South India Travel Guide: Where to Go, How Much, What to Eat, and Stay Safe

Thinking about a South India trip? You’re in the right place. This guide pulls together the most useful bits – from the top spots to see, to real‑world costs, safety pointers, and the dishes you can’t miss. No fluff, just straight‑forward advice you can use right now.

What to See and How Long It Takes

South India packs a lot into a relatively small area, but you’ll still need to plan your days wisely. Kerala’s backwaters, Tamil Nadu’s temple towns, Karnataka’s coffee hills, and Andhra’s spice farms each deserve at least two to three days. If you only have a week, focus on one state and a nearby neighbor – for example, spend four days cruising Alleppey, then two days in Munnar’s tea estates. Want to hit all four states? Aim for 12‑15 days, mixing a day or two in each capital with a few nights in a rural spot to soak up the vibe.

Don’t try to crammed too many attractions into one day. The biggest mistake travelers make is jumping from one hotspot to another without taking time to relax. A good rule of thumb is to limit travel between major bases to under three hours. That keeps you fresh and gives you space to explore markets, beaches, or a local festival without feeling rushed.

Money, Meals and Safety

Budget‑wise, South India is friendly. A mid‑range traveler can expect to spend about $30‑$45 a day on food, transport, and modest hotels. Flights and trains between cities vary – a fast train from Bangalore to Kochi costs roughly $15, while a short domestic flight can be $60‑$100 if you book early. For backpackers, hostels and guesthouses can drop the nightly cost to $10‑$15.

Food is a highlight, and you don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy it. Try a traditional Kerala Sadya on a banana leaf, a crisp dosa in Chennai, or a fiery Andhra biryani. Street food is safe if you pick stalls that are busy and have a turnover of food – the smell will tell you it’s fresh. If you’re worried about salads or raw veggies, ask the vendor to wash them in hot water or stick to cooked veggies.

Safety in South India is generally good, especially in the tourist‑friendly states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Crime rates are low, but always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Carry a copy of your passport, not the original, and use reputable transport options – app‑based taxis or pre‑booked car services work well.

Health wise, make sure you’re up to date on routine vaccines and consider a hepatitis A shot. Bring a small kit with antiseptic wipes, basic pain relievers, and anti‑diarrheal tablets – they’re handy if you get a case of travel‑bloat after a big meal.

When to go? The best months are November to February. The weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for sightseeing and backwater cruises. Monsoon season (June‑September) turns the hills lush but can cause travel delays, especially on mountain roads. If you love rain, the monsoon offers a different, green side of South India – just pack waterproof gear.

Finally, pack smart. Light cotton clothes, a hat, and comfortable shoes are a must. If you plan to visit temples, bring a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders and knees. Shorts are fine on beaches and in most towns, but avoid them in sacred sites where modest dress is required.

With these basics – the right places, realistic budget, food tips, and safety pointers – you’re ready to craft a South India adventure that feels both exciting and comfortable. Grab your passport, start mapping your route, and let the journey begin.