacred site is an option.

14. Annapoorneshwari Temple - Horanadu

Annapurneshwari Temple, located on the banks of the River Bhadra, is one most famous temples in South India. This temple, called Sri Kshetra Horanadu, honors the deity Mother Annapoorneshwari, the goddess of food. Inside is a gorgeous statue of the Mother in a standing stance; history holds it that the sage Agastya constructed it. Pilgrims think the temple has mystical attributes and that if a devotee prays fully, they will never go hungry.

  • Main deity: Devi Annapurna
  • Location: Mudigere – Taluk, Chikmagalur – District, Hornadu, Karnataka 577181
  • Timings: 6 am to 9:30 pm
  • How to get there: Buses from various regions of Karnataka and neighboring states are the easiest way to go to the shrine. Although the Mangalore airport is seventy kilometers away and has no train station, the Horanadu excursion is best enjoyed by car. KSRTC operates several buses. 

15. Shore Temple - Mahabalipuram

Shore Temple

The 7th-century Shore Temple is a magnificent tourist site on the Bay of Bengal's shoreline. It was thought to contain an array of temples, but owing to natural disasters, the temple now only has 3 shrines devoted to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. You'll discover artistic sculptures and numerous statues of Deities and Nandis across the complex's facade. The Mahabalipuram Dance Carnival is a major attraction annually to promote the tourism industry in January or February.

  • Main deities: Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma
  • Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
  • Timings: From 6 am to 6 pm
  • How to get there: The nearest city linkages are the airport in Chennai and the train station. Every day, numerous buses travel the 50-kilometer trip between these two cities. Or you can avail of the Tamil Nadu tour packages from the best tour planner in India to get a hassle-free journey.

16. Sivagiri Temple - Varkala

This religious site is one of Kerala's holiest places and acts as the headquarters of Sri Narayana Dharma Sangham. However, despite its dedication to Saraswati, the Hindu deity, the temple has no statue. The South Indian temple architecture of Sivagiri Temple fascinates pilgrims with its unusual multi-tiered white patios amid lush environments, where a yearly pilgrimage takes place between the end of December and January 1. The Sivagiri temple houses Sree Narayana Guru's grave and holds the traditional Sri Narayana Jayanthi ceremony in August/September.

  • Main deity: Devi Saraswati
  • Location: Sivagiri Road, Varkala, Kerala 695145
  • Timings: From 5 am to noon; From 4 pm to 9 pm
  • How to get there: The closest major airport is 45 kilometers away in Thiruvananthapuram, and while Varkala has a train station, most trains continue. The best way is to catch a state-owned Kerala Transportation Service bus from Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala, which takes about an hour.

17. Mahabaleshwar Temple - Gokarna

Mahabaleshwar Temple, built entirely in the ancient Dravidian architectural style, is located on the Arabian Sea's coasts in Gokarna. The mythical stories that explain the history of Gods make this shrine one of Karnataka's most significant pilgrimage attractions. Under Lord Vishnu's power, Ravana was compelled to set up the Atmalinga gifted by Shiva, the deity, on the land of Gokarna, and thus the temple was built. The Mahabaleshwar temple includes a tiny cut in the center from which devotees may glimpse the crown of the Atmalinga. The god within is believed to be about 1500 years old.

  • Main deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Koti Teertha Rd, Kotiteertha, Dandebagh, Gokarna, Karnataka 581326
  • Timings: From 6 am to 12:30 pm; From 5 pm to 8 pm
  • How to get there: Gokarna is well-connected by road. Ankola, the closest railhead, is only 20 kilometers distant. You can disembark at the train station and take a bus straight to Gokarna.

18. Parthasarathy Temple - Aranmula

Parthasarathy Temple is one of the most significant shrines in Kerala, devoted to the Hindu deity Krishna (the avatar of Vishnu). Krishna is known as Parthasarathy due to his role in the epic Mahabharata. Aside from admiring the temple's beauty, visitors may also join the Valla Sadya, which includes a snake boat racing on the Pampa River. 

  • Main deity: Lord Krishna
  • Location: Chengannur, Kottayam – Kozhencherry Rd, Mallapuzhassery, Kerala 689533
  • Timings: From 5:30 am to noon; From 4 pm to 9 pm
  • How to get there: Chengannur is about 10 kilometers distant. Taxis and buses are easily accessible from the train stop. The temple is around 30 minutes away.

19. Bhutanatha Temple - Badami

Bhutanatha_Temple Badami

Bhutanatha Temple, a popular set of temples built in a blended variant of the northern and ancient south Indian architectural styles, is a must-see. This temple honors Bhoothnath, the avatar of Lord Shiva, and circles the crystal-clear lake of Agastya and the majestic Mountains of Badami. There are two shrines here: Mallikarjuna on the northeast and Bhutanatha on the east. Explore these famous shrines of one of the famous temples in India with the help of a reliable tour operator. 

  • Main deity: Lord Vishnu
  • Location: Badami, Karnataka 587201
  • Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
  • How to get there: The city has a rail station. However, it is relatively quiet. The Hubli train station is an important stop along the route. Belgaum, 150 kilometers away, has an airport. The best way to get to Badami from any of these locations is by bus or rented taxi, both of which have great road access. The Karnataka travel package is the best option if you want effortless traveling.

20. Murudeshwara Temple - Murdeshwar

Murudeshwara Temple

This ancient Murugan temple is not just one of the most famous temples in South India but also one of the biggest temple in India. Devoted to Lord Murugan, the temple is entirely constructed of red-coloured sandstone rock, with the majestic gopuram providing an iconic appearance. The 16 pillars and 120 columns of Ananda Vilas Mandap, which rises on a cliff overlooking the sea, are another highlight of Murugan temple.

  • Main deity: Lord Shiva
  • Location: Murdeshwar, Karnataka 581350
  • Timings: From 3 am to 1 pm; From 3 pm to 8 pm
  • How to get there: Mangalore is roughly 150 kilometers away from Murdeshwar. You can take cabs and buses run by KSRTC regularly. Or you can go for a Karnataka tour package from the best trip planner in India to have an amazing travel experience.

21. Murugan Temple - Tiruchendur

Murugan Temple Tiruchendur.webp

This ancient Murugan temple is not just one of the most famous temples in South India but also contains one of the biggest temples in South India. Devoted to Lord Murugan, the temple is entirely constructed of red-colored sandstone rock, with the majestic gopuram providing an iconic appearance. The 16 pillars and 120 columns of Ananda Vilas Mandap, which rises on a cliff overlooking the sea, are another highlight of Murugan temple.

  • Main deity: Lord Murugan
  • Location: Thiruchendur, Tamil Nadu 628215
  • Timings: From 5:30 am to 7 pm
  • How to get there: Tiruchendur has a separate rail station, and while Tuticorin, the closest airport, is 30 kilometers away, railways are a much more practical choice. Take a bus or a taxi from the railway station to the city and, eventually, the shrine.

22. Sabarimala Sastha Temple - Pathanamthitta

Sabarimala Temple

The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Ayyappan, who is also known as Dharma Shasta and is the son of the deities Shiva and Mohini. The uniqueness and the exuding spirituality make it one of the most famous temples in Kerala.

  • Main deity: Lord Ayyappan
  • Location: Sannidhanam, Sabarimala, Kerala 689662
  • Timings: From 4 am to 11 pm
  • How to get there: Pathanamthitta has no train station or airport. However, because this is a famous pilgrimage, you can fly here from the closest airports in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Chengannur are the closest railroad stations. The next closest bus stop is in Pampa, where buses run frequently.

23. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple - Trivandrum

As one of the popular temples in Trivandrum, this vibrant shrine of Attukal Bhagavathy is another well-known place of devotion, exhibiting a genuine blend of Tamil and Kerala artistic splendour. While the temple's interiors house the most magnificent sight, the statue of Goddess Bhadra is entirely decorated with gold jewelry. The outside areas of the temple are all sculpted with gorgeous sculptures all around the temple. The Pongala festival draws many female worshippers to Bhagavathy Temple, commonly called the Sabarimala of Women. 

  • Main Deity: Goddess Bhadrakali
  • Location: P.O, Attukal – Chiramukku Rd, C Block, Attukal, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695009
  • Timings: From 5:00 am to 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm-8:30 pm
  • How to get there: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is 6 kilometers from the town center and around 7 kilometers from the shrine.

24. Sri Krishna Temple - Guruvayoor

Sri Krishna Temple

Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor is one of Kerala's most popular Krishna temples. Many devotees attend Guruvayoor because it is said that the statue of the deity adored here is over 5000 years old. Furthermore, Guruvayoor is known as the Dwarka of South India. The most fortunate time to visit Sri Krishna Temple is the Janmashtami festival, commemorating the deity's birthday.

  • Main Deity: Lord Vishnu
  • Location: Guruvayur Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101
  • Timings: From 7:15 am to 9:00 am, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, 4:30 pm to 7:45 pm
  • How to get there: Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple is around 100 km from Karipur International Airport.

25. Thirunelli Temple - Wayanad

Thirunelli Temple

Thirunelli Temple, encircled by the Brahmagiri hills and a sparkling adjacent holy stream of Papanasini, serves as one of Kerala's most widely visited Vishnu temples in South India. This temple is associated with stories and mythology, and it is created with finely carved pillars that make it one of the Best Places To Visit In Wayanad. Thirunelli Temple, regarded as the Varanasi of the South in a few cases, also appears in the Puranas. 

  • Main Deity: Lord Vishnu
  • Location: Thirunelli Temple post, Mananthavady, Kerala 670646
  • Timings:  5:30 am-12:30 pm and 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
  • How to get there: Kerala state and private buses go from Mananthavady to Thirunelli. Wayanad tour packages will help you to reach the destination hassle-free.

26. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple - Varkala

This center's most powerful trisome shrines are Ettumanoor Shiva Temple, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, and Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple. This praised temple near Vaikom is one of the famous temples in South India and is considered sacred by both Vaishnavites and Shaivites. It is also stated that your requests would be granted if you ask for blessings in each of these temples before performing ucha pooja. Vaikom Ashtami is the most beautiful event in November/December. The Shivling constructed here is thought to be among Kerala's oldest.

  • Main Deity: Goddess Shiva
  • Location: Vazhamana Rd, Vaikom, Kerala 686141
  • Timings: 4:00 am-12:00 pm and 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
  • How to get there: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, and the closest rail stop is Vaikom Road Rail Station if you travel by train. You can easily opt for a Wayanad trip package to make your journey worth remembering.

27. Thiruvalla Temple - Thiruvalla

Thiruvalla Temple is one of Kerala's largest and most powerful temples in South India. It is famous for its structural grandeur, including an excellent collection of magnificent artwork inside the shrine and elaborate stone-wooden sculptures. Devoted to Purusha as Lord Sreevallabhan, this temple performs Kathakali daily and was previously recognized as Kerala's largest school of learning. Visit God's own country to witness first-hand why is Kerala so famous for tourism.

  • Main Deity: Lord Sreevallabhan
  • Location: Thiruvalla, Kerala
  • Timings: From 5:00 am to 8:30 pm
  • How to get there: The closest airport is in Kochi, some 110 kilometers away, from where you can take a cab or taxi to the temple.

28. Aihole Durga Temple - Aihole

Aihole Durga Temple

The Aihole Durga Temple represents one of the ancient temples in South India on the Malaprabha River's banks. This shrine, which travelers frequently visit, is built in the Dravidian style and is known for its distinctive spherical apsis. The exteriors of the shrine, from the high platform to the passageway, have beautiful sculptures of artworks designed on them.

