February 9, 2019

Top 10 Most Visited Pilgrim Destinations in Southern India



Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Image courtesy: wikipedia

The Temple Town of South India “Madurai “ is located on the banks of Vaigai River. The city is known for its historical and rich cultural heritage. Not only temples but the city is also known for “Jasmine Flowers” through out the world. Flocked by Tourist during  September till mid of February Madurai is considered a one of the major spiritual destination site in India. The most visited Meenakshi Temple, also referred to as Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva.

Other Places to Visit in Madhurai are - 

Azhagar Koyil ,Gandhi Museum ,Thiruparankundram ,Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal ,Kazimar Periya Pallivasal ,Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam .


Reaching Madurai



By Air: Nearest Airport is Madurai Airport (IXM). However connecting Flight from Chennai ,Mumbai,Delhi are available


By Train :  Regular trains connecting Madurai from major cities like Chennai , Kudalnagar are available.


By Road : Book AC as well as Non AC Taxi/Cabs in Madurai as per the need. Good connectivity leads to a good frequency of transport facilities for the travellers. So distances should not be a concern. 



Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Image courtesy: te.wikipedia.org 

World renouned Lord Venkateshwara Temple or much know as “Tirupati Balaji”, situated at top of Tirumala hill is among the most visited spiritual destination in Southern India.
Seven hills,surrounded by natural beauty and peaceful ambience of Eastern Ghats, is  believed to be seven hoods of Sheshnag, the Serpent God cushioning Lord Vishnu. Being one of the most worshipped temples in India this holy city is dotted with numerous other temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Situated at 2,799 ft this is  the second richest temple in the world, first being Padamanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
The holy city dedicated to Lord Vishnu is dotted with numerous other temples that are regarded high by the pilgrims who come to get a glimpse of him as Lord Venkateshwara.  

Other Places to Visit are -

Silathoranam , Kapilateertham , Govindaraja Sway Temple , Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple , Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple.

Reaching Tirupati

By Air: The closest airport to Tirumala is near Renigunta (International Airport). Direct flights to major Indian cities like Mumbai , New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam and Bengaluru operate from their airport. 

By Train : Tirupati located 26 km or so from Tirumala.


By Road : Direct buses from Chennai, Vellore and Bengaluru also operate from Tirupati. However Private Taxi and Cab Options are also available from Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Bangalore. 


Guruvayur, Kerala

Temple architecture
Image courtesy : wikimedia

 Located in Thrissur (Trichur) district of Kerala in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu ,it is also known as Bhoolokavaikunta, which literally means heaven on Earth . 
A real touch of typical Kerala style murals and architect can be seen in temples with a 7-meter high lamp stand known as “Dipastambha” 

Also known as “Dwarka of South” this red-roof temple is the most significant temple in India.The famous Poonam Festival with night long fireworks and Temple Elephant procession is a major tourist attraction.

Other Places to Visit- 

Kaladi , Punnathur Kotta, Chavakkad , Palayur.

Reaching Guruvayur Temple


By Air: Kochi is the  nearest airport for the international travellers.



By Train : Thrissur, just 29 km away, is the nearest railway station.



By Road : Bus connecting to all the major cities. Book a Cab/ Taxi from Thrissur to Guruvayur.

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Image courtesy : flicker 

“Dotted with  Thousand of Temples” - the most sacred city considered after Varanasi, Kancheepuram attract devotees from all over India. Located 62 km from Chennai.
Hotspot for a one day visit for tourist travelling to Chennai and Tirupati, to admire the sandstone craving , chariot processions and shrines. And yes, don't miss to buy ,pure silk sarees “Kanjeevaram Sarees” are world famous.

Other Places to Visit - 

Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple (Panchabhoota Temple) , Kamakshi Amman Temple (a Shakti Peetha) and the hundred-pillared Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Divya Desam). 


Reaching Kanchipuram


By Air: Nearest Airport Kancheepuram , Chennai airport , Tirupati airport.



By Train : Nearest Railway Station- Kancheepuram.



By Road : Kanchipuram is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses. Private Cab/Taxi may be hired from Chennai,  Tirupari.

Sabarimala, Kerala


Sabrimala Temple
Image courtesy : wikimedia 


The most visited  pilgrim centre of South India is “Sabarimla”, 165 km away from Thiruvanathapuram the temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa Swami.  Located amidst the Western Ghat of India surrounded by the natural beauty ,this place is believed to be a very sacred place ,among the Hindu's in Kerala. The two main rituals are Mandalapooja and Makarvilakku. People visiting Sabarimala have to observe austerity for 41 days before visiting the temple.
It is the only temple in India where women aged between 10 and 50 cannot visit !

Reaching Sabarimala


By Air: International airports in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. However connecting flight from Calicut ,Kozhikkode , Madurai , Coimbatore are also available.


By Train : The nearest railway stations are at Kottayam, Thiruvalla and Chenganur.


By Road : Bus facility connecting all major cities available. Private Cab/Taxi may be hired from nearest city.

Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh

Image courtesy : flicker
Located in a small town of Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi is world renowned for its spiritual and cultural importance. Believed to be the second incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba, Puttaparthi is the birth place of the divine, Sri Satya Sai Baba. 

