SOUTH INDIA TRAVEL GUIDE FOR THE NEW AND SEASONED TRAVELERS.

WANT TO EXPLORE ANCIENT TEMPLES, TASTE AUTHENTIC CUISINE, AND EXPERIENCE SERENE BACKWATERS & MUCH MORE?

My journey through India is a blend of personal stories and practical insights, captured in words and photographs and hopefully poetic in as much as my writing skill goes & hopefully humorous too! Like many others, I realized how little I truly knew about my own roots. It wasn’t until I stepped away from my career in information technology that I finally made the choice to move away from Google maps and explore my country first hand —to see it, feel it, and understand it for myself. Whatever I have understood I wish to share it with you so that you are not trying to negotiate in a market with Google translate. "Metaphorically speaking, of course.” I’ll write a separate blog for business travellers!

If there is one place in the world where some of the pristine forms of culture that has been preserved intact, it is in the Southern states of India. In my view no where else in the world has culture endured in such unbroken, authentic form as it does in the southern states of India. Isn’t it a cosmic joke overlooking what’s right in front of you!

I know geography isn’t everyone’s favourite subject — maps can be confusing, directions hard to obtain especially when everyone’s just saying “go straight, turn right then turn right” in a place where nothing is straight and let’s be honest, most of us still guess where half the countries in Europe are OR where Europe itself is! However, bloody damn, sometimes a sense of geography is absolutely needed. So, just to clear things up: South India includes five states — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka — plus the Union Territory of Puducherry (aka Pondicherry).

Needless to say that India a vast and diverse country that is multi-cultural & multi-lingual; so much so that it is called a sub-continent in itself. The point being here is: if you wish to tour South India, it has to be done at least in two parts covering two states at a time spanning duration of a fortnight each to have a decent & satisfying exposure to South Indian culture.

WHY VISIT SOUTH INDIA AT ALL?

This is your chance to improve your spice tolerance and get a spiritual transformation. Hey, Jokes apart….

South India offers a great blend of activity and relaxation both of which are displayed through its bright colours fascinating cultures, pristine spiritual practices, yogic schools, breath taking temples, amazing archaeological sites [UNESCO], stunning sceneries of verdant tea estates, coffee plantations and spice gardens, wildlife parks and backwaters to name a few. On the cultural front, various dance forms like the Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali etc., along with its martial arts like the kalaripayattu & Silambam delight the visitor and leave the visitor in awe and a lingering taste.

If you're looking to escape the daily grind and dive into a world of rich wildlife, unique art forms, and mouth watering food and drinks — all at prices that are affordable without feeling cheap — South India is your spot. It’s a region that has something for everyone, and a delightful blend of everything for every curious soul. South India is not just a region whose essence is captured in pictures, artefacts etc. and displayed in glass cases in a museum – it is a living experience. If you don’t avail it (yes it is basically a glorious Indian-English phrase) you are missing out on time-travel and a taste of heaven. Okay I may be over dramatic. I am just trying to serve you coffee with extra caffeine!.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP?

For those with more time and a flexible budget, it’s entirely possible to explore the entire Indian subcontinent—covering the South, North, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan—building in a few days of rest in between itineraries, as some seasoned travellers prefer.

Alternatively, you might opt for a completely different journey through Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. This route could begin in Hyderabad and wrap up in Mumbai, offering a rich mix of heritage, culture, and cuisine along the way. And if time allows, a few days to unwind on the sun-soaked beaches of Goa before flying out from Mumbai is always a good idea.

Again, considering the time, energy, and cost of long-haul international travel, it’s well worth planning your trip to make the most of your visit—whether that means adding North India, Bhutan, Nepal, or a customized combo of all three.

HOW TO PLAN?

If you are not planning, and say “Let’s go where the path takes us”, it might lead you to a cul-de-sac. If your Googling at the last minute that’s not adventure – that’s gambling! India generally is a buffet of places and hard to choose from but here’s help below. Don’t buy a DIY gadget without a manual where 3 extra screws remain in the end.

