5 Offbeat Temples in South India You've Never Heard Of

Welcome to South India's Hidden Temples!

South India is famous for its beautiful places and old temples. You've probably heard of the big, famous ones. But did you know there are many small, secret temples? They are like hidden treasures, each with a special story.

Let's explore five of these amazing places together!

1. The Sand Temples of Talakadu, Karnataka

Image credit: Deccan Chronicle

Imagine a town buried under sand! That's Talakadu. Long, long ago, a queen's curse caused sand to cover a whole town and its temples. Today, people have dug out some of these temples. They are called the Panchalinga temples. The main one is the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple. It’s a very old and beautiful temple, full of amazing carvings. When you visit, it feels like you're part of a real-life mystery!

How to Visit

• Where is it? It's near a city called Mysuru.

• Getting there: You can take a taxi or bus from Mysuru.

• Timings: The temples are usually open from morning until evening.

• Tickets: There is no entry fee.

• Restrictions: It's best to wear simple, respectful clothes.

Also Read: 10 Underrated Scenic Beaches in Karnataka

2. The Duryodhana Temple of Malanada, Kerala

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In the state of Kerala, there is a very special temple. Most temples are for gods, but this one is for a character from a famous story called the Mahabharata. His name is Duryodhana, and he is usually seen as the bad guy. But in this temple, people respect him. There is no statue of him, just a special platform to pray to. It's a great example of how different people can see the same story in different ways.

How to Visit

• Where is it? It's in a village called Poruvazhy in the Kollam district of Kerala.

• Getting there: You can take a taxi from nearby towns like Kayamkulam or Kottarakkara.

• Timings: It's open in the morning and then again in the evening.

• Tickets: It's free to enter.

• Restrictions: Men may need to remove their shirts before entering the main part of the temple.

Also Read: 10 Street Food to Try in Kerala

3. Yaganti Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Image credit: Yatradham

Yaganti Temple is famous for a stone bull believed to be slowly growing, and local legend says it will one day come to life. The temple is also a serene place with beautiful caves and a sacred natural spring.

How to Visit

• Where is it? It's located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, surrounded by scenic hills.

• Getting there: The temple is well-connected by road. You can easily get there by bus or hire a car or taxi from the city of Kurnool or Nandyal.

• Timings: The temple is open from early morning to evening, typically with a short break in the afternoon.

• Tickets: There is no entry fee.

• Restrictions: As a sacred site, visitors are expected to be respectful. It's customary to remove footwear before entering the temple premises.

Also Read: Destinations in Andhra Pradesh for a Romantic Getaway

4. The Rock-Carved Vettuvan Koil, Tamil Nadu

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In Tamil Nadu, there is a place called Kalugumalai. Here, you'll find a temple called Vettuvan Koil. What's so special about it? It's carved from one giant piece of rock! Most temples are built stone by stone, but this one was carved out of the top of a big hill. It looks amazing and has beautiful carvings of gods and goddesses. It's not fully finished, which makes it even more interesting!

How to Visit

• Where is it? It's near a city called Tirunelveli.

• Getting there: You can take a taxi or bus from Tirunelveli.

• Timings: It's open during the day.

• Tickets: It's free to enter.

• Restrictions: Dress in simple, respectful clothes. You should also be careful not to damage the carvings, as it is a protected monument.

Also Read: 10 Scenic Villages in Tamil Nadu perfect for a December Getaway

5. The Crocodile-Guarded Temple of Ananthapura, Kerala

Image credit: Steemit

This is probably the most unique temple of all! It's called the Ananthapura Lake Temple in Kerala. It's built in the middle of a beautiful lake. But its most famous resident is not a person—it's a friendly, vegetarian crocodile! His name is Babia. People believe he has been guarding the temple for many years. When one Babia passes away, another one comes. He is a gentle crocodile and loves the food offered by the priests. It's a truly magical sight to see!

How to Visit

• Where is it? It's in the Kasaragod district of Kerala.

• Getting there: Take a taxi from Kasaragod town. The closest airport is Mangalore.

• Timings: It's open in the morning and then in the evening. Try to be there around noon to see Babia being fed!

• Tickets: There is no entry fee.

• Restrictions: There's a strict dress code. Men must take off their shirts and wear a cloth called a dhoti. Women must wear a saree or a traditional Indian dress. No jeans or pants are allowed.

Also Read: 11 Best Airbnbs in Munnar, Kerala with Nature Views

Final Thoughts

These temples are more than just old buildings; they are places of mystery, history, and special traditions. They show us how varied and interesting South India's culture is. Visiting them is a unique experience, giving you a peek into ancient stories and beliefs. So, on your next trip, think about exploring these hidden gems instead of the usual spots.