15 Famous Temples In South India You Must Visit In 2022
When we talk about the sacred and splendid famous temples of the South, the first thing that comes to our mind are the temples of South India. There is no doubt that South India is known for its number of exquisite temples. Temples built in South India have attracted similar attention, and they are the center of attraction for every visitor there. Tourists from all over the world come here just to get a glimpse of all the beauty of the Nanji images.
The temples to visit in South India will fascinate you with their culture and all their history. They will bring back your roots and will make you feel very happy and excited. So, here are the names and information of some of the best temples in South India so you can get to know them.
Here is a list of the most famous temples in South India:
1. Tirupati Tirumala Temple, Lord Vishnu:
The Tirupati temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara or commonly known as Lord Vishnu is definitely one of the top 5 South Indian temples in South India. Very popular with all pilgrims, this Balaji Temple in South India is located in the temple city of Chitur, Andhra Pradesh, South India. All pilgrims have to walk 3500 steps to reach the summit where the temple is located. From the foot of the mountain to the top, it takes about 4 hours to reach. You can also take an alternative route or take a bus to reach the temple. This is one of the richest and largest temples in South India. This place is not only patronized by kings, but also by movie stars.
- travel time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: bus/long trek
- Nearest bus stop: Tirumala – 0 km
- Nearest airport: Renigon Tower – 38 km from Tirupati
- Nearest train station: Tirupati – 22 km
- Best time to visit: Avoid summer vacation and Brahmotsavam time
- Peak season: January to December
- Dress Code: Do not
- time: 2:30am to 1:30am
- festival: Brahmotsavam (September/October)
- Other attractions: Srinivasa Mangapuram, Tiruchanur, Tarakona Falls
2. Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Lord Shiva:
Ramanatha Swamy Temple The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is one of the best temples in South India that can be visited in Rameshwaram. This is one of the ancient temples of South India and is named in the history of South Indian temples because it has the largest corridor in India. In the 12th century, the construction of the Rameshwaram temple had already begun. The building was contributed by many rulers of India. The corridor is about 1,220 meters long, and there are beautifully curved columns. There is also a 54-meter-high Gopuram, which has also become a symbol of divinity. There are also 22 wells around the Ramanatha Swamy temple. It is said that the water tastes very different from each well.
- travel time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: Cab/Car
- Nearest train station: Rameswaram Railway Station – 2 km
- Best time to visit: February-March and July-August
- Peak season: February to August
- Dress Code: Do not
- time: 5am to 1pm and 3pm to 9pm
- festival: Annual Brahmotsavams (February/March and July/August)
- Other attractions: Rameshwaram
3. Virupaksha Temple, Lord Shiva:
Virupaksha Temple is one of the most famous temples in South India and a very important temple in the city of Hampi. It is located to the west of Hampi Bazaar. This is one of the top temples in South India dedicated to Lord Shiva and therefore one of the holiest temples in Karnataka. The temple is still in ruins and is currently intact. Another name for the temple is Pampapathi Temple. This is one of the most famous temples in South India, built in the 7th century AD. Therefore, it is one of the oldest temples in India. First, it was a humble shrine, which was later enlarged under the reigns of the kings of Vijayanagar, Charukyan and Khoisara. This temple is the main center of pilgrimage for all people in Hampi. The tower of the main temple is 160 feet high. The inner walls of the temple are supported by a large corridor.This temple is included in the list of famous temples in South India and it also has a date
Dating back to the 15th century and renovated in the 16th century.
- travel time: 1 hour
- how can I get there: Cab/Car/Walk/Trek/Bike Rental
- Nearest bus stop: Hampi Bus Station – 0.4 km
- Best time to visit: February and December
- Peak season: November to March
- Dress Code: Do not
- time: 6am – 1pm and 5pm – 9pm
- festival: Annual Chariot Festival (February) and Wedding Celebration of Virupaksha and Pampa (December)
- Other attractions: Nandi Statue, Bhuvaneswari Shrine, Vidyaranya Shrine
4. Sri Meenakshi Agastheeshwara Swamy Temple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati:
Sri Meenakshi Agastheeshwara Swamy Temple is located in Nalgonda district of Telangana. This Meenakshi temple in southern India is very old and therefore dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. South Indian temple sources say that it was built in the 12th century by the rulers of Kakatiya. This temple is also located at the confluence of the Krishna and Musi rivers. This gives the temple religious significance. The temple is also famous for the steady stream of water from the head of the Shivalinga in the temple. It is also one of the most powerful temples in South India. Even if the water source is removed, the original water level of the water remains the same. It is said that the idols of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Sri Meenakshi Agastheswara were originally installed in the temple. Then the local ruler replaced them with an idol of Lord Shiva.
