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Where to Go in India – North vs. South

Map of North and South India
India is a charming country, as if all the beauty of the world is concentrated in this magical land. But for many travelers, the choice of South India or North India is hard to decide. Both North and South India have amazing culture and delicious food as well as natural beauty. In the north there is the lofty Himalayas, and southern part is adjacent to vast Indian ocean. The Royal Palace in northern Rajasthan and the village in the southwestern Kerala are tranquil and distinctive. So where to go in India? The following several comparisons offer some reference for you.

How to distinguish North and South India?

India is basically divided into the north and south with the Vindhya of Madhya Pradesh.

South India includes Maharashtra, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Kanatak, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and south of Madhya Pradesh. The famous cities in South India are Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.

North India covers north of Vindhya and there are cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Kanpur, Ahmedabad. 

Cultural Highlights in North and South India

North India:

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur form “Golden Triangle”. They are definitely on the “where to visit in India” list for most travelers. There are many must-see spots along this classic route. For example, Taj Mahal, hailed as one of “seven wonders of world”, is famous for magnificent architecture and moving love story. Qutub Minar complex has the tallest stone tower in India and is the first building built by Islamic rulers. The Ganges River is a holy river for Hindus and a symbol of ancient Indian civilization. In the morning, visitors can watch Hindus meditate, wash, pray on the banks of the Ganges River. When the night falls, people can enjoy a mysterious, ancient and traditional ritual of gange puja. Hawa Mahal is known for its ingenious design of numerous windows so that wind can blow anywhere in this palace. If you have enough time, you can also go to other great resorts like Darjeeling.   

See Spectacular Taj in Early Morning
Taj Mahal, Agra

Ganges River, Varanasi
Ganges River, Varanasi


South India:

Different from north area, south India has its own beauty and glamour. The major tourism cities are Hampi, Kochi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. Hampi is famous for its unique geomorphology and tourists can visit Hemakuta Hill, Virupaksha Temple and other ancient ruins. As the capital of Kerala, Kochi is a beautiful coastal city. People can see many exotic buildings blending with Hindu and Muslim. Old town has many Portuguese, British, Spanish-style architectures and European churches. Also, enjoy some water sports and beach scenery are necessary for travelers. Mumbai is an international city where tourists can still visit many cultural sites. Gateway of India, Chhatrapati-Shivaji Terminus and Dhobi Ghat are the popular spots among tourists.

Gateway of India, Mumbai
Gateway of India in Mumbai

Goa in South India
Goa in South India


Climatic Features and Natural Beauty in North and South India

North India:

The northernmost part of the North India is the alpine climate, and the middle is continental. The whole year is divided into cold winter, hot summer and mild spring. North India has always been a perfect destination for outdoor sports and adventurous enthusiasts. Tourists can enjoy a different view from tranquil Himalaya, picturesque mountain station and wildlife safari.

Where to go in North India – Top Recommendations
1. Trekking lovers can try to start from Ladakh Range to Himalayas.
2. People can visit the famous tiger conservation of Ranthambhore Park to trace Royal Bengal Tigers.  

Hiking in North India
Hiking in North India

Ranthambhore Park
Ranthambhore Park


South India:

The southern part of India is Deccan Plateau, close to the ocean, so it is a tropical monsoon climate. Unlike the distinct seasons in northern India, South India doesn’t has much climate change all year round. According to the monsoon situation, it can be divided into two seasons of summer and rainy. South India boasts diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches and so on.

Where to go in South India – Top Recommendations:
1. The most special experience in Kerala is riding a traditional thatched boathouse, floating on an interlaced waterway. And one of the most popular projects is the cruise in the Alleppey region. The Boathouse shuttled along the palm and banana groves, and you can see women washing their clothes on the shore. Occasionally, you can occur to fisherman's canoe, and in the distance there are chants, full of exotic feelings from Indian temples.
2. Tourists can enjoy excellent Ayurvedic massages and treatments as well as yoga and meditation at the resorts of the Kerala.
3. Wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss a trip to the Nagarhole Safari Park where you can observe many elephants and tigers.
4. Hidden in the Western Ghats is the most beautiful tea garden in Kerala. It is like an emerald inlaid on a hill setting against a mist-entangled forest and waterfall.
5. You can also dive in the Havelock Island of Andaman Sea or experience rafting in Periyar Lake.

Alleppey
Alleppey
Kerala
Kerala


Food Culture in North and South India

The magic of Indian cuisine lies in its variety of seasonings, which has created the mysterious and rich taste of Indian food. Then where to go in India if I want to make a food trip?

Food in India
Food in India
1. Flatbread is the staple food in North Indian diet, while it is rice in the South.

2. The taste of North Indian cuisine is slightly spicy, with curry as the character. The dishes are refreshing and more popular, so the Indian cuisine often refers to North Indian food in the world. South Indian cuisine prefers to use seasonings like curry leaves and mustard. So it tastes heavier and more acid, salty and spicy.

3. Yogurt or cream are often put in the northern food, while the south likes to add coconut juice.

4. The majority of meat-eaters in Northern India and there are more vegetarians in the south.

5. Residents in northern India usually use plates and other cutlery to eat, while the south people used to offer food with banana leaves and eat by their hands.

Read More: Top 10 Foods in India – What to Eat


To sum up, where to visit in India depends on your preference. But the truth is both of them can give you an unforgettable experience in India. Start to plan your Indian travel!

Read More: How to Plan an India Trip: 6 Steps