Southern India Tourism
Temples are a major attraction in southern India.
Imagine a holiday that combines culture, history, relaxed walks on the beach, nature parks and a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage. Southern India offers all of this and more. This region is made up of four states–Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala–and two union territories, Lakshadweep and Pondicherry. The region is known for its rich diversity in terms of languages, cultures and foods, making it a perfect place for a long vacation.
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1. Geography
- Map of India.
South India accounts for more than 19 percent of India’s geographic area and has coastline on three sides: Bay of Bengal on the east, Indian Ocean in the south and Arabian sea on the west. It has two mountain regions and more than 10 national parks. Four major rivers feed the region. Southern India enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. The rural parts of South India survive on agriculture and small industries.
2. History & People
South Indians traditionally have been ruled by rich kingdoms, and remnants of this exist today. Dynasties such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and the Chalukyas laid the foundation and contributed to art, music and architecture in all four states.
Each state in southern India has its own language. The four main languages are Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. An estimated 233 million people live in the region, which has a literacy rate of 70 percent–the highest in India. Like the rest of India, South Indians are extremely religious people.
3. Things to Do
Southern India has something for everyone. The backwaters of Kumarakom and Allepey, are the most popular destination for tourists. Many tourists rent a houseboat for a week.
Religious travelers can explore Tamil Nadu and its beautiful temples, some of which date to the 13th century. The most famous is the Meenakshi temple in Madurai, which is best known for the thousand pillars in the main hall, built in 1569.
If you are a connoisseur of architecture, a visit to Belur and Halebid in Karnataka is a must. These temples built in the 12th century are known for their architectural depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses with mythological animals.
Southern India has more than 10 national parks for the nature lover. Visit the Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park in Karnataka or the Periyar National Park in Kerala or the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. These places are well known for their tiger conservation projects.
Visit Pondicherry to be transported back to a time of Portuguese and French colonization, or visit Kerala for a rejuvenating Ayurvedia massage.
For a truly gastronomic experience, make sure you sample the local cuisine wherever you travel.
4. Considerations
The best way to explore the region may be to book your tour itinerary through the tourism board. Do not pack too much into your itinerary. Remember the distances between states are large and may take up to 12 hours by train to travel. State bus transport may offer good connectivity, but they are not always comfortable.
Factor in the climate while you plan. April to June is unbearably hot in South India. Temperature may reach 104 degrees in many parts. July to August is the monsoon season, so cruises and beach holidays may not be possible.
If you are planning a wildlife tour, call ahead and make sure the national parks are open for visitors. Temples also have their busy seasons. If you are planning a temple tour, make sure to ask the travel agent about any upcoming festivals, when temples are crowded with devotees.
5. Warning
- Southern India is considered a conservative part of the country. Foreign tourists must remember to dress appropriately while traveling in this region. Temples usually require women to cover their legs and arms. Do not drink alcohol in public. Keep an eye out for pickpockets and a close watch on your valuables. Also be alert when using public transport.
Carry plenty of mosquito repellent, especially when you visit national parks and places by the river. Make sure to inquire beforehand about traveling with pets. Hindi is not very widely spoken in South India. Each state has its own language, but English is spoken and understood in all major cities.
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