6 South Indian destinations that you must visit

Last Updated : May 9, 2016, 12:34 p.m.

Want to witness antiques, beaches, backwaters, boat riding, come to South India and get mesmerized by seeing people do such activities with fanfare. Also, you will get a taste of the delicious dishes here, which will make your visit extremely memorable. But you must be wondering about the budget you require to fulfill your South Indian expedition dream. There are many popular south Indian destinations that you can visit well within the range of Rs 20K-30K. Most popular destinations include Mysore, Goa, Madurai, Alleppey, etc. You can travel these locations by using or savings or take personal loan, which you can get from banks and non-banking finance companies for a period of upto 5 years. Though the interest rate on personal loan will vary from lender to lender but it will range within 10%-25% per annum. Loan can be repaid in easy equated monthly installments (EMIs), a mixture of both interest and principal amount on the loan amount. Your loan amount eligibility will be based on your monthly income, repayment capacity, among other factors. Go online or visit the nearest branch of the bank or NBFC to apply for personal loan .

Mysore

Mysore, rich in culture, will sweep you away with the vintage royal architecture. You can't take your eyes off from Jaganmohana Palace vintage, old royal buildings, Jayalakshmi Vilas, Lalitha Mahal. For years, these places have been a huge eye opener for tourists all around the world. Also, you can get a feel of the city's religious cultureby visiting the picturesque Chamundeshwari Temple located at the top of Chamundi Hills, or the famous St. Phlomena's Church. These were all about the sites of Mysore. Now talk about the budget you require to visit Mysore.

Train Fare- Rs 2,000-2,200 from New Delhi

Air Fare- Rs 4,000-5,000

Cost of food- Rs 100-1,500 per person

Best shopping places- Lansdowne building, Gandhi Square, KR Circle, Dhanvanthri Road, Ashoka Road, Sayyaji Rao Road

Must buy shopping items- silk sarees, wooden handicrafts, sweets.

Now look at the cost of accommodation by sneaking into the budget hotels of the city.

Madurai

Madurai, the 4,000 year old city, has the most exquisite Meenakshi Temple as well as other beautiful temples that can offer you peace of mind. These temples have been visited regularly by the tourists from all over the world. The city also celebrates the 12-day Chithirai Festival, an occasion that re-enacts the celestial marriage of God Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi.

After a sneak-peek into the temples and festivals, now check out the fares to Madurai.

Train Fare- Rs 2,000-2,300

Air Fare- Rs 6,000-8,000

Cost of food- Rs 100-1,000 per person

Best shopping places- Netaji Road, Town Hall Road, Cottage Arts Emporium, Handloom House, Hajeemosa

Must buy shopping items- fabrics & sarees, handlooms, handicrafts, textiles

Please refer to the table to know the budget hotels in Madurai

Kochi

Kochi ranks among the top tourist destinations in South India. Located on the water, Kochi is known for the fishing nets of the 14th century. Even today, those fishing nets exist and excite people here. Despite the city rooted deep in its own culture, you can see a bit of Arab, Dutch, British, Portuguese and Chinese cultures here. These cultures have led to historical sites like Jew Town, St. Francis Church and Mattancherry in the city. You can enjoy the ancient dance, ayurvedic medicine and food items of Kochi.

After getting through the places and feeling the taste of cultures, now see how much money you require to visit Kochi.

Train Fare- Rs 2,000-3,500

Air Fare- Rs 6,000-8,000

Cost of food- Rs 100-1,000 per person

Best shopping places- Marine Drive, Penta Menaka Complex, MG Road, Broadway

Must buy shopping items- textiles, readymade garments, handicrafts, decorative items, jewellery

Now check the budget hotels in Kochi in the table below.

Goa

Goa is the most sought after holiday destination for both foreigners as well as the Indians because of its wonderful beach, sea foods, amusement parks, etc. Honeymoon couples can enjoy sun bath, wonderful spa, boat riding and many more. Get yourself laced with lush green orchards surrounded by azure water. Also, you can enjoy the ancient architecture and festives of Goa.

Now see the fares of Goa

Train Fare- Rs 1,000-2,000

Air Fare- Rs 3,000-7,000

Cost of food- Rs 100-1,500

Best shopping places- Mapusa Market, Anjuna Flea Market, Calangute Market Square, Mackie's Night Bazaar

Must buy shopping items- wooden carvings, handicrafts, cashew feni, spices

Now look at some of the budget hotels in Goa.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer you the best snorkelling and scuba diving experience replete with marine life. If you think Goa alone is home to best beaches in South India. Think again. You can find white sandy shores and clear azure waters on the Andaman beaches. Now check the travel fare to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Train Fare- Rs 2000-3,500

Air Fare- Rs 8,000-13,000

Cost of food- Rs 100-1,000 per person

Best shopping places-Aberdeen Bazaar, Government Emporia, Sagarika Government Emporium, Shopping Singapore, Queen Sea Shell Craft

Must buy shopping items-Woodcarvings, shell accessories, cane and bamboo furniture, apparels, souvenirs, handicrafts

After looking at the fares and the shopping places, let's check out the budget hotels in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Alleppey

Alleppey, surrounded by the Arabian Sea and backwaters, is a culturally rich city of South India with jaw-dropping canals, lagoons, houseboats and beaches. The boat races of the city is pleasing to the eye and attract visitors from around the world. The city is best known for prawn farming and beautiful coir carpets.

Now check how much you money you require to travel to the city.

Train Fare- Rs 2,000-2,500

Air Fare- Rs 7,000-8,000

Cost of food- Rs 100-1,500 per person

Best shopping places- Mullakkal, Canal Bazaar

Must buy shopping items- coir, silk, canned seafood, spices

Now look at some of the budget hotels in Alleppey.

Important notes

• Air fares mentioned were for a period up to 1 month
• To avail cheaper air travel, you must ensure to book the ticket at least 3 months in advance
• Both train and air fares mentioned were from New Delhi to different south Indian destinations. If you travel from other cities, then the fares will vary