The temples in South India are some of the country’s most ancient and exquisite examples of architecture. These structures are man-made wonders, constructed of diverse stones and frequently featuring tall, expressive Gopuras. The majority of these South Indian temples, which are dispersed across the five states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh as well as Telangana, are exquisite examples of the renowned Dravidian temple architecture, which draws millions of tourists and academics from around the world each year. Here are the 10 most famous south Indian temples.
South Indian Temples
1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Trivandrum
In terms of architectural design, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is among the most intriguing and well-known temples in South India. It was constructed using an unusual mix of Dravidian and Keralan architectural styles. Numerous royal dynasties, including the Travancore Royal Family, have called this 16th-century shrine home over the years. Trivandrum, a significant port city in the state of Kerala, offers direct access to all of India via air, rail, and road. Booking trains and flights to Trivandrum from all major and tier 2 Indian cities is rather simple.
Also Read: Top 10 Oldest Temples In The World
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2. Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
Among the great existing Chola temples, the temple built a millennium ago is likely the most well-known. It was created by KunjaraMallan Raja Rama Perunthachan and built by King Rajaraja Chola. The temple is well-known for its dancing Shiva, other stone idols, and a sizable Nandi sculpture. In 1987, UNESCO designated this massive temple, which has numerous architectural marvels, as a world historic site.
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3. Ranganathaswamy Temple – Trichy
Lord Ranganatha’s temple, known as Ranganathaswamy, was built in the sixth century AD (a form of Lord Vishnu). This temple, which was constructed using conventional Dravidian style, is revered in early Tamil literary texts as a significant Divya Desam to Lord Vishnu. There are good connections between Trichy’s local and international airports and cities around India and the rest of the world. Major Indian metropolises are easily accessible by train from the city. The closest major city by road is Chennai, which is 335 kilometers away and can be reached in roughly 6 hours.
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4. Chennakeshava Temple – Belur
King Vishnuvardhana erected the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, the first capital of the Hoysala Empire, in the 12th century. This temple is among the most magnificent in South India and draws visitors from all across the nation. Belur is only 114 kilometers from the airport in Mangalore, which is well-connected to all of India’s major cities. Sakleshpur, in Karnataka, is 26 kilometers from Belur and is the closest railroad station. From Mangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore, there are daily bus services.
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5. Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur
Brihadeeswarar Temple, a temple in Thanjavur that just celebrated 1000 years of existence, is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the well-known temples in South India constructed by the magnificent Chola empire. Since Thanjavur lacks an airport, Trichy, which is located 48 kilometers from the city center, has the closest airport. From Thanjavur Junction, there is good train access to other significant South Indian cities. Regular buses that travel from Thanjavur to Chennai and take 6.5 hours in total are available.
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6. Guruvayur Temple – Guruvayur
This South Indian temple, which is situated in the town of Guruvayur, is frequently regarded as the most significant destination of worship for Hindus in Kerala, who see it as the “Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth.” One of South India’s most well-known and ancient temples, according to the earliest scripted documents, is thought to be close to 5000 years old.
The Kochi International Airport, just a 90-minute drive from Guruvayur, is the closest airport, providing the temple with good domestic and international access. Additionally, Guruvayur has a railroad station that connects to other significant train hubs in the south of India, including Ernakulam, Chennai, and Coimbatore.
Also Read: 14 Types Of Buddhism Symbols With Meanings
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7. Ekambareswarar Temple – Kanchipuram
The largest of all the well-known temples in south India is Ekambareswarar Temple, which is spread out across an area of more than 25 acres. Six players are offered to the deity daily, and there are 12 celebrations held at the temple throughout the year. Kanchipuram is only 68 kilometers from Chennai, making it quite convenient for anyone who wants to get there by plane. In addition, Kanchipuram has its own bus terminal and railway station, allowing it access to all of India’s main cities due to its proximity to Chennai.
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8. Vadakkunnathan Temple – Thrissur
Lord Shiva is the subject of this temple, which was constructed in Thrissur’s lush natural environs. Visit the historic artworks, such as the collection of mural paintings that depict the Mahabharata, and the traditional Keralan architecture. Come to this temple in April and May to witness the spectacular fireworks displays that mark the Pooram festival. The closest station is the Thrissur railway station, which is just 2 km from the temple. If you enjoy flying a lot, the Kochi airport is 50 miles from Thrissur and you might take a bus or a taxi there to get to the temple.
Vadakkunnathan Temple – Thrissur
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9. Shore Temple – Mahabalipuram
The magnificent seaside pilgrimage site in Mahabalipuram was constructed in the 7th century and is one of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu. UNESCO has designated the temple as a World Heritage Site. Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Brahma each have one of the three main shrines in the temple. The Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, which is hosted on the complex’s exterior, is the ideal time to visit the temple. The nearest connections to the city are the Chennai airport and Chennai railway station. There are many buses that travel the roughly 50 km route between the two cities every day.
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10. Bhutanatha Temple – Badami
Around ten “Dashavataras,” or incarnations of Lord Vishnu, are known to have existed throughout time. Bhutanatha Temple was constructed to investigate the very essence of the avatars. The building’s design blends early south Indian and north Indian architectural styles. And it’s not just one temple—it’s a collection of temples housed in a sizable complex and encircled by a crystal-clear lake and the rugged Badami mountains.
There is a railroad station in the town, but it is not particularly busy. The Hubli railway station is a significant intersection on the journey. There is an airport at Belgaum, which is 150 kilometers away. The bus or a rented taxi with good road connectivity are the best ways to get to Badami from any of these locations.
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