India is a land blessed with countless temples, breathtaking landscapes, and a heritage that speaks through every stone and sculpture. From the snow-clad Himalayas to the sun-kissed southern shores, every region offers something unique — but when it comes to blending divinity with travel, South India stands apart.
South India is not just a destination; it’s an experience of timeless beauty and devotion. The region is adorned with ancient temples that showcase Dravidian architecture, intricate carvings, and spiritual stories that date back thousands of years.
Beyond temples, South India is filled with lush green hills, serene beaches, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil backwaters, making it a perfect blend of spirituality and leisure. You can enjoy a peaceful darshan in the morning and spend the evening with your family exploring tea estates, ancient forts, or enjoying traditional cuisine and cultural performances.
So why not make New Year 2026 truly memorable?
Begin your journey through the heart of South India — where nature meets divinity, and every moment spent with your family or friends becomes a cherished memory. Let this year be about discovering the sacred, the scenic, and the soulful — all in one unforgettable trip.
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple – Madurai, Tamil Nadu
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is the pride of Madurai and one of India’s grandest architectural wonders. Spread across 15 acres, the temple features four towering gopurams (gateway towers) covered in vibrant sculptures. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), it is a living example of Dravidian craftsmanship.
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Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Place to Visit:
After a spiritually enriching visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, your Madurai tour can continue seamlessly with nearby heritage attractions that add depth.
Just about 2 km from the temple is the magnificent Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century royal residence celebrated for its massive stucco pillars and elegant Indo-Saracenic architecture. Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the palace makes for a relaxed and visually captivating afternoon visit after darshan.
From there, you can proceed to the Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai, housed in the historic Tamukkam Palace, once the residence of Rani Mangammal. Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and India’s freedom struggle, the museum displays rare letters, photographs, personal belongings, and a visual narrative of Gandhi’s life and ideals. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 5:45 PM, offering ample time to explore.
2. Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Brihadeeswarar Temple (also known as the Big Temple) was built in the 11th century by Raja Raja Chola I. Its 66-meter vimana (tower) is among the tallest in India and symbolizes the peak of Chola artistry. Inside, the massive Shiva Linga and carved granite halls leave visitors in awe.
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Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Place to Visit:
The Thanjavur Royal Palace Complex, just beside the temple, houses the Saraswathi Mahal Library and art galleries filled with sculptures and paintings. It’s open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
3. Ramanathaswamy Temple – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
The Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. According to legend, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before crossing to Lanka. The temple’s long pillared corridor — stretching over 1,200 meters — is the longest in India.
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Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Place to Visit:
Families should visit Dhanushkodi Beach, about 20 km away. Once a town destroyed by a cyclone, it now offers serene views where the Bay of Bengal meets the Gulf of Mannar — a scenic and spiritual experience.
4. Kapaleeshwarar Temple – Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Mylapore, Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of Chennai’s most revered Shiva temples. Originally built in the 7th century and rebuilt later, it boasts a 40-meter-high gopuram adorned with intricate sculptures. The temple also celebrates the vibrant Arupathimoovar Festival dedicated to the 63 Nayanar saints.
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Place to Visit:
Only 2 km away lies Marina Beach, one of the world’s longest urban beaches, perfect for an evening stroll or sunset view after darshan.
5. Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple – Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
The Thanumalayan Temple in Suchindram is rare as it enshrines all three major Hindu deities — Shiva (Sthanu), Vishnu (Mal), and Brahma (Ayan) — in a single complex. The temple’s seven-story white gopuram and the 1,035-pillared hall with musical pillars showcase stunning craftsmanship.
- Temple Timings: 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Place to Visit:
Just 12 km away, the coastal town of Kanyakumari offers breathtaking sights like the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Triveni Sangam, where three seas meet. Don’t miss the sunrise and sunset views from India’s southern tip.
6. Kanaka Durga Temple – Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Perched atop Indrakeeladri Hill, the Kanaka Durga Temple overlooks the Krishna River. Dedicated to Goddess Durga in her fierce form slaying Mahishasura, the temple’s nine-tiered gopuram is a landmark of Vijayawada.
