7 Incredible Places to Travel in South India for Expats
Looking for the best places to travel in South India? This region is famous for its rich culture, colorful temples, amazing food and breathtaking nature! Learn more about the best places to travel in South India and choose a destination that fits your ideal trip!
There are so many incredible places to travel in South India! From urban cities like Bangalore to the stunning landscapes and biodiversity of Kerala, there is a wide variety of options for travelers.
South India is famous for many reasons and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It’s home to many ancient temples with intricately carved architecture. The culture is vibrant and the region is known for classical arts like Bharatanatyam dancing and Carnatic music. The style of food and spices is also famous around the world.
Many travelers are also drawn to the region for its vast wildlife and biodiversity. Visit wildlife sanctuaries or choose getaways to relax and enjoy the breathtaking nature. There’s remarkable waterways that line the coast, dense jungles, lush greenery and waterfalls. It’s also home to animals like wild elephants and tigers.
I have traveled around the region several times in the 6 years I’ve lived in the country. What is so interesting is the wide variety of places to travel in South India and all of the different experiences to embrace. This list contains my top recommendations which are popular for travelers wanting a south Indian experience.
This post is all about the best places to travel in South India.
Best Time to Travel to South India
See these places to visit in South India during the winter months if you can!
The weather in South India is similar across the region. The peak season and best time to travel is the winter months, from November – February. Weather is also relatively cool which makes for a pleasant trip, especially if you are hoping to enjoy nature or time outside. Temperatures vary between 15-30C (60-85F) depending on the area and time of travel.
October and March are okay times to travel, but will be warmer. October means the end of the monsoon season, but is not yet cooled by winter temperatures. March invites the summer heat.
Monsoon season is June to September. Expect daily rain if you travel during this time. While it can be burdensome to have to deal with rain while traveling, nature is also thriving during this time.
Avoid traveling between the summer months if possible. April and May are extremely hot, from 25-35C (80-95F). It makes outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Top Places to Travel in South India
#1 Kochi
Kochi is one of the most popular places to travel in South India and is located on the southwestern coast in Kerala. It’s famous for its vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty. One of the main reasons people travel to Kochi is to experience the backwaters.
The backwaters are an extensive network of waterways, lakes and lagoons that stretch along the coast. Travelers can explore the waterways and soak in the scenery by riding along traditional wooden houseboats, known as “kettuvallams.” It’s an incredibly tranquil experience and you’ll fall in love with the lush greenery and small villages along the way!
The city itself is known for its colonial architecture, quaint streets and art galleries. Fort Kochi is a major attraction that gives insight into the region’s past. You can also find traditional Kerala cuisine and enjoy the spice markets or shop for handicrafts. While it’s a city, it’s relatively small and very laid back compared to the other major cities in India.
You can combine a trip to Kochi with other popular destinations such as Mannar and Alleppey in Kerala.
#2 Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Bangalore is an urban city in Karnataka that is quickly growing and developing since recent years. It’s famously referred to as the “Silicon Valley” of India because it’s home to tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. There is a lot to do in and the city is very spread out!
Bangalore is one of the best places to travel in South India if you are looking for a city experience or want to experience fun night life. It’s home to historical landmarks like the Bangalore Palace where you can learn about the historical heritage of the area.
It’s also a city that’s popular because of the vast amount of space! If you’ve traveled to other major cities in India, you’ll understand this is a rare commodity. Bangalore is full of large parks and green spaces for travelers to enjoy.
The restaurant and nightlife scene is also very popular for tourists. There are many great cafes and restaurants that serve all types of dishes. Bangalore is also full of breweries, something you will have difficulty finding in other parts of the country. They are massive and a great place to hang out and enjoy a meal. Visit the Koramangala area for the best restaurants and nightlife!
#3 Pondicherry & Auroville
Pondicherry and Auroville are on the eastern coast of India and are some of the most popular places to travel in South India for expats. It’s also home to a large expat community. They are two different towns but next to each other, only about 20 minutes apart.
Pondicherry is a union territory (not technically a state) and has a rich history of French colonial rule. The French influence is obvious as you explore the city and see the architecture. Pondicherry is known for its beaches and main promenade along the coast which is always lively. There are many cute cafes and restaurants to enjoy the food as well. The French Quarter is a popular area for tourists and is full of cute streets lined with small shops and eateries.
You can find out more about the top things to do in Pondicherry.
Auroville is a very unique destination in India and is an experimental township in Tamil Nadu. It’s an international community where many people from around the world live in harmony. The vision of the township is about promoting unity, peace and sustainable living.
