If you’ve ever wandered around India and thought, “Man, I wish I knew more spots that aren’t flooded with tourists,” you’re in for a treat. 4 Underrated Historical Towns in South India You’ve Probably Never Heard Of—but Must Visit is your golden ticket to real, raw, offbeat heritage. These aren’t just pit stops; they’re living time capsules bursting with culture, ancient architecture, and stories that’ll make you want to pack your bags yesterday.
Whether you’re a history buff, cultural traveler, or just someone looking to ditch the usual itinerary, South India has hidden gems that most guidebooks skip. From ancient Jain carvings to coastal towns with centuries of trade history, we’ve rounded up four places that’ll blow your mind—without the Instagram crowds.
4 Underrated Historical Towns in South India
| Feature | Lepakshi | Narthamalai | Kalugumalai | Kayalpatnam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Attraction | Veerabhadra Temple, Hanging Pillar | Chola-era temples, rock-cut caves | Jain cave reliefs, Pandya sculptures | Ancient port trade, Islamic architecture |
| Historical Period | 15th–16th century (Vijayanagara Empire) | 9th century (Chola/Pallava blend) | 8th–13th century (Pandya dynasty) | 1st century CE onwards (Roman, Arab trade routes) |
| Unique Experience | Floating pillar, monolithic Nandi | Pre-Chola inscriptions, scenic hills | Over 150 Jain tirthankara carvings | Gandhi-era liquor protests, ancient mosques |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February | October to March | November to March | December to February |
The next time someone tells you all the good historical places in South India are already “done,” you’ll have some serious knowledge to drop. Lepakshi, Narthamalai, Kalugumalai, and Kayalpatnam are more than towns—they’re underrated storybooks of stone and sea. Get off the beaten path and explore the South India that’s still waiting to be discovered. And who knows? You might just find your new favorite place.
1. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh: The Temple That Defies Gravity
Ever seen a pillar that floats? Lepakshi, a tiny town near Anantapur, hosts the Veerabhadra Temple, where one of its 70 pillars mysteriously hovers a few inches above the ground. Built during the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century, this temple is not just an architectural marvel—it’s a full-blown cultural statement.
The temple’s ceilings are adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the craftsmanship here is bananas. The cherry on top? A massive Nandi (bull) sculpture carved from a single granite block—reportedly the largest monolithic Nandi in India.
Pro Tip: It’s an easy day trip from Bangalore (about 120 km). Rent a car, start early, and bring snacks—there aren’t many restaurants around.
2. Narthamalai, Tamil Nadu: Where Time is Etched in Stone
Just 25 km from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Narthamalai is often skipped by travelers in a hurry to see Srirangam or Thanjavur. Big mistake.
Narthamalai boasts the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple, one of the oldest stone temples in South India, blending Pallava and Chola styles. The surrounding hills feature Jain beds, cave shrines, and Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions dating back over 1,000 years.
Not just for history nerds, this place has a meditative vibe that’ll appeal to photographers, hikers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Did You Know? The rock-cut temple architecture here is considered a precursor to the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
3. Kalugumalai, Tamil Nadu: The Quiet Corner of Jain Heritage
If you thought Tamil Nadu was all about Chola temples, think again. Kalugumalai, located in Thoothukudi district, is a treasure chest of ancient Jain art.
The Kalugasalamoorthy Temple is Hindu, but nearby you’ll find over 150 carvings of Jain tirthankaras etched into rock faces, alongside inscriptions in Vatteluttu script from the 8th to 13th century. These were sacred sites for the Jain community during the Pandya rule.
And get this—it’s all still standing strong, despite centuries of exposure to the elements.
Fun Fact: There’s also a rock-cut Buddhist cave nearby, showing just how diverse and inclusive ancient India was.
4. Kayalpatnam, Tamil Nadu: Port of Lost Time
Kayalpatnam is a quiet coastal town that once buzzed with trade ships from Rome, Egypt, and Arabia. Yup, it’s that old. This town has roots in the 1st century CE, and was even mentioned by Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta.
Today, it stands as a sleepy fishing town with strong Islamic cultural influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. It’s also notable for Gandhi-led anti-liquor movements, making it one of the rare dry towns in Tamil Nadu.
What to Try: Local seafood biryani and the traditional “khubz” (flatbread), made by the town’s Arab-descended communities.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Connectivity: All towns are reachable via road; trains serve nearby major cities like Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Trichy.
- Accommodation: Opt for eco-stays or heritage lodges; online bookings recommended.
- Respect Local Customs: Many sites are religious. Dress modestly and be mindful of photography rules.
- Best Season: November to February is ideal across South India due to cooler weather.
Why These Towns Matter More Than Ever
With overtourism damaging popular destinations like Hampi and Mahabalipuram, exploring lesser-known places helps spread tourism benefits and keeps our heritage alive.
According to UNESCO and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), over 70% of India’s lesser-known heritage sites are at risk due to neglect or lack of footfall. By visiting responsibly, you become part of the solution.
FAQs
Q1. Are these towns safe for solo travelers?
Yes, these places are generally safe. Like anywhere, stay alert, especially after dark.
Q2. Do I need special permits to visit any of these sites?
Nope. These are open to the public. Some temples may have specific entry times.
Q3. Can I cover more than one town in a single trip?
Totally. For example, you can cover Narthamalai and Kayalpatnam on a Tamil Nadu loop from Madurai.
Q4. Are there guided tours available?
Not always. Hire a local guide from the nearest city or check platforms like Viator or Incredible India.
Q5. What should I pack?
Light clothing, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and a decent camera. Trust us, you’ll want photos.
