With its extraordinarily diverse landscapes, multiple ethnicities, various religious beliefs and numerous dialects, India is the land of contrasts. Its cultural heritage encompasses 4,500 years of history. For your first trip to India, you're not sure where to start in this mosaic of treasures? We've put together a summary of what we love about North India and South India to help you decide. All that's left is to make up your own mind…

The characteristics of South India:

Let's be honest, India is not a destination for the faint of heart. In this most astonishing country, all the senses are in constant activity. However, it's often said that South India is much more laid-back than North India. It's true that the South distinguishes itself from the North with a slower, gentler pace of local life. Bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, you'll discover lush landscapes, near-deserted beaches and more touristy ones, lagoons, ruins of ancient civilizations, structures with Indo-Islamic architecture alongside cities modernizing themselves…

On a trip to South India, you can immerse yourself in Bollywood culture in India's most populous city: Mumbai. For those who love culture and shopping, head to the metropolis of Chennai, hub of commerce and cultural attractions, or to what was the former French capital before India's independence, Pondicherry. For those seeking a peaceful escape, Goa with its Portuguese cultural influence is ideal for enjoying fine-sand beaches and the festive atmosphere of the region.

For those seeking nature-filled escapes, you can be captivated by the Kerala region, renowned for its tea and spice plantations stretching endlessly. Don't forget to take a boat ride on the lagoons to admire the lush surrounding nature. It's also the ideal place to discover Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine. And for those wanting to encounter wild animals, the Nagarhole Wildlife park is home to elephants, tigers and gaurs.

For all these reasons, South India is generally more laid-back than North India. The cultural shock is less intense and amenities abound, allowing you to experience India with gentleness. This is why many travelers tend to favor the south for a first trip to India.

The characteristics of North India:

As we mentioned earlier, North India is more bustling than South India. In other words, it's in the North where you'll see the most of the « Indian hustle and bustle ». Billboards and cinema posters are less prevalent and handicrafts hold a more prominent place compared to the South. In other words, North India embodies the mythical India we imagine.

Concretely, North India attracts travelers seeking adventure or history. Its cultural treasures, its religious sites and vestiges as well as landscapes are very different from the South. Renowned for its famous golden triangle, the Northern part of India is a cultural goldmine. You can discover the capital New Delhi and its unique atmosphere, the city of Agra known for the iconic Taj Mahal, the city of Jaipur and its palace of winds and many others. One thing is certain: you won't escape Indian folklore!

As for landscapes, the North blends vast grasslands and desert expanses, rivers and lakes, verdant hills and dizzying mountains… The diversity is such that you won't know where to look first. Trekking enthusiasts will delight in discovering the numerous hiking trails through the Indian Himalayas. It's also a chance to encounter different ethnic groups in traditional villages for an immersion into local life.

Northern India is therefore the destination of choice for all more adventurous travelers who prefer to venture off the beaten path! But rest assured, if you still can't decide, remember that either one will leave you wanting to return to India to explore the other half of the country!

Florine Dergelet