India by Region
South India
Ancient temples, lush backwaters, spice plantations, and pristine beaches
South India is culturally and geographically distinct from the north. The Dravidian temple architecture of Tamil Nadu, the backwater houseboats of Kerala, the coffee estates of Coorg, and the beach towns of Goa make this India's most diverse region.
Guides Published
2
Best Time to Visit
November – February
2 Destination Guides
South IndiaHampi
“Ancient empire in ruins, set among a surreal boulder wilderness”
Hampi is the extraordinary ruined capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled much of South India from the 14th to 16th centuries. Spread across 26 square kilometres of Karnataka's Tungabhadra River valley, more than 1,600 monuments — carved temples, elephant stables, market streets, royal baths — emerge from a lunar boulder landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. It suits slow travellers who explore by bicycle or coracle, history lovers, photographers chasing golden-hour light on ancient stone, and budget backpackers equally at home with luxury boutique stays. Two to four days is the sweet spot.
South IndiaKerala
“God's Own Country”
Kerala, tucked into India's lush southwest between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is the subcontinent's most seductive escape. Famous for its glassy backwater canals where traditional rice-boats (houseboats) drift silently past coconut palms, its mist-covered Munnar tea gardens, and ancient Ayurvedic wellness traditions, Kerala feels nothing like the India that visitors first encounter in the north. Consistently voted one of the world's top destinations by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and Condé Nast Traveller, it delivers an experience that stays with travellers for the rest of their lives. Daily budgets start from around $60 USD (₹5,000) for backpackers rising to $300+ (₹25,000+) for luxury resorts and private houseboat charters.
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