Most travellers begin their two-week South India adventure by exploring the vibrant states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala—typically starting in Chennai and ending in Cochin, or doing the reverse, depending on which international flight connections work best.

If time and budget allow, it’s well worth considering an extension—perhaps unwinding with an Ayurvedic retreat or a beach stay in Kerala. Alternatively, a week-long trip to Sri Lanka can be a great add-on. After all, if you’ve already made the long-haul journey to this part of the world, it makes sense to make the most of it—time-, energy-, and money-wise! If you skip the extension, later you don’t want to look longingly at Instagram thinking “I could have been there.

WHEN TO VISIT?

Technically speaking, you can visit South India any time of year unless, of course, the world decides to throw another surprise lockdown à la 2020. In which case, please enjoy your virtual tour from the sofa. Hey just a joke. I don’t mean it to happen again. My God not again………….

Now, let’s get to the real question: When’s the best time to visit South India?

Well, most of India gets drenched during the monsoon season from July through August. And we’re not talking about a gentle drizzle—we’re talking torrential, umbrella-snapping downpours. Even if you don’t mind getting wet, your travel plans might!

April and May? Hot. Blazing hot. Best avoided unless you're trying to test your personal melting point.

That leaves us with the golden window: September to March. September sits in the shoulder season—still warm and humid, with a chance of lingering rain (especially in Kerala). But it also comes with lighter crowds and discounted prices, which makes it ideal for budget travellers and freshly graduated adventurers on a shoestring.

From mid-October through the end of February, South India hits its sweet spot—cooler, more comfortable, and perfect for temple-hopping, beach-strolling, or just sipping coconut water without breaking a sweat. The absolute best stretch? Mid-December to early February—when the weather is at its most pleasant and Instagram filters are almost unnecessary.

Should you need extra fizz in your drinks, go for it. Time your trip with vibrant festivals like Thrissur Pooram, Dussehra, Diwali, Pongal, and more. Nothing like “immersive travel” with fireworks, music, elephants, and sweets you can’t pronounce but definitely want more of.

WHAT TO SEE?

Something to keep in mind —this blog is here to give you a flavourful sampler of South India, not the full-course itinerary and is intended to offer a broad overview of South India, without delving into the detailed intricacies of the itinerary. Curious to explore India with me? Head over to the “Travel with Me” section for all the details and how to get in touch! So, let’s dive into the essentials.

OPTION ONE: The Classic South – Tamil Nadu & Kerala

In its first leg of the journey Enchanting Tamil Nadu offers a rich and immersive experience—blending glimpses of early Christian and colonial history with majestic colonial-era buildings. You’ll savour the region’s vibrant culture, language, cuisine, and traditional art forms. Marvel at magnificent ancient temples where history comes alive, and witness religious practices first hand. Explore fascinating museums filled with South Indian bronzes, intricate stone sculptures, and remarkable artefacts. Discover once-grand palaces, serene hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, and the enduring heritage of village arts and crafts, including silk and cotton weaving and coir rope spinning.

Give Time a Break – Pondicherry Style: Pondicherry is where South India takes a stylish detour into southern France. With its pastel-hued colonial buildings, leafy boulevards, and that unmistakable French Quarter charm, it’s a place where time seems to slow down—intentionally. You’ll find promenades instead of beaches, cafés serving French cuisine, and even the occasional game of boule unfolding in a quiet park.

No trip through South India feels complete without a pause in Pondicherry—and no visit to Pondicherry is complete without ticking off a few essentials. Think: a peaceful visit to the Auroville spiritual commune, a stroll through the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a rickshaw ride through the atmospheric French Quarter, the Governor’s Bungalow, and a wander through the bustling local market on the Indian side of town.