- travel time: 4 hours
- how can I get there: Taxi/Bus
- Nearest bus stop: Wadapally Bus Station – 1.2 km
- Nearest airport: Hyderabad – 172 km
- Nearest train station: Miryalaguda Railway Station – 29 km
- Best time to visit: march
- Peak season: February to April
- Dress Code: Do not
- time: 7am – 11pm and 6pm – 7:30pm
- festival: Great Shiva
- Other attractions: Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
5. Darasuram Airavathesvara Temple, Lord Shiva, Lord Yama, Lord Indra:
Airavathesvara Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola II. Built in the 12th century, it is one of five temples in South India that are listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is part of the “Great Living Chora Temple”. There is a lot of art and architecture in the temple. The vimana of the temple is also 85 feet high. In front of the temple is a huge chariot pulled by several horses. It is also one of the most powerful temples in South India. There are also some stone carvings in the temple, which are also very beautiful. The main consort of the god, the Periya Nayaki Amman Temple, is very close to the Airavateshwarar Temple. Legend has it that Lord Indra’s white elephant used to worship Lord Shiva, as did Lord Yama, the king of death.
- travel time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: Taxi/Bus
- Nearest bus stop: Kumbakonam Bus Station – 8 km
- Nearest airport: Trich International Airport – 70 km
- Nearest train station: Thanjavur Railway Station – 34 km
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Peak season: November to February
- Dress Code: Do not
- time: 6am to 7pm
- festival: Great Shiva
- Other attractions: Periya Nayaki Amman Temple, Kumbakonam
6. Gangaikonda Temple, Lord Shiva and Lord Saraswati:
This temple is a clear example of all the various types of South Indian Hindu temple architectural styles you can see in cultural temples and traditions in India. This temple has many interesting features, which are the reasons for its popularity across the country. The establishment of this temple is due to the great history and victories of Chora. The significance of these victories and history is remembered by the temple of Chora, so the art of this temple also has its importance. Various parts of the temple showcase the various contributions made by Cholas. This place also has various religious shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Saraswati.
- travel time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
- how can I get there: Taxi/Bus
- Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport – 111 km
- Nearest train station: Kuthalam Railway Station – 31 km
- Best time to visit: September to March
- Peak season: September to March
- Dress Code: Do not
- time: 6am – 12pm and 4pm – 8pm
- festival: Maha Shivaratri, Saraswati Puja
- Other attractions: Sri Kaliamman Temple, Pillayar Koil, Sri Periyanayaki Amman Temple
7. Vitala Temple, Lord Vishnu:
The temple is located on the south bank of the Tungabadra River. It is also one of the largest temples and one of the most famous. It is one of the oldest temples in South India. There is a stone cart and music column. The temple was built around the 15th century AD during the reign of King Devaraja II. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Hence, this temple is a must-see for all tourists in Hampi. The architecture of this temple has a Dravidian style. The chariots are built of large granite and also have fabulous battle scenes. There are now two elephants next to the chariot, where there were two horses before.
- travel time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: Taxi/Bus/Trek/Walk/Bike Rental
- Nearest bus stop: Hampi Bus Station – 9 km or Kamalapurura Bus Station – 5.5 km
- Nearest airport: Ballari Airport – 64 km
- Nearest train station: Hospet Railway Station – 10 km
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Peak season: January-February
- Dress Code: Do not
- time: 8:30am to 5:30pm
- festival: Prandaladasa Festival
- Other attractions: karanamantapa
8. Ayyappa Temple, Lord Ayyappan:
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is over 5000 years old. It is one of the oldest South Indian temples in India. The main attraction is that Lord Ayyappan is dedicated to this temple. The temple is located among 18 hills at an altitude of 3000 feet. The idol of Lord Ayyappan was installed by Lord Parasurama. All devotees offer traditional goods to the Lord. This is one of the historic temples in South India and there is no such restriction on caste and religion. It is open to men of all ages, but women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not allowed to enter the temple. The temple can be easily reached on foot from Pemba, which is the closest point on the road to the temple at a distance of 8 km.
- travel time: 2-3 hours
- how can I get there: trekking/walking
- Nearest bus stop: Sabari Mara – 0 km
- Nearest airport: Kochi Airport – 158 km
- Nearest train station: – Kottayam – 94 km
- Best time to visit: February – October
- Peak season: November – January
- Dress Code: Do not
- time: 4am – 1:30pm and 4pm – 11pm (November to January) and 5pm – 10pm (other months)
- festival: Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku, Makara Jyothi
- Other attractions: Sabarimara City
9. Agneeswarar Temple or KanjanurSukran Temple, Lord Shiva, Lord Agni and Goddess Kapagamba:
Agneeswarar Temple is located in Kanjanur, Tamil Nadu. This Shiva temple in southern India was built by the medieval Cholas and then renovated by the Vijayanagar Empire. It is said that Venerable Brahma had a vision of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati getting married here. Lord Agne is said to worship Lord Shiva here, that’s why the name, Agneeswarar. Sukran is said to be the most successful planet after Guru. Lord Sukland celebrates on Friday, so Friday is also considered special. This Brahma temple in southern India has extensive buildings and a wide ground area. Therefore, this temple is also a must visit for those who love history and architecture.
- travel time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: bus/taxi/car
- Nearest bus stop: Suryanar Temple – 3 km
- Nearest airport: Trich Airport – 70 km
- Nearest train station: Kumba Konan Railway Station -…