Coorg Holidays Packages

South India Travel Guide

Welcome to your South India travel guide! A region rich in cultural diversity, pristine beaches, lush green hills, and ancient temples, South India offers a mesmerising blend of nature and heritage. Whether you are a beach lover, a spiritual seeker, or a nature enthusiast, South India has something for everyone. Let’s explore this diverse and vibrant region and discover what makes it a must-visit destination.

Getting to Know South India

South India, encompassing the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, is known for its tropical landscapes, spice plantations, and historical architecture. From the backwaters of Kerala to the hill stations of Tamil Nadu and the bustling tech hubs of Karnataka, the region offers a variety of experiences. Each state has its unique identity, culture, and cuisine, making South India an ideal destination for a diverse and enriching travel experience.

Language

The official languages in South India vary by state—Tamil (Tamil Nadu), Kannada (Karnataka), Malayalam (Kerala), Telugu (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana). English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit South India is from October to March, when the weather is cooler and perfect for exploring beaches, hill stations, and historical sites. The summer months (April to June) can be hot, but ideal for hill station visits like Ooty and Munnar. Monsoon season (July to September) is a beautiful time to visit Kerala’s backwaters and experience the lush greenery of the Western Ghats.

Weather

South India experiences a tropical climate with hot summers, moderate monsoons, and pleasant winters. Coastal regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have high humidity, while hill stations such as Coorg and Munnar enjoy cooler temperatures throughout the year.

Travel Time

Top Attractions

• Backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala: Cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful waters.

• Mysore Palace, Karnataka: A stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, Mysore Palace is one of the most visited palaces in India, offering insights into Karnataka’s royal history.

• Hampi, Karnataka: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hampi is known for its ancient ruins, temples, and rock-cut architecture, making it a haven for history enthusiasts.

• Ooty, Tamil Nadu: This charming hill station in the Nilgiri Hills is famous for its tea gardens, colonial architecture, and scenic landscapes, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

Things to Do

• Houseboat Ride in Kerala’s Backwaters: Experience the tranquillity of Kerala’s backwaters by cruising on a traditional houseboat, enjoying local cuisine and serene views.

• Trekking in the Western Ghats: Explore the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats through trekking trails in places like Coorg, Wayanad, and Munnar.

• Temple Tours in Tamil Nadu: Discover the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, such as Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur and Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai, showcasing Dravidian architecture.

• Surfing in Kovalam: Kovalam Beach in Kerala is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, offering surfing lessons for both beginners and advanced surfers.

• Explore Coffee Plantations in Coorg: Take a guided tour of the coffee plantations in Coorg, Karnataka, and experience the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

• Toy Train Ride in Ooty: Take a scenic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway that offers breathtaking views of lush tea estates, misty hills, and charming tunnels. 

Best Places for Local Delicacies

• Dakshin, Chennai: A renowned restaurant offering a wide range of South Indian dishes, including Chettinad cuisine and coastal specialties.

• Malabar Junction, Kochi: Known for its traditional Kerala dishes like appam and stew, this restaurant provides a delightful dining experience.

• Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR), Bangalore: Famous for its authentic South Indian breakfast, including dosa, idli, and filter coffee.

• Earl's Secret, Ooty: Nestled in the misty hills of Ooty, this heritage restaurant offers a mix of Indian and continental cuisine, with an emphasis on local flavours like Ooty’s famous tea and homemade chocolates.

• Coorg Cuisine, Coorg: A must-visit for food lovers in Coorg, this restaurant serves authentic Kodava cuisine, including local delicacies like pandi curry (pork curry) and akki rotti (rice roti).

• RRR, Mysore: Known for its iconic Mysore-style meals, RRR is a favourite among locals and tourists alike for its hearty servings of traditional South Indian thali and Mysore masala dosa.

• The Serai, Chikmagalur: Famous for its location in the heart of coffee country, this restaurant offers locally inspired dishes featuring fresh ingredients and, of course, Chikmagalur's renowned coffee.

• The Ocean Restaurant, Kanyakumari: Located near the coast, The Ocean Restaurant is popular for its fresh seafood dishes and authentic South Indian meals, making it a must-visit for travellers exploring Kanyakumari.

Restaurants to Visit in South India

• Saravana Bhavan, Chennai: A popular chain serving traditional South Indian vegetarian food, known for its dosas and thalis.

• The Falls at Tamara, Coorg
  Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Coorg, The Falls offers a blend of local Kodava dishes and continental cuisine. The ambiance is serene, making it a perfect spot for enjoying a peaceful meal while surrounded by nature.

• Rangasthala, Mysore
  Known for its authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine, Rangasthala provides a royal dining experience with a variety of dosas, idlis, and Mysore specialities like Mysore masala dosa. The traditional décor adds to the charm.

• Villa Maya, Trivandrum
  A fine-dining restaurant set in a beautifully restored 18th-century Dutch manor, Villa Maya offers a wide range of international and Kerala-inspired dishes. The ambiance and culinary offerings make it one of the top dining experiences in Trivandrum.

Must-Try Dishes

• Mysore Pak - Karnataka: This iconic sweet from Karnataka is made with ghee, sugar, and gram flour, resulting in a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. 

• Homemade Preserves - Coorg: Coorg is famous for its homemade fruit preserves and wines, made using local produce like passion fruit, guava, and pineapple. 

• Filter Coffee - Coorg: South India is renowned for its strong, aromatic filter coffee, and Coorg is one of the best places to experience it. 

• Hyderabadi Biryani - Hyderabad: A fragrant rice dish cooked with marinated meat and spices

• Gongura Pachadi - Andhra: A tangy and spicy pickle made from sorrel leaves.

• Pongal - Tamil Nadu: A rice-based dish cooked with ghee, black pepper, and lentils, commonly enjoyed as breakfast in Tamil Nadu

• Appam and Stew - Kerala: A soft rice pancake paired with a mild coconut-based vegetable or meat stew, a traditional delicacy from Kerala

• Fish Curry - Kerala: Kerala’s traditional fish curry is made with coconut milk and local spices, offering a rich and flavorful taste

We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to South India. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, enjoying beach resorts, or trekking through the Western Ghats, South India offers an enriching experience filled with natural beauty and cultural heritage. Let us help you plan your perfect getaway to this vibrant and diverse region!