Travel Tips During the Monsoons in Mumbai

Posted on May 14, 2015October 13, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

India is primarily a country of three major seasons. The summer (March – June), monsoons (June – September) and winter (October -February). Depending on what part of the country you are travelling to or are in, the weather will be one of these ranging from mild to extreme. Generally, the monsoons in Mumbai arrive by the second week of June, providing instant relief from the heat and humidity caused by the preceding summers in Mumbai.

Kids out on their bikes, enjoying the weather, on Marine Drive which overlooks the Arabian Sea

The monsoons in Mumbai

Beginning from the southern coast, the monsoons reach Mumbai in the first ten to fifteen days of June. Mumbai and monsoons are a winning combination. The city looks a lot more beautiful. You can see kids in the city switch from their beloved cricket to football or playing in the rain. Often you can see adults at Marine Drive or Juhu Beach enjoying the rain.

The monsoons also have a very tricky drawback here, because in Mumbai it doesn’t rain it pours. Moreover, the roads in the city are not all that great, so at times it can be dangerous. Caution is advised. Poor infrastructure and planning may lead to a lot of problems with travelling. Trains and buses run late. The famous Mumbai traffic is also at its best. Travelling is always met with a certain delay. Having said that, monsoons are also the time when you would want to be in the country. And if you already are, we suggest you visit Mumbai.

Mumbai is a city made up of seven small islands, surrounded by the sea which is one of the most vital parts of Mumbai’s identity. It’s the only constant in a city where everything keeps changing with time. The sea is a big part of what makes the city of dreams stand tall, and the rain adds so much to its beauty. Here are a few things you could do to enjoy the season to the max.

Aerial view of Mumbai

Things to do in Mumbai during the monsoons

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is a landmark of Mumbai. People from all walks of life, regardless of the distance make it a point to visit Marine Drive. It’s on top of our suggestions too. Take a stroll down the promenade when it’s drizzling, with the sea providing a cool breeze as raindrops patter at your feet. It’s a very refreshing experience and highly rated by the locals so as to get the best feel of the monsoon season in Mumbai.

Getting here: Take a train to Churchgate station, the southernmost stop on the Western Railway line. As soon as you walk out of the station, look for the sea and start walking towards it and if you don’t know just ask someone or use Google Maps, it’s hardly a 5-minute walk away.

Visit a Cafe or Restaurant that overlooks the sea

Like the sea but don’t like getting wet? Visit an eatery that overlooks the sea. There are lots of cafes and restaurants that even on the dry days have a brilliant view of the sea, the monsoons in Mumbai just magnify it.

The Bayview Cafe in Colaba is one such place, perfect for a beer at sunset. It has an unmatched view of the sea, a lot similar to the view from the Taj for a fraction of the price. Places like Pizza by the Bay near Marine Drive are also exemplary for lunch or dinner while enjoying the rain on the water and the playful winds.

AER Lounge in Worli is another spot you must visit. An upscale restaurant with a panoramic view that is just unbeatable, with the Arabian Sea on one side, and on the other you can view the cityscape in all its glory during the monsoons.

Must Read: Top Tips for UK Travelers Headed to India

Marine drive, all set to welcome the rains

Getaways around Mumbai

There are a few places, just a couple of hours away from Mumbai, which are a must-visit during the monsoons, away from the madness of the city. The Monsoons magnify the beauty of these places and the lush greenery is at its best.

Bhandardara

A holiday resort village on the western ghat, it is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Just 185 kms away from Mumbai, it’s a place you must visit in the monsoons. The highest peak in Maharashtra Mount Kalsubai is also located here and the village is the base to many high mountains. It also has a beautiful waterfall and a placid lake ringed by forests. Bhandardara has everything a nature lover needs, and it only gets better during the monsoons.

