The south of India is the premier region from which to gain a true understanding of the Hindu architectural tradition.

South India is the only place where you can see a large number of Hindu temples from all time periods and empires.

Given that the Hindu empires of the south were able to hold off the imperial expansion of the Islamic forces, the Hindu architecture of South India did not suffer the same destruction as that in the north. Today, South India is the only place in the world where you can see a large number of Hindu temples from all time periods and empires (see our map of quintessential South Indian architectural sites).

Plan Your Travel Itinerary Using Approach Guides

Whether you are a first-time visitor to India or have visited many times before, our Approach Guide to the Hindu Temples of South India will help guide your itinerary.

First-Time Visitor to South India: Use this guide to plan a visit to a few of the region’s most important temples, many of which are located in popular tourist destinations in South India. You will gain an appreciation of the history behind these beautiful structures, the characteristics of Hindu architecture in general and those unique to South India.

Experienced Travelers: Approach Guides offers experienced travelers the opportunity to explore the Hindu architectural legacy of the South Indian dynasties, including those based in Tamil Nadu and Kanataka. Through visits to several World Heritage sites and smaller, off-the-beaten-path gems, you will learn about those architectural styles unique to each dynasty, putting each site into context and drawing connections between each site.

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Also see our Approach Guide to Hindu Art and Architecture, in which we delve deeply into the general characteristics of Hindu architecture (history and evolution), and its relationship to the related architecture of the other faiths historically operative on the subcontinent.

This Approach Guide will be useful when visiting any religious site in South India, however, we have listed the areas that we highlight as having the most quintessential examples of religious architecture as it pertains to the Hindu tradition (see our custom map). This list includes many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu). This Pallava site offers some of the earliest architecture in the south of India.
• Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu). This is the Chola architectural city par excellence.
• Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). Pallava architectural site.
• Pattadakal (Karnataka). The most developed of the Chalukya temple style.
• Aihole (Karnataka). This is the site of the earliest temples in South India and was a Chalukya capital city.
• Ellora (Maharashtra). Visit the stunning Kailasa temple to gain an understanding of the architecture of the Rashtrakuta empire.
• Somnathpur (Karnataka). This site represents the high point of the Hoysala style.
• Belur (Karnataka). Hoysala architectural site.
• Halebid (Karnataka). Hoysala architectural site.
• Hampi (Karnataka). This Vijayanagar architectural site makes for a really cool stop, combining a wealth of cultural sites with a laid back vibe.
• Madurai (Tamil Nadu). Madurai is a very religious city and offers you a great opportunity to experience an active Hindu community, best witnessed at the enormous Meenakshi Temple.

All Approach Guides are offered as PDF files that can be downloaded and printed immediately after purchase.

Shore Temple, Mahabilapuram, India