The temple architecture of the South Indian is very different from the temple architecture of the rest of India. The temple building activity of the South India can be divided four periods corresponding to the main kingdoms, which ruled the South India for the centuries.

The Pallava dynasty ruled from AD 600 to 900. The characteristic feature of the Pallava temple architecture is the rock-cut temples. The finest specimen of rock-cut shrines can be seen at Mahabalipuram. The Shore temple at Mahabalipuram is a fully carved temple complex with a towered sanctuary and mandapa.

The Chola dynasty ruled from AD 900-1150. The zenith of the Chola temple architecture can be seen at Thanjavur. It was the capital established by the Chola ruler Rajaraja I. The shrines have rising pyramidal towers crowned with domical roofs. The walls are embellished by the sculptures and paintings. The Bronze sculptures of this period are one of the finest in the whole of the South India.

The period of the reign of Hoysalas is from AD 1100-1350. The temples erected by the Hoysala kings have complex plans with numerous angled projections. The Chlorite stone was carved on the surface with remarkable precision. The columns of the temples are multi-faceted. The example of the Hoysala temples can still be seen at Belur, Halebid and Sringeri. The temple building activity came to an abrupt end due to the Muslim invasion.

Famous Temples of South India :
Meenakshi Temple : The Meenakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu's Madurai is a masterpiece of architecture of that period. Built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara, the magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later on, the Nayakas meticulously renovated it and brought it to its present shape. Located within high enclosures, Meenakshi(Parvati) and Sundareshvara(Shiva) are seated in the sanctum sanctorum.

Rock Fort Temple : Another temple displaying the architectural genius of the medieval period, Rock Fort temple of Thiruchirapalli is visited by devotees in large numbers. The temple was originally built by the Pallavas as a small temple. Later on, Nayakas developed it to its present position. Kangaala Moorthy, one of the 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva is worshipped in the Rock Fort Temple. 

Shore Temple : The first Pallava structure to be built of stone rather than being hewn out of stone like the older temples. The greatest improvement in design is in the shikhara or spire, which has altered from the rounded vihara design to a soaring, tiered style. Elements like the vimana or spire, the gopuram or gateway and animal figures that were to become trademark features of Dravidian architecture can all be seen here. And it is largely the use of dressed stone, which gave the architects greater creative freedom.

Badami Cave Temples : The unique cave temples of Badami are located in northern Karnataka. Badami was founded by Pulakesin I in the 6th century A.D. There are four cave temples built in Chalukyan architectural style. 

Tirupati Temple : The temple of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) and also lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. Regarded as the richest temple of India, this temple also draws the highest number of devotees in the country. According to the ancient scriptures, one can attain Moksha in Kaliyuga by worshipping Sri Venkateswara.

Sabarimala Temple : The temple of Sabarimala is the best known pilgrimage destination of Kerala. This beautiful temple is situated on top of Sahyadri Mountains. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. Legend has it that Parasurama Maharshi who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala. The temple is delightful to watch from below the hills.

Lepakshi Temple : One of Andhra Pradesh's best visited temples, Lepakshi temple is located in Anandpur district of the state. The temple was built by the Vijayanagar rulers. In the Lepakshi temple, the best specimens of the mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings are available.  The temple has been built on a low rocky hill.

Thousand Pillar Temple : The marvelous Thousand Pillar temple is located in Andhra Pradesh's ancient city of Warangal. The temple was built by King Rudra Deva in the 12th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya, one thousand richly carved pillars and a magnificent black basalt Nandi bull are the main attractions here. 

Krishnadeva Raya, the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, constructed The Vithala Temple at Hampi. It has a magnificent stone chariot in the courtyard of the temple. The large ranga mandapa is very impressive as it has 56 musical pillars, which resound with musical chimes when struck. The temple has variety of styles that is characterized in the shrines within the temple courtyard and in the delicacy of the carvings that embellish them. A pillared colonnade is surrounded all along the interior of the enclosing wall. The main shrine is in the center of the enclosed courtyard along with mandapa, amman sanctum, the kalyana mandapa, an utsava mandapa, a hundred-pillared mandapa and a stone ratha. The main shrine was dedicated to Vishnu in the form of Vithala.

Guruvayoor Temple : One of the most sacred temples of Kerala, Guruvayoor Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. But the deity placed in the sanctum is a complete man incarnation of Lord Vishnu with four arms. In the form of a rectangle, the shrine is also called Dwaraka of south.

Hoysaleshwara temple : At Halebid stands on a platform like a casket. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has two shrines connected by the pillared walls. Each of the shrine has the lingam of Hoysaleshwara and Shanthaleshwara. Ketumalla who was the chief of the staff of Vishnuvardhan built the temple in 1121 AD. The walls of the temples are embellished with variety of sculptures of the gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls.