Main destinations in South India

The famous author Salman Rushdie said that there is no greater lie than calling India a single country. The Indian subcontinent is a whole fabric of cultures, religions, languages and landscapes that are as different from each other as the countries of Europe are from each other. But if we had to roughly divide India into two, there is no doubt that the north and the south are two completely different experiences for tourists. Travelers who have come from the north to the south are amazed to discover how the green hills and snow-capped peaks alternate with the green rice fields, palm trees and beaches. From the shores of the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal opening onto the Indian Ocean, South India offers a wealth of magical experiences. From temples and ancient ruins to a system of canals, rivers and beautiful beaches, there is no end to what is waiting for you to discover there. Here, the "What's Happening in India" team has compiled some of the things you should know before traveling to the region.

How should you get to South India?

There are many ways to get to South India. If you plan to focus on this region, it is recommended to choose a landing in Mumbai rather than Delhi, which will offer more accessible transportation to a variety of destinations in this region. However, the transportation infrastructure is very developed and most of the popular destinations can be reached from a variety of other regions.

Flights to South India

There are four international airports in South India: Cochin, Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Bangalore. Most of the major cities in the South also have domestic airports.  

Arriving by train

Railway stations are available in most major tourist centers like Hampi, Mysore, Bangalore, Madurai, Cochin, Alappuzha and many other cities and villages. 

Sailing

For lovers of romantic experiences, Goa, Kerala and West Bengal can also be reached by boats and rafts. Sailing on the backwaters of Kerala, a system of canals stretching over hundreds of kilometers, is an unforgettable experience. 

When to come to South India?

South India is considered a peninsula and therefore most of the countries in the region tend to have a coastal climate with hot and humid summers and pleasant winters. In most countries, the monsoon season is very heavy. The winter months and early summer (October-April) are the best time to visit South India.

South Indian states

The South Indian region consists of three main states:

Karnataka

The state of Karnataka is home to some of India's most extraordinary ancient and sacred sites, such as the magical ancient city of Hampi, Mysore, and Anjuna, which offers some beaches worth checking out. 

Kerala

From the tropical beaches of Cochin with its traditional fishing nets or boating on the backwaters to medicinal massages in the Ayurveda capital of India, there is plenty to do in this special country.

Tamil Nadu

From tours of the tea fields to entertainment in its bustling coastal cities, this is a special country that offers a glimpse into an extraordinary culture.

South Indian food

Southern cuisine is fundamentally different from northern in quite a few ways. One of the characteristics we see here is the much greater use of whole spice seeds compared to northern cuisine which uses masalas and powders. In addition, the cuisine makes rich use of coconut, tamarind, shallots and curry leaves, which are less common in the northern region. South Indian breakfasts are undoubtedly the greatest delight. A dish of idli – steamed rice dumplings served with sambar and coconut chutney, or masala dosa – the most delicious pancake in the world filled with vegetable curry, will start your morning with amazing flavors. 

Another characteristic of South Indian cuisine that is unique to the region is the extensive use of seafood. The large stretch of coastline has made fish and seafood a central component of the local cuisine. 

Even if you've been to India before, the South offers a completely different experience that will expose you to another side of this magical country. The "What's Happening in India" team will be happy to help you plan your next trip and find the most recommended hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the area.