I have only been in South India for a couple of weeks, but I immediately felt that there was a huge cultural shift between North and South. It’s not just the food and climate though that makes South India like a different country to me, it is the people and the environment. I appreciate I have only seen a small part of the South as yet, but for me it is light years away from where I have come from.

First thing that became apparent was how clean the streets were. I have previously talked about the pollution I saw in Northern India here and here, but there is still a lot about the environment there that I have left unsaid thus far. Whilst South India is far from being pollution free, the streets here are visibly cleaner. I am yet to encounter large piles of rubbish or step in animal faeces in the street.  The streets appear to be much better looked after by the people, with no sign of people abandoning their plastic to the streets anywhere and everywhere.  I am certain this contributes to how beautiful it is in the south, the land is free to be seen without being covered in a sea of garbage.

There are some things about the environment here that are also taking some adjustment after being used to the North.  There are no cows on the street here, I have so far seen only one, but goats are everywhere. Like the cows they are harmless and certainly leave a lot less of a mess. I am also still yet to see a monkey, something I am very grateful for (they scare the living daylights out of me)!

Another welcome difference I have noticed is the way the men behaved.  I have talked about Indian men before and it caused some controversy.  I stand by what I said, but perhaps I should make an addendum now to take into account what I have experienced in South India.  The men here are either more polite than those I encountered on my travels in North India or better at hiding their behaviour.  I am thankfully yet to see public urination, spitting or nose-picking.  I am not sure why this behaviour is so different here, possibly education is a factor, or perhaps there is something else going here culturally in the way people are raised.

However, the biggest difference that I have noticed about the men is the way they behave towards me.  When I am approached by a shop-keeper or tout, I don’t feel I am being ogled, they don’t slowly look me up and down and I certainly feel less harassed. Once again, I am not sure why this is so different but it is a welcome change.

The next thing I have noticed is the women… they are visible. In the north, I always felt like women were invisible, particularly in the evening.  Here in the south I see them everywhere, in public transport, on the streets, working and going about their daily business. Perhaps this is part of the reason why the men behave so differently, women wandering the streets is not a foreign sight to them, but a normal part of everyday life.

The south also appears to be more affluent than the north.  People look much better fed, the housing looks better and there are less beggars on the street.  Poverty is still definitely here, but it is far less in your face than I found in north India.  This may be because the population is more sparse here creating an illusion of affluence.

From what I have been told and based on what I have read on the internet, there is more educational infrastructure per capita in the south, which is likely to be a major contributing factor to the improved environment. I have to say, it has certainly made a huge difference, enough for me to contemplate whether perhaps it is somewhere I could call home in the future.

The Differences Between North and South India
Tagged on:                                         

109 thoughts on “The Differences Between North and South India

  • May 27, 2018 at 1:47 pm
    Permalink

    Lived 27 years in North ,Drove 150000km ,been in Rajasthan for 11 years ,A Den of witchcraft ,Been in s city for 11 years where i found 95% speak lies , Hate outsiders other than their state ,
    I lived in many north indian states ,poverty is s main cause ,Punjabis living in punjab has s heart to love ,if you dont know Bhojpuri you are prone to be cheated in poorvanchal ,all sorrounding of New Delhi Railway station are a den of Chesters.
    Having said that ,i found some awesome locals in Lucknow city ,make sure
    Being a born Keralite ,we were taught hygeine ,respect from childhood.we were taught to uplift the Needy ,bless the poor .
    But in North ,Most are unthankful ,very deep cunning in some areas.poverty is just because lsck of hardwork for some ,some want easy money .But education is doing some change.
    South in Tamil Nadu ,people can show discrimination ,steal your suit cases,over charge.
    But in general South india is miles ahead.

    Reply
  • March 1, 2017 at 11:30 am
    Permalink

    Its population, more people who shit, pollute, eat, harder to educate mass.of children in government schools.. yea population

    Reply
  • July 31, 2016 at 5:07 pm
    Permalink

    Rakhee you got such a wonderful observation and a well written blog even though I think there is more to do over here in South India especially in Kerala and that’s where I am from. Wish you good luck on your future travels and hope we all would be able to read more from your experience.

    Reply
  • October 19, 2015 at 4:26 pm
    Permalink

    South India is cleaner than Noth, Atleast people dont sit anywhere they want like in North Indian Railway Stations.

    Reply
  • September 11, 2015 at 10:07 am
    Permalink

    Sorry for the reply but i am herein tamilnadu for the last 2 years and this looks like a shit of story if you go to chanakyapuri in delhi there also you can find such cleanliness . but i pray to god plz get me transfered to north its like a hell of state .. The people are completely different and illiterate most of them use thumb impression .. Only thing i liked is rasam … Because it has decreased my Libido by 90 percent so there is no chance of sexual crimes .. Plz live here for at least 6 months then only throw dirts on north bul shit

    Reply
    • September 12, 2015 at 4:25 pm
      Permalink

      We’re all entitled to our opinion.

      Reply
    • February 3, 2019 at 1:26 am
      Permalink

      My friend, I am sorry to point out that the language you have used, paints Delhi in very bad light…your reply just reinforces the general opinion that Delhites are rude and uncouth.

