Have you been feeling the itch to travel and want to take a spontaneous trip? But are you also worried about causing a dent in your wallet? Well, South India is the place for you. An underrated part of India, the southern part of India has no shortage of fun and cost-effective destinations. Whether you want to choose from places with spiritual energy or relax by the beach, go on food trails or take a quiet minute in the hills, there is a lot of variety to choose from. In fact, many of the getaways in South India can be easily reached via a bus, are inexpensive and will leave you feeling refreshed this rainy season. Fresh Bus, a ticket booking platform, shares 5 underrated locations in South India you can visit this monsoon.
Tirupati, Andhra PradeshHome to the world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, this is one of India’s most visited pilgrimage towns, and for good reason.What to do:● Join the queue at Tirumala for darshan (book your slot in advance to skip the long wait)● Explore Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, one of Asia’s largest zoos● Cool off at Akasa Ganga and Papavinasanam waterfalls nearby● Try the iconic Tirupati laddu, the world’s first GI-tagged food item
PondicherryFrench colonial buildings, mustard-yellow walls, quiet promenades, and a beach that glows gold at sunset, it’s basically a postcard you can walk through.What to do:● Wander through the French Quarter and its Instagram-ready streets● Watch the sunrise at Promenade Beach● Visit Auroville and the Matrimandir for a moment of calm● Café-hop through Rue Saint Louis and Rue Suffren● Rent bicycles and explore the town like locals
Guntur, Andhra PradeshKnown as the chilli capital of India, Guntur is a destination for those who plan entire trips around what they’ll eat. This is a city of bold flavours, bustling markets, and a slower, more textured slice of Andhra life.What to do:● Explore the Guntur Chilli Yard, one of Asia’s largest chilli markets● Visit Amaravati, the ancient Buddhist site and Andhra Pradesh’s capital region, just a short ride away● Dig into authentic Andhra thalis, expect fiery curries, crispy garelu, and pickles that’ll linger in your memory (and your taste buds) long after● Check out Kondaveedu Fort for a dose of history and a great viewpoint
Erode, Tamil NaduErode is often overlooked by travellers rushing between bigger cities, which is exactly what makes it a great pick for those who like discovering places before they trend. Known for its textile heritage and turmeric trade, Erode offers an authentic, unhurried look at Tamil Nadu’s everyday culture.What to do:● Explore the local turmeric and textile markets● Visit Bhavani Sangameswarar Temple at the confluence of three rivers● Take a short trip to Kodiveri Dam and enjoy the greenery● Sample authentic Kongunadu cuisine, think idiyappam, kola urundai, and filter coffee that actually hits different
Tuni, Andhra PradeshTuni is one of those quiet coastal towns that rarely makes it to travel lists, which is precisely its charm. Nestled in Andhra Pradesh, it’s ideal for those who are looking for a low-key, low-cost escape without the crowds.What to do:● Relax at the nearby beaches along the Bay of Bengal coastline● Explore the local markets known for jute products and handicrafts● Take a short detour to Kotturu Beach for a quieter shoreline experience● Enjoy simple, home-style Andhra meals at local eateries