The southern part of India is a vivid example of prosperous Indian culture. From Silicon Valley to evergreen vegetation, south India is always there to take your heart. It bears the imprints of Indian history ranging from ancient to British times. Whether you are at the southernmost tip of Kanyakumari or in the city life of Banglore, the charismatic beauty will never fail to amaze you. The complex integration of cultural, natural, and technological elements in southern India is always a treat to the soul and eyes. It presents you with a glimpse of how diverse and yet united India can be.
Take a train trip to explore the exotic south India and capture the evergreen beauty of some of the alluring locations. RailMitra app has exceptional tools to help you make the blueprint of your train journey and have a memorable experience. You can look up the national as well as the local train time table, train live status, PNR status and more on this app.
Top 15 Places to Visit in South India by Train
Even the smallest place in south India has thousands of stories to tell. Though the whole of south India is worth exploring, here is a list of the top 15 destinations you must explore via train.
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Situated at the southernmost end of India, Kanyakumari is where three oceans meet. This is among those rare locations in India where one can witness the sun rising and setting from the ocean. The mesmerising vastness of oceans will take your heart away. If you get the chance to visit Courtallam Falls, do feel the rush of water touching your feet. It will be a lifelong memory.
Major Attractions: Thiruvalluvar Statue, Sarvani Shaktipeeth, Our Lady of Ransom Church, Trisea Sangamam, Vattakottai Fort, Kanyakumari Beach, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Nearest Railway Station: Kanyakumari
Trivandrum, Kerala
Trivandrum is located in Kerala and is also called the abode of Lord Anantha. It is the gateway to beaches and backwaters. This historical city of southern India unfolds a mesmerising amalgamation of picturesque beauty and rich cultural history.
Major Attractions: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple; Kanakakunnu Palace, Shankumugham Beach, Kuthira Malika, Attukal Temple, Kowdiar Palace, Koyikkal Palace, Karikkakom Devi Temple, and Napier Museum.
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram
Kochi, Kerala
Located on the Western Ghats, Kochi overlooks the Arabian Sea. This place is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, as it reveals the legacy and cultural imprints of Arab, Portuguese, and British cultures. Appam, a dish from Kochi, is a must-try delicacy.
Major Attractions: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis CSI Church, Paradesi Synagogue, Hill Palace Museum, Willingdon Island, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, and Cherai Beach.
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction
Warangal, Telangana
Warangal was once the centre of the Kakatiya dynasty. It reveals a mesmerising blend of prosperous Indian culture thriving amidst lush green vegetation. Monuments built of blue granite are like a treat to the eyes.
Major Attractions: Kakatiya Zoological Park, Thousand Pillar Temple, Kush Mahal, Warangal Fort, Padmakshi Temple, Waddepally Lake, Kakatiya Musical Garden, and Bhadrakali Lake.
Nearest Railway Station: Warangal
Hyderabad, Telangana
The capital city of Telangana carries a rich heritage of Nizami culture. Relishing Mughlai dishes decorate every other street in Hyderabad. Also called the “city of pearls,” Hyderabad is one of the perfect examples of unity in diversity due to its varied culture.
Major Attractions: Charminar, Golkonda Fort, Hussain Sagar Lake, Ramoji Film City, Birla Mandir, Lumbini Park, Shilparamam, Osman Sagar, Necklace Road, Chowmahalla Palace, and Qutb Shahi Tombs.
Nearest Railway Stations: Nampally and Hyderabad
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Are you an orophile? Do you feel the mountains resplendent with lush green meadows calling you? Then Ooty is a must-visit place for you. The “Queen of Hills” state shelters rich flora and gushing waterfalls surrounding the colonial architect. Remember to buy aromatic oil and handmade chocolates from Ooty. You can give Ooty a thought if you are planning your honeymoon trip.
You can refer to the local train time table for journeying the adjoining areas of this heavenly location
Major Attractions: The Tea Factory and Tea Museum, Thread Garden, Government Museum, Doddabetta, Ooty Lake, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, St. Stephen’s Church.
Nearest Railway Station: Mettupalayam railway station
Mysore, Karnataka
Known as the city of garden palaces, Mysore has all the potential to carry away your heart. Magnificent palaces, art galleries, museums, and sculptures are a treat to the soul. You can plan a visit during the popular Dasara festival in Mysore. Thousands of tourists worldwide arrive in Mysore to enjoy this festival.
