India, the country to be embraced for its chaos. Cultural diversity, religious turmoil, geographical distinctions and culinary experiences will enamor you with the simplicity of the country. India is a united country, but there are distinctive regions that are quite varied. We will explore them all, beginning with the South India destinations. This south India travel guide will introduce you to the best places to visit in south India.
India welcomes guests to engage in a range of experiences from an adventurous trek to the stupendous Kangchenjunga of the great Himalayas in North East India, to cultural immersion at Bengal, in North India, to time travel on the streets of Rajasthan, in West India, or dwell in spirituality on the banks of Ganges. But we will start with one of our favorite South India destinations, Kerala, where you can stretch your back and relax on the houseboat rides at the backwaters of Kerala. South India travel has many diverse options.
Being the seventh largest country in the world, with 29 states each with its own culture and festivals, food habits and language. How it still stays united is the chaotic attraction of this country. Brace yourself in the warm hospitality of Indian culture as we explore the places to visit in south India.
By the way, I am Sneha Thomas, a freelance writer and PharmD graduate, based in India. I own and run the travel website Earth’s Tenant, which features budget tips and cultural explorations for traveling in India.
Places to Visit in South India
Even though India is not officially divided geographically, South Indian culture is much varied from the rest part of India. Geographically distinct south India is decorated with coastal areas and punctuated with small hill stations. South India is flavored with a pinch of secluded islands, salty winds of the coastal shores, the silence of the forests, tiny waves of the backwaters, and the pinching cold of the high ranges.
Places to visit in South India include:
- Kerala
- KarnatakaÂ
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Tamil Nadu.
South India Destination: Kerala
Kerala is becoming more popular with younger, hipper travelers, and several charming boutique hotels have sprung up as a result. You may want to check out some detailed first hand reviews of trendy hotels in Kerala when planning your trip.
- Fort Kochi:
Kochi, on the slanting shore of the Arabian Sea is nick named as Queen of Arabian Sea. Jew town at Mattancherry is the hometown of the migrated Jews in Kerala. Visit the Jewish synagogue and get drenched in the nostalgic streets of Jew town with old antique shops on both the sides. Sunset with the backdrop of Chinese fishing nets is another incredible sight you can’t afford to miss. Walk on the streets of Fort Kochi, styled with old British buildings built in the colonial times and muse on the wall graffiti. End the evening with a beautiful Kathakali performance, the art form of Kerala at Kerala Kathakali Centre.
- Alleppey:
Alleppey is the place to stretch yourself and relax your spine on the salty backwaters. Rent a houseboat and enjoy the backwater ride with mouth-watering marine cuisines to tickle your taste buds. Houseboat ride provides an insight on the backwater lifestyle of people living in Alleppey. The main mode of transportation in Alleppey is boats and canoes made using wood. You can watch kids going to school and people rowing the small canoes for their daily life activities.
- Munnar:
Munnar, known as the “Kashmir of South India” is the famous hill station in Kerala. The misty mountains and green tea plantations are the main attraction of Munnar. Eravikulam National Park at Munnar is one of the places in India where you can see Nilgiri Thar and Neelakurinji flower which blooms only once in 12 years. Top station is another attraction at Munnar where you can enjoy the misty mountains.
South India Travel Guide General Information for Kerala:
Language: Malayalam, English
Food: Kerala is one of the south India destinations famous for non-veg and coastal cuisine. Traditional appam and stu, puttu and kadala curry, Karimeen pollichathu(fish), fish mollee, Thalassery biriyani and palada payasam(dessert) are must-try food items in Kerala.
Climate: Monsoon and winter are the best time to visit Kerala. Monsoon, which starts from June and lasts till late October, offers monsoon tourism for rain lovers. Winter, from November till mid-February, with relatively low temperature is the best time to visit for those who are not fond of the dampness or rain.
Transportation: Trains, buses (KURTC & KSRTC), and flights are available for intercity and interstate transportation. Private buses are equally available for interstate journeys. Transportation within the city is easily possible with autos and online cabs. Online cabs like Uber are only available in main cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thrissur.
South India Destination: Karnataka
Here are some of the amazing places to visit in Karnataka:
- Mysore:
Mysore is the City of Palaces and you can find several to see while discovering the unique history of the Maharajahs, but start with the namesake Mysore Palace. Visit the repurposed Jagamohan Palace, now Art Gallery, and and admire the historical paintings of Hindu epics. Give prayers and thanks from east to west, at the Jamia Masjid Mosque, built in Indian and Islamic design, then at St. Philomena’s Church, with its neo-gothic architecture. Take an Ashtanga yoga class from a master Yogi. Watch as silver and gold threads are woven into Mysore silk Sarees, then buy one to take home. Watch the sunset over the Blue Lagoon.
