South India is a beautiful concoction of pristine beaches, misty hill stations, tranquil backwater, lush green forests, and bustling metropolitan cities. It consists of five states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and two island groups of Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea and Andaman and Nicobar Island in the Bay of Bengal, South India is a heaven for the tourists. Each state has its own distinct culture that sets them apart from other places.
All the five states has exceptional tourist destinations that allure tourists from all around the world. The state offers everything that a tourist can ask for during a holiday tour or vacation.
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Why Should You Visit South India At Least Once In Your Lifetime?
When people plan to travel in India, they think of North India of mesmerizing beauty of Taj Mahal (the symbol of love) Ghats of Varanasi and majestic forts and palaces in Rajasthan, the land of kings. But, if you think away from Golden Triangle Tour then you will find that there is more to India than the famous tourist sites and South India is particularly unique at this regard. You might have heard often about the South India but, here we will let you know the top reasons of visiting South India at least once in your lifetime.
1. Temples
South India is popularly known for the ancient and beautiful temples. Tamil Nadu is the main state of Southern India that is famous for temples. Almost all the temples in the state resembles like pyramid structure. From the time of kings or Maharajas, the state is the home to many archeological, exotic and beautiful temples. When you will travel through Tamil Nadu state then from Chennai to Kanyakumari you will find spectacular temples. Each of the temples has its own characters.
2. Backwater Experience
South India is famous in all over India and world as well for its backwater, which you can experience in Kerala state. The best way to explore backwater is taking a houseboat. Your trip to Kerala is incomplete until you haven’t experienced Kerala’s backwater. Kerala Backwater is truly a magical experience and worth the visit South.
3. South Indian Cuisines
Undoubtedly, every state and city has its own specialty so as South India too. South Indian cuisines are not only popular in the Southern states, but in all over India. But, there are some dishes that you can relish in Southern states only. States of South India are mainly famous for sea foods, especially fish. From delicious sea foods to delectable Hyderabadi Biryani, Dosa, Idli and Vada Sambar and also South Indian coffee are some of the cuisines, which will be one of your fondest appetizing memories.
4. Traditional Attires
We all know that South is famous for the different types of silk sarees. So, whether you are a shopaholic or not, get ready to pay for excess baggage as you cannot resist the urge of buying the beautiful traditional attires from there. From cotton to luxurious silk, hand woven to embroidered, you will find a vast variety there to choose from.
5. Ayurveda Treatment
Ayurveda is the oldest healthcare treatment and Kerala is probably the only state in India that use Ayurveda as the mainstream of medicine. If you are on your South Trip not for fun and frolic then, South India understand your concerns and provide you a variant options of Ayurveda centers and yoga centers as well.
6. Culture and Festivals
One of the main reasons to visit South India is its colorful culture and festivals. And you should not missed the opportunity to see the varied dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali and Kuchipudi.
7. Hospitality
Hospitality is another top reason for visiting South India. South Indian people are calm, grounded and joyful by nature also, they are very welcoming towards the tourists.
These are not the only things that make South India worth visiting and exploring, but there are many tourist attractions to see. All the Southern states have something unique and distinct that sets the place apart from rest of the places in the country. Hence, everyone should visit the region at least once in his lifetime. If you are planning to travel South India then here’s a quick guide for you all.
Places to Visit
Now, as you know when you should visit South India and where you can stay, let’s know the best places to visit in South India. And if you have already booked your South India tour package then add the names of the cities in your itinerary to make your trip even unforgettable.
1. Kerala
One among the famous tourist destinations in India, Kerala is a tropical state in Malabar Coast. The state has a lot to offer to its visitors. You can attend a dance performance of Kathakali and cruise the backwater on a houseboat. Kerala is a magical state that gives you a lifetime experience. You can book your Kerala holiday package for honeymoon, family vacation, solo trip and trip with friend groups. The state is blessed with misty hill stations, pristine beaches, palm-fringed canals, and tranquil backwaters. Don’t forget to visit Munnar, Alleppey and Kovalam in Kerala.
2. Coorg
If you want to see greenery of a hill station while enjoying the delectable South Indian coffee then Coorg also known as ‘Kodagu’ in Karnataka is the best place for you. Coorg is famous as the coffee producing hill station in the state with green surroundings. Thus, it is place for all the nature lovers also, the place enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year.
3. Ooty
Ooty is not only one of the best places and hill stations to visit in South India, but in fact, it is known as the ‘queen of hills’. The hill stations has a wide array of places to visit and admire. And each of the tourist attraction promises a unique and lively experience, which will make your trip memorable. There are several tourist spots to explore like Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Avalanche Lake, Ooty Botanical Garden, etc.
4. Hampi
Located near the Hosapete or Hospet town in Karnataka state, Hampi is popularly known as the ‘City of Ruins’, due to which it is a UNESCO world heritage site. The place is surrounded with 500 ancient mountains, also the captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire and beautiful ancient temples make the city a history delight for the travelers. Apart from the ruins there are many other tourist attractions to visit in Hampi.
5. Mysore
Mysore officially Mysuru in Karnataka state is one of the popular tourist destination in India. The place fondly known as ‘the city of palaces’. It is the land of history, which is famous for its rich heritage and sightseeing. Mysore offers you rich heritage sites and South Indian traditions to explore.
6. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destination in South India. This hill station is a perfect combination of beautiful lakes and valleys, cloud capped mountains and scenic landscape with a wonderful and pleasant climate. As it is stands in the altitude of 7200 feet above the sea level, the place has cool and pleasant weather all year round. And it is known as ‘princess of hills’ in South India.
7. Cochin
Cochin or Kochi is one of the best places to visit in the Kerala state. It is situated in the South West Coast in India. It is the commercial, financial and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi is known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, which attracts tourists faraway from lands to its shorelines.
8. Chennai
Chennai is one of the four major metropolises of India. It is the capital city of the Tamil Nadu state and offers a wide array of tourist spots to explore including beaches, temples and parks. Also it is the gateway of sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Tirumala and Tirupati Balaji Temple.
9. Hyderabad
Located on the Deccan plateau and banks of Musi River, Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana state. Hyderabad is not only famous for its staple Hyderabadi Biryani, which is actually popular in all over India, but the place has a wide array of sightseeing places to see and admire. These are the top attractions of South India, which are a must visit. If you ever plan to visit South India then do add these cities in your itinerary or at least some of them. If you cannot explore all of these cities of Southern States then, here are the things that you must see during your holiday trip in South India.
What to See?
1. Temples
South India is home to many ancient temples. What makes the temples of South India special and unique from rest of the temples in other states in India is its grand structure done beautifully in Dravidian and Vijay Nagra styles. All the temples are standing majestically from ages and the architecture of these temples are breathtakingly beautiful. In fact, the ruins of the temples take you centuries back and give you a lifetime experience. So, when you are in South India don’t miss a chance to visit the beautiful and grand temples there, especially in Tamil Nadu state. Some of the famous temples in South India are Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Ramanthaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, and Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur.
2. Natural Wonders
South India is blessed with lush green forests, lakes, backwaters, mountains, wildlife, palm trees, coconut trees and beaches. Also, it is famous for vast tropical forest that has wide range of flora and fauna. Southern states have a lot to offer to its visitors. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or nature lover, you will get your thing to experience in South India.
The information will help you to explore South India in best way. Apart from this you should also know what essentials you need to carry while traveling to South India. So, let’s see what to pack for South India holiday trip.
When to Go?
South India can best be visited in the winter season, because of the pleasant weather condition and no humidity. If you want to see the beauty of the nature at its best in South India then you can either visit in Monsoon (July to September) or during winter season (November to February). These are the best time to visit and explore the different states of South India.
1. November – February
During these months the temperature ranges between 22 – 30 degrees Celsius hence, less humid and pleasant weather makes it the peak time to visit South India. Since, the hill stations like Munnar and Thekkady, remains cooler so, it is good to carry a light jacket or hoody with you.
2. May – October
Monsoon begins in South India in late May or early June and It lasts till the month of September or mid of October.
How to Reach?
There are various ways to reach different states in South India, but if you have hired a local tour operator then they will arrange the transportation for you to reach the destination. But, if you are planning your South India holiday trip by yourself then, you can take the following mediums to reach
South India.
1. By Air
It is said that the best way to reach South India is by Air. The southern states are well-connected to every corner of the country and the world as well. There are more international airports than other states in the country. Chennai is considered as the main gateway of South India. And, the other international Airports are in Hyderabad, Kochi, Tiruchirapalli, Bangaluru, Coimbatore, and Thiruvananthapuram. You can take flights down to any of these International Airports and then take car, bus or train to travel domestically.
2. By Road
South India is very well connected to states and National Highways so, you can travel by your personal car or can also take bus to reach your destination. There are many government-owned bus operators that provide transportation service in South India. There are different apps and websites used by the bus operators that helps you to book your seat online and also keep you updated about the bus routes and schedules.
3. By Train
South India is well-connected with rest of the cities in India through Southern Railways, Konkan Railways and South-Western Railways. Some popular trains like Rajdhani and Shatabadi also runs between Southern states to others states in India that covers a hundred kilometers in a few hours and it connects to the state-capital and national capital as well. Some states also have local trains for shorter routes.
Where to Stay?
Well, there are various options from luxury to inexpensive hotels to stay in South India. If you have booked your South India holiday package then your tourism company will take care of your accommodation. And those who are travelling on their own can search for hotels in Kerala, Chennai, Munnar, etc. online. You can opt for beachside resorts if you are on your honeymoon tour in South India. Well, staying in houseboat will give you a lifetime experience to enjoy the serene backwaters of Kerala.
What to Pack?
- Carry your trekking shoes and slippers with you.
- Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen are a must when you are travelling to South India, especially in summer season.
- As you will visit many temples so it is always a good to carry one ethnic attire with you, because some don’t let you enter if you are not well-dressed in traditional wear.
- Carry an umbrella and a raincoat during monsoon.
- If you are visiting during summer season then carry cotton clothes.
- Carry beach wear if any of the beaches are in your itinerary.
If you are traveling for the first time then it is advisable to book South India holiday package from a reliable local tour operator. Go through the itinerary carefully and see what they are covering during your 3 days, 4 days or 5 days South India holiday package. Well, you can customize your package as per your preferences and your tour operator will surely make the changes in the itinerary. The beautiful attractions of South India is calling you. So, don’t waste your time and pack your bags to travel to the land of serene backwaters, ancient temples, misty hill stations and historical wonders.