This is personally one of my favorite places to travel in South India because there is so much to do! There are daily workshops and classes for visitors and it’s a beautiful area to explore on bicycle or with a scooty. You can participate in yoga classes, sound baths, sustainable farming workshops, art or cooking classes, and more!
It’s a place in India which is very inviting to foreigners and people make you feel welcome. If you’re looking for a place to relax and learn something new or just enjoy the company of people who are trying to create a sustainable and caring world, this is the best place to visit!
#4 Mysuru (Mysore)
Mysore is a historic city in Karnataka that is famous for its magnificent palaces and rich cultural heritage. It’s one of the best places to travel in South India if you’re looking to learn about Indian history, culture, or explore city life with a mix of nature.
The Mysore Palace is one of the most iconic palaces in India and is the perfect stop for travelers. The architecture is stunning and the palace is huge. It also houses a museum and holds well-designed sound and light shows that also narrate the history of the palace.
The city is also famous for its silk and sandalwood products. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs like a silk saree or sandalwood incense. There are also lush gardens like Brindavan Gardens and scenic viewpoints like Chamundi Hill for travelers to enjoy.
You can combine a trip to Mysore with other nearby popular destinations like Ooty or Coorg so that you have a city experience along with some time to enjoy the surrounding nature.
#5 Coorg, Karnataka and Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty and Coorg are two different towns but are both very popular hill stations in South India. A hill station is a scenic getaway near a major city where people go to getaway and enjoy nature. These are only a few hours away from Mysore, and Ooty is near Coimbatore, a major city in Tamil Nadu.
Coorg (officially known as Kodagu) is also known as the “Scotland of India” because of its stunning hills and landscapes. Madikeri is the main town of Coorg and the most popular area to visit in the district of Coorg, although the whole area is breathtaking.
It’s full of coffee plantations and estates that travelers can visit. There’s also rich biodiversity and several cascading waterfalls for nature enthusiasts. Travelers can also find many trails for hiking and even do river rafting along the Cauvery River.
Ooty (officially known as Udagamandalam) is in the famous Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. It’s a popular destination because of its cool climate and lush greenery. The town is surrounded by picturesque mountains, dense forests and tea gardens.
Ooty is similarly known for its biodiversity including exotic plants and a fossilized tree trunk that is believed to be 20 million years old. Lake Ooty and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are popular things for tourists to enjoy and soak in the beauty of the area.
#6 Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is a coastal town located at the southernmost tip of India in Tamil Nadu. It’s famous for being at the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It’s one of the best places to travel in South India if you’re looking to spend more time near the water and are ready to enjoy mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets!
Travelers come from all over the world because of its geographical location, but there are also many things to do in the small town! You can enjoy the Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple and a Gandhi Memorial. Most famous though are the amazing views of the coast!
Kanyakumari is a unique destination for travelers and there’s no other place in India like it. Many people combine it with trips to other popular destinations like Kovalam which is famous for its beaches, water sports and nightlife, as well as Ponmudi which is a hill station full of tea gardens, misty hills and hiking trails.
#7 Isha Yoga Center
The Isha Yoga Center is located outside Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a more spiritual experience. It is one of the largest yoga centers in the world and was founded by Sadhguru, a renowned spiritual leader.
Travelers can stay in accommodations at the Isha Yoga Center. Some of the main attractions are the Dhyanalinga, a consecrated meditative space, and Linga Bhairavi, a manifestation of the Divine Feminine. There is also the world’s largest sculpture of Adiyogi Shiva, known as the first yogi. You can also dip in pools of energized water for a unique spiritual experience which are known to also have healing properties.
There are many expats who live, stay or visit the Isha Yoga Center. You can participate in various classes, programs and retreats. One of the most popular programs is called Inner Engineering where participants learn a comprehensive yoga and meditation practice that can be done daily. I did this program in 2018 and would highly recommend it to everyone, even people who have no background or experience in yoga (like me).
Aside from the spiritual experience, the center is also committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. If you stay at the center, you will also get free meals which are made daily by volunteers. They are super nourishing and will inspire you to want to learn new recipes! They also have some shops with a wide range of items.
While there are so many great places to travel in South India, this list covers some of the most popular destinations for tourists. Between cities, spiritual centers and getaways in nature, you can choose which destination is perfect for you! For more ideas on where to travel, check out these best places to travel in India for each state.
This post was all about the best places to travel in South India.
