The Southern region of India will present you with magnificent relics of one of the most splendid civilizations.... Read More This magnificence includes striking rock-cut shrines, intricately designed palaces, and temples dating back centuries. Framing the fertile land is kilometers of shimmering coastline whose greenery glistens in full vigor during the Winter season. This land of promises is home to some of the most important and highly acclaimed temples. These shrines are completely different from the ones dedicated to Hinduism in every aspect whether we talk about architecture, structure, and design.
They have their aura and feel to it which differentiates the northern temples from the southern ones. Utilizing the South India temple tour package people gather here from far and wide to pay their homage and witness the wondrous creations. The South India pilgrimage tour is highly recommended if you are looking to get rid of the negativity and frustration in life while making way for peace and positivity. From the wondrous Mallikarjuna Temple to the holy city of Madurai and Mamallapuram Temple each of these temple destinations promises you the experience of a lifetime. Give yourself a soul-enriching experience by dousing yourself with divinity through glorious and exquisite temple visits. The Southern land is filled with mighty temple structures which are breathtakingly beautiful and grand. Utilizing the Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture the temple walls contain minute and intricate designs on elaborate pillars.
South Indian temples hold immense religious importance in the hearts of visitors. Considered as architectural gems these temples form the backbone of South Indiaβs rich heritage and culture. The vibrancy of these temples can be felt with every site you experience here. Housing 33,000 temples, several being classified as UNESCO world heritage sites a visit to these temples and shrines will take you back in time.
South India, the vast area of the country is reckoned for its amazing locations, legacy, huge ancient as well as modern temples, and other alluring and appealing sites. This region of India is very well known for its high tourism rate due to its cities adorned with bright vibrant colors, and also for their incredible history, culture, and lifestyle. If you are also attracted by the charm of this region and want to explore its mesmerizing hill stations, lush green forests, and valleys, glimmering beaches, or majestic temples then plan South India tours with our beautifully crafted South India Tour Packages. How can one ignore the charm of South Indian Cuisines which is also one of the best parts of our South India tours and travels? Pilgrimage Tour is known for its Best South India Holiday Tour Packages which one can book online by following very simple steps.
Check our itineraries crafted in simple language and select the one that suits your travel preference for example if you want to explore the magnificent temples then book the package which offers you the most affordable South India temple tour and helps you to attain a lifelong memorable spiritual experience. Hurry up! Lace up your shoes and plan your best South India tour with us and we promise to serve you the best.
The best time to visit South India for tour packages is during the winter months, typically from October to March, when the weather is mild and enjoyable throughout the region. This season allows travelers to explore popular destinations like Kerala's backwaters, Karnataka's historical sites, and Tamil Nadu's temples comfortably. Additionally, festivals such as Pongal and Diwali add a cultural charm during this period, making it an ideal time for a memorable South India experience.
South India Weather
The weather in South India varies across its regions, but generally follows a tropical climate pattern. Here's a brief overview:
General Climate:
Tropical: Most of South India experiences a tropical climate, characterized by hot and humid weather for much of the year.
Seasons :
Summer (March to June): Hot and dry. Temperatures can reach highs of 35-40Β°C (95-104Β°F) in many areas, especially inland.
Winter (June to September): Southwest Winter brings heavy rainfall to coastal regions and the Western Ghats. This period is cooler but very humid.
Post-Winter (October to November): After the Winter, temperatures start to decrease, and humidity levels drop.
Winter (December to February): Generally mild and dry. Temperatures range from 20-30Β°C (68-86Β°F) in most places, cooler in hill stations.
Regional Variations:
Coastal Areas (e.g., Chennai, Kochi): Moderate temperatures year-round, with high humidity and significant rainfall during the Winter.
Western Ghats (e.g., Bengaluru, Coimbatore): Cooler due to higher elevation. Rainfall during the Winter supports lush greenery.
International: Fly into Chennai (MAA), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), or Kochi (COK).
Domestic: Direct flights from major Indian cities to Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram.
By Train:
Extensive Indian Railways network connects major South Indian cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi.
By Road:
Interstate buses and private operators connect cities. National highways are well-maintained.
Self-driving or taxis are options from neighboring states.
By Sea:
Cruise ships occasionally dock at Chennai and Kochi ports.
Places to Visit in South India
Kerala Backwaters: Experience the serene backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha) or Kumarakom by houseboat.
Goa: Enjoy beautiful beaches like Palolem and Anjuna, along with Portuguese colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife.
Hampi, Karnataka: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient temples and ruins amidst stunning landscapes.
Mysore, Karnataka: Visit the majestic Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and experience the city's cultural charm.
Pondicherry (Puducherry): Discover French colonial architecture, serene beaches, and Auroville, an experimental township.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Relax in the picturesque hill station famous for its tea gardens, Ooty Lake, and Botanical Gardens.
Madurai, Tamil Nadu: Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site with stunning architecture.
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: Explore ancient rock-cut temples and monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its shore temples.
Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka: Experience lush coffee plantations, waterfalls like Abbey Falls, and trekking in the Western Ghats.
