“South India” is also known as “Peninsular India” indicating its location in a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. The term “Deccan”, referring to the area covered by the Deccan Plateau that covers most of peninsular India excluding the coastal areas, is an anglicised form of the Prakrit word dakkhiṇa derived from the Sanskrit word dakshiṇa meaning south. Carnatic, derived from “Karnāḍ” or “Karunāḍ” meaning high country, has also been associated with South India.

South India is a vibrant region offering diverse attractions, from historical sites and temples to beaches, hill stations, and backwaters. Popular destinations include Kerala, with its backwaters and beaches, Tamil Nadu’s temples and hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, and Karnataka’s Hampi and Coorg. Other noteworthy places are Pondicherry, Kochi, and Madurai.