India is a land of diversity, both in terms of culture and religion, and this diversity adds to the beauty of this country, making it more vibrant and impressive. Hinduism is the most popular religion in the country, and people worship their deities in exquisitely carved age-old temples all across the country. There are many famous temples in South India and these temples are visited by devotees from across the world, showcasing the rich architectural and cultural legacy of India.

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

One of the biggest temples in South India, the Meenakshi Temple in the state of Tamil Nadu, is a major tourist attraction. Breathtakingly beautiful, the temple greets you with a 15-tiered gateway. The brightly painted sculptures throughout the temple structure look simply breathtaking. With two principal sanctuaries and over 10 shrines of different sizes, all beautifully painted, visitors have a great time walking through the huge temple complex and admiring each shrine in all its glorious beauty. Built between 1623-1655 CE, the Meenakshi temple is still bright and beautiful and draws devotees and tourists from across the globe.

Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati

Located on top of the Seshachalam Range of Hills in the quaint town of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, the iconic Venkateswara Tirupati temple is a very revered temple among Hindus. Three gigantic entrances lead you inside the main complex of the temple, and what welcomes you there is a sight to behold – a beautifully carved gold-plated tower shining in all its glory. Among the oldest temples in India, this Venkateswara Tirupati temple has a holy pond within its sprawling complex where devotees are often seen sitting and admiring the craftsmanship used to build this gigantic temple. A fine example of the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple looks amazing with its three grand entrances. A towering gateway (Gopuram), that goes up to 50 feet high, offers a grand welcome to all its visitors. One can walk around the circumambulation path and feel blessed for being able to soak in this regal beauty.

Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur

Built between 995 and 1025 CE, the Brihadisvara Temple is among the tallest temples in South India. Dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, this magnificent temple rises to an impressive height of 63 metres. The sight of this glorious temple complex covering an area of 140×75 metres will catch your attention from afar. Among the many beautifully carved shrines, one of the main attractions in the temple complex is the huge statue of Nandi – the bull of Lord Shiva. This statue, 13 ft high and 16 ft wide, is intricately carved out of one single rock structure. The Brihadisvara temple is a true example of the most artistic Dravidian architecture of the Chola Period. Thanjavur is around 61 km from the Tiruchirapalli International Airport and is a must-visit when in India.

Sabarimala Temple, Kerala

Among the most famous temples in southern India, the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is perched on a hilltop at 3000 ft above sea level. Located very close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Pampa riverfront, the drive to Sabarimala temple is truly memorable. The bright shining golden dome of the temple is an amazing sight to behold amidst the green landscape. One of the main idols of Lord Ayyappa inside the shrine is made of an alloy comprising five important metals. This is considered auspicious as per the Hindu belief, and hence many devotees come to pray here. Among the most popular temples in South India, the Sabarimala temple is visited by thousands of devotees during the months of November to April when the annual festival is celebrated in the temple.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Located within the Hampi temple complex and by the Tungabhadra river, the Virupaksha temple is one of the most important temples in south India. Constructed in the 7th century as part of the Hampi group of monuments, the temple is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by three impressive towers, with the main tower rising up to 9 stories and 50 meters tall, the Virupaksha temple is a glimpse of India’s rich architectural legacy. The artistic carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses can be seen on many pillars and across the temple structure. The temple has a shrine where people still come to worship, surrounded by hallways, a pillared monastery, and a sense of India’s rich history.