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu: Witness the confluence of three seas, visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and experience stunning sunsets.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Enjoy the tranquil hill station with beautiful lakes, viewpoints, and the serene atmosphere.
Gokarna, Karnataka: Discover pristine beaches, temple towns, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
Things to Do in South India
Visit Temples: Explore ancient and intricate temples like Tirupati Balaji Temple, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, and the temples of Hampi.
Experience Backwaters: Cruise the tranquil backwaters of Kerala in a traditional houseboat, particularly in Alleppey or Kumarakom.
Relax on Beaches: Enjoy the pristine beaches of Goa, Kerala (like Kovalam and Varkala), and Karnataka (Gokarna and Mangalore).
Attend Cultural Festivals: Witness traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, and participate in festivals such as Pongal, Onam, or the Goa Carnival.
Explore Wildlife: Visit wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar in Kerala, Bandipur in Karnataka, and Nagarhole in Karnataka for diverse flora and fauna.
Discover Hill Stations: Retreat to hill stations such as Ooty, Munnar, Coorg, and Kodaikanal for cool weather, tea plantations, and scenic landscapes.
Savor South Indian Cuisine: Indulge in local delicacies such as dosas, idlis, appams, seafood dishes, and meals served on banana leaves.
Engage in Adventure: Embark on trekking in the Western Ghats, water sports in Goa, or wildlife safaris in national parks.
Visit Historical Sites: Explore the ruins of Hampi, Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu, and colonial architecture in cities like Pondicherry.
Experience Ayurveda: Rejuvenate with Ayurvedic treatments and massages in Kerala's wellness retreats.
Shopping in South India
Silk Sarees: South India is renowned for its exquisite silk sarees. Visit cities like Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu or Mysore in Karnataka for authentic silk sarees known for their rich colors and intricate designs.
Handicrafts: Explore markets and emporiums for traditional handicrafts such as brassware, wood carvings, and stone sculptures. Places like Puducherry (Pondicherry), Mysore, and Kochi are great for handicraft shopping.
Spices: Kerala is famous for its spices. Visit spice markets in cities like Kochi to buy fresh spices such as cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
Jewelry: South India is known for its unique jewelry designs. Look for intricate gold jewelry, especially in cities like Chennai and Hyderabad.
Antiques and Artifacts: Explore antique shops in cities like Kochi and Pondicherry for vintage furniture, artifacts, and collectibles.
Handloom Textiles: Besides silk sarees, South India produces a variety of handloom textiles. Look for cotton fabrics and sarees in traditional designs from places like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Woodcrafts: Kerala is famous for its wooden handicrafts, especially items like carved elephants, furniture, and souvenirs made from rosewood and teak.
Pottery: Visit pottery villages in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to buy handmade pottery items such as terracotta pots, figurines, and ceramic wares.
Coconut Shell Crafts: Look for unique handicrafts made from coconut shells, such as bowls, utensils, and decorative items, particularly in coastal regions.
Ayurvedic Products: Kerala is a hub for Ayurvedic products. Explore Ayurvedic shops and pharmacies for herbal oils, skincare products, and health supplements.
Popular Cuisine of the South
Dosa: A thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, typically served with chutneys and sambar (a spicy lentil soup).
Idli: Steamed rice cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar and chutneys.
Vada: Deep-fried savory doughnuts made from lentil batter, usually served with sambar and chutneys.
Sambhar: A flavorful and spicy lentil-based soup cooked with vegetables and tamarind, seasoned with a unique blend of spices.
Rasam: A tangy and spicy soup made from tamarind, tomatoes, and various spices, often served as a starter or with rice.
Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with meat (chicken, mutton, or seafood), flavored with saffron, spices, and sometimes with nuts and raisins.
Fish Curry: Spicy and tangy curry made with fresh fish, coconut milk, and a blend of South Indian spices, popular in coastal regions.
Appam: Soft and fluffy pancakes made from fermented rice batter, often served with coconut milk or stew (Ishtu).
Pongal: A savory rice and lentil porridge seasoned with black pepper, cumin, and garnished with ghee and cashew nuts, usually eaten for breakfast.
Uttapam: Thick pancakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter, topped with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and served with chutneys.
Payasam: A sweet and creamy dessert made from rice, vermicelli, or lentils cooked in milk and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts.
Chettinad Cuisine: Hailing from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, known for its spicy and aromatic dishes like Chettinad Chicken and Chettinad Fish Curry.
Travel Tips
Plan Your Itinerary: Focus on specific regions or states to fully experience their attractions without rushing.
Weather Awareness: Pack according to the weather, considering South India's hot, Winter, and cooler seasons.
Local Transport: Use buses and trains for cost-effective travel; consider overnight trains for longer journeys.
Cuisine: Explore diverse South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis, and seafood; be mindful of hygiene in street food stalls.
Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly in religious places, respect local customs, and learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
Money: Carry enough cash, especially in smaller towns; ATMs are available in cities for withdrawals.
Health: Drink bottled water, avoid uncooked food, and carry necessary medications and a basic first aid kit.
Stay Connected: Get a local SIM card for internet access and navigation.
Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Shopping: Bargain wisely in local markets; verify the authenticity of handicrafts and products.