      Please learn some courtesy while framing your reply.

      Reply
    • February 3, 2019 at 1:30 am
      Permalink

      Dear Mr Monam..please use some manners while framing your reply…else your reply just reinforces the uncouth and rude image of Dehlites.

      Reply
  • May 23, 2015 at 6:16 pm
    Permalink

    ‘South India’ is a very broad term to use. There are five states and different cities and towns that come under ‘south India’. They are not homogenous and your experience in one or two towns or cities cannot be generalized to the whole area. Hyderabad is vastly different from say, Madhurai or Tiruvananthapuram. Chennai is not the same as Bangaluru or Hyderabad and so on. You never mentioned where you’ve been to. My guess is that you’ve been to Karnataka. Please do specify where, instead of generalizing it as ‘south india’.

    Reply
    • June 3, 2015 at 6:15 pm
      Permalink

      You’re right, I’ve been to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala and my thoughts covered all of these

      Reply
  • February 12, 2015 at 6:06 am
    Permalink

    Hii,I have been in Chennai for quite a time now and trust me you are highly mistaken,being a design student I have to be on the streets half the time for sourcing material and use the public transportation system.
    I have witnessed the filthiest thing ever,i.e.men masturbating in broad daylight in front of everyone without any hesitance and drunk men lying on the footpaths and there are a lot many beggars out here.
    Being a north indian I have faced discrimination,auto drivers charge more,you are looked down at if you are wearing jeans a very normal one too,forget about short dresses and always assumed to be mannerless and very cunning and thought of being very easily available.
    I never faced such issues in North India,if North India is bad south India is no better,every place has some or the other faults no place is perfect and no one is perfect so we should not look at any thing with preconceived notions,that’s all I have to say.

    Reply
    • April 27, 2015 at 11:53 am
      Permalink

      “I never faced such issues in North India”
      LOL such lies.. is that why so many rapes happen in North India?

      “if North India is bad south India is no better”
      HDI,Literacy rates,Fertility rates and urbanization rates BEG TO DIFFER missy! South India is infinitely better by all means.

      Reply
      • April 27, 2015 at 1:56 pm
        Permalink

        Please refrain from calling people liars. I won’t tolerate such inconsiderate behaviour. Everyone is entitled to their opinion without being rude.

        Reply
      • April 27, 2015 at 2:44 pm
        Permalink

        Sir,If rape cases happen in north India,do they not take place in south india?
        I concluded my statement by saying that no place is perfect.
        We should not have such comparisons in first place,specially by degrading one place and upgrading the other.

        Reply
  • August 10, 2014 at 7:01 pm
    Permalink

    In general South Indians are more civilized than the North Indians – you feel it on a railway platform where people apologize if you bump into them and in north either they don’t care or they start fighting…! Otherwise, human nature is largely same everywhere…

    Reply
  • June 1, 2014 at 2:30 pm
    Permalink

    Here is some information I am copy/pasting from wikipedia regarding Kerala

    Kerala already leads the Indian states in terms of Literacy, HDI and almost every other indicator. It is ranked 6th in per capita GDP, but when the remittances are included the GDP is almost double that of Maharashtra (the current leader) and is on par with some of the western countries.

    Kerala is considered by many as the cleanest and most developed region in South Asia. This improved standards and quality of life has made Kerala a preferred location for the laborers from the poorer states in the North like Bihar, UP, Jharkand,West Bengal, Punjab, MP, Delhi, Himachal, etc and also from the neighboring Tamil Nadu.

    The dialy wages in Kerala is almost 4 times that of these states and the trade union activities in Kerala ensures a better standard of life for the workers. The quality of medical facilities in kerala which are provided to the public for free also makes Kerala a preferred location.

    Kerala also ranks as India’s best state for woman safety and childcare.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Kerala#Foreign_remittances

    Reply
  • May 30, 2014 at 12:51 pm
    Permalink

    Yes. You’re right about the differences between north and south India. Women are more revered or respected in the south – though there are exceptions as it is in any class-based society. The south have a history of rebellion against the norm since before the time of Christ, they are very into logical thinking, very into rights and justice, and women are also more powerful and fiery.

    The south has to some extent withstood influence from the north due to their being able to hold off most Northern attempts at empire, or the Muslim invasion for quite a long time – till they fell to the British banditry. That is not to say that the Muslim invasion or culture, or the culture of the north is a bad thing in itself as they did contribute significantly to the cultural fabric of India. However, there must be something curious about south Indian culture that enabled them to maintain a greater degree of respect for women.

    Partly, their being an agricultural based society for ages, being more poetically, philosophically and logically inclined – which also explains why many IT professionals come from the south – and spiritually inclined, along with their mother Goddesses, and so on, might have contributed to it.

    I’m south Indian, Tamil, from Singapore, and currently living in the UK. And in my efforts to fuse the best elements of all cultures into my persona, am quite significantly drawn to the culture of south India, amongst others.

    Keep well. Your articles are most interesting.

    Reply
    • May 31, 2014 at 1:20 am
      Permalink

      Thanks. I also find the challenge of being from many places is to bring together all the cultures in a way that makes sense. I must say I feel quite lucky to know so many cultures.

