South India Tours & Holidays
Join us on a spice, temple and dosa-filled journey into the soul of South India.
From the palm-lined beaches of Goa to the sleepy backwaters of Kerala and the temple-strewn Hampi, South India is packed with cultural and culinary adventures. While iconic landmarks like Maharaja's Palace and Sri Meenakshi Temple are bound to wow you, the real magic for us lies in sharing a biriyani with a local family, learning about Ayurveda as you sniff your way around a herb garden or tracking tiger footprints with a village guide. If you want to discover India beyond the Golden Triangle's big-ticket attractions, a South India trip could be on the cards.
Our South India trips
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Cruise the Kerala backwaters
Hop on a traditional wooden houseboat for an unforgettable journey through the winding, palm-shaded backwaters of Kerala. Settle into the slow pace of life here as you watch locals going about their day and enjoy home-cooked Keralan food on the deck. There'll also be plenty of opportunities to hop off to visit nearby villages and learn about life along these emerald-green waterways.
Marvel at Sri Meenakshi Temple
The whole ‘land of colour’ thing has become a bit of a cliché, but one glimpse at Sri Meenakshi Temple will show you why it’s one of the best ways to describe India. Located in the heart of Madurai city, this ancient temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi – is a maze of lamp-lit corridors leading to shrines where traditional rituals take place, including the remarkable Hall of a Thousand Pillars.
Go temple hopping in Hampi
Steeped in history with thousands of stunning temple ruins dotted across the landscape, there are countless stories and mysteries to uncover in Hampi. After exploring the architectural masterpiece of Vittala Temple, kick back with a chai in a riverside café, climb up Matanga Hill to watch a magical sunset or enjoy a river ride in a coracle (a traditional rounded bamboo boat).
Chill out in Varkala
Welcome to one of Kerala’s most beautiful beach towns. Soaring cliffs protect Varkala’s sandy shores and dolphins can be spotted from high up on the rocks depending on the time of year. Dig into seafood curries at one of the many restaurants, enjoy a yoga or meditation workshop and watch a spellbinding Kathakali dance performance at the Cultural Centre.
Cook an Ayurvedic feast
Uncovering the melting pot of culture and history in Kochi is hungry work, so what better way to fill your belly than a mouthwatering South Indian feast. The best part? It'll be cooked by you! During this hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn the basics of one of the world’s oldest holistic health systems while cooking a delicious three-course meal with ingredients that maintain good health.
Take an overnight sleeper train
From navigating busy stations and chatting with locals in your carriage to gazing out the window as you chug through ever-changing scenery, travelling on an overnight train is a rite of passage for travellers in India. With padded berths kitted out with a sheet, pillow and blanket and vendors who climb aboard selling everything from samosas to biryani, you won’t be forgetting this journey in a hurry!
South India tour reviews
4.8
out of 5 based on 274 reviews submitted.
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Southern India
Nikki · Traveled April 2024
I loved all of this trip. It showed me a calm and relaxed side of India I never imagined I would find here. I loved the balance between ancient temples and modern adventures. Chandler was an outstanding guide and a wonderful person.
Review submitted 16 Apr 2024Southern India
D · Traveled April 2024
Southern India trip was great. Learnt so much and experienced a range of culture, lifestyles, food and transport.
Review submitted 17 Apr 2024Southern India
Wendy · Traveled April 2024
For first timers to India like myself this is an excellent tour , India is so much more than the crowds and squalor we sometimes expect . The mountains the national parks Kerala back waters , beautiful scenery and lovely people , I felt quiet safe as single female traveller . Also we saw tigers, elephants and leopard in the National park which was amazing . Our guide Chandra was very knowledgeable and easy to communicate with he made sure any requests we had were met.
Review submitted 17 Apr 2024Premium South India
Phu · Traveled March 2024
Afshar was the very definition of a local guide! It was his home town and his home state for a large portion of the trip. As a result the knowledge was superb. He was highly approachable (being