With vibrant colours, intriguing cultures, and stunning scenery, South India offers a mystical experience waiting to be explored. From lush tea plantations to serene backwaters, grand temples, gorgeous coastlines, safari parks, bustling markets, and mist-shrouded mountain towns, South India has something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the best cities to visit in South India.

Hyderabad

Home to historic landmarks like the Golconda Fort, a marvel built atop a 120-metre-high granite hill, and Charminar, a 16th-century mosque, Hyderabad is a culture tour that you will love to experience. Known as ‘The City of Pearls’, Hyderabad’s Laad Bazaar is where the action lies. Dotted with several traditional and ancient bazaars, this is the best place to buy pearls, bangles, and other precious jewellery. The area surrounding the iconic Charminar has prominent Islamic elements from the Nizam era, which transcend into its cuisine and way of life. Its history depicts richness in literature and fine arts, which can also be witnessed in the museums and art galleries here. Hyderabad is also an ideal foodie destination where you can savour Hyderabadi cuisine, a lovely fusion of Mughal, Nawabi, and Andhra cuisines. Known for its delectable non-vegetarian fare, be sure to try the famous Hyderabadi Biryani and kebabs.

Hampi

Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, temples, buildings, and captivating ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encircled on three sides by hills, Hampi is breathtaking even in its state of ruin. With grand palaces, temples, pavilions, stables, and a magnificent stone chariot, Hampi is simply mesmerizing. Other attractions here include the Tungabhadra Dam, the Archaeological Museum, and the Hampi Bazaar, located near the 7th-century Hindu Virupaksha Temple. Among the best cities to visit in South India, Hampi also offers air balloon rides, which is a must-do activity. It is magical to watch the gigantic temples of Hampi spread across the wide green expanse with the Tungabhadra River flowing alongside.

Chikmagalur

The hill town of Chikmagalur is known for its tranquil atmosphere, verdant forests, and high mountains. It is popular for its coffee production, earning Karnataka the moniker of ‘the coffee land’. Additionally, it is home to the Baba Budangiri mountain range, named after Bababudan, a famous Muslim Sufi saint believed to have brought coffee seeds from Saudi Arabia to India. The mountain range is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Muslims who come to pay obeisance at his shrine here.

Don’t miss a visit to Mullayanagiri Peak, the highest peak of Karnataka, which is also a haven for trekkers. Other attractions include Hebbe Falls and the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary located in the northwest of Chikmagalur. The sanctuary has a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and leopards.

While in Chikmagalur, be sure to try India’s finest coffee while enjoying the lush green view of the plantations. And don’t forget to take along some of the highest-quality Indian coffee as a souvenir of your visit.

Mysore

Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyar rulers, offers a glimpse into India’s royal past. The Mysore Palace showcases a perfect blend of Hindu, Islamic, Gothic, and Rajput styles of architecture. The city is also home to the centuries-old Devaraja Market, filled with spices, silk, and sandalwood. Located just a few hour’s drive from Bengaluru, Mysore ranks among the best cities to visit in South India. Renowned for its sandalwood artifacts, stone sculptures, incense sticks, ivory, and exquisite silk sarees – Mysore is a paradise of art, culture, and architecture.

While in Mysore, you can also visit the famous St. Philomena’s Church, the Bylakuppe Buddhist Golden Temple, and the Chamundi Hills. For museum lovers, Mysore offers many museums with amazing collections of artifacts and memorabilia. The Mysore Rail Museum, Melody World Wax Museum, and the Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum will captivate you with their extensive collections.

Bengaluru

Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan city that will take your breath away. Still cherished for its parks and palaces, Bengaluru offers a harmonious mix of modern architecture and royal heritage. You cannot miss the amazing beauty of the legislative building (Vidhan Sabha) built in a neo-Dravidian style of architecture. Cubbon Park, spread over 100 acres at the centre of the city, is a must-visit. Established in 1870 under the supervision of Major General Richard Sankey, the park is an oasis of tranquillity in the bustling city.

Be sure to explore Tipu Sultan’s magnificent Summer Palace, which is a true spectacle with its intricate carvings on teak wood. The palace’s beauty is something that will leave a lasting impression on every visitor.