South Asia Travel Guide

This comprehensive guide will provide all the information on South Asia including places to visit, the best time to visit, transportation options, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


A Comprehensive Guide to South Asia

South Asia is a beautiful region that includes the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It is a region that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about South Asia, including the best places to visit, the best time to visit, transportation options, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and more.

List of Places to Visit in South Asia

South Asia is home to a plethora of culturally significant attractions, natural wonders, and adventure activities. Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in South Asia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Taj Mahal, India
  • The Golden Temple, India
  • Angkor Wat, Cambodia
  • The Great Wall of China, China
  • The Forbidden City, China
  • The Grand Mosque, Oman

Natural Attractions of South Asia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Himalayas, Bhutan and Nepal
  • The beaches of Maldives
  • The coral reefs of Bali
  • The tea plantations of Sri Lanka
  • The national parks of India

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Asia

For those who enjoy hiking and biking, South Asia offers some of the best trails in the world. Here are some of the most popular hiking and biking routes in South Asia:

  • Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
  • Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
  • Markha Valley Trek, India
  • Ladakh Biking Expedition, India
  • Bali Mountain Bike Tour, Indonesia

Best Things to Do in South Asia: Activities and Tours

South Asia is full of exciting activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in South Asia:

  • Take a food tour of India
  • Go on a safari in Sri Lanka
  • Visit the night markets of Taiwan
  • Scuba dive in the Maldives
  • Take a hot air balloon ride in Myanmar

Week-Long Itinerary for South Asia

If you’re short on time but want to experience the best of South Asia, here’s a week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), India
2 Visit the temples of Bali, Indonesia
3 Take a safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
4 Hike to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan
5 Visit the Great Wall of China, China
6 Relax on the beaches of Maldives
7 Take a cooking class in Bangkok, Thailand

Food and Drink Scene of South Asia

One of the best ways to experience the culture of South Asia is through its food and drink. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Biryani, India
  • Pad Thai, Thailand
  • Nasi Goreng, Indonesia
  • Yakitori, Japan
  • Dhal Curry, Sri Lanka

Local Beverages

  • Masala Chai, India
  • Bubble Tea, Taiwan
  • Lassi, India
  • Arrack, Sri Lanka
  • Sake, Japan

Where to Stay in South Asia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Asia offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in South Asia:

  • Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
  • Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Indonesia
  • Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • The St. Regis Bali Resort, Indonesia
  • Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

What to Buy in South Asia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

South Asia is known for its colorful textiles, handicrafts, and spices. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Sari, India
  • Batik, Indonesia
  • Tea, Sri Lanka
  • Spices, India
  • Handmade paper products, Nepal

Local Culture and Customs of South Asia

South Asia is home to a rich diversity of cultures, religions, and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting South Asia:

  • Respect local customs and dress modestly in religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a home, temple, or mosque.
  • Tipping is not expected in most places in South Asia.
  • Bargaining is common in markets and street vendors.

Best Time to Visit South Asia

The best time to visit South Asia depends on the country, as the climate varies widely across the region. Generally, the best time to visit is during the cooler, drier months between November and March.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Asia

When visiting South Asia, it’s important to be aware of the local customs and expectations. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Learn a few common phrases in the local language.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a home or temple.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Eat with your left hand, as it is considered impolite.
  • Take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Show public displays of affection.
  • Drink tap water.

Safety and Health

As with any travel destination, it’s important to be aware of safety and health concerns when traveling to South Asia.

Safety in South Asia

South Asia is a relatively safe region to travel, but it’s important to be aware of petty crime and scams, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. It’s also important to be aware of the political climate and any potential security threats when traveling to certain countries.

Health in South Asia

It’s important to visit your doctor before traveling to South Asia to ensure that you have all of the necessary vaccinations and medications. It’s also important to follow safe food and water practices to avoid illness.

Getting to South Asia: Transportation Options and Logistics

South Asia is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are some transportation options to consider when traveling to South Asia:

Airports in South Asia

  • Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, India
  • Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Malé International Airport, Maldives
  • Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand

Bus Stations in South Asia

  • Anand Vihar, Delhi, India
  • Uttara, Bangladesh
  • Tashkurgan, China

Other Options

  • Train travel, especially in India and Sri Lanka, is a popular and affordable option.
  • Ferries connect many islands in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

How to Get Around in South Asia

Getting around South Asia can be challenging, but there are several options to consider. Here are some of the most popular ways to get around South Asia:

  • Taxis and ride-sharing services
  • Public buses and trains
  • Tuk-tuks and other forms of auto rickshaws
  • Domestic flights

Conclusion

South Asia is a diverse and fascinating region to explore, full of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to hike along the Himalayas, explore ancient temples, or relax on beautiful beaches, South Asia has something for everyone. Follow this comprehensive guide to make the most out of your South Asia trip.

The Red Fort in Delhi The Red Fort in Delhi Ruins at Mohenjo-daro Ruins at Mohenjo-daro The Maya Devi temple in Lumbini, built on the spot where Buddha was born The Maya Devi temple in Lumbini, built on the spot where Buddha was born The Sino-Nepali friendship bridge The Sino-Nepali friendship bridge Jal Mahal, Jaipur Jal Mahal, Jaipur The Lion Rock in Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka's World Heritage Sites The Lion Rock in Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka's World Heritage Sites A Bengali fish meal A Bengali fish meal


    Bangladesh
    Bengal
    Bhutan
    India
    Kashmir
    Maldives
    Nepal
    Pakistan
    Sri Lanka