Getting here: A drive from Mumbai to Bhandardara is quite quick. The route is full of ghats and can be tricky to navigate during the monsoons. So, if you plan to drive to Bhandardara we advise doing so with caution. The closest railway station to Bhandardara is Igatpuri railway station, from there you can take either a state transport or a private bus up to Bhandardara which is approximately 45 kms away. Something to note is that on the way back to Mumbai, the trains from Igatpuri railway station are almost always late. So you might want to find some suitable alternative if need be.

If you think Bhandardara is beautiful, wait for the monsoons! It only gets better (Picture Credit: Tusk Travel)

Matheran

Matheran is the smallest hill station in Maharashtra and is located at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level. With a name that means ‘Forest on the Forehead of Mountains’, it is an eco-sensitive region, and also Asia’s only automobile-free region. What makes Matheran so popular is the close proximity to the big cities. It’s just 90 kms away from Mumbai, so getting there isn’t too time-consuming.

Matheran is full of viewpoints and parks, with a whopping number of 28 points to visit. It also has a couple of lakes and 2 parks. The Neral-Matheran toy train is a lovely journey up to Matheran. It’s a beautiful ride up the hills with only a few stops far and between. The Toy Train, as its name would hint, is small, and the compartments are a bit old, but it’s worthwhile. A few other places like Louisiana Point, Panoramic Point, Sunset Point, Porcupine Point, and Charlotte Lake are places we recommend you visit when in Matheran.

Getting here Matheran is easy to drive to from Mumbai city. Neral is the closest railway station. Trains from Pune and CST(Mumbai) ply daily to Neral and from there you can take a toy train to the Old Matheran station, soaking in the beauty of the journey towards Matheran. By road, you can take the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4) or the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located near Mumbai, in the Panvel taluka of Raigad district. A popular hangout for bird watchers and hikers as it is within the reach of Mumbai and based near the legendary Karnala Fort in Mumbai.

137 different species of birds reside in the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and as many as 37 different species of birds migrate here at different seasons. If you are a bird lover, a hike in the monsoons here is a must.

Getting here The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a 60 kms drive from Mumbai. You can take a train from CST station (southernmost from the Central line) to Panvel. It’s 12 kms from there with a lot of buses, taxis, and rickshaws to take you to Karnala. State transport buses run from Bombay Central to Karnala, but they aren’t recommended. A taxi from Mumbai to Karnala is also a good option.

Lonavala

The most popular monsoon getaway for the locals of Mumbai and Pune, the drive here on the Mumbai-Pune expressway is amazing. Lonavala has a beautiful landscape, a lot of waterfalls and bright colours all around. The Tiger Point in Lonavala is the Grand Canyon of Maharashtra, the view of the mountain range during the monsoons is unmatched. Try catching the sunset or the sunrise from here.

Getting here We suggest driving to Lonavala on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. You can take the train from CST station to Khopoli (the last station on the central line) and it’s 15 kms from there (you can also take a bus or taxi from there).

The journey to these beautiful places from Mumbai are extremely scenic

Travelling to India during the monsoons

Monsoons can be a great time to visit India, as it’s usually off-season. Tourist attractions aren’t too crowded, the airfare is also cheaper and you can get a good discount on hotels as they aren’t as heavily occupied as they would be during the rest of the year. All things said, monsoons in Mumbai are worth witnessing.

The Cost of a Trip To India

Posted on April 15, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

India is a vast and beautiful country. There are numerous reasons why you should choose India as your next travel destination. But, by far, one of the better reasons is how budget-friendly and cheap it is. A flight from Europe or the Americas can get quite expensive but, if booked in advance you can save a sufficient amount of money!

However, regardless of the flight, once in India, delicious food, places to stay, and domestic travel are quite cheap so it makes for a great destination. Here’s a quick look at the cost of a trip to India. Additionally, India is the perfect place to travel in whatever style you enjoy.

From an economic budget backpacker in their 20’s to an avid traveller looking for the most luxurious stays in the world, India has something for everyone. By using our services, we can tailor your trip by taking your preferences and giving you the best possible ideas for a trip to India.