Most importantly, Pondicherry makes for a perfect overnight stop, breaking up what would otherwise be a rather long haul further south. Honestly? With its laid-back vibe and distinctive character, many travellers end up wishing they had stayed for four nights instead of just one. It’s that kind of place—where ambiance does all the convincing.

Kerala, fondly known as God’s Own Country, serves up a feast for the senses. Picture this: lush, rolling hills blanketed with tea, coffee, and spice plantations; wildlife sanctuaries where tigers still roam; captivating performances of traditional dance and martial arts; and the gentle sway of a houseboat gliding through the coconut palm-fringed backwaters.

Top it all off with a few days of pure bliss on one of Kerala’s serene beaches, where relaxation is the only item on your itinerary—and you have the perfect finale to an unforgettable journey.

A typical itinerary:

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Madurai - Thekkady and/or Munnar - Kumarakoam and/or House Boat - Cochin & (optional extension to a place of your choice)

South India itinerary - covering Tamil Nadu & Kerala

OPTION TWO: The Underrated Gems – Telangana, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka

This journey through the culturally rich states of Telangana and Karnataka typically begins in Hyderabad, the vibrant capital of Telangana. From there, you’ll weave your way through ancient temples, royal cities, and lush coffee hills—eventually making your way to the sun-soaked beaches of Goa for a well-earned pause. The trip concludes in Mumbai, India’s bustling financial and cinematic capital, providing a grand finale to a journey that’s as diverse as it is memorable.

It’s all in it- Telangana, India’s youngest state, may be modern in its formation but it is ancient in soul – isn’t that a lovely combo?. At its heart lies Hyderabad, a city where Nizami grandeur meets cutting-edge innovation. Here, you can marvel at iconic landmarks like the Charminar, explore the sprawling Golconda Fort, and indulge in the city’s legendary biryani (which is practically a cultural experience in itself). The Qutb Shahi Tombs and Salar Jung Museum offer deep dives into the region’s rich heritage, while the Hussain Sagar Lake and Ramoji Film City add a contemporary twist.

Step outside the capital to discover Warangal, once the seat of the Kakatiya dynasty, where intricately carved temples and fort ruins whisper tales of a glorious past. Visit Bhadrachalam for a riverside spiritual retreat dedicated to Lord Rama, or Basar, home to the Saraswathi Temple, especially popular among families with young learners.

A combination of Telangana & Karnataka tour is a great balance of royal history, spiritual exploration, and urban buzz—with just enough spice to keep every traveller intrigued.

Karnataka, aptly described by the slogan "One State, Many Worlds," is a vibrant tapestry of rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. From the majestic ruins of Hampi and the royal splendour of Mysuru to the serene beaches of Gokarna and lush greenery of Coorg, the state offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether it's ancient temples, bustling cities, tranquil hill stations, or thrilling wildlife sanctuaries, Karnataka invites you to explore its many worlds, all within one incredible state.

A typical itinerary:

Hyderabad - Amaravathi - Hyderabad - Bidar - Gulbarga - Bijapur - Badami - Hampi  -Hassan - Mysore - Bangalore & (optional extension to a place of your choice)

Deccan odyssey itinerary

DO I NEED A GUIDE?

Hey, you don’t want to get stranded in a place surrounded by cows, without cell phone signal or where Google map shows you a place where they bake when you had asked for directions to a lake!

It is actually not that bad in India actually. However, even though most people do speak English in South India, with accent, head nods that even I don’t fully always understand despite being born and brought up in India and which sometimes the nodder himself/herself doesn’t understand; it might all sound like some esoteric mystery teaching – like the ones you see in a movie – while what you had asked is a simple direction to a bus stop. It is best to navigate with a seasoned guide who can make the trip both fun and an enriching education.

