South India For Beginners

South India encompasses the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is home to an estimated population of 233 million people. Each of the four states has something unique to offer the foreign visitor, so why not explore each of these places the next time you’re considering an overseas break?

Andhra Pradesh

With more than 600 tourist locations, the second largest coast line in the country, 2000 years worth of historical monuments, lush rainforests and pilgrimage centers of every major religion of India, Andhra Pradesh offers endless choice for the foreign visitor. The state’s capital city, Hyderabad, is one of the most developed in the country and a hub for India’s information technology and biotechnology industries.

The weather in Andhra Pradesh is mostly tropical. The best time to visit is in November through to January as the monsoon season starts in June and ends in September.

Karnataka

Karnataka has been ranked as the fourth most popular Indian state for tourists and has the second highest number of protected monuments (507) in the country. The state’s many beautiful beaches, such as those at Karawar, Gokarna and Murdeshwara, are an attraction for many visitors.

Karnataka is also famous for its spectacular waterfalls, including Jog Falls, one of the highest in Asia. The state is a roourck climber’s paradise with locations such as Yana in Uttara Kannada and Tekal in Kolar district offering unforgettable climbs. There are also 21 wildlife sanctuaries and five National Parks in Karnataka for those looking to get back to nature.

Kerala

Kerala is located on the tropical Malabar Coast of Southwestern India. Named as one of the “10 paradises of the world” by National Geographic magazine, Kerela has become especially famous for its eco-tourism initiatives, which aim to protect the natural environment and enhance the cultural identity of the local people.

Kerala offers pristine beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala. Another attraction is its unique tropical ‘backwaters’ – an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kumarakom and Pannamada.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu attracts more foreign tourists than any other state in India, many to visit the vast array of incredible temples found there, including the Great Living Chola Temples, and to sample its rich cultural heritage. The state also has some of the finest beaches of India, including the Marina Beach- the second longest beach in the world.

A journey through Tamil Nadu truly is an eye-opening and memorable experience, thanks in no small part to the warmth and vitality of the Tamil people.

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