Here is a brief overview of the information that you could expect from the cost of a trip to India. We’ve included accommodation, food, travel, and any monument or museum fees. If you’re looking for a more detailed overview of the costs involved for a trip to India, read this.

Costs of different hotels, boutique or heritage, will depend heavily on the season and the city

what is the cost of a trip to India for a Budget Traveller

INR 3,200-3,800 (45-50 USD / 40-45 EUR per day, per person)

Backpackers, young adventurers, and those ready for the Indian experience at its peak, this is the approximate cost of a trip to India. Stay in backpackers’ hotel dorms or private rooms in cheap budget hotels. Prepare to travel in local buses and trains and treat yourself for the longest distance with a quick flight. Street food, cheaper restaurants, and sightseeing galore!

Backpacker in India (Photo Credit – Ibrahim-rifath)

Mid-range cost of a trip to India

INR 6,000-6,800 (85-90 USD / 70-80 EUR per day, per person)

Want to enjoy your holidays in style and comfort but without spending too much money? Look no further. If you compare to the budget traveller, adding 30 to 40 USD or EUR can really make a significant difference.

Stay at boutique hotels and nice homestays with charm. Pair the best classes of trains available with a domestic flight and a couple of hired car rides. Indulge in some of the fancier restaurants and do some activities like zip-lining, cooking, and beautiful mountain treks.

Delve Deeper: Uncover the Perfect Time for Your India Adventure

Feel welcome at a homestay as though it was your own – with local families, local food and local experience (Photo Credit – Aashray Homestay, bookings.com)

A high-end trip to India cost

INR 10,500-11,000 (140-145 USD / 125-130 EUR per day, per person)

If you enjoy luxury travel, you’ll love the options India has in store for you, especially in terms of hotels and resorts. While also cheap, India is the place to visit if you’re ready to spend to enjoy some of the best-serviced luxuries. Hence, in terms of hotels and resorts, there are a variety of options. You can fly your way to most places and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV. There are great gourmet dining options in all big cities and some smaller cities, so you won’t miss a thing.

If you’re looking for a more detailed version of the different costs in regards to travelling in India, here is a more in-depth analysis of the costs. If you decide to do it, let us know your preferences and we’ll customize it to suit your travel needs!

A breathtaking accommodation facility. Sitting in the midst of nature, brimming with luxury – Machan Treehouse Resort, Lonavala

Impressions of Kochi

Posted on April 2, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Kochi (Cochin) resembles the city of Pondicherry in more ways than one; it’s a town by the sea which is historically very interesting and a place where you will feel emerged in India’s colonial past yet feels present in its contemporary casual culture.

More Posts from Fabia from their Kerala trip:

Kerala Anyday, First Stop North Kerala Wayanad
On the way to Munnar
Thekkady @ Indhirivam

These are a series of humorous blog posts by Fabia about her recent travels with her mum (Soraya) to Kerala. Fabia and Soraya also run the most wonderful AirBnb in Bombay.

Fishermen using the Chinese fishing nets in Kochi

Our trip

We hopped on a train to Kochi at mid-day, and by late evening we were already browsing the lanes of this small yet charming city. Tourists from everywhere in the world strolling around, wearing baggy Aladdin pants and kolhapuris, escaping the winters of their own countries. Solo travellers make conversation at Tibetan cafés whilst Malayali couples cuddle along the Mahatma Gandhi beach.

The Chinese fishing nets are incredible inventions; and are where the city gets its name, Kochi translates as like-China. Not only does the town have an East Asian influence, it is also an amalgamation of European art and architecture due to the struggle between the Dutch, Portuguese, and the British to have possession of the land. Arabian traders were also frequent visitors to the shores of Kochi, to trade Kerala’s well-known spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.

One can quickly notice the variety of religious communities which inhabited this region and still do, after visiting the elaborate churches, the old synagogue in the Jew town area, observing the auto rickshaws covered in stickers of Mecca and Medina, and the intricate carvings of the Jain temple.