GETTING AROUND

Most South Indians speak at least a smattering of English and surprisingly some hawkers and vendors speak multiple languages at an operational level at touristy locations. You will hear people switching from English, to French, to Hindi (Google translate will hang.., ) totally ignoring what you had asked and all while chopping the head of tender coconut with Ninja like precision without even looking at the coconut. In the meantime you had forgotten what you had asked and start concentrating in worried anticipation if the coconut vendor was going to cut his own finger. Scary stuff eh? Don’t worry. They know what they are doing. AND don’t worry, they will finally get back to the language of your knowing and help you out. South Indians are a friendly lot.

While we’ll assume your main travel is pre-arranged with a private vehicle, there will likely be moments when you’ll want to venture out on your own—perhaps to explore a lively market, grab a late-night bite, or chase down that café someone on Instagram swore by.

The good news? Ride-hailing services like UBER and OLA operate in most cities and towns across South India, and they’re both widely used and very affordable. A quick tap on your phone and you're off on your mini-adventure!

There are auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks for foreigners) which you can negotiate directly or with help of a local person. For Indians, tuk-tuks are cost-effective survival vehicles. For foreigners, they’re vibrating bucket list items — which I, of course, superfluously mention here as part of spiritual journey through traffic. Other safe, affordable local transportation include open cycle-rickshaws (particularly when you are photo-savvy and don’t want a fast and covered vehicle. Especially if you value traditional travel over aerodynamics and think sometimes travel should involve more camera angles than velocity). There are also boats and ferries in places like Kerala for local transport. Major metropolises have elaborate metro connections. If you are not on an organized tour, both luxury air-conditioned and ordinary buses (State-owned and private) operate from town to town. Indian trains are a great option (most trains have air-conditioned sleepers) although train travel might need advance booking. Major metros are connected with decent affordable air travel as well.

WHAT TO WEAR?

South India is warm and humid. So, think of light breathable cotton fabrics. Some temples and religious places require long trousers to the ankles and no sleeveless but for most part of the journey shorts and T-shirt would do. Revealing clothes are best avoided not because people judge you harshly but to blend in. Shoes-on, shoes-off is a regular feature while visiting a temple, religious place or someone’s house. A pair of good sandals or walking shoes that is easy to take off and put back on would be practical & practicable. Bright colours are welcome – Indians celebrate colours.

Temples require that you dress modestly which means no-sleeveless and trousers running down to your ankles.

THINGS TO CARRY

• Light breathable dresses

• Universal power adapter

• Power bank - The best adventures happen when your phone has 2% battery.

• If you’re on medication, carry enough to last your entire trip. Don’t assume you’ll be able to find the exact same brand, dosage, or formulation in South India — even common medications can vary in availability or go by different names. While pharmacies are widespread and generally well-stocked, your specific combination might not be. It would be wise to bring a copy of your prescription.

• Don’t forget an extra pair of spectacles/contact lenses. If you rely on glasses or contacts, bring a backup pair — just in case one breaks, gets scratched, or mysteriously vanishes - as they almost always tend to do during the trip. Getting a replacement might not be quick, easy or to your liking, especially if you're outside a major city.

• Screen lotions – with high SPF

• Mosquito repellent and/or bug spray

This above list isn’t exhaustive — just indicative. Pack smart — but don’t stress. Almost everything is fixable, replaceable, or laugh-about-it-later-able. Except your passport. Don’t forget that.

SAFETY & CULTURAL NORMS

GENERAL SAFETY

• Avoid wandering down dark, empty streets alone late at night.

• Use trusted transport (like hotel-arranged cabs, or rideshare apps like Uber/Ola).

•  For solo female travellers - Dressing modestly helps avoid unwanted attention.

• Use seat belts & helmets

HEALTH & HYGIENE

• Drink bottled water

• Avoid peeled or cut fruits/vegetables. Generally safe in hotels though.

