See the Great Spots of South India
While less traveled than its northern counterpart, South India is an incredible locale for cultural and geographic diversity. As a native to the region, I’m sure I can be a bit biased on my love for the area, but I was really able to explore it fully for the first time on a 3-week solo trip last September. From hiking incredible peaks to eating great food, visiting historic temples to wandering bustling cities, there is something to do for everyone in this area! Here’s a snapshot of some of the great things you can get up to there:
See the temples of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
As a Tamilian, this site was somewhere that I have wanted to go for a long time, and it surely lived up to the hype. An hour south from India’s sixth-largest city of Chennai, it is one of the oldest surviving temple complexes in the country, dating back to the Pallava Kingdom of the 600s AD. It’s in a pretty small, sleepy town by the water, but it is well worth the visit to learn a bit more about the history and marvel at an incredible architectural site for the time.
Relax on the backwaters of Kochi, Kerala
Kochi is one of the more relaxing port cities in the country, something that is hard to find in North India. Hanging out for a couple days in the city to visit the famous cathedrals and hang out in the backwaters of the nearby town of Alleppey is a common attraction. In fact, it’s a great time to book a houseboat to spend a night in, so you can sleep on a cozy cottage directly on the water. Furthermore, to try some great South Indian food, you need look no further than the state of Kerala, as their idlis, dosas, and appams are legendary!
Enjoy the parties and beaches that Goa has to offer
Goa is internationally known as India’s party destination, attracting tourists from around the world for ridiculously cheap nights of going out. I definitely had fun enjoying the live music scene and nightlife the state had to offer. However, I was more taken by some of the nature spots and beaches, particularly enjoying the Canacona beach trek and hiking in a cave at Pernem. As a foreign tourist, it definitely was the spot to meet people from all over and make great friends as a solo traveller!
See a ruin like never before at Hampi & Hassan
If you’re okay with making a long journey by car/train, then Hampi is definitely worth looking out for. Located in Karnataka, this massive group of monuments served as the capital of the largest empire in South Indian lore: the Vijayanagara. Still standing today, the site of Hampi is a widespread complex of forts, temples, and memorials where you can really get a great look at how rich and immaculate South India was at the time. Additionally, a smaller site to visit for a similar experience in Hassan; around 200 miles south of Hampi, Hassan was another large city of the empire and still stands with a beautiful set of temples.
Go on otherworldly hikes at Chikmagalur, Karnataka
I never expected to see natural sites that compared to national parks in the states, but Chikmagalur changed that perception entirely. A hill station situated in the Western Ghats mountain range, this is a haven for coffee plantations and avid outdoors lovers. There are many trails in the area with picturesque views of rolling hills all around, and the access to delicious food & coffee is unparallelled. As a hill station, it is also a great spot to relax for a couple of days in a nice bungalow.
BONUS: Make a trip to Mumbai to do anything you set your mind to
It’s technically not in South India, but Mumbai is so close to sites like Goa and Chikmagalur that I don’t feel bad putting it on the list. Visiting this city for the first time, I was blown away by just how cosmopolitan everything felt, while still retaining the charm of Old India in various neighborhoods. From incredible street food to amazing museums, I felt so at home in Mumbai and qualify it as my second favorite city in the world (behind my very own NYC of course). Make this a priority in your next trip to India!
Hopefully this selection got you buzzing for your next trip to South India!