Prashanti Nilayam “Abode of Peace” is one among the famous destination for people looking for spiritual tourism. A trip to south India is literally incomplete without visiting the Sai Baba ashram of Puttaparthi. 

Other Places to Visit – 

Chaitnanya Jyoti, Museum, Planetarium (Space Theater) , Hill View Stadium, Sathyabhama Temple, Gopuram,Kalpavruksha,Anjaneya Swamy temple.

How To Reach Puttaparthi


By Air: There is a local airport in Puttaparthi, which connects it to Mumbai and Chennai.



By Train : The railway station at Puttaparthi connects it to the main cities of India like Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bubhaneshwar, Mumbai and New Delhi.



By Road: Puttaparthi is easily accessible from the various cities of India by road




Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Image courtesy : flicker 

Piligrim attraction “Rameshwaram” is an island situated on Pamban Island at the very tip of the Indian peninsula and is one among the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. According to an ols saying “Pilgrim to Varanasi is incomplete without visiting to Rameshwaram”.

Considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage  i.e Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka and Rameshwaram.

Other places to Visit-

Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agni Tirtham, Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir & Floating Stone.

Reaching Rameshwaram


By Air: Nearest airport is Madhurai but connecting flight are also available from Chennai, Coimbatore, Thanjavur and Trichy. You can book one way cab or taxi from Madurai to Rameshwaram. 


By Train: Rameshwaram is well connected to Madhurai, Chennai , Coimbatore and Trichy.



By Road:  Since Rameshwaram is only 169 km away one day road trip on NH-87 Madhurai -Rameshwaram highway is much refreshing. Cab/Taxi from major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, & Thanjavur are also available. 

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjavur

A perfect blend of historical depth and religious significance “Thanjavur” is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ruled by Cholas, Pandyas, Nayaks , Marathas and British at various time spans its talks about its history in the form of paintings and architecture. Blessed with three tributaries of River Kaveri (Pudhaaru, Vadavaaru and Vennaaru), it is first of many architectural footprints of Chola dynasty.

Other Places to visit Attraction-

Brihadeeswarar Temple , Shiva Ganga Garden , Guru Alangudi Temple , Vellai Puliar Temple , Tiruvannamalai Temple , Schwartz Church , Vijaynagar Fort

Reaching Thanjavur


By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli which is 60 km away from Thanjavur.



By Train: Direct trains from Thrissur, Tripur, Rameswaram, Ernakulam, etc are available connecting with Thanjavur Junction through southern railway line.


By Road: Bus service from Banglore, Pondicherry are available. Car/Taxi can also be hired from Rameshwaram , Thrissur and Ernakulam.

Auroville, Pondicherry (UT)

Matrimandir Auroville
Image courtesy: Wikimedia 

A symbol of Global Harmony, this is a spiritual centre established by Mirra Alfassa, a spiritual guru in 1968 where people from across globe visit in search of peace. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs.Located amidst beautiful forest and calm beach ,Matrimandir is one of the major highlights of this must-visit travel destination in Pondicherry. It's not just a place but a planned township in itself, to accommodate more than 50000 people.

Other places to visit- 

Matrimandir , Afsana guesthouse , Savitri Bhawan  , Vérité Learning Centre , Solar Kitchen’s Terrace , Visitors' centre , Auroville Beach. It will be best option that hire a local cab in Pondicherry and visit all these places in comfortably and conveniently. 

Reaching Auroville


By Air :  Chennai is The nearest international and domestic airport  Airport.

By Train : Pondicherry-Villupuram is the nearest railway station. However Nagercoil Express gives connectivity to northern region.

By Road : Direct Buses from Chennai or private Cab are also available making connectivity easier for travellers travelling to Auroville. Airport Cab are also available from Pondicherry airport.


KanyaKumari, Tamil Nadu

Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari
Image courtesy: Wikimedia

Most traveled destination and renowned for it's rosy-hued of sand and spectacular sunrise and sunset “Kanyakumari” is located at the southernmost tip with three mighty oceans acting as a natural defence to its state boundaries.Besides its importance as a Hindi Piligrim Centre “Kanyakumari  has been a great center for art, culture, civilization.

 Architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place have a touch of Islam, Christianity and Jainism.The remarkable spot where the oceans merge, known as Triveni Sangam is worth seeing where the oceans water can be distinguished from each other, based on variations in their shades of blue.

Other places to visit - 

Kumari Amman Temple, Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue , Thanumalayan Temple, Udayagiri Fort , Vattakotai Fort

Reaching Kanyakumari


By Air : Kanyakumari is directly connected with Bangalore, Mumbai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, and Chennai by regular flights however  the nearest airport is at Trivandrum (80 km).

By Train : Kanyakumari is connected to Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, and Mumbai by broad-gauge railway network. Tirunelvelli (80 km) is the other nearest railway junction and can be reached by road via Nagarkoil (19 km).


By Road :  Buses from all the major cities connect Kanyakumari are available. 
Or else you can visit this place by private cab or taxi for Kanyakumari from your nearest. place.


  • Kanyakumari to  Nagarkoil (19 km)
  • Kanyakumari to Trivandrum (86 km)
  • Kanyakumari to Madurai (242 km)
  • Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram (300 km)
  • Kanyakumari to Cochin (309 km)
  • Kanyakumari to Kodaikanal (362 km)
  • Kanyakumari to Coimbatore (478 km)


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