The Southern states of India include Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka. The region occupies 20% of India’s area, and lies on the Deccan peninsula, surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Due to its diverse geography, it offers some of the most variety in landscape, from oceans and bays to mountains and forests, even hosting a multitude of wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the country’s most notable cities are also in southern India, including Chennai (the fourth-largest city in the country), Coimbatonre (the textile capital of the South), Erode (which features the largest market in India) and Kanniyakumari (the southern most tip of the Indian mainland). Visitors can enjoy Carnatic music, take in a cricket match and enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast of masala dosa and sambar in this truly unique region.
Why Go?
Tamil Nadu: The state of Tamil Nadu is known for its architecture, temples and classical Carnatic music. The largest city is Chennai (Madras). Being that Tamil is the most preferred language, the city’s Tamil film industry (also known as “Kollywood”) has featured some of the most notable Chennaites. Check out a movie in the beautiful Devi Cineplex, in the heart of Chennai. The city is also a hub for cricket and motorsports. Famous sites here are the Kapaleeswarar Temple (dating back to the 8th Century, and site of the Thaipusam festival in January/February) and Marina Beach.
Within an hour from Chennai is Mahabalipuram, famous for its stone carvings, and where the famous Shore Temple is located. The Shore Temple is the oldest structure in the area, built around 700 AD. Definitely a must-see, Mahabalipuram gets very crowded and is purely a tourist town, so it’s best to visit in the off season. Bike trips around the countryside and trekking on foot are both great ways to explore the area. Several area yoga camps are also a big draw with foreigners.
As the largest French colony in India, Pondicherry still has a strong French influence within the language, food and architecture (most residents speak Tamil, French and English). A good way to explore the area is by renting a motorbike and enjoying the mix of beaches, temples, shopping, churches and French colonial buildings that make up this city with a dual-personality.Take in a Bharatanatyam perforamance, or fish on a catamaran at Rocky Beach. This is definitely a city in Southern India not like any other!
Karnataka: In the widely-spoken Kannada language, the words “karu” and “nadu” mean “elevated land” as well as “black land” (referring to the black cotton soil found in the region). Visitors should take in a performance of the well-known Carnatic music, named for the region. It emphasizes “vocal music”, performed in a singing style, even when played by instruments, and is performed in small groups.
Bangalore is one of the most happening cities in India, and a hub for the I.T. industry (many consider it the “Silicon Valley of India”). Must see spots are the Bull and Dodda Ganapathi temples, situated across of one another, as well as the legislative House of the State, Vidhana Soudha. More recent attractions include the Lumbini Gardens and the Wonder La Amusement Park. Many Indians visit Bangalore for the great cricket matches, including the Cricket World Cup or the Indian Premier League.
Mysore is the cultural capital of Karnataka, and features many prominent palaces and gardens. The Mysore Palace is illuminated on Sundays and national holidays, and features close to 100,000 bulbs. Visitors should get an early start and climb up Chamundi Hills for a great view of the city, as well as the Nandi statue that sits atop the hill.
Ooty is a hill station in the Nilgiri mountain range, covered with forests and tea gardens. A must-see is the Doddabetta peak, which stands 2,600 meters high as is considered the best vantage point in the city. Travelers visit tea plantations, cabbage fields, forest sanctuaries, and often opt to see the environs on horseback.
Andra Pradesh: The state with the most cinema halls in India (around 3,300), Andra Pradesh produces the largest number of movies in India per year (more than Mumbai). It is also where the world-famous 105-carat Koh-i-Nur diamond originated, belonging to the Mughals and finally seized by the East India Company to put into Queen Victoria’s crown in 1877. Queen Elizabeth II still wears the diamond in her crown today.
Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh, and known as the “City of Pearls”. It is home to the Telugu Film Industry (known as “Tollywood”), and also houses the world’s largest film studio, Ramoji Film City. Famous for its Hyderabadi biryani and blend of Hindu/Muslim traditions, Hyderabad is both modern and traditional in its cultural offerings. No visit is complete without visits to Charminar, Golconda Fort (especially the laser light show at night), Qutb Shahi Tombs, Falaknuma Palace, Mecca Masjid, Salar Jung Museum and the Hussain Sagar Lake (with statue of Buddha in the center).
Nestled among the hills and facing the Bay of Bengal, Bisakhapatnam (known as “Vizag” for short) is an industrial city known for its steel plants, ports and shipyards. Known as one of the most peaceful cities (Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists co-exist with never a riot in its entire history), attractions here are all about the beach, cliffs and hilltops facing the sea. Take a long drive on the beach road, or visit a wildlife sanctuary.
The pilgrimage city of Tirupati is most famous for the Venkateswara Swamy temple. The temple draws millions of visitors annually from a wide range of Hindi traditions every September. Another notable temple is the ISKCON Lord Krishna Temple, with gold and white towers and glass paintings depicting Lord Krishna on the windows.
Kerala: The progressive state of Kerala is known for its famous backwaters, Ayurvedic treatments and the highest literacy rate in all of India (91% of “Malyalis”, Kerala natives, are literate). It is regarded as one of the most beautiful states in Southern India.
Situated at the intersection of three rivers, Munnar is a breathtakingly scenic tea town. Now a bustling tourist destination, Munnar offers many activities catered to its visitors, such as resort excursions, boating, parasailing, hot air ballooning and wildlife safaris in the jungles.
Alleppey is known as the “Venice of the East”, and has the largest network of canals that run through town. There is a popular Snake Boat Race (“Vallam Kali”) held every August.
Once the center of the Indian spice trade, Kochi is now a hub for the shipping industry. It was once ruled by the Portugese and Dutch, and is now a melting pot of all Indian religious backgrounds. The backwaters of Kochi are a chain of lagoons and lakes parallel to the Arabian Sea, and are usually accessed by visitors via houseboats. Marine Drive is a popular promenade facing the backwaters, with shopping and restaurants lining the drive. Other notable attractions are the Mattancherry Palace and the nearby Athirappilly Falls.
When to Go?
Tamil Nadu and Kerala: Visit Tamil Nadu and Kerala during the mild months of December to February, in between the Monsoon (October-December) and the peak, humid Summer season (March-July). January and February are also great months to travel because deals on flights and hotels are more easy to come by, and visitors can sightsee without crowds.
Andra Pradesh: November through February are the best months to visit the area, when the climate is the coolest. Hyderabad specifically offers a monthlong “Numayesh” (city festival), with local artisans, vendors, textile merchants and performers. It is held annually from January 1 through February 15.
Karnataka: February-May are the best times to visit Karnataka, as they are the warmest months, before peak summer hits.
How to Get There?
Tamil Nadu: The quickest way to get to Tamil Nadu is to fly into Chennai, and take very inexpensive trains and buses easily within the state. Also, the Golden Quadrilateral road has made driving down from Bangalore simple too. If opting to drive, it’s also advisable to rent a car, as fees are about Rs. 150/8-hour shift.
Kerala: Kerala has three major airports including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. Additionally, there are plenty of long-distance trains connecting most villages and cities in the state. Although traffic is some of the worst in India, there are very well-connected roadways all through the area, making most cities and villages well accessible.
Andra Pradesh: The brand-new Hyderabad Airport is definitely one to see, being touted as the best airport in all of India. Although farther out of the city, it offers shuttles, taxis and buses into central Hyderabad.
Karnataka: The new Bangalore Airport is one of the busiest in India, and features most notable international and domestic air carriers. Fly into the city and use rail or bus for the most economical option. Trains in India tend to be delayed, so taxis are another good option (although more pricey in the city).