Before the Kathakali show, you can watch how the makeup is done on the performers

Advice and tips for Kochi

If I was to share any advice for Kochi, it would be:

You will have to do a lot of mosquito murdering here. Please carry mosquito repellant unless you want to be eaten alive!
Ask at your hotel/homestay how much a tuk-tuk or rickshaw would cost to where you want to go before setting off so that you know how much you should be paying as they don’t run by meter
Don’t try to save money on food here, eat at well-known places because you get your money’s worth. Oceanos’ Syrian Christian fish curry is really authentic
The afternoons are very hot, it would be a good idea to do all your exploring in the mornings. In the evenings carry a sun umbrella
Get tickets to the Kathakali dance at the Kochi Kathakali centre one evening
This is the kind of town where you are likely to be so at ease that you will not be wary of your belongings. Don’t carry any extra bags if you are the forgetful kind, like me!

Discover More: Perfect Time to Visit Kerala

The Bishop’s house in Kochi

Where to go in Kerala: Tips for Female Solo Travel

Posted on February 27, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

A blog written by Nicky Millar on where is best to visit in Kerala. She gives tips for female solo travel in Kerala from a first-hand perspective.

Kerala is arguably one of the best places to visit in India. From rolling tea plantations, sweeping game reserves to mystical backwaters. Not to mention the food, people, and climate – this place has everything!

Boat in the backwaters of Kerala

Kumily and Periyar National Park, Kerala

I started my Kerala adventure in Kumily because mudslides prevented me from getting to Munnar, which is the place to go see tea plantations. Although the weather was a little grim at the end of the monsoon period, I felt it to be a worthwhile trip.

I decided to get an auto-rickshaw tour guide. This was the first time I had done this sort of thing. But given the distance between the sites, it was well worth it. I ventured from a coffee factory to an ayurvedic spice farm, a tea plantation and finally, a view of the town that I hear is breathtaking.

The only downside was not being able to visit the Periyar Game Reserve due to extortionist prices if one is travelling alone. One of my tips for solo female travel in Kerala is that the safaris, although expensive.

If you don’t have any friends to fill that vehicle with, well then I am sorry for you. To be fair, I believe that you could go on the boat, which I am sure is fab, but I highly doubt whether wildlife spotting would be the greatest of priorities on a ferry full of families.

A deer

Visiting the Backwaters in Kerala

My advice for solo female travel in Kerala is that you are able to do just as much as you had hoped for. Visiting the backwaters is definitely a must-see adventure. After only one night (enough if you are not doing the parks), I got the bus to Kottayam and then the local ferry to Alleppey.

Although seemingly long-winded, the trip is well worth your time as you meander through the backwaters. This is at not even a tenth of the price of tourist cruises, and you have the added bonus of getting a sneak preview into the lives of the people who live along these canals.

Being the only foreigner on board there was a fabulous atmosphere and feeling of authenticity that you cannot buy for any amount of money!

My lack of friends was glaringly obvious once again when I arrived in Alleppey. It was here that I found that the houseboats are rented out individually at unattainable prices for a single-backpacker budget. Having spied them from my ferry ride, I have no doubt that it would have been a special experience.

If you are able to hire out a houseboat then I recommend staying for more than one night. This will allow you to get away from the throngs of other boats moored up alongside you. I decided to move on after one night. I got an easy bus to Ernakulam then caught a ferry to Fort Kochi.

Backwaters in Alleppey

Exploring and eating in Fort Kochi

What a wonderful city, super quaint with an eclectic mix of tourist shops/restaurants and local flavour. Though it is hungry work, I highly advise you to explore the old Jewish quarters by foot and boy was I rewarded that night! I ate possibly my single most favourite meal to date here.

Near the Chinese fishing nets, there is a fish market where you can pick out which of the day’s fresh catch tickles your fancy. I chose the squid, snapper and a dash of tiger prawns (I did share with a fellow solo traveller, don’t worry).

