South India ideas

[conshee123]

Hi,

I’ve been invited to a wedding in Chennai at the end of August and intend to make a 2-3 week trip out of it, including a few days in Delhi to see a friend. I have been to India before but only the north and Goa.

Any recommendations of places to go, things to do, and places to eat in the south would be most appreciated! My rough plan would be to head to Kerala and karnataka after the wedding but I am open to ideas.

Thanks!

[BBbetter]

Karnataka is great with a mix of different types of sightseeing from Mysore palace to Bangalore museums. Similarly Hyderabad is another to visit with Golconda fort etc. If you are interested in temples, Tamilnadu has some architectural gems.

You can end the trip in a spa retreat in Kerala backwaters like Kumarakom or a resort like Taj Havelock in Andaman.

Each region in India has its own special food and delicacies. In Karnataka, ask for ‘udipi’ cuisine; Kerala for fish fry; Hyderabad for biriyani and tamilnadu for dosa, vada and filter coffee.

[qc]

Closer to Chennai is Pondicherry and Mahalibalipuram which are great for a few days.

[strickers]

We had a lovely stay at Kumarakom Lake Resort a few years ago.

[Cat]

I really loved exploring Hampi, Mysore and the Kerala backwaters.

South India is gloriously beautiful!

[HampshireHog]

Hop on a plane to Sri Lanka would be my advice

[strickers]

HampshireHog wrote:

Hop on a plane to Sri Lanka would be my advice

+1 for that idea, just make sure whatever Indian visa you get is good for multi entry.

[RS]

Have you been to North India before as I think golden triangle is a must see for anyone if you’ve not been before? In terms of South India, it really depends on what type of holiday you like. In terms of relaxation, Kerala and more specifically backwaters is definitely something I can recommend. Kumarakom is a great place and we stayed in the Zuri there which was very nice (Taj is also good). If you go to Kerala, definitely try a houseboat, even if for just one afternoon. On the other hand, f you enjoy immersing yourself in a totally different and fascinating culture then the beautiful temples of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh (Tirupati, Madurai etc) will be an amazing experience. Bangalore/Bengaluru is pleasant but less unique and more of a regular large urban metropolis. However, Hampi is close and I know people who have said they thought it more impressive than the Taj Mahal so well worth a visit. Finally, Hyderabad is quite nice with Golconda Fort and Charminar and amazing food but again not as unique to South India.
Hope this was useful