VITAL STATISTICS

Capital: Chennai (formerly ‘Madras’) Population: 80 million Language(s): Tamil; English widely spoken Time: GMT+5.5 International dialling code: +91 Visas: Visas are mandatory for all UK citizens visiting India as tourists. The easiest way is to apply for an E-visa, which you can fill out and pay for online (indianvisaonline.gov.in). It is valid for 60 days from entry and costs US$75 (£53). Money: Indian rupee (INR), currently around INR89 to the UK£1.

When to go

The south Indian climate fluctuates far less across the seasons than in the north, with temperatures between 20 and 33 degrees (°C), but humidity levels do vary greatly.

■ High season – the best time to travel, with plenty of warm days and cool nights.

■ Low season – from April, temperatures begin to climb ahead of the south-west monsoon, erupting in scorching heats during May and June, and high humidity.

■ Monsoon season – heavy rains peter out by late September but erupt again in November as the north-east (or retreating) monsoon continues on into December.

Health & safety Apart from the usual risk of

upset stomachs, the main problem facing travellers to southern India is malaria. Always sleep under a net, and seek medical advice prior to travel regarding the most effective malarial prophylactic.

Further reading & Information

South India & Kerala (Rough Guides, 2017) A South Indian Journey (Penguin, 1996)