      Reply
  • April 26, 2014 at 7:49 am
    Permalink

    What Rubbish comparision. The Norht itself has huge huge difference. Can you compare Bihari with Himachali/Pahari people. Let me better summarise North Indians
    1. Though one thing people of Western UP and Haryana are the most uncivilized creature in India.
    2. Delhiites are angry people. Just touch anyone’s car in a Traffic light and you will know.
    3. Pahari (Uttarakhand/Himachal) people are the best in India.
    4. Punjabis are show offs
    5. Eastern UP and Biharis are mostly not much educated. All the Rikshawallah and laborers (no offence, I know the no. of IAS/IIT preparing UPites,Bihari crowd)
    5. Rajasthani are quite cultured but much conservative

    Reply
    • April 27, 2014 at 4:29 am
      Permalink

      No stereotypes there at all!

      Reply
  • February 9, 2014 at 9:00 am
    Permalink

    south India also there is differences. the people of Coastal Karnataka(Tulunad),Kerala are different to general south Indian culture. I believe north Indian culture that of Punjabi,Delhi,Uttar pradesh etc are aggressive and invasive. what I understand is, south India is a different civilization which is may be better than Delhi-Punjab-Pakistan. look at Srilanka and it’s development – south India is similar in achievement because the so called darkies are better in intelligence than northies.

    Tamilnadu also is much more developed these days. we in south considered Tamilnadu as one of the most awkward state as in poverty,culture etc.
    Tamilnadu is extreme since their education,politics are all based on a mythical dravidian race they belongs to. they enforce tamil language everywhere in their state.

    Reply
    • April 28, 2014 at 6:14 pm
      Permalink

      Awkward state in poverty? Tamil Nadu leads in GDP and GDP per capita among all southern states . Also it has one of the highest rates of urbanisation in India.
      And no , our education is not based on a mythical dravidian race . We have perfectly fine education and tamil is not enforced on people . you will find that street boards and boards on public transportation vehicles have both english and tamil on them in chennai – something that I havent seen in bangalore or hyderabad

      Reply
      • May 9, 2014 at 9:45 pm
        Permalink

        Good reply to ignorant Abraham Joseph. I don’t know where he got these ignorant ideas about Tamil Nadu from. Having superiority complex is one thing but doing so based on ignorance about other cultures is ridiculous. To top it all he says “we in the south consider” as if he has some sort of authority over the opinions of all the people from south.

        Reply
      • July 11, 2014 at 8:32 am
        Permalink

        “something that I havent seen in bangalore or hyderabad”.. You must be having frog’s eye to see English as something else, sign boards in bangalore are in English.

        Reply
      • October 1, 2014 at 2:17 pm
        Permalink

        Well.. I disagree.. One can survive in Karnataka without knowing or learning Kannada, but can’t imagine the same happening in Tamilnadu.. If you don’t know Tamil, it’s a pain to communicate.. I do appreciate the love for language, but only bus numbers are written both in Tamil and English.. The From and Destination part are written in only Tamil. in Bangalore, you will find it written both in Kannada and English.

        Reply
        • October 2, 2014 at 10:51 am
          Permalink

          You’re just making stuff up.. Have you even been to chennai? The origin and destination will always be in both English and tamil. This is not the case in bangalore…

          Reply
          • October 2, 2014 at 10:54 am
            Permalink

            From my recollection of Chennai, bus destinations and origin were not written in English. Please don’t call others liars just because they don’t agree with your perspective.

            Reply
            • October 2, 2014 at 10:56 am
              Permalink

              Facts cannot be perspectives.. It has been a long time since you came to chennai. I live in chennai and use those buses daily..

              Reply
              • October 2, 2014 at 11:03 am
                Permalink

                Perhaps there has been a change then, but a couple of years ago that was not the case. I’m not sure if it’s changed on long distance buses from Chennai either, but they also didn’t have signs in English, I know because I got on the wrong bus!

                Reply
                • October 2, 2014 at 11:05 am
                  Permalink

                  Long distance buses are not operated by the MTC. They are operated by various district transport corporations and there is no common system(most boards are bilingual). The city’s buses have had bilingual boards for quite a long time…

                  Reply
      • April 27, 2015 at 1:54 pm
        Permalink

        Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Rather than labelling states for the sake of it, it would be nice to see people put up actual facts instead.

        Reply
      • November 30, 2015 at 3:20 am
        Permalink

        Never andhra pradesh is worst performing.it has its own concern,according to food supply which is mostly needed to people,in that it’s in top 3 in three phases….and people who fighting comparing north and south,
        Top 5 states shares 44.87% in India’s total economy. Five states of South India share 25.98%. Eight states of North-East India share 2.64%. 13 states/UTs has GSDP less than 1 lakh crore INR…….this is not fair fighting ourselves being an Indian. rectify the mistakes………… Andhra pradesh is divided even though it has it’s own position we can proud for that.hyderabad, banglore,mumbai
        are present IT HUBS, BANGLORE INDIAS LARGEST IT HUB 2ND hyderabad.tamilnadu culture is top most to India comparing other southern states.karnataka and kerala also gud..coming to this banglore, Goa,mumbai,hyderabad here people thinks like western…so far from these cities chennai looks different and also gud.kerala have it’s natural therapy.so every state has it’s own performance don’t fight among ourselves…..I CAN SAY PERFECTLY ONETHING NORTH IS NOT DEVELOPED BECAUSE OF MAINLY DUE TO POLITICIANS NOT PEOPLE……WE SHOULD NEVER POINT OUT PEOPLE, so par education stands top in south from ago same in North too but not up to notch…..

