South Indian temple architecture is its own school — Pallava, Chola, Hoysala, Vijayanagara. Each pick is a structurally complete temple still in active worship, with the original sculpture, gopurams and inscriptions readable.
Cluster by dynasty — Pallavas in Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram; Cholas in the Thanjavur belt (Brihadeeswarar UNESCO); Hoysalas in Belur and Halebidu; Vijayanagaras at Hampi. Don't national-tour them; pick one school per trip.
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