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Temple Timings: 4:00 AM – 5:45 PM and 6:15 PM – 10:00 PM
Place to Visit:
Just 2 km away are the Undavalli Caves, 4th-century rock-cut chambers with ancient Vishnu sculptures. The Prakasam Barrage, a scenic bridge over the Krishna River, is another nearby spot for a peaceful evening walk.
7. Simhachalam Temple – Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Simhachalam Temple sits atop Simhachalam Hill in Visakhapatnam and is dedicated to https://www.omspiritualshop.com/collections/idols/products/impon-narasimha-statue — an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple’s deity remains covered in sandalwood paste for most of the year, revealing its form only once annually.
- Temple Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Place to Visit:
Visit Kailasagiri Park, a hilltop garden offering panoramic city and sea views. The massive Shiva-Parvati statue and ropeway make it a fun experience for families.
8. Tirupati Venkateswara Temple – Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is one of India’s holiest and richest shrines, attracting millions of devotees annually. Perched on the Tirumala Hills, it is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu) and radiates divine energy.
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Temple Timings: Around 1:30 AM – Midnight
Place to Visit:
Sri Venkateshwara Zoological Park is located about 8–12 km from the main Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Recognized as one of the most naturally designed zoos in Asia, it follows the concept of captive animals living in natural habitats, providing wildlife with surroundings that closely resemble their native environment.The zoo is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and remains closed on Mondays.
9. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Located in Kerala’s capital, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining form as Padmanabha. Blending Kerala and Dravidian architecture, it is famous for its mysterious underground treasures and 365-pillared halls.
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Temple Timings: 3:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 7:20 PM
Place to Visit:
Visit Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple and the scenic Kovalam Beach, just 12 km away, known for its calm waves and palm-fringed beauty.
10. Guruvayur Temple – Thrissur, Kerala
Known as Bhooloka Vaikuntha (“Heaven on Earth”), Guruvayur Temple is Kerala’s most sacred Krishna temple. The idol here is believed to have been worshipped for centuries and continues to attract devotees in large numbers.
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Temple Timings: 3:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Place to Visit:
Don’t miss Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, home to over 60 temple elephants, and Chavakkad Beach, a calm spot where a river meets the sea — ideal for a peaceful evening.
11. Sabarimala Temple – Pathanamthitta, Kerala
The Sabarimala Temple is the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa, nestled in the dense forests of the Western Ghats. Open only during specific seasons like Mandala Pooja (Nov–Dec) and Makara Sankranti (Jan), it attracts millions of pilgrims who trek through the hills for darshan.
Place to Visit:
The Pamba River and Konni Elephant Training Centre near Sabarimala offer unique natural and cultural experiences.
12. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple – Udupi, Karnataka
Founded in the 13th century by Sri Madhvacharya, this temple houses a beautiful idol of Lord Krishna visible through a silver-plated window. The temple is also known for its daily Annadanam (free meal service).
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Temple Timings: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Place to Visit:
Visit Malpe Beach, just 6 km away, and take a short boat ride to St. Mary’s Island, known for its unique basalt rock formations.
13. Murudeshwar Temple – Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
Set dramatically on Kanduka Hill beside the Arabian Sea, the Murudeshwar Temple is famous for its 123-foot statue of Lord Shiva — one of the tallest in the world. The towering gopuram and sea-facing view make it truly breathtaking.
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Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Place to Visit:
Visit Murudeshwar Beach below the temple for a swim or sunset stroll. For history lovers, Mirjan Fort (56 km away) offers a glimpse into 16th-century coastal life.
14. Virupaksha Temple – Hampi, Karnataka
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, the Virupaksha Temple is an active 7th-century Shiva temple. It features a 50-meter-tall tower and intricately carved halls that reflect the glory of the Vijayanagara Empire.
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Temple Timings: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Place to Visit:
Explore Vittala Temple (famous for its stone chariot) and Lotus Mahal within the royal enclosure — perfect for a family walk through India’s medieval past.
Start your New Year with a soulful blend of spirituality and adventure—exploring divine temples, witnessing magnificent deities, and admiring timeless architectural marvels.
Begin your sacred journey by bringing home divine energy with Lord Ganesha statues, Om Vel stands, Lord Murugan statues, and essential pooja items from Om Spiritual Shop