        Reply
    • April 14, 2019 at 1:54 pm
      Permalink

      Your reference to TN is idiotic at its best

      Reply
  • February 3, 2014 at 10:07 pm
    Permalink

    Nice post .. please do visit my city coimbatore .if you ger a chance

    Reply
  • December 26, 2013 at 12:08 pm
    Permalink

    what about kolkata, nagaland, uttranchal, also very good place for women & men !! maybe not clean place, and coming to kolkata, is poor place due to communists who don’t cooperate for developments in any means, otherwise a good place. And Allahabad, Oddisha(clumsy due to pan eaters), otherwise, cuttuk very beautiful and nice place with forests. South india, yea i agree really respectable and living free place.!!

    Reply
    • December 27, 2013 at 9:29 am
      Permalink

      I have been to Odisha and loved it. Am yet to visit the other places you have mentioned though. Hopefully I will soon.

      Reply
  • November 23, 2013 at 12:10 pm
    Permalink

    i m leaving in kerala from last 2 yrs its a worth experience they hv their own world u might have visited only some places for little time bt we r living every sec of our life here
    1st thing that after 7 pm not only girls bt boys also cant roam because everywhere u can smell liquor and cigarettes u cant find any person who doesnt drink
    and talking about education and poor people what i hv observed is only few people are very rich and some r very much poor. more imp is for malls u cant even find grossary shop easily for that also u should go to mall whre u hav to pay amost three times this comparison of north and south india is totall wrong for all other states its ok but iving in kerala is like iving in hell

    Reply
    • February 3, 2014 at 10:09 pm
      Permalink

      Kerala alone is not south india

      Reply
    • June 5, 2014 at 7:02 am
      Permalink

      First off, start living. Secondly, I do not know where in Kerala you reside, but I am quite sure you are talking about some far flung village. While it is true that Kerala, as a general rule, shuts down early, by no means is it unsafe. In fact, the best and oft forgotten attribute of South Indians is that they are extremely helpful. They adapt themselves according to the people they interact with; including non south indians.

      I see north Indians come to Bengaluru for livelihood. With their rowdy attitude, I own a katta (country made pistol), I am superior, I am more civilized and such abrasive and self aggrandizing demeanor. The least that you can do when you come down to south in search of livelihood is learn their language, respect their culture, and appreciate the fact that they are more friendlier with you than you are with them.

      If living in Kerala is like hell, then go back to whichever heaven you came from. Maybe Badaun, or Azamgarh or some hell hole which you would love to call home.

      Reply
    • October 19, 2014 at 5:13 am
      Permalink

      living in kerala is like living in hell???, which kerala are you referring to?

      Reply
  • November 23, 2013 at 11:56 am
    Permalink

    Hi Rakhee,
    I was born in Hyderabad, but did my under-graduation in Uttarakhand during which I visited many places in the North India and could not see any of the differences you pointed. I guess a lot depends on the specific places you visited and it is not a good idea to generalize things for North or South India.

    Reply
    • November 24, 2013 at 12:31 pm
      Permalink

      Yes it probably does depend upon where you visit, I am only speaking from my experience of the 100 odd towns and cities in India that I have visited.

      Reply
      • November 24, 2013 at 12:52 pm
        Permalink

        You have only been to South India for a couple of weeks, so I am assuming the 100s of cities you visited are in the North. But I have stayed for years at both places. Try visiting hundreds in South as well for a better conclusion.

        Reply
        • November 24, 2013 at 12:57 pm
          Permalink

          Actually I have spent a few months down south in total. My opinion is my opinion based on my experiences.

          Reply
  • November 23, 2013 at 10:21 am
    Permalink

    I am a Bangalorean, born and brought up in Bangalore and lived in Melbourne for 2 years. Bangalore has grown rapidly over a decade due to lot of migration from N. India cos of IT jobs, that you find less than 40% local people here like Mumbai.
    When you visit Chennai, it is embarrassing people don’t speak English or any other language except Tamil. Hardest thing you find is everything is written only in Tamil with no English boards. There is a vast cultural difference among the South Indian states as well but are better than North Indian states in terms of respecting women and environment.

    Before I traveled to Melb, most people here scared me about Indians getting beaten up in Aus. But my friends in Aus would tell that it was only North Indians who were being beaten up; once they played Holi at Flinders Station and the platforms were beyond cleaning and totally a mess.

    Reply
    • November 24, 2013 at 12:30 pm
      Permalink

      I can’t comment on the situation of Indians in Melbourne, only speak from my own experience growing up there which was great.

