The Rough Guide to South India

I've tried other India guides, but rough guides are definitely the best. My husband and I were travelling travelling South India independently in Nov of 2009. We got a prepaid sim card and booked hotels along the way using all the guides recommendations. The guide gives good background information and helps you stay out of trouble. I especially like the public transport information. Tips: -Most upscale hotels have to booked well in advanced in India. If your budget is under $50 you can basically walk into a place to see it before deciding. Most hotels are located next to one another so it's easy to find another one. Bargain hard, the economy has slammed this part of the world. When possible call for a driver to pick you up if you arriving by bus or train, they will do it gladly, and you won't have to haggle with the drivers or go on a joy ride. -Drivers will take you to the places that offer the best commission. Sometimes these places are good, most of the time they aren't. It's up to you, get a cut of the commission, and don't take no for an answer. -Book train tickets well in advance or you'll be riding in cattle car with the locals. Don't be cheap about transportation, you didn't go on vacation to skimp, every seat you hog up in 3rd class is a seat you take away from someone that cannot afford more. -All nice stores pay $1 to the driver for bringing you to their shop, and the driver gets 10% of your purchase. Keep your luggage light and don't buy their junk. -When in India eat Indian food. -Be respectful of their beliefs, you don't want a tourist taking pictures of you while you are praying in your place of worship. -Go with no judgement, don't expect it to be like home, or say that it should be like home. It's not, it's India, and it's a very special place that will hopefully never look like home. -If you a female going to a beach, expect young men to take photos of you. There's nothing you can do about, other then go to a beach where no one else goes. Stay away from Baga Beach in Goa if this bother you. I loved Benellium Beach right next to the airport and train station. -Bring insect repellent, if you can bring a net or racket. There is no need to take malaria pills unless you are going to be in the woods for an extended period, but most cities are just fine. UV water sterilizer can be handy. Combination padlock to bolt your own door, sleeping sacks, sun screen, & this book. -Travel light.

I have been travelling for a couple of weeks through Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka using the Rough Guide, together with a friend who had the Lonely Planet to South India. Overall I found the RG a very good guide, both in terms of practical information (maps, transportation, budget hotels) as well as for providing sufficient background information about the temples in that region (which is definitely not the case for the LP!).

I used this guide on a recent study abroad trip to Bangalore. It was indispensable for traveling alone (i.e. without the guidance of a local). For example, on a weekend trip to Chenni (Madras) it helped me find the only place in the city with a plethora trees and gardens - The Theosophical Society grounds - as well as make my way around the city and get to a high class restaurant when I was craving comfort food. It also provides little bits of local knowledge; for intance, it tells the story of how J. Krishnamurti was 'found' by the Theosophists on the beach and recognized as the 'enlightened one'- where else would you find that information?! I would have been lost if I didn't have this guide, or relied on the National Geographic India guide my parents gave to me. I don't know about restaurants or hotels as I didn't use it too much for that purpose, but it listed all of the major bookstores in the area, even some that my host mother (raised in Bangalore) didn't know about!

This book gives ou a nice overview of the region, and incredible specific tips for visiting South India.