Once you have sussed this, a little man magically appears to guide you to his restaurant. This is where he cooks the seafood to perfection – grill/fry/spicy/herby you name it! All for a nice INR 210, I could get used to that!

Another activity I decided to do was a proper backwater tour. There are companies that conveniently source a whole bunch of singles/small groups and take them together! There are easier options if you chose to do solo female travel in Kerala. Although I ummed and ahhed for a long while about going, I am so glad I did!

While the ferry from Kottayam was great, it is unable to give you a sense of the smaller, more jungle-like backwaters. Therefore a full day trip, with lunch included, was certainly time well spent!

conclusion

Overall, while Kerala has some of the most spectacular scenery on offer, it may be worthwhile doing some research into prices if you are doing it solo or perhaps looking into tour groups.

A great tip for women travelling in Kerala is to just be flexible and willing to adjust. You can get just as much out of it as you desire.

Beaches of Kerala

For any more information on travelling to Kerala, or for any more tips on solo female travel in India, feel free to contact us!

Udaipur stay in Lake view v/s Non Lake view room

Posted on October 27, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Udaipur is famously known as the ‘City of Lakes’ and it would seem like a moot point to even have this discussion.

The Majestic City Palace of Udaipur sits on the banks of Lake Pichola

A lovely homestay in Udaipur

On my last visit to Udaipur, I decided to check for myself the hoopla over the ‘lake view’. On our first day, we decided to stay in a homestay and chose Chandra Niwas. Chandra Niwas is on the other side of the old city. Samvit who owns and runs Chandra Niwas was there at the gate to greet us. He took us out for chai and samosa, we chatted for hours on end. We also met another traveller who was staying there and ended up spending the whole time in Udaipur together. It definitely didn’t feel like we were in a hotel or a stranger’s house, it felt like home! We nearly decided to stay there for the other two days because we were so at ease and comfortable at Chandra Niwas.

Chandra Niwas exudes a warm homely feeling

The Lake view experience in Udaipur!

The next day we checked into Kankarwa Haveli, where we were upgraded to a Lake-front Suite. We entered our room and I instantly fell in love with it! It all suddenly made sense. Being in Udaipur, right in the middle of all the action and being in a room that overlooks the flowing water glistening like gold under the rays of the sun…absolutely magical Udaipur was our first stop but it usually is the last destination when you start your trip from Delhi and travel across North India. Rajasthan is mostly deserts and forts and monuments but Udaipur at the end is like finding an oasis in the desert.

Not many hotels have rooms which offer a clear unparalleled view of the lake but nearly every hotel in the Lal Ghat area has a roof-top restaurant and having a meal in one is a definite must. Our favourite roof-top restaurants were Jagat Niwas and Zostel; for the view and for the lip-smacking food too.

The serene view of Lake Pichola from our suite in Kankarwa Haveli

A boutique hotel in Udaipur away from the city

The next day we went to Fateh Garh. Fateh Garh is located 7 kms away from the city perched on a hilltop commanding views of the city below. The Aravalli mountain ranges go as far as the eye can see. At Fateh Garh, it feels like you are in a completely different zone. Away from the crowd, in complete serenity, it is just you and the amazing view around you. The mountains beckon!

Coming back to the point of discussion, having a room with a lake-view would be the highlight of your stay. If you are on a romantic holiday then without a doubt choose a hotel with the lake view. Travelling alone; go for a homestay and if you are the type who likes staying away from the crowd, then a place like Fateh Garh is for you. Spend more than two nights in Udaipur and you can split your stay. They are no pros and cons to either, it is just about choosing between different experiences.

Embrace Opulence: India’s Luxury Accommodations

We plan trips across all budgets. So just get in touch with us if you are interested in a tour similar to the one described in this blog.