      Reply
    • April 28, 2014 at 6:19 pm
      Permalink

      All street boards and boards on buses in Chennai are in English and Tamil(whereas all the buses in bangalore without digital boards have only kannada signs ).
      I seriously doubt whether you have visited Chennai at all . Please visit a city before commenting.
      And Bangalore did not grow because north indians migrated to Bangalore . North Indians migrated because of the South s growth

      Reply
      • April 29, 2014 at 3:18 am
        Permalink

        Actually I don’t agree with you regarding the signs in Chennai. Based on my experience in the city, it was very difficult to find signs in buses etc in English (or Hindi, as I read that too). I had to rely on asking people.

        Reply
        • April 29, 2014 at 4:04 pm
          Permalink

          All buses that operate under MTC have bilingual boards . This has been going on for atleast 5 years . While bilingual street signs are rather new ( 2 years maybe) I find it easier in Chennai than in Bangalore( I can read English but struggle with Kannada and Tamil). The only part in English on street boards in Bangalore is the street number .
          It is true that Chennai is difficult for people who know Hindi and Hindi only . But the city has no necessity to have signs in Hindi .

          Reply
        • September 30, 2014 at 11:46 am
          Permalink

          You are a ugly looking fat old bit*h. Who are you to write about south and north india. Mind your own country and get the f*ck out of here.

          Reply
          • October 1, 2014 at 6:23 am
            Permalink

            At least I’m not afraid to show my face or my thoughts. As for you, you’re just crude, rude, narrow minded and disgusting. Please never visit my blog again. BTW, I am Indian, so I am minding my own country. Why don’t you wash your mouth out with soap and broaden your mind.

            Reply
          • July 27, 2015 at 7:37 pm
            Permalink

            Whichever state, city, family, parents, you belong to, you can given them -9999 points for your usage of abusive language in this post

            Reply
    • June 21, 2014 at 2:15 pm
      Permalink

      @ Manasa: ‘When you visit Chennai, it is embarrassing people don’t speak English or any other language except Tamil.’

      So if you visit China would you consider it embarrassing that people don’t speak English or any other language except Mandarin (Chinese). Is it embarrassing that the French speak no other language but French? Should Germans be embarrassed that German is their language, and because you as an outsider do not understand German?

      Does your weird logic also apply to North India, where hundreds of millions understand no other language than their own mother tongue, Hindi? Would you say that it is embarrassing to visit Rajasthan, MP, UP, Bihar, Chattisgarh where hundreds of millions dont understand any other language except Hindi?

      Or are you only selectively embarrassed abut South Indians proudly speaking their mother tongues. And in case you do not know, Tamil as a language has been in existence for several thousand years. Hindi, only a few hundred years, and is a by product of invasions by marauders from west asia. Tamil has had a grammar for thousands of years. Hindi did NOT have a grammar till AFTER India’s independence. Yes, the grammar for Hindi wad developed only after India’s independence.

      Your ignorance about other people and their rich culture and history is not enough reason for them to be embarrassed about their language, culture or history. You, my friend, should be the one feeling embarrassed. About your own ignorance. And arrogance.

      Reply
    • April 27, 2015 at 9:33 am
      Permalink

      In Tamil Nadu,especially in Chennai,all the boards will be definitely in Tamil and English (bus name boards,road signs,name places,etc..)

      Most of people in Chennai can understand basic English at least (even though they cannot speak (auto walls,shop keepers)).You can easily survive with ENGLISH in Chennai.

      Reply
      • April 27, 2015 at 1:52 pm
        Permalink

        Actually that’s not in line with my experiences in Chennai, as I’ve previously stated here.

        Reply
  • November 23, 2013 at 7:33 am
    Permalink

    South Indians are Polite to U because you don’t know their languages. Moment u talk in their languages u will know the truth. Bangalore is one of the best City in South India but I think Chandigarh Is Head of Bangalore

    Reply
    • February 3, 2014 at 10:10 pm
      Permalink

      Please do not create stereotypes

      Reply
    • June 21, 2014 at 2:40 pm
      Permalink

      @ Vikalp Saini: ‘South Indians are Polite to U because you don’t know their languages. Moment u talk in their languages u will know the truth.’

      You offer no facts to substantiate your ‘opinion’. It is so easy to besmirch a group on the internet, isn’t it, Saini?

      People in the South, like most other places, have more important things to do that to make meaningless comments about others.

      At least be glad that unlike north India, South India is not in the news world over for unending rapes, riots, bride burning, caste and religion based riots.

      As for development, you do know that these days it is easy to pull up development statistics for any place on earth at the click of a mouse. Please do that next time, and provide some valuable information. Would do good to the reader and also make you look less petulant. If you think Chandigarh is ahead of Bangalore in terms of economy or anything else, please at least give some statistic to validate and burnish those claims.

      Since you are talking about development, here is some interesting facts:

      Kerala’s HDI (Human Development Index, also known as standard of living indicator) is not just the highest among Indian states, when compared to the HDI of developed nations on the planet, Kerala ranks only behind two developed nations – Australia and Norway. This phenomena of a region from the developing world ranking so high in HDI has been researched by some top universities (Like Wharton and Harvard). The aim of those studies was to find out if the same success (great development at low cost) can be replicated in other underdeveloped areas of the world to help millions come out of poverty. The verdict after those studies into Kerala’s HDI? Well, Kerala model of development is extremely difficult to replicate anywhere else.