Major Attractions: Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Philomena’s Church, Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden, Somanathapura Temple, Chamundeshwari Temple, Karanji Lake, Brindavan Gardens, Venugopala Swamy Temple.
Nearest Railway Station: Mysore Junction
Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad is one of the top tourist destinations in south India. Gushing waterfalls and the aroma of spice plantations will melt your heart. Bamboo rafting at Kuruva Island is the most loved tourist activity. You can also enjoy the tree house stay at Wayanad.
Major Attractions: Banasura Dam, Edakkal Caves, Kuruvadweep, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Neelimala Viewpoint, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Thirunelli Temple, Chembra Peak, Kanthanpara Waterfalls.
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode
Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is one of the must-visit-before-you-die places in India. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi houses remnants of ancient Indian culture. The temple ruins and rock structures still have the imprints of the glorious Vijayanagara dynasty.
Major Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill, Hemakuta Hill Temple, Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Stone Chariot, and Hampi Architectural Ruins.
Nearest Railway Station: Hospet Junction
Tanjore, Tamil Nadu
The rice bowl of Tamil Nadu was once the centre of the Chola dynasty. Gold relief paintings and green rice fields at Tanjore can hypnotise anyone. If you get a chance to visit Tanjore, be mindful of buying the adorable Thalaiyatti Bommai doll.
Major Attractions: Great Living Chola Temples; Brihadeeswara Temple; Thanjavur Maratha Palace; Sivaganga Park; Saraswathi Mahal Library; Aiyarappar Temple; Royal Palace Museum.
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Junction and Trichy Junction
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram is another must-visit place in the southern state of Kerala. It houses numerous temples with intricate carvings. It is called the “golden city of a thousand temples.” The Kanjivaram saree becomes a must-buy item at Kanchipuram due to its texture, glimmer, and intricate weaving style.
Major Attractions: Thiru Ekambaranathar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Kanchi Kudil, Kailasanathar Temple, and Ekambareswarar Temple.
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
If Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, then Madurai is its soul. It is a prominent, ancient city in southern India, revealing its rich heritage and culture. Skylining Gopurams presents a pleasant site.
Major Attractions: Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Samanar Hill, and Pandi Kovil Temple, Alagar Kovil.
Nearest Railway Station: Madurai Junction
Alleppey, Kerala
Though Alleppey is a small district in Kerala, it has hidden hypnotising beauty inside. Backwaters, wildlife, lush green vegetation, and cascading waterfalls will present lifetime memories.
Major Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Punnamada Lake, Vembanad Krishnapuram Palace, Basilica of St. Mary, Pathiramanal, Mullakkal Temple.
Nearest Railway Station: Alappuzha Railway Station
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Located in the lap of the eastern Ghat, Araku Valley presents picturesque beauty away from the chaos of city life. A visit to the coffee plantation fields is like a whole new experience.
Major Attractions: Padmapuram Gardens, Rana Jilleda Waterfalls, Coffee Museum, Ananthagiri Waterfalls, Borra Caves.
Nearest Railway Station: Araku railway station
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram is one of the sacred holy places of Hindu mythology. Located at Pamban Island, Rameshwaram unfolds the vast ocean before you. Do you love adventure? Then here is a treat for you. Do travel over the Pamban bridge train to satisfy your adventurous soul.
Major Attractions: Agni Tirtham, Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram TV Tower, Adam’s Bridge, Pamban Road Bridge or Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge, Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, & Floating Stones.
Nearest Railway Station: Rameswaram
Modern technology has opened multiple ways to travel to south India. Though the airways is the easiest, travelling by train is always the best way to explore a place. A journey by train lets you explore the hidden gems of India along the train route. You get an opportunity to experience the microscopic details of a place. So, a train tour is highly recommended for a visit to southern India.
While planning a train journey, you must have the RailMitra app on your smartphone. It is an excellent train enquiry service application. It helps you know the PNR status, the NTES live station, and the live running status of the train. You can even check the local train time table to visit the interiors of any place. Apart from that, you can also order food on the train using RailMitra and enjoy south Indian delicacies while on the train.
