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India as a country is famous for its mindboggling array of attractions. With the majestic Himalayan range in the north, romantic deserts in the west, tropical climes in the south and bustling cities all over, there are endless attractions and regions for travelers to explore. One of the most beautiful, fascinating and spiritually charged regions of the country is its southern section. South India is home to gorgeous beaches, breathtaking backwaters, vibrant cities and a culture as well as culinary palate uniquely different from the rest of the country. It would however be the temples of this region that would count as the most famous of its attractions.
From Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Southern India has some of the country’s most visually stunning and religiously significant Hindu Temple complexes. While temples can be found of all sizes and dedications in and around every nook and corner of its cities and towns, here’s a list of the absolute must sees that would make even non-believers bow their head in awe!
Temples in Karnataka
Starting in the southwestern state of Karnataka, tourists will be treated to a grand beginning when they visit the city of Mysore. Standing tall above the glowing Mysore palace and the plumes of sandalwood incense smoke is Chamundi Hill. Atop the holy hill’s peak is the Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to the goddess Durga. Dating back to the 12th century, this main Mysore attraction has a beautiful 7-storey gopuram (monumental tower) and 1,000 steps leading up to its doors (though a bus is available as well).
Temples in Kerala
Moving south to the state of Kerala, the Dravidian-style Padmanabhaswamy Temple located in the capital city of Thiruvanathapuram is quite the large complex, with a 16th century gopuram, multiple shrine rooms and 6 vaults within the main temple itself. Unfortunately, for non-practitioners, this temple is only open to those of the Hindu faith. Another important temple in the state of Kerala is the Sri Krishna Temple in the town of Guruvayur. Dedicated to the god Krishna, this temple is one of the most important places of Hindu worship in all of Kerala. Dating back over 1,000 years, this notable temple is open to the public, but visitors must adhere to a strict dress code.
Temples in Tamil Nadu
The southern state of Tamil Nadu is home to a huge number of the country’s most important temples. One of the most famous of Tamil Nadu’s temples is found in the city of Madurai. The Meenakshi Amman Temple dates back to the mid 17th century and boasts 14 gopurams ranging up to nearly 52 meters in height. Dedicated to Parvati & Shiva, this colossal sculpted temple brings in around 15,000 visitors a day. With multiple entrance towers, shrines, historic sculptures and hall of 1,000 pillars, this temple is one of the country’s most amazing and best explored with a temple tour guide.
Found in the town of Thanjavur, the Brihadeshwara Temple is another of the state’s most famous structures. Entirely made out of granite, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the early 11th century and is one of the biggest temples in India. Dedicated to Shiva, this Dravidian-style temple is amongst the country’s most unique; definitely worth a visit! Other notable temples recommended by the Tamil Nadu tourism guide are the Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort & Temple, the Ramanathaswamy Temple located on Rameswaram Island, the Thillai Natarajah Temple found in Chidambaram and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.
Temples in Andhra Pradesh
Situated on the southwestern side of India, the state of Andhra Pradesh is most famous for one temple found near the city and major pilgrimage destination of Tirupati: the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Dating back to 300 BC, this temple is located in the hill town of Tirumala and sits 850 meters above sea level atop Venkatadri, the seventh of Tirumala Hill’s peaks. One of the richest pilgrimage centers in the world, up to 100,000 devotees visit this Vedic temple per day (40 million annually), making it the world’s most visited place of worship. Buzzing with thousands of worshippers, temple activities, annual festivals and more, this temple is one of the world’s most fascinating.
While Temple tours of South India are gaining popularity for their historical and religious significance as well as architectural brilliance, the guidance of a South India tour guide would be beneficial in understanding the culture and customs of the land, as well as help plan your visit to these mesmerizing holy temples - truly one of India’s most unforgettable experiences.