      This Kerala phenomenon of high HDI within a developing part of the world has been termed ‘the Kerala Paradox’.

      Reply
      • October 19, 2014 at 5:12 am
        Permalink

        well said bro,good to see a proud malayalee

        Reply
    • August 19, 2014 at 5:47 am
      Permalink

      What you are saying foolish guy. What is in chandigarh Just a samll town with no infrastructure no economy and nothing. Bangalore is one of the silicon valley of the world. One of the biggest metros in the world and most hi tech city in India. Its the most luxurious affluent city, Its Indias pride. What you are making in chandigarh toys ao chaddis hahahahahaha. Fool, North Indian fool.

      Reply
      • May 17, 2016 at 5:27 am
        Permalink

        Your Bangalore is nothing but a huge village with regular power cuts, worst drainage system, narrowest roads which are crappiest in the entire country. The so called “silicon valley” has nothing more than pubs and malls which are even present in good North Indian cities like Indore, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Pune, Jaipur etc. Chandigarh “just” a small town for you? Are you seriously crazy?? Have you even seen the housing quality, standard of living, quality of roads, quality of water in Chandigarh? Bangalore water is worst for hair, skin, and digestion and let me not talk about one way roads which are smaller than roads in our localities. And
        quality of housing is pedestrian with the huge amount of rent that you pay and 10 months advance which is practised only here. As far as people are concerned you haven’t met rickshaw drivers, BMTC bus drivers, conductors or local tanker guys or else you will change your opinion.

        What’s the point of living in a city where the so called pleasant weather induces so many health ailments? Do you even know Bangalore is Allergy and Asthma capital of the country? And mamy people suffer from chronic body aches. If this what you called affluence then you haven’t actually seen what exactly affluence is.

        Just having the IT companies does not makes it a special place which are nothing but maintenance and repair shops following what whites say . I think you have been only to Bihar and UP where you got your ass whipped so badly that you have just forgotten some of the really good north Indian cities. North India is much more than UP and Bihar. Just start come out of your well where you are living like a frog.

        Reply
      • August 17, 2016 at 7:53 am
        Permalink

        Bangalore is not the silicon valley of world but silicon valley of india. Do you understand.

        Reply
    • December 6, 2014 at 1:42 am
      Permalink

      You are talking about underdeveloped small town Chandigarh. Hahahahahahah comparing that underdeveloped city with most advanced city known as Banagalore hahahahahahaahah.

      Reply
      • December 6, 2014 at 5:38 am
        Permalink

        You’ve chosen to make a similar comment here twice 4 months apart. Everyone here is entitled to their own opinion, there’s no need to be rude or put others down continuously.

        Reply
    • November 3, 2016 at 12:58 pm
      Permalink

      Bangalore is 100 times bigger than chandigarh. Bangalore is a tier 1 city while chandigarh is a tier 3 city. You please specify that in what aspect your city is ahead, don’t joke here mate.

      Reply
  • November 22, 2013 at 2:13 pm
    Permalink

    Absolutely right. I am born and brought up in northern India. From past 2 years I am in Hyderabad and it feels more happening even compared to my hometown itself. whenever i go home, I get more n more frustrated to see the way people live there. Definitely education is the major factor for this difference, what I feel.
    Thanks for the post.

    Reply
  • November 9, 2013 at 5:05 pm
    Permalink

    Where did you visit in Southern India? I have been to Kerala, or as they say “God’s Own Country.” It was beautiful & I enjoyed it very much. You are very right that the people there are very friendly. I would love to visit North India some day. Do you live there now? Where are some noteable places to visit? I don’t want to go where the tourists go, I want to be where the locals are.

    Reply
    • November 10, 2013 at 6:27 am
      Permalink

      You will see in my blog that I travelled through a lot of South India, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. I loved it. I now live in Mumbai, if you go through my blog you will find many stories of the places I loved such as Amritsar, Odisha, Rajasthan… the list goes on and on.

      Reply
    • November 22, 2013 at 5:50 am
      Permalink

      North India has a lot of places untouched by tourists.
      They offer a mix of adventure, surprises and natural beauty.
      The good thing is they are not so easy to reach.

      Even the normal spots are interesting if you approach differently.
      for eg; there is a small toytrain in Shimla. All travels in it boarding the train from from one of the main stations.

      But it is a totally different experience if you walk through the mountains and find the track and finally the stations. Many stations dont have a proper road leading to it.
      You will have to cross streams, small cliffs and all.

      Reply
    • June 20, 2014 at 11:34 am
      Permalink

      Thanks for support in kerala

      Reply
  • November 1, 2013 at 9:36 am
    Permalink

    Hi Rakhee,

    Have you visited Hyderabad and Warangal in AP? If not give a try its worth watching and try Hyderbadi Biryani..u will love it.

    Reply
    • November 2, 2013 at 3:45 am
      Permalink

      Thanks for the suggestion. I haven’t been to Hyderabad as yet, but will definitely try to get there

      Reply
  • September 28, 2013 at 1:32 pm
    Permalink

    Hi rakhee
    Nice to read this blog. I am from pune. Dont you think that people from south & their nice culture is in danger due to migration from north.
    Consider especially that I am not talking about only poor people but educated and rich also.I obsered rich and educated people from north are behaving so differently from south that their huge migration will also affect south and will make it as north in future. Mumbai suffered a lot before and now also. Pune is also facing same due to migration.
    BTW no offence for north but they have to improve.