• Use hand sanitizers every time you get on & off the bus

PERSONAL SAFETY

• Protect yourself against pick pocketing in crowded places

• Have a digital backup of all your important documents

• Avoid flashing expensive gadgets/jewellery

• Use the hotel safe for your passport & valuables

NATURE & ADVENTURE SAFETY

• Bring down to earth colours for forest treks

• Carry a little salt (in case of leeches during forest treks) & baking soda for insect stings/bites

• Check weather alerts

• For adventure sports make sure you only use certified guides/reputable operators

CULTURAL & RELIGIOUS SENSITIVITY

• Long trousers and sleeveless may be needed at places. So, be prepared for that.

• Remove shoes where required

• Look if there is a “No Photography” sign before taking pictures

• Indians transact (give and take) only with their right hands and expect the same from you

• When people are staring they are curious – not being rude

• Take permission before taking pictures of people – particularly of the vendors.

FOR WHOM THE TRIP IS NOT MEANT?

If you are the type who accepts all cookies without reading the fine print or accept all cookies and hope for the best then this travel game is not for you. Skipping the fine print is not a great idea here.

If your physical fitness levels are on the gentler side.....

Travelling in South India needs a modest amount of physical fitness. You must be comfortable carrying your water bottle, camera and essential paraphernalia for about a kilometre or so at least a few times a day during the course of day-to-day sightseeing. Even for people who are otherwise generally fit in your home country please note that heat & humidity are your mortal enemies if you hadn’t had the chance to befriend them. Every step of the way can feel like mountaineering. Parking can be up to 500 meters from most monuments—so be prepared for a mini march-past before you even see the entrance. Generally you must be in shape to walk 3 to 5 kilometres comfortably. If your idea of cardio is social media, travel in South India will humble you.

If you are a minimalist traveller.....

If you're packing for South India with the idea that you’ll wear one breezy outfit for days like you're backpacking through Europe—think again.

South India isn’t just hot. It’s the kind of heat that makes your clothes stick, your soul sweat, and your minimalist dreams unravel by lunchtime. That one T-shirt you thought you'd rotate for three days? It might not even survive breakfast.

Cultural norms in South India— in temples and religious sites especially — may require you wearing long trousers or skirts down to the ankles. Sleeveless tops or shorts may not be welcomed in certain places. If you are a minimalist traveller, pack light but pack smart. Think of light weight breathable fabrics and the like.

I’m not sure if there's a 'Minimalist Smart Packing for Dummies' book out there—but if there is, I highly recommend reading it before travelling in South India. Preferably twice.

If large crowds aren’t your comfort zone.....

South India is vibrantly and wonderfully chaotic. How can anything be wonderfully chaotic? Well, you have to believe me on this or see it for yourself when you visit South India. Most iconic experiences involve navigating through bustling markets, packed temples, and popular tourist spots filled with fellow wanderers, locals, the occasional holy cow, a stray dog or even goat(s) perhaps. At times, it might feel less like a vacation and more like you're Indiana Jones navigating a medieval Egyptian marketplace—minus the whip, plus a lot more sandalwood and snack stalls. Bumping into others won’t feel like a metaphor anymore. Add in heat, humidity, the honking to the equation. The result is: an experience that is immersive or let’s says intensely immersive. If you are open to step out of your comfort zone, there are incredible moments of shared smiles, a sense of bonhomie, spontaneous conversations that turn into stories. These moments can be a living classroom that teaches the joys of perspectives, patience and human connection. If you’d rather skip the jostle and bustle, still there are itineraries with a few places where the pace is slower and the space all yours.

If you are expecting western-style tourism everywhere......

Places may lack proper signage, Wi-Fi may not always work, you have to undergo the hardship of walking bare foot at places, infrastructure can be patchy, and strikes can happen spontaneously creating delays or detours. Put it this way, sometimes it is “figure-it-as-you-go” transform chaos into an organized one. You don’t get squeaky clean public facilities always. However, what South India lacks in conventional “tourism polish,” is compensated by its authenticity, generosity, friendliness and unforgettable moments. Unforgettable moments because of real, raw and unplanned Indian serendipity. South India might feel like a beautiful puzzle that refuses to fit your expectations. This can be confusing and frustrating. If you are not willing to accept to these natural terms and conditions there other post-card perfect vacations that you need to look at.

