Best Way to Travel South India

When it comes to exploring South India, the southernmost region of India known for its ancient temples, lush backwaters, and vibrant Dravidian culture. Also known as Peninsular India, it’s a place where history walks beside modern life, and getting around is as much a part of the journey as the destinations. The best way to travel South India isn’t one single method—it’s a mix of trains, buses, taxis, and even houseboats, depending on where you’re going and what kind of experience you want.

Most travelers start with train travel, India’s most reliable and affordable long-distance option, especially for routes like Chennai to Mysore or Bangalore to Kochi. Also known as Indian Railways, it’s the backbone of South Indian travel, with sleeper classes that let you rest while covering hundreds of miles. If you’re on a budget, a second-class sleeper ticket costs less than $15 and gives you a real feel for local life—chatting with vendors, watching villages roll by, and eating hot samosas bought from platform stalls. For shorter hops between cities like Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram, or Coimbatore and Ooty, state-run buses, clean, air-conditioned services operated by Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka transport departments. Also known as KSRTC, TNSTC, and KSRTC, these buses are punctual, safe, and often cheaper than ride-hailing apps. They drop you right in town centers, not on the outskirts like some airports.

Want more comfort? Private taxis with drivers are common and surprisingly affordable. You can hire a car with a driver for a full day for under $40 in most places. This is ideal for visiting temple clusters like the Golden Triangle of South India—Madurai, Rameswaram, and Kanyakumari—or for exploring hill stations like Ooty and Munnar without the hassle of public transit schedules. And if you’re heading to Kerala’s backwaters, nothing beats a houseboat, a traditional wooden vessel converted into a floating guesthouse, gliding through coconut-lined canals. Also known as kettuvallam, it’s not just transport—it’s an overnight experience with meals included, staffed by local families who know every hidden creek and quiet village. Skip the crowded cruise boats; book a private one for two or three people and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

Don’t forget that South India’s charm lies in its pace. Rushing from one temple to the next won’t give you the full picture. Many travelers miss the quiet moments—sipping filter coffee in a local shop in Mysore, watching fishermen haul nets in Varkala, or catching a sunset over the Bay of Bengal in Puducherry. The best way to travel South India isn’t about speed. It’s about choosing the right mode for each leg of your trip and letting yourself slow down. Whether you’re hopping on a train at 5 a.m. or floating through backwaters at dusk, the journey becomes part of the story.

Below, you’ll find real guides from travelers who’ve done it all—from budget trips that cost under $30 a day to luxury stays on the coast. You’ll see how to plan a 7-day route, what to pack for humid weather, and which spots are worth skipping. No fluff. Just what works.