Getting from Mumbai to Kerala

Posted on September 8, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Getting from Mumbai to Kerala is fairly easy and uncomplicated. Most international travellers tend to first land in Mumbai, to then make their way to this tropical paradise. Kerala is the land of lush green valleys and lazy backwaters, brightly painted Kathakali artists and gently draped gold-and-white saris. Aptly described as ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is every traveller’s dream. This article will explore some of the different ways of getting from Mumbai to Kerala.

Blessed with endless beautiful forests and beaches and bursting at the seams with gorgeous art, delicious food and healing Ayurveda, Kerala is the place to be. For more information about Kerala, check out our blog.

You can see some of our two week South India routes here OR look at Tom and Amy’s trip to Kerala.

The scenic Konkan Railway route in the monsoon runs from Mumbai to Kerala (passing Goa en route) – Photo Credits

Getting from mumbai to Kerala by flight

The de-facto option to get to Kerala from Mumbai is a two-hour flight. There are frequent flights almost every hour and if booked in advance it would cost as little as 30 EUR / 35 USD per head. The adventurous should take the scenic twenty four hour train ride (more on the same later in this blog), but before that let us give you some pointers on the flights.

Kerala has three main airports, located in Kochi, Trivandrum and Calicut. All these airports are well connected with Mumbai, with many direct flights between each of them throughout the day.
Fly from Mumbai to Kochi if you are travelling to Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Marari, Alleppey or Kumarakom.
If you are visiting Kovalam or Varkala it is closer to fly into Trivandrum from Mumbai.
Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod which are at the northernmost end of Kerala are closer to Calicut airport.
Kochi Airport is serviced with the most number of flights from Mumbai. It means more flexibility on flight times and at times fares that are cheaper than for flights to Calicut or Trivandrum.

Tip: If you are looking at visiting North Kerala and flights to Calicut are expensive, you can look at flights to Mangalore. Bekal and Kannur are gorgeous beaches equidistant to Calicut and Mangalore.

UPDATE:- As of 2019, there is a new airport in Kannur, making it the northernmost airport in Kerala. Flights are limited, but the best connection if you are looking at visiting beaches of North Kerala.

(Picture Credit: Pixabay)

Train from Mumbai to Kerala

If the journey is more important than the destination then do not look further for a prettier experience. It will take anywhere between 16 to 24 hours depending on which part of Kerala you visit, but taking a train along the western Indian coast will be a gorgeous and memorable experience. We share a few pointers below –

The Southern India rail network known as the Konkan Railway runs a number of trains between Mumbai and Kerala.
The major railway stations are Calicut, Ernakulam Junction (close to Kochi) and Trivandrum Central. There are a few trains that also halt at Alleppey and Varkala railway stations.
There are about 9 to 10 trains that run between Mumbai and Kerala. The average travel time is 16 to 24 hours, depending on the train and whether you plan to alight in North, Central or South Kerala.
Avoid booking tickets on a train that does not start in Mumbai. These trains are often late and dirty as people have been riding on them for a while. For more information about train travel in Mumbai, check out our blog.
The best trains to take are the ones that start from Mumbai CST, or Lokmaniya Tilak station (Mumbai CST is the easiest to reach).
Avoid the trains to Kerala that you need to board from Kalyan or Vasai Road. These stations are listed as Mumbai stations but are far from the city.
Since it is a long train journey to Kerala, it is nice to take a train to Kerala and then fly back.
The journey is extremely scenic. So if you have the luxury of time, definitely take a train journey to savour and remember the beauty of Kerala.

For more information about train travel in India, have a look at our blog.

Still not convinced about visiting Kerala? Let us give you five reasons!

Train from Mumbai to Kerala (Photo Credit – Antriksh Kumar)

getting from Mumbai to Kerala by Road

The least recommended option is to travel from Mumbai to Kerala by road.

The distance from Mumbai to Kochi is 1377 kms.
There are no direct buses that ply between the two regions.
Driving to Kerala with a rented car would mean a journey of two days with a night halt. Moreover, a car hire would be very expensive and not all car rental agencies would be willing to send a car and driver from Mumbai to Kerala.