If you have a very specific/restrictive/rigid with your dietary regimen

South India is a sensory overload — especially when it comes to food. Expect bold flavours, generous use of spices, and dishes that might not always come with a detailed ingredient list. From street-side dosa stalls to temple meals served on banana leaves, part of the experience is diving in, sometimes not knowing exactly what’s on your plate — but loving it anyway.

If you follow a highly restrictive diet (say, keto, strict paleo, or raw vegan), or you need full control over every ingredient, you may find it challenging here. While vegetarian and even vegan options are abundant, ingredient transparency and substitutions aren’t always easy to come by — especially outside major cities/towns. If you are expecting a chia-seed smoothie precisely at 8.03 am this trip may not be your vibe!

If you are not willing to loosen up for a couple of weeks you should look for a trip more aligned with your food preferences.

If you aren’t comfortable with visible poverty, this trip may challenge you.....

India is a place of incredible beauty and riches – and yes, also the contrast. Here you will witness the full spectrum of life that includes economic hardships of the people that can be very visibly confronting. You may witness people living in makeshift shelters, children selling trinkets or families working so hard to just get by. These can create psychological discomfort with feelings of guilt and sadness if you cannot embrace and reflect without judgment. In the very same place however, you will find joy, resilience, motivation, hope & friendliness. For some all these could still be psychologically jarring. If you are not willing for the discomfort, this trip might not be for you.

If you are not comfortable seeing cultural contrasts.....

The collision of tradition and modernity in India is a reflection of a culture that has endured, adapted, and evolved over thousands of years.

Here you may see barefoot pilgrims walking past high-end malls. Sacred cows resting calmly in the middle of chaotic traffic. Ancient rituals performed beside glowing Smartphone screens. A traditional temple procession might pass by a billboard advertising the latest Netflix series. These contrasts aren’t glitches in the system — they are the system. If you are used to a life-style where everything is clearly ordered or categorized, a trip to India could be overwhelming with a cultural shock but the very scene is an opportunity to expand your world-view - or let it pass by you!

If you are always expecting squeaky clean public facilities.....

Public restrooms in South India — especially outside major cities — might not meet the standards you're used to. You may encounter squat toilets with bring-your-own-toilet-paper situations! Cleanliness can vary wildly with spotless washrooms that surprise you and contrasting one at places. A roll of tissue & some wet wipes along with a sense of humour can go a long way. While plumbing sometimes might be questionable, your experience will not be.

TRAVEL WITH ME

In addition to sharing stories and insights on travel, I also organize trips across India & to select places across the world—designed for travellers who want to go beyond the guidebooks and experience the heart of the culture.

Whether you’re a solo explorer, a curious group, or an organization looking for a meaningful travel experience, I’d love to help craft your journey.

Whether you choose to journey with me, through another provider, or completely on your own—it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you experience the magic. To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve also listed some of the region’s unmissable highlights below—the sights, sounds, and flavours South India is known for. Use the below form for your queries or: contact@wanderwise.me

10 THINGS TO DO IN TAMIL NADU THAT MOST TOURISTS MISS

Walking tour along with taste of street food in Chennai with a guide

Wildlife enthusiasts may visit the crocodile park near Mahabalipuram

A local market taste - Take a stroll in the local Gubert market of Pondicherry

Learn about South Indian dance/music at a dance performer’s house in Tanjore

Visit a bronze unit in Tanjore to see solid-bronzes making with lost-wax-method

Visit the priest school in the outskirts of Madurai

Try out a yoga session with a trainer

Look for festivals and/or processions even if it means a little detour

Learn about crop that are cultivated by stops En route

Try the top dishes of Tamil Nadu (Read my blog on Must try dishes of Tamil Nadu)