    Reply
    • September 29, 2013 at 9:28 am
      Permalink

      Migration affects cultures in many ways, some can be really positive too. I don’t know enough to really comment on how it is impacting India but it certainly is something worth researching a bit more.

      Reply
    • October 22, 2013 at 5:29 pm
      Permalink

      You are right boss….its already happening. Rich, poor or moderate…. people from north are invasive. They force their culture, language, traditions and everything else on others which is very offensive. Gujratis have integrated well but the recent mass migration from other norther states are already causing law and order problems. Their attitude towards women are more worrying. I have experience of 15 years working with people from various parts of the country and have seen and understood the behaviour of people from all parts of india.

      Reply
  • August 10, 2013 at 5:26 pm
    Permalink

    Im from a foreign country.. And i sincerely need to know the exact difference of north indians and south indians as i plan to move there some day.. What i read on other sites and blogs are kinda inappropriate.. There are many things i want to know.. Like their cultural difference’s .. People.. Places.. Cleanliness.. Education system.. Modern.. Updated and many more.. As all i have known to date and what i believe is North indias and South indians are they same..Except for their language.. Im looking forward in knowing more about all this.. And is there any pages or etc to know which part of india is a person is originally from .. Altough they were born in a different country..

    Reply
  • June 8, 2013 at 5:17 pm
    Permalink

    I too was looking for a place to settle down in India. I left India as a toddler many years back. I hated Mumbai and its match-box apartments and crowd everywhere. I narrowed down to Bangalore and Chennai. I now spend 6 months in each of the city. I love Chennai in the fall and winter because of the cultural activities which take place and Bangalore in spring and summer because the weather is great and the gardens lush. Both the cities are modern, lively, safe and not so crowded. Trust me u will love them.

    Reply
    • June 9, 2013 at 12:09 pm
      Permalink

      Thanks for your insight. I have been to both Bangalore and Chennai. Whilst I wasn’t a huge fan of Chennai (aside from the food which I adored), I have heard a lot about Bangalore. Perhaps I need to take another look.

      Reply
  • April 7, 2013 at 2:16 pm
    Permalink

    Kerala is an economic basket case. Almost all their educated people HAVE to lave the state and go live in capitalistic culture (Which they loath and detest) to earn a living. Then they go about spitting on the hand that feeds them

    Reply
    • April 8, 2013 at 3:51 am
      Permalink

      Thanks for your thoughts, I am not quite sure I understand your last comment, would you like to explain that more?

      Reply
    • August 21, 2013 at 12:20 am
      Permalink

      Manny, could you please explain more about the part you said that “they go about spitting on the hand that feeds them”. Am curious…??

      Reply
    • October 22, 2013 at 5:46 pm
      Permalink

      It is very much evident from your passage how much you are aware of kerala and its people…..I think you must be on the advisory board of prime minister on matters relating to kerala.

      Reply
    • February 13, 2015 at 12:54 pm
      Permalink

      “Kerala is an economic basket case. Almost all their educated people HAVE to lave the state and go live in capitalistic culture (Which they loath and detest) to earn a living. Then they go about spitting on the hand that feeds them”

      Kerala is an ‘economic basket case’? Have you looked at the ranking of Indian states in terms of economic development? Or Per capita GDSP (GDP for states)? Or most importantly, ranking of Indian states in terms of ‘Human Development Index’ (HDI), which is also referred to as the ‘Standard of Living’ Index?

      You will be ‘unpleasantly’ surprised to see how high Kerala ranks (highest among Indian states in HDI). Just to let you know, when juxtaposed with top HDI ranking nations, Kerala ranks only below two developed nations – Australia and Norway. Harvard and Wharton have had several studies on how Kerala which is a part of the so called ‘Third world’ (under developed world) comes up with development statistics which in many instances outshines nations like the US, UK, and Germany. Their conclusion was termed the ‘Kerala Paradox’ which in other words is the ‘quirky’ situation where despite meager natural resources and funding, a population by sheer cultural characteristics and social consciousness propels itself very high in terms of collective development. Harvard summarized that Kerala’s model of development can not be replicated in any other part of the world, including in the rest of India, because Kerala’s social consciousness and cultural ways are very difficult to replicate in any other parts of the world.

      Kerala may not be an industrial powerhouse (unlike the other three southern states) , but it is super strong in the services (banking, health services) sector.

      I have been following the trajectory of Kerala’s economic growth, especially over the last two decades, and I can assure you that the predictions of Dr Manmohan Singh, and Amartya Sen are bound to fructify…that this century is going to be Kerala’s century. It is amazing how Kerala jumped real high among states in terms of economic development the last two decades. In terms of per capita income it is among the top 6 states of India.

      It has the largest technopark in India with some of the biggest tech companies setting up shop there. It has the largest mall in India. Two years ago (I dont know the latest stats on this one) Kerala had the highest per capita personal (not commercial) vehicle ownership among states (even though Delhi sells the highest number of vehicles per year).