- Udupi: Â
Dilshad Roshan from Wikimedia Commons
Udupi is known as both the home of many pilgrimage sights for different spiritual sects, and an area of outdoor wonders. Visitors come for both sanctuary and invigoration. See the west facing Krishna and explore the complex at Sri Krishna Temple and Mutt. Explore the fort ruins and many temples of Barkur. Stroll along the beach and take in the view from the Kapu Beach Lighthouse. Wash away your sins by bathing in the ponds at the Pajaka Kshetra. See the volcanic rock formations on St. Mary’s Island, accessible only by ferry. Pump up your adrenaline by whitewater rafting at Jomlu Theertha.
- Shimoga:
Shimoga, known as the gateway to the Western Ghats, is filled with natural wonders, making it an outdoor lovers paradise. A highlight is enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of jog falls, one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India during monsoon, and a 4 tiered cascade during the dry season. Marvel at tigers, leopards and elephants on a wildlife safari at Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary. Savor a relaxing picnic at the Gajanur Dam, a popular lunch spot for locals. Get out on the water in a coracle boat ride at Honnemaradu.
- Bangalore:
The capital of Karnataka, and known as the Garden City, Bangalore has something for everyone. Step through time and space to visit Bangalore Palace, the only Tudor style palace in all of India. Worship at Holy Mass in the gothic style St. Mary’s Basilica, one of only 6 Basilica in all of India. Smell the roses at Lal Bagh, a botanical garden known for both scientific studies and botanical art. End the day dancing along with the colored waters at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park.
Bangalore is a great city to use as a base. After discovering the city, there are a number of amazing sites in the surrounding area. Check out all of the Bangalore one day trip options!
South India Travel Guide General Information for Karnataka:
Language: Kannada, English
Food: Bisi Bele Bath is a popular spicy rice dish originating in Mysore that is popular throughout the state. Bene Dose and Masala Dose are specialty bread dishes, served with sauces and chutneys. Favorite deserts include Mysore Pak, a sweet fudge-like treat, as is Dharwad Pedha, a sweet fried bread.
Climate: Best time to visit Karnataka is from October to March, when temperatures are cool, and the rains have wained.
Transportation: Air and rail transport are readily available in Karnataka, with 11 airports and 2,000 miles of railway. Bangalore is the most well connected to other areas within the state and to others. The highway system is developed, so moving between cities by bus and auto is possible.
South India Destination: Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- Port Blair:
Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar is the most visited tourist place in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Visit the Cellular Jail and feel the dark reminiscence period of British India. Take a ferry ride to Ross Island– the capital during the British rule in India- and get lost on the ruins of the church, the Cathedral, and graveyards of the British officials. Enjoy yourself at the Anthropological Museum, Fisheries museum and Kalapani Museum. Carbyn’s Cove beach, 6km away from Port Blair is the popular tourist hub with water adventure activities and shacks to entertain the tourists. Visit the Snake Island next to the beach for a scuba diving adventure.
- Havelock Island:
Havelock Island is the most populated Island in the Andaman groups with beautiful serene beaches and forests. Kalapather beach is gorgeous with its silver sands. Elephant beach popular for its snorkeling activity is rich with coral reef formation and marine activity. The white sand Radhanagar beach is the most stunning beach in Asia with A grade quality. Take a long walk through the Vijaynagar beach, under the shades of mahua trees.
South India Travel Guide General Information for Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
Language: Hindi, English
Food: Andaman Island is a paradise for seafood lovers. All varieties of seafood, especially prawns, lobsters, crab, tandoori fish are popular here.
Climate: Best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is during winter from October to March, when the temperature is optimum.
Transportation: Water and air is the only mode of interstate transportation, even to other south India destinations. Tourist and local ferries are available to hop between Islands. Road transportation is available within the Island. Cabs and local buses are available for travel within the Island.
Find excellent hotel choices in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
South India Destination: Tamil Nadu
- Pondicherry:Â
Pondicherry was the largest French colony in India during the British rule. Walk through the French quarter of Pondicherry with colorful colonial buildings and get enriched in history. Rent a two-wheeler for a ride along the beautiful Promenade beach. Visit Auroville and participate in a meditation section at the Matri Mandir (pre-booking needed). Feel the enchanting ambiance of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram found by Sri Aurobindo Ghose. Visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an old Gothic style church built in the 18th century by French Missionaries, and muse on the rare stained glass paintings depicting the life of Jesus.
There are so many amazing things to do in Pondicherry, you may want to spend a few days. If you do, you will want all the info on what to do, what to eat, and where to stay, in this Pondicherry Itinerary.
- Madurai:
Madurai is a pilgrimage destination famous for its culture. Enter inside Madurai Meenakshi temple and admire the greatest architecture and murals of Puranas which dates back to 14th century. Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace, which is a fusion of Dravidian and Islamic style architecture with large pillars.
