South India: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Lush green backwaters, beautiful beaches and architectural wonders have made South India a leader in the Indian Tourism industry. With five major states, along with the two island groups of Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, South India offers a wide range of options to the discerning traveller.

Don’t leave South India before you: 

See:

1. Houses of Worship: South India has a long history of religious relevance. It is home to various archaeological and architectural wonders pertaining to different faiths, including Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, Jews and Buddhists. Dravidian architecture is prominent in most South Indian temples. Several historical Hindu temples are situated in Hampi, Thanjavur and Mamallapuram. Tirupati is the busiest pilgrimage destination in the region. The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi, the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, and the Namdroling Nyingmapa Tibetan Monastery in Karnataka are also famous for their historical significance.
2. Natural Wonders: South India is famous for vast tropical forests with a wide range of fauna and flora. The jungles of South India still have the largest populations of elephants and tigers in India. Go to Bandipur, Mudumalai and Periyar National Parks, if you enjoy wildlife spotting. Kovalam, Mangalore and Gokarna offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Book Your Flight to Kerala

Do:

1. Cruise the backwaters in Kerala: Spend a day on a houseboat on the backwaters of Alleppey in Kerala with your loved one if you enjoy just soaking up nature. For the night, boats remain standstill under a clear night sky. Budget houseboats are also easily available in the region.
2. Take a wildlife safari at Mudumalai and Bandipur National Parks: A trip to South India can’t be complete without visiting these two national parks. On your way to Ooty, you can travel through these parks to catch a glimpse of elephants, deer, peacocks, boars and mongoose living in their natural habitats. It’s a road trip you can’t miss.
3. Spend a spiritual weekend at Pondicherry: Don’t worry if you’ve never been to France. You can still get a slice of French culture right here in Pondicherry, now Puducherry. Pondicherry was once a French colony, and still, features French architecture in its famous French Quarter. A date night with your lover at Le Cafe will be the most romantic thing you do for your partner in a long time. While you’re here, don’t forget a relaxing, spiritual visit to Auroville.

Book Your Flight to Pondicherry

Eat:

1. Idli and Dosa: Idli is one of the staples in South India. It’s basically a  steamed, spongy cake made of rice and lentils, served with a spicy coconut chutney. Dosas are a crispy, thin pancake made of rice and lentils. A popular variant, the Masala Dosa, is stuffed with mashed potato and served with coconut chutney. You can find different variations of dosas all across South India. Almost every restaurant in South India serves idli and dosa.
2. Uttapam and Vada: Uttapam is a fried pancake made from rice batter and lentil and finely chopped fresh vegetables. On the other hand, Vada is fried Indian doughnut, but spiced and savoury.
3. Bhat and Sevai: Bhat includes rice-based dishes cooked in different combinations. Most variations are accompanied by raita (curd). Sevai is rice noodles eaten with gravy. Enjoy Sevai or Bhat with fish curry. The combination will definitely stimulate your taste buds.
4. Chettinad Cuisine: This cuisine is considered to be one of the spiciest and most aromatic in India. Salted vegetables, sun-dried meat and a wide range of spices are enough to make sure you crave for more. Vellai Paniyaram, Kandharappam, Masala Seeyam and Karuppatti Paniyaram are some of the most popular dishes in this cuisine.

When to Go:

December - February: This is the peak season to visit South India. The climate is the least humid, and temperatures range between 22-30 degrees Celsius. Since some hill stations, such as Munnar in Kerala, remain cooler, it’s always a good idea to carry a light jacket or pullover.

May - October: Ayurveda has played an important role in boosting tourism in the region. It’s considered to be most effective in the monsoons, which extends from May to October. In October/November, most South Indian states also celebrate Dussehra and Diwali.

Getting There:

By Air: With more international airports than rest of India, the southern states are well connected to every corner of the country, and the world. Chennai is considered to be the main gateway to South India. Other major international airports are located at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Kochi, Kozhikode, Tiruchirapalli and Thiruvananthapuram. Besides these airports, domestic operations are handled in almost every city in South India.

By Car: South India is very well connected by state and national highways. Since new highways are tolled, keep some change with you while travelling from one city to another.

By Bus: Numerous state-owned bus operators provide transportation services in South India. Some operators also connect Southern states to Goa and Maharashtra. Government-owned bus operators have smartphone apps and dedicated websites to keep you updated about bus routes and schedules. If you’re looking for comfort, and don’t mind spending a bit more, a private bus operator will be a smart choice.

By Train: The Southern Railways, South-Western Railways and Konkan Railways connect South India with the rest of India. Fully air-conditioned Rajdhani trains cover several hundred kilometers within hours. Shatabdi trains run inter-city, and connect state capitals. Some states even have local trains for shorter routes.

Getting Around:

Local Transport: Cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, boats, taxis, buses and trains provide transport around major cities in South India. Cost can vary from one town to another. Before you book a mode of transportation, bargain for the best price. Some drivers may refuse to use meters. You should discuss luggage cost and night charges beforehand.

While the cycle-rickshaw is a three-wheeled, pedal cycle, the auto-rickshaw is a three-wheeled motorized vehicle with a canvas or tin roof. It offers space for a maximum three passengers. Travelling in an Indian auto is great fun. Vikrams and tempos are larger-sized auto-rickshaws with more space. They often shuttle between fixed routes.

Taxis: Taxis are usually metered. However, most drivers don’t use meters and charge more for tourists. It’s better to use prepaid taxis. In larger cities, you should be able to hire radio taxis. Travelling in a bus is the most affordable choice. If you want a comfortable journey, make sure you choose a private service operator.

Boat: Many locals offer transport via boats and ferries down and across the many rivers in South India. From wooden canoes to giant ferries, it’s easy to find a service to cross rivers or to enjoy the backwaters. Most larger boats will carry motorcycles, bicycles and even cars for a nominal fee.

What to Pack:

1. Trekking shoes, sunglasses, a cap or a hat and sunscreen are a must
2. Cotton clothes if you’re visiting in the summer, beach wear if you’re travelling to any of the beaches and umbrellas and/or raincoats for the monsoon
3. Some temples in South India don’t let you enter unless you’re dressed in traditional wear, so it’s best to carry at least one set of ethnic clothes

Lush green coastlines, lazy backwaters and innumerable architectural and historical wonders make South India a unique blend of the modern and the traditional. Go visit for an unforgettable experience.