5 reasons to visit South India

South India is a mystic and magnificent destination that combines bright colours, fascinating cultures, and beautiful landscapes all largely undiscovered by tourists.

Explore lush tea plantations or cruise the backwaters of Kerala. Marvel at majestic temples and World Heritage sites, taking in golden coastlines, safari parks, bustling markets and mist-hidden mountain towns on the way.

From culture to wildlife, activity to relaxation, South India specialist Authentic India Tours explain how there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing place.

5. Stunning scenery

A photographer’s paradise, South Indian scenery truly makes you catch your breath. You’ll see spectacular sunsets, creating vivid silhouettes of the Cochin fishing boats or turning the Lake Vembanad water gorgeous shades of pink and purple.

Up in the hills, you can experience the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and the dreamlike effect of the misty air in Munnar. While away the days on palm-fringed sandy beaches or take an unforgettable cruise on a private houseboat on the tranquil Kerala backwaters.

4. Wonderful wildlife

South India is a haven for all creatures great and small, from tigers and elephants to beautiful rare birds.

Experience elephants in the wild from a covered boat or car tour, or brave it on foot with a local guide at Periyar National Park (Thekkady). Get the chance to see endangered Indian elephants, vulnerable tigers and wild boar and learn about the work being done to protect them at Bandipur Reserve. Or if you’re fond of our feathered friends, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, along with flying foxes, wild otters and crocodiles.

3. Historical architecture

If you love history or architecture, you’ll adore the amazing buildings and monuments of South India. Go on a journey through time as you visit ornate temples, churches and palaces, or simply stroll around the streets. Each state offers unique culture and attractions with Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa having their own distinct styles of architecture and ways of life.

With over 30,000 ancient temples and countless other shrines and memorials on offer, the hardest decision is what to see in the time you have! The seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a great place to start.

2. Fabulous food and drink

South India is a food lover’s paradise, whether you’re a carnivore, vegetarian or vegan. Each state has a variant of common dishes as well as regional specialties, but all focus on local ingredients such as coconut and rice, and have intricate (and sometimes powerful) spicing.

Try Dosas (paper-thin crepes) or Idlis (steamed rice cakes) for breakfast and snack on Vadas (savoury doughnuts). For dinner, you could try Uttapams, a pizza/pancake hybrid, Erachi varattiyath, a fiery Kerala-style dry beef fry or a Tamil Nadu Dinidgul Biryani. The milky, sugary rice pudding Payasam is perfect for dessert.

A visit to a tea of coffee plantation in Munnar is a real highlight of any tour, especially as most British tea comes from India. If you’re a latte lover, ask for Kaapi – filter coffee made with frothy hot milk.

 

1. Amazing people

One of the most lasting memories you will have of South India is of the people. Here you will find the most warm, friendly and hospitable people you will ever meet. Many travellers always comment on this and have said that the heart-warming moments they experienced with local hotel staff and residents were the highlights of their trip. Go with an open heart and share in the amazing welcome you will receive in South India.

ENDS

Notes for editors

Based in the UK, Authentic India Tours is fully ABTA regulated and provides guidance and advice on the essential information all travellers need to know when travelling to India. For information visit www.authenticindiatours.com.

For media information and image requests please contact:

Sally Thomas:  sallyt@comptongroup.com