The best places to visit in southern India and New Delhi from a traveling American’s perspective:
1. Taj Mahal
Obviously you have to go here, it’s one of the seven wonders of the world!
Location: Agra, New Delhi
- The Taj Mahal is about a three-and-a-half Uber ride from New Delhi. It’s out in the country, not in the city. So do not be like us and only plan to be in New Delhi for one day! You’ll be super stressed about making it to the site on time. Plan at least two days in New Delhi.
- Or just fly straight into Agra and save time!
Tickets: I recommend buying tickets beforehand online. It’s a little confusing to know where to buy tickets at the site, so it’s easier just to have the tickets already purchased.
- Price: For my husband and I, the tickets costed about $30 total. I chose to add on a fee to be able to go inside the main mausoleum. It was definitely worth it, although my favorite part was the exterior.
Why It’s Awesome: The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders for a reason! It was an adventure to get there, but it’s absolutely stunning. It took our breath away.
Additional Info: I low-key thought the Taj Mahal was a palace. It’s technically a really fancy grave site, or mausoleum, for a sultan and his favorite wife. You can read more about the history on posters at the site.
2. Araku Valley
One of the best places to visit in southern India is a hill top station and nature escape!
Location: Andhra Pradesh, 115 km from the city of Vishakhapatnam (Vizag)
Price: Entrance fees (and transportation fees to get there)
Recommended places to explore:
- Borra Caves
- The Borra Caves is located 36 km away from Araku Valley. There’s a small entrance fee. The limestone caves are decorated with bright lights. It’s fun, different, and makes you feel like a jungle explorer.
2. Katiki Waterfalls at Ananthagiri
- Beautiful, 50 ft high waterfall near Borra Caves.
- You pay for a Jeep ride that takes you up part of the way, and then you hike the rest of the way to the waterfall. It gives off adventurous vibes, and you are able to see stunning vistas of the forests and valleys below. It was a mistier day for us, but it was still awe-inspiring.
- On the path to the waterfall, I ate the most amazing pineapple!
- Travel tip: Try the fresh fruit!
3. The shops at Ananthagiri
- We got to eat delicious biryani (a dish composed of rice and meat) cooked in a bamboo rod in a hut-like enclosure. I couldn’t do the spice, but other than that, it was an amazing meal and great service.
- Travel tip: Check out the vendors selling souvenirs. In Araku Valley, the items were particularly unique and well-crafted.
Additional Info: Don’t get lost in the jungle on a trail that isn’t really a trail when it’s closing time and it’s starting to storm. (Not that we did that!)
- We loved Araku Valley. If you want a taste of India’s natural wonders and landscape, visit it!
3. Kailasagiri
Kailasagiri: A hilltop park with attractions and beautiful views. It’s one of the best places to visit in southern India, because it offers fun and spontaneity.
Location: Vishakhapatnam (Vizag)
Price: Entrance fee (price depends on method of transportation)
Things to Do:
- Visit the 40-ft tall Hindu statues of Shiva and Parvathi on the hilltop.
- If you have kids, take a ride on the Toy Train.
- Enjoy the park! Hike to a panoramic view of Vizag, check out other statues, and get lost in nature.
- Stop and shop at the local vendors as well. (I bought the best earrings there!)
4. Golconda Fort
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Price: Entrance fee (we paid it on the spot; fairly cheap)
Why It’s Awesome:
- Golconda Fort dates back to the 12th century. The expansiveness of this fortress blew my mind! Many ruins remain, and it’s simply magical to walk alongside the outer walls, examine the intricate archways, and explore the inner empty chambers.
- From our American perspective, it felt like there were not many rules at the site, which means you could explore almost any part of the grounds that you wanted. My husband and I enjoyed the sense of freedom while adventuring.
- There’s a Hindu temple on the grounds as well. You are expected to take off your shoes, and be respectful as you enter it. It was a neat experience.
- Among this list of the best places to visit in southern India, Golconda Fort is my favorite.
Additional Info:
- Beware of bats! A few of the dark, innermost rooms are home to a company of bats. Guards typically ward off guests from the bat rooms, but you can peak in around the corner and see the bats crowding the ceilings.
5. Charminar
Location: Hyderabad
Price: Depends on how much money you spend shopping!
Why It’s Awesome:
- Charminar is a stunning gate-like structure with four towers. It’s an important historic monument, and it also marks the spot of a vibrant shopping district.
- Go to Charminar and shop! Vendors line up the street on both sides, and will persistently try to sell you their wares. You’ll find hundreds of earrings, bangles, and necklaces. Its lively, exciting atmosphere will provide a rush for any western shopper.
Additional Info: Barter! Don’t hesitate to barter for lower prices to get the best deal.
6. Qutub Shahi Tombs
Location: Hyderabad, near Golconda Fort
Price: Entrance Fee (very affordable)
Why It’s Awesome:
- The Qutub Shahi Tombs are seven tombs of ancient and revered rulers. The architecture of the tombs, with their domes and archways, was neat to experience.
- My husband and I saw many Hindu sites, so it was neat to see a Muslim site as well. The site was peaceful and it was a relaxing break from all the crowds.
7. Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Location: Vizag
About the temple:
- The Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a large, beautiful Hindu temple sitting on top of a hill in Vizag.
- At each Hindu temple we visited, you’d take your shoes off. I can’t remember if we had to pay an entrance fee, but if we did, it was pretty cheap, and people can choose to make donations.
- Religious sites definitely make the cut of best places to visit in southern India. It was a neat experience to go inside the temples and see the beautiful artwork.
Additional Info: This temple was recommended to us by one of our Uber drivers! Travel tip: Ask the locals to know the BEST places to visit and explore.
- We loved India and so will you!
Final Tip: You won’t want to miss out on this one
Final tip: Fly to the Maldives before you head home! It’s a stunning country composed of hundreds of little islands. It has white, sandy beaches you dream about and clear, turquoise-blue water that will make you feel like a sea goddess.
Sources:
For Taj Mahal Tickets: https://www.tajmahal.gov.in/ will direct you to https://asi.payumoney.com/#/
For info on Araku Valley: https://www.makemytrip.com/tripideas/placeAndActivity/trip?contentId=9a989249-d136-4a61-bb78-89677dd3de50&autoSuggestTile=&srcPoiId=&destPoiId=5dc156ce713dd28464c037a0&prev=
For info on Kailasagiri: https://vizagtourism.org.in/kailasagiri-park-vizag
For info on Golconda Fort: https://hyderabad.telangana.gov.in/tourist-place/golconda-fort/
For info on Charminar: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Charminar
For info on Qutub Shahi Tombs: https://www.makemytrip.com/tripideas/attractions/qutb-shahi-tombs
For info on Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varaha_Lakshmi_Narasimha_temple,_Simhachalam
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