We recommend either taking a flight or train when travelling from Mumbai to Kerala as the drive would be tiresome and expensive.

Long Route

Stops en route

Goa, the most popular beach and party destination comes right between Mumbai and Kerala. You can either take a train or fly to Goa and then travel onwards to Kerala, or explore more travel options.

You can also make the entire way from Mumbai to Kerala your travel route. This way, you can stop at additional interesting places like the temple and ruin landscapes of Hampi, the charming palace town of Mysore or the green region of Wayanad. From there you can easily get to Calicut and head down to Kochi by train. Our guest Rachel did this on her two-week-trip across South India. Check it out!

An alternative route is to fly from Mumbai to Mysore directly. This avoids the long Goa – Hampi – Mysore train journeys to then going to Kerala. This was Daphne’s idea for her two-week-trip to Kerala in May.

Alternatively, the coasts of Maharashtra and Karnataka are dotted with idyllic small coastal towns. You can choose to stop at any one of them. Do remember that you will have very basic tourist facilities there.

Discover More: Best Time to Visit Kerala

For some inspiration, check out Tom and Amy’s trip to Kerala. Alternatively, for any more information or for help planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us!

Goa

We would love to help you plan a trip to India that involves getting from Mumbai to Kerala, visiting the gorgeous places en route. Plan Your Trip with us now and we will figure out the ideal travel route together with you.

Top 5 things to eat in South India

Posted on September 5, 2014May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Dosa

A Dosa is a delicious crepe-like pancake made from risen rice batter. Cooked with dollops of clarified butter, and served with multiple condiments like Sambar (lentils cooked with spices and assorted vegetables). And some wet chutney made either with grated coconut, lentils, green chillies, mint or onions, tomatoes and red chillies. Not to forget the deliciously fiery Gunpowder or Mulgapudi.

Although it originated in South India, it’s popularity has surged throughout the country. Each stall sells many different varieties, the most common being masala dosa, stuffed with fried potatoes. City vendors usually have plenty of cheese-based options which are to die for!

Dosa (Picture Credit: Awesome Cuisine)

Idli

Idli is a steamed savoury cake that is made from fermented rice batter and is normally served in pairs or triplets. You can serve it with the same chutneys as dosas, but usually with a little extra sambar for the idli to soak up. In some cities, they might throw some butter on top of the idli to make it tastier.

Idli (Picture Credit: Foodie Trail)

Puttu

Puttu is a breakfast dish of steamed cylinders of ground rice layered with grated coconut. It is served with side dishes of chickpea curry or banana. Also, it is usually spiced with cumin, among other spices.

It is made by slowly adding water to ground rice until the correct texture is achieved, then spiced, formed and steamed with layers of grated coconut.

Puttu (Picture Credit: Archana’s Kitchen)

Curd Rice

Moving on from breakfast, we come to this staple South Indian comfort food, ‘Curd Rice’. The word ‘curd’ as used in India usually refers to sour, unsweetened yoghurt. It is most popular in Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

In Tamil Nadu, it is called ‘dadhiannam’/ ‘dadyodanam’. Various spices can be added to the basic curd rice combination. It’s often eaten accompanied by South Indian pickles such as mango or lime.

It also aids digestion and is eaten post every meal. Some also eat it as the main course itself.

Curd Rice (Picture Credit: Sharan-India.org)

Rasam

Rasam is a South Indian soup which is prepared using tamarind juice as a base. Tomato, chilli pepper, pepper, cumin and other spices as also used as seasonings. Steamed lentils are added along with any preferred vegetables and finally chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut are used for garnishing. Rasam is different from sambar in its seasoning ingredients and is usually fluid consistency.

Rasam (Picture Credit: Untold Recipes by Nosheen)

We at India Someday are big foodies so if you’re ever visiting India and want some suggestions on where to grab good South Indian food don’t hesitate to get in touch.