      True a lot of Keralites go outside (as they have been for centuries). However the same holds true for any group of enterprising people, including people from the state of Punjab or Gujarat. I dont see why that should be a problem to anyone.

      Reply
  • March 21, 2013 at 3:52 pm
    Permalink

    The rapid migration towards south will no doubt change it…Bangalore is not the Bangalore I grew up in anymore, and Kerala is not the Kerala I saw every year when I visited my grand parents.

    As I traveled more in my life I did noticed the humility and dedication to work that’s emphasized in South Indian culture missing in the North…perhaps history has something to do with it. But I won’t generalize, though.

    Tony

    Reply
  • January 28, 2013 at 12:26 pm
    Permalink

    So where did you finally settle down dear Rakhee…?

    Reply
  • August 12, 2012 at 3:56 pm
    Permalink

    Hey there, My family is originally from Punjab. But after i completed by Degree i visited the South, going to Karnataka,Tamil Nadu and finally Kerala. I was awed by the advancement in all fields (from technology to infrastructure). Needless to say, I was determined to find a job in Kerala. 4 years on, I work at a firm and I have moved my family to Kerala, There is a substantial difference. It seems as though everything is much cleaner and a considerable change in manners. They are much more polite. Although it has lots to go before becoming close to perfect, it is getting there.
    As of 2012, Kerala has the Highest
    -Literacy, Human Development Index, Home ownership, highest life expectancy at 74. years (5 more than 2nd Punjab).
    I am not saying Kerala is perfect or corruption free compared to the rest of the world, rather compared to other states.
    Till other states improve, Kerala is my home

    Reply
  • November 25, 2011 at 3:23 pm
    Permalink

    Such an interesting post for me to read Raks. As someone who has never been to India and can only base my opinions on books, tv and blogs, I’ve always been more drawn to the south. I wonder if it’s the Cancerian in us drawing us to the water too, at some subliminal level? I’m relieved to hear that your experiences so far indicate that it’s more livable and I’m feeling my optimism about future visits to India is much renewed 🙂

    Reply
    • November 25, 2011 at 10:12 pm
      Permalink

      Its certainly not subliminal to me, I am always naturally drawn to the water. Something about the smell of the ocean and the salt on my skin. Look forward to seeing you and TT here soon

      Reply
      • April 27, 2013 at 7:04 pm
        Permalink

        I plan to go to India soon and will be travelling from north to south I am planning on finding a Place to be home somewhere but thinking of a smaller town more farm based, any ideas?

        Reply
        • April 28, 2013 at 3:59 am
          Permalink

          Every town is so different, I suggest you explore for a while and when you find the place that is right for you, you will know it.

          Reply
        • August 4, 2013 at 10:35 am
          Permalink

          Pollachi will definitely suit ur taste. Its near Coimbatore.

          Reply
          • February 3, 2014 at 10:14 pm
            Permalink

            Correct well said

            Reply
        • February 3, 2014 at 10:15 pm
          Permalink

          Pollachi town near coimbatore city il best suite ur description

          Reply
  • November 24, 2011 at 6:14 pm
    Permalink

    ya a lot of it .. the northern north (the mighty himalayas), the adventurous north-east, the deserty west, the cultural central ….

    oh ya i checked that … what I was asking was of a profile

    Reply
  • November 24, 2011 at 5:59 pm
    Permalink

    Kerela is beautiful no doubt. Dont quite know about TN but never heard very good reviews. So is it good to assume that in the race of settling down S.India leaps ahead of N.India 🙂 ??

    BTW do you have a Facebook account?

    Reply
  • November 24, 2011 at 12:18 am
    Permalink

    Definitely, the education factor you were talking about plays a huge role in the South. Many states in the north still try very hard to feed their masses. Plus somehow I feel that the HOLY rivers of the north (although its ultimately we who pollute them and viceversa) are also responsible for the pathetic lifestyle of the people around its banks.

    Regarding the attitude of the males I guess the matriarch system of the society plays a much different role.

    PS which places have u been to in South?

    Reply
    • November 24, 2011 at 5:50 pm
      Permalink

      I suspect you are correct on all accounts Mridul. I made my thoughts on the treatment of the Ganges known in my post on Varanasi.

      So far I have been traveling in Kerala. I plan on seeing some of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well hopefully.

      Reply
      • October 25, 2013 at 11:05 am
        Permalink

        Hi rakhee
        make sure u visit mysore & mangalore..

        Reply
          • January 12, 2014 at 4:26 pm
            Permalink

            HI I a south Indian Mangalorean having travelled most of India my opinion is education is a major factor ,I ve actually found some place like haryana,patna,and some places in UP extremely uninhabitable as the people there are hostile and manner less.Although places like further north and north east are quite wonderful ,people are so nice and patient specially guwahati ,mizos ,definitely better than most of south India.So when people talk about north its usually about Delhi,Up,Punjab region.AUTHOR can specify regions so as to avoid and presumptions for wannabe travellers.from my experiences Mumbai another worst place to travel if u travel for leisure and experiences.(although food is awesome).

            Reply
            • June 20, 2014 at 11:50 am
              Permalink

              Don’t underestimate Indian states if you have commonsense

              Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: