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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.