  • Main Deity: Goddess Durga
  • Location: Aihole, Karnataka 587124
  • Timings: 6:00 am-6:00 pm
  • How to get there: Badami is also the closest train station to Aihole on the Gadag-Bijapur rail line.

29. Sri Krishna Temple - Udupi

Sri Krishna Temple

The idol of Shri Krishna at Sri Krishna Temple faces the opposite direction of the entrance. Kanakadasa, a devotee, is claimed to have been denied entry due to his cast. He walked to the other side of the front door and prayed. Locals think that the Lord, or purportedly a statue, turned facing Kanakadasa, which is why the window is known as Kanakana Kindi.

  • Main Deity: Lord Krishna
  • Location: Temple Car St, Sri Krishna Temple Complex, Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101
  • Timings: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
  • How to get there: Udupi is 59 km from Mangalore International Airport and is easily accessible by car.

30. Veera Narayana Temple - Belavadi

Veera Narayana Temple

The artistic splendor of Veera Narayana Temple, located near Belavadi and referenced in the Mahabharata, deserves praise. Hoysala Empire King Veera Ballala II completed this three-superstructure temple, trikuta, out of soapstone. And it is where the two of the complex's temples face each other, while the last shrine displays a succession of artistic idioms that include all of the components of a Hoysala temple.

  • Main Deity: Lord Narasimha
  • Location: Belavadi, Karnataka 577146
  • Timings: From 8:00 am to 7:30 pm
  • How to get there: The religious site is well-linked by road, and you can get there by taxi or bus.

Choose The Best Trip Planners in India

The best trip planners in India are an especially preferred choice for travelers seeking a flawless and amazing experience, especially when booking a trip to the holy pilgrimages of south India and witnessing the gorgeous artistic splendors. Trip Planners India, being a comprehensive travel agency offering the finest tour planners in India, guarantees you the benefit of the most trustworthy and knowledgeable individuals who specialize in organizing vacation packages for South India. 

These travel firms can customize your South India vacation package to incorporate the most famous temples in South India, assuring you get the most out of your time and enjoy every aspect of this pilgrimage journey.

Parting Thoughts:

The fascinating history of these magnificent South Indian shrines is enough to entice anyone to visit them on their terms. Every building has a unique story, and each story has a glorious past. Plan a South India trip today with the best trip planner in India to see some of these magnificent temples in South.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):

Q1. What are the most significant religious sites in South India?

South India is blessed with many temples that exude the aura of spirituality. Rameshwaram, Tirupati, Meenakshi, Veera Narayana, and Mahabaleshwar are among the most important temples in South India.

Q2. What is the name of the largest shrine in South India? 

South India is renowned as the land of eye-catching temple architecture. Angkor Wat is the biggest temple in South India, covering an area of approximately 1,626,000 square meters.

Q3. Who constructed the Rameswaram temple?

King Achutha Nayak constructed the Rameswaram Temple, one of South India's finest temples, between 1614 and 1640. During this period, the King governed Tanjore and was a follower of the deity Rama, the avatar of Vishnu who killed a ten-headed evil named Ravana.

Q4. Which southern state is well-known for its temples?

Southern India is famous for its spiritual and artistically constructed temples. From Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh, South India's provinces are filled with several places of worship.

Q5. What element of a South Indian shrine is known as a gopuram?

A Gopuram is a Sanskrit term for Hindu temples' massive, elaborate entrance towers. These towers are an important component of Dravidian design, which may be found in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka.

Q6. Which Tamil Nadu temple is well-known?

There are various temples in the Temple City, as well as a large number of important temples that attract crowds of worshippers all year. The Ramanathaswamy Temple, located in Rameswaram, is the most well-known temple in Tamil Nadu. The temple itself is also one of its kind and the best example of Hindu architecture.

Q7. When is it best to visit South India?

Visiting throughout the winter season is preferable to stay away from the humid and hot weather of South India. South India's tourist season typically begins in December and lasts until February.

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