Practical Tips for Travelling in South India

What We Wish We Had Known on Our First Trip

A trip to India will not leave you indifferent. This country fascinates you, challenges you and constantly surprises you.

It is a never-ending cultural shock, a parallel universe where rationality seems to have been left at the door and where paradoxes are everywhere. India is a constant challenge to logic. India is simply inexplicable…

That is why Suryatrips created a private car rental service with a driver in South India.

We chose to work without intermediaries, on a human scale and with a fair approach for everyone involved. All our drivers speak English, and their sole objective is to make your trip an unforgettable experience.

Fanny looks after our European clients, while Vishnu takes care of the logistics in India. A team built around communication, respect and kindness.

Here is a practical summary of information that will help you organise your trip.

Practical Tips for Travelling in South India

Preparing a trip to South India is about more than simply choosing your itinerary. A few simple precautions regarding health, payments, phones, local customs and the weather will help you travel with greater peace of mind and make the most of your stay.

Health and Vaccinations for a Trip to India

As with any trip abroad, we recommend taking out travel insurance covering medical expenses, accidents and repatriation.

Common medicines are generally easy to find in India. There is therefore no need to overload your luggage, although it is advisable to bring your usual personal medication with you.

Do You Need Vaccinations to Travel to India?

No vaccinations are generally required to enter India from France. However, before travelling, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations are up to date.

Depending on your itinerary, the length of your stay and your travel conditions, your doctor or a travel health clinic can advise you in particular about:

• Typhoid fever
• Hepatitis A and B
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Malaria

Malaria and Mosquitoes in South India

The risk of malaria varies depending on the region and time of year. The decision whether or not to take preventive malaria medication should therefore be based on your destination and personal circumstances.

In all cases, remember to bring effective mosquito repellent and, if necessary, a mosquito net. Ask your doctor for advice before travelling.

Water and Hygiene During Your Stay

Prefer bottled mineral water, particularly for drinking and brushing your teeth. As a precaution, also avoid ice cubes when you do not know the source of the water used.

It can also happen that hot water is not available in some accommodation, particularly during hot periods. In South India, this is generally not a major inconvenience given the outdoor temperatures.

Money and Payment Methods in India

The Indian rupee (INR) is the currency used in India.

International Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and tourist establishments. American Express may also be accepted in some places, although acceptance is less widespread.

ATMs are widely available in cities and major tourist destinations.

Upon arrival, your bank card can be used to make an initial cash withdrawal. However, withdrawal limits depend on both your bank and the ATM. It is therefore advisable to check these conditions before travelling.

Should You Bring Euros to India?

It is useful to have some cash with you when you arrive. You can, for example, bring euros in cash and ask your driver to accompany you to a reliable currency exchange office in town.

Before travelling, remember to contact your bank to check:

• that your card is authorised for use abroad;
• that international withdrawals are enabled;
• what fees apply to withdrawals and payments in India;
• your withdrawal and payment limits.

Phone and Internet in India

To stay connected easily during your trip to South India, the most practical solution is generally to use an Indian SIM card or an eSIM compatible with your phone.

We can also provide you with an Indian SIM card upon arrival. It can be handed to you by your driver and returned at the end of your stay.

With a suitable Internet plan, you will be able to easily use WhatsApp, Google Maps, booking applications and messaging services throughout your trip.

A Few Tips for Behaving Respectfully in India

India has cultural codes that may differ from those we are used to. A few simple rules will help you respect local customs and make interactions with local people easier.

Respecting Local Customs

• Avoid openly displaying valuable belongings.
• Keep an eye on your luggage, particularly in crowded places.
• In temples, certain monuments and some private homes, remove your shoes before entering.
• Opt for relatively modest clothing, particularly in religious places: avoid very short shorts, uncovered shoulders and overly tight clothing.
• When greeting someone, a simple “Namaste” is perfectly appropriate.
• Always ask permission before photographing someone.
• When you are invited into someone's home, let your host look after you. Trying to help systematically can sometimes make them feel uncomfortable.
• When using public transport, do not be surprised by differences in social customs: Western-style chivalry is not always practised in the same way.
• Traditionally, the left hand is considered impure. Avoid eating with your left hand or using it to give something to someone.

Tipping in India

Tipping is appreciated when the service has been satisfactory. For a private driver, around €5 to €8 per day is a common guideline, although this should of course be adjusted according to the quality of the service and the length of the trip.

The Famous Indian “Yes”

One cultural peculiarity can sometimes surprise travellers: the head movement used by Indians to express agreement may differ from the gestures we are familiar with.

At the beginning of your stay, this can lead to a few amusing misunderstandings! So do not hesitate to verbally confirm important information, particularly regarding schedules and appointments.

What Is the Best Time to Visit South India?

South India can be visited all year round, but the period generally considered the most pleasant for travelling is from September to the end of April.

September to April: The Ideal Period

This period generally offers favourable conditions for discovering Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with more pleasant temperatures and conditions well suited to sightseeing and travelling between different destinations.

May: High Temperatures

In May, temperatures can be high, with maximum temperatures reaching 30 to 40°C, particularly in certain regions.

If you cope well with the heat, this period can nevertheless be considered, provided you adapt the pace of your sightseeing and the timing of excursions.

June to August: The Monsoon

From June to August, the monsoon affects South India. This does not necessarily mean that it rains all day.

Rain often comes in the form of short, heavy showers, interspersed with drier periods. Temperatures are generally more comfortable and Kerala's landscapes become particularly lush and green.

Travelling during the monsoon can therefore be a very enjoyable experience for those who want to discover a more authentic, lush and less crowded side of South India.

Travelling Safely and Comfortably in South India

With a few simple precautions and good preparation, a trip to South India is an accessible and particularly rewarding experience.

Whether you wish to discover Kerala, Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, travelling with a private driver also allows you to enjoy your trip at your own pace, without having to deal with driving, route planning or transportation between the different stages of your journey.