South India, or Southern India, is a region steeped in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and heritage. It's a society that has flourished south of the Vindhyas for several thousand years, offering every visitor a unique and fascinating experience. Southern India differs from the North in various aspects, including topography, race, language, weather, cuisine, festivals, and architectural heritage.
Even within South India, you'll find varied geographical and cultural differences. For instance, Kerala is famous for its backwaters and the verdant greenery of the Western Ghats, but its adjacent state, Tamil Nadu, is dubbed the Land of Temples. While Andhra Pradesh is famous for the Eastern Ghats, Karnataka is renowned for its coastal beauty, hill stations, and dense tropical forests. Explore our South India tour packages for the best natural landscapes, cultural and historical heritage, cuisine, and wildlife.
Table of Content:
- About South India
- History Of South India
- Tidbits
- Things to Know Before Visiting South India
- South India At A Glance
- Top Reasons To Visit South India Tour Packages
- Mouthwatering Cuisine
- Ayurveda Wellness Treats
- Heritage Cities
- Unique Art Forms
- The Five States Of South India
About South India
South India comprises five states: Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, and a Union Territory, Puducherry (Pondicherry). Some classifications would include the islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar.
This peninsular region is shaped like an inverted triangle with mountain ranges on both sides, aptly called the Western and Eastern Ghats. It borders the Arabian Sea on the west, the Bay of Bengal on the east, and the Indian Ocean on the south.
History Of South India
South India has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic Age. Recorded South Indian history begins with the Iron Age. The Sangam Age, which lasted for over 150 years, was marked by notable works such as Tolkapiyam, Paripatal, and Pattupattu—all written in Tamil. The Pandyas were the earliest rulers of South India, followed by the Cheras and Cholas. The Cholas of Tamil Nadu were great maritime warriors who conquered as far as Malaysia and Indonesia.
Tidbits
- South India contributes 35% of India's GDP
- The literacy rate of the southern states is 79.1% – higher than the national average of 77.7%
- Tamil is one of the oldest continually spoken languages in the world.
- South India is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- The Ranganathaswamy Temple is the largest Hindu temple in India
- Ayurveda originated in Kerala more than 3000 years ago.
Things to Know Before Visiting South India
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting temples. Pack modest clothing for temple visits.
- Carry light cotton clothes and sunglasses; most of South India is hot and humid. Hill stations need warm clothes.
- Carry mosquito repellents; some South Indian states have high dengue incidence during monsoon.
- Be prepared for humid weather. Carry a water bottle at all times.
South India At A Glance
Each state offers distinct food, shopping, popular places, and best time to visit. Kerala (Oct–Feb), Tamil Nadu (Nov–Feb), Karnataka (Oct–Apr), Andhra Pradesh (Nov–Feb), Telangana (Nov–Feb), and Pondicherry (Oct–Feb) are the general best seasons.
Top Reasons To Visit South India
From scenic beaches to beautiful backwaters and grand temples, there are hundreds of reasons to visit Southern India. Choose South India tour packages for spiritual destinations (Tirupati, Rameswaram, Madurai, Guruvayur), wildlife (Periyar, Mudumalai, Nagarhole), hill stations (Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Coorg, Wayanad), and rich cultural heritage including dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Kuchipudi.
