Mythical and captivating, South India never ends make travelers dream of adventure and a change of scenery. Country of maharajas, spices and gods by the hundreds, India also attracts for its varied landscapes: mountains planted with tea plants, heavenly coasts, cities teeming with life… all the ingredients are there to get through an unforgettable stay ! When to go to South India? Which regions to visit? Here is all the information you need to prepare your trip.
When to go to South India for good weather?
Generally speaking, the best time to go to South India is from October/November, just after the rainy season, to March/April. This period corresponds to winter in India and the climate will be most conducive to numerous outings and varied activities to suit all tastes.
Without fearing the showers and the very humid climate of the monsoon, you can taste the luxuriance of South India, its seaside life, its wild treks and the discovery of different cultures. It is of course the most touristy season, but the budget remains reasonable
for anyone who wants to go there.
However, if you want to know when to go to South India, know that this area is very large and that there are climatic differences between regions :
- In Maharashtra and the state of Goarenowned for its beaches, the ideal season begins in October and ends in May. In summer, from June to September, the rains are very intense and floods are frequent. It is better to avoid going there at this time.
- In Karnatakathe rainy season is a little delayed and only begins at the beginning of July. It is a good alternative to Goa if you want to enjoy seaside pleasures in June.
- In Keralain the southwest, the monsoon lasts longer (from April to November), but rain occurs most often at the end of the day or at night. Even if the sky remains gray all day, it is still possible to go there at this time.
- In the south-east of Indiawhich includes Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Andhra Pradesh, the weather is rather favorable all year round and the rains are quite rare. The other side of the coin: temperatures are higher, with maximums around 35° from April to June.
Where to go and when to go to South India?
Now that you know when to go to South India, let's see what there is to do and see. Determine your desires in advance to establish your itinerary. Given the size of the country, it is imperative to make choices taking into account distances in addition to the climate. India is a country full of wealth thatyou have to take the time to discover without running !
The sweetness of life in Kerala
It is between December and April that the climate is the most pleasant for visiting Kerala. At this time, it is less humid and temperatures are between 23 and 38°C. The best-known southern state, Kerala is a green and relaxing region: it is an ideal place to recharge your batteries!
With its long coastlines, its spice and coconut plantations, meals in Kerala are a foodie's delight. If you appreciate this gastronomy, you can even take a cooking class with a local to discover the secrets of timeless family recipes. The people of Kerala are known to be the smileiest people in India.
Here are the essential visits to do in Kerala:
- Kochithe state capital, is a multicultural city where it is pleasant to stroll. Pack your bags in the Fort district and go for a stroll to discover its splendid colonial architecture: you will be surprised at every street corner!
- Munnar is a high altitude resort which is known for being home to hills covered with tea crops. Alone or accompanied by a guide, you can go on spectacular hikes!
- The Backwaters are a network of canals that wind through the tropical forest. To explore them, there's nothing like going on a cruise on a traditional boat departing from Alleppey.
- The side is full of fishing villages, each more charming than the last. Topping the list are Kovalam and Varkala where you can fully enjoy the seaside pleasures.
- THE Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest game reserves in India. An idyllic place if you want to do ecotourism!
Tamil Nadu: Hinduism at the heart
You saw at the beginning of this article “when to go to South India”, Tamil Nadu can be visited all year round. So you can take your time to appreciate the different facets! However, the ideal time to visit Madurai is January-February.
Colorful neighbor of Kerala, Tamil Nadu breathes to the rhythm of Hinduism. You will find majestic temples, incredible cities, but also the tranquility of the coasts and mountains.
Here is the spots not to be missed in Tamil Nadu:
- Madurai is an essential step. This bustling city is home to one of the most beautiful temples in the country which is dedicated to Mînâkshî, an avatar of the Hindu goddess Parvati. A true masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, it was recently renovated and its multicolored towers are grandiose. To immerse yourself in the local culture, go there in April, during the Mînâkshî Thirukalyanam festival.
- Mahabalipuram is a fishing village perfect for a beach break. With its long stretches of golden sand, its temples set on the water and its cool atmosphere, you will inevitably fall under its spell!
- Rameswaramopposite Sri Lanka, also has beautiful beaches. The city is nicknamed the “little Varanasi of the south” thanks to its numerous ghats, scattered along the banks.
- Kodaikanal is perched at altitude. If the heat is too strong in the plains, you will find very pleasant temperatures and incredible landscapes made up of tea plantations and spice gardens. Another station to cool off: Ooty, more touristy, but which gives off an old-fashioned, exotic atmosphere.
When to go to South India, near Goa ?
With temperatures between 21°C minimum and 36°C maximum and very little rainfall on the coast, the most pleasant months to stay in Goa are December to February.
Situated on the Arabian Sea, the state of Goa has 101 km of coastline and has a hinterland occupied by mountains from which 7 rivers flow. There are also rice fields and spice plantations, as well as virgin forests and waterfalls.
It is therefore a place in southern India which will allow you to have varied activities : water sports, swimming, paragliding, treks and hikes. Trance music fans will also be able to enter during the Full Moon Party festival taking place on the beaches of Anjuna and Vagator. Psychedelic atmosphere guaranteed!
When to go to South India in Bombay?
Bombay (Mumbai) is certainly one of the most fascinating cities in India. Both sprawling and full of charm, it leaves no traveler indifferent. To visit it, you will preferably choose the period from October to April. This will help you avoid the rain! Here is a small selection of activities to do there:
- You think you're a star walking in the streets of Bollywoodthe other name of Bombay, the city with 2000 films produced per year!
- At nightfall, take a romantic walk along the banks of the the Marine Drive. All curves and illuminated, it is pleasant even during the Indian winter, because the temperatures remain very correct.
- If you come with your family, take your children to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a suburb of Mumbai. They will be able to see a multitude of butterflies, birds and wild animals, including panthers, chitals and Axis deer from India.
- If you want calm, take the boat to discover the superb Elephanta Caves, located on a wooded island opposite the city.
- Victoria Stationlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true gem of 19th century British architecture.
- If you are in a festive mood, mingle with the local youth to enjoy the intense nightlife present in Bombay.
- It is also the best place in South India for go on a shopping trip !
When to go to South India in Bangalore?
Take your geeky teens to Bangalore, India's answer to Silicon Valley. However, try to get their noses out of the screens a little to take a walk and discover magnificent gardens (Cubbon), Lake Ulsoor, its museums and its traditional music and dance concerts.
The best time to visit Bangalore is from December to April: temperatures range from 21 to 36°C and rainfall is rare.
When to go to South India to discover Pondicherry?
Pondicherry has a tropical savannah climate. Its summers (April to June) are very hot with temperatures between 36°C and 28°C. There follows a very humid period which can go from June to September, with some strong storms, before the arrival of the monsoon from mid-October to the end of December. It is therefore in winter that it is better to go to Pondicherrythis pretty coastal town, because the temperatures are still pleasant (between 20°C and 30°C) and the humidity is lower.
Former counter of the French East India Company in the 18th century, Pondicherry still has its French quarter where it is pleasant to stroll through the streets to discover the old buildings and the Notre-Dame-de-l'Immaculée-Conception church. In addition to offering beautiful beaches, the old trading post has very good restaurants serving spicy curries, accompanied by pappadums. There is also a temple to see at all costs: the Sri Manakula Vinayagar.
That's it, you've decided, are you leaving for South India? Remember to find out about the time difference in India before boarding and have a good trip!