- Rameswara
Rameswaram, which is at the south-eastern part of India is the holiest place for Hindus and has high mythological significance. Take a train journey through the Pamban Bridge which runs above the sea. Walk through the long corridors of Ramanathaswamy temple and feel the spirituality of the age-old temple. Visit the house turned Museum of the former Indian president Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and be inspired by his life. Go for a jeep ride through the Dhanushkodi beach, the south-eastern tip of India, and feel the two seas merging below your feet.
South India Travel Guide General Information for Tamil Nadu:
Language: Tamil
Food: Tamil Nadu is famous for vegetarian cuisine. Dosa, Idli, filter coffee, thayir sadham, and onion uthappam are the famous traditional foods in Tamil Nadu.
Climate: Winter is the best time to visit Tamil Nadu, which is from December to March with a temperature of 10-15 degree Celsius.
Transportation: Air, rail, and road are the main mode of interstate transportation. Government buses, taxis, and trains are available for intercity transportation. Autos and online cabs (Ola, Uber) are easily available to travel within the city.
Ready to visit Southern India?
If you have been thinking about a trip to India, I hope this South India Travel Guide has shown you some of the diversity and beauty of the Kerala, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Tamil Nadu areas. These areas offer an experience that is unlike that in other areas of India, especially in the coastal areas. You will not regret a visit to any of these amazing south India destinations!
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GENERAL INDIA TRAVEL TIPS
Currency: Indian rupee or INR. (Check the current conversion rate here.)
Visa: All foreign nationals who are planning to visit India must have a national passport along with a valid Indian Visa obtained from an Indian Mission or post abroad. Indian Visa can be applied through an online application link. The completed application form signed by the respective individual has to be submitted to the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/post along with the supporting documents on the day of the scheduled interview. Click here for detailed information.Â
SIM cards: Best SIM cards in India are Reliance jio, BSNL, Airtel, Idea, and Vodafone. Indian SIM cards are available from the kiosks of mobile service providers such as Airtel or Reliance at the International airport or cell phone shops of the downtown areas. The following supporting documents has to be submitted to get the SIM card: two color passport photographs of you; photocopy of the personal details page of your passport and visa (Your original passport and visa has to be submitted and will be given back after verification); photocopy of the proof of your home address from the country of your residence (any government-issued document like passport or driving licence); proof of where you’ll be staying in India (a letter from your hotel confirming that you are a guest).
What to pack: India is a conservative country with traditional norms. But it doesn’t mean that you have to wear saree and salwar all the time. The younger crowd in India prefer to wear western clothes. Girls wear short dresses to pubs and parties in metro cities. But it depends on the place you travel. Except in metro cities, it is preferred to wear clothing like jeans, trousers, t-shirts, tops, and kurtas which cover your shoulders and legs.
Safety tips: Women’s safety is always questioned in India. Women are advised not to travel alone at night. If you have no other choice, make sure you have a male companion to accompany you. While traveling in an auto or cab never let any friends of the driver travel with you. It is never a wise choice to share your details with random people you meet on the road whether they are male or female. Don’t hesitate to react if you feel threatened or even teased. Always carry a pepper spray for safety. Don’t accept free things from strangers. There are chances that they may argue for money later.
Accommodation: There are various accommodation options like backpacker hostels, Airbnb, Couchsurfing, volunteer accommodation, hotels, and resorts available in India. Female travelers must be careful while selecting Couchsurfing in India. Backpacker hostel is safe for budget and female travelers. Most of the hotels and resorts provide complimentary breakfast. Budget accommodations are available from $5-$10.
Emergency numbers: National emergency number: 112; police: 100; women helpline: 1091
About the Author: Sneha Thomas is a female travel blogger and freelance writer based in India focusing on exploring offbeat destinations and celebrating cultural travels. She has written for travel websites like Tripoto, Arrivedo, and The art of travel, among others. Be sure to check out her website Earth’s Tenant.  You can also find her on the Earth’s Tenant Facebook Page, and the Instagram feed.
5 thoughts on “South India Travel Guide”
This is very very good places to visit any time, i visited so many places before 2 years back, again i have to start remaining places. I am watiting for my new journey. I am also writing blogs about south india places you can read or blog #https://www.bsrtravels.com/Blog
Wew. Proud to see the first 3 places are in Kerala. Love for God’s own country!
South India is really awesome. South India is filled with beautiful Natures. Lot’s of beaches and beautiful culture. I like the tour of south India. Your guideline’s helpful for travel south India. Thanks for sharing great information.
I am planning to spend three months between India and Sri Lanka next year! Love this guide! I have the months of July through February off work – which ones would have the best weather?
How exciting Carly! For South India, most people recommend winter, technically November through March, as the temperatures are mild. But, if you are a rain lover, monsoon season, which sounds frightening to a westerner, is June to October. Even though it sounds like it might be terrible and stormy, more often, it is just rainy. Some people love this section of India during the rainy season.