KERALA BEYOND THE BROCHURE: TOP 10  OFF OFFBEAT EXPEREINCES

Try out Ayurvedic massage some place

Try out toddy En route some place – a fermented drink made from Coconut sap

Folklore museum in Kochi (It is not part of most companies’ itinerary)

Take a walking tour and food experience of Fort Kochi area

Ask and witness a coconut tree climber who does toddy tapping

Don’t miss the smaller canoe ride in the backwaters

Ask for a farm house visit with lunch/dinner in your itinerary

For the adventurous: Quad biking, rappelling, hiking, Kayaking & bamboo rafting

Visit a local home that offers cooking demonstration with lunch/dinner

Try top dishes of Kerala (Read my blog on Must try dishes of Kerala)

10 THINGS ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED- ANDHRA  & TELANGANA

Take a walking tour of Hyderabad 

Explore the Charminar area

Visit The Arakku valley

Visit the Borra caves

Witness Kalamkari art

Visit the Amravathi Buddhist site

Visit the “Water front” restaurant overlooking the Secundarabad lake (Dinner)

Visit the Ramoji film city in the outskirts of Hyderabad

Tribal visit in Hyderabad

Try top dishes of AP&T. Read my blogs on Must try dishes of Andhra & Must try dishes of Telangana

KARNATAKA UNPLUGGED-10 SECRETS FOR YOU

Walking tour of Bangalore city

Include a visit to one of the pubs in the evening – an experience in itself

En route Mysore visit the Silk related activities

En route Mysore visit the toy making units in Chennapatna

Folklore museum in Ramnagar

Sun set view from Malyavantha-Raghunatha hill Hampi

If Hampi isn’t included in your itinerary – you are missing the crown jewel

Visit the Bandipur/Nagarhole national park

Rama Devara betta (hill) trekking in Ram Nagar 1 hour trek from Bangalore

Try top dishes of these states (Read my blog on Must try dishes of Karnataka)

IN CONCLUSION……

Now that you're equipped with the essentials for travelling through South India, feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Welcome to South India—may your journey be unforgettable. Bon Voyage!

PARTYING IN SOUTH INDIA?

While there are decent pubs and/or bars in almost all the major metros (it is safe for the ladies too), as go into rural South India you need to be content with bars at the hotels very often which usually is situated abetting the lobby in my experience in most hotels. Should you wish to have alcohol at the hotels during your stay in India, you need to talk to your travel agent prior to your bookings to make sure because some hotels either as a policy or because of the fact that they don't have a liquor license don't allow consumption of alcohol in the hotels. Also, if you bring your own bottles I haven't heard of any hotel that would charge corkage and allow you to take to the restaurant. At best you can have it only in your rooms

COST OF THE TRIP?

The cost of the trip very much depends on the type of the hotels you chose, whether or not you need an accompanying guide or you are content with local spot guides, meals that are included and whether you are travelling as a group or an FIT. Generally in all my off-the-shelf itineraries, I have included mostly 4-star hotels & breakfast & lunch inclusions. This gives you the freedom of either skipping one of the meals if you are too full or gives you the opportunity of trying out different things on your own at local restaurant.

DO I NEED A VISA FOR THE TRIP?

If you from Bhutan or Nepal, you don't need a VISA provided that you are not arriving into India (or on transit) from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau or Pakistan. Otherwise you don't even need a passport.

Nationals of Maldives don't need a VISA for a maximum period of stay of 90 days.

Japanese, South Koreans & people from UAE (for people from UAE, if you have obtained a e-VISA/paper VISA in the past only then this rule applies) you can get VISA on arrival for a period of 30 days stay.

VISA on arrival are available only at the following ports and nowhere else: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru & Hyderabad.

Another set of people who don't need VISA to visit India are people who are Overseas citizens of India and people who have registered as Persons of Indian origin and have a valid card for that purpose.

All others need VISA to visit India. The information provided here stands valid as of writing of this blog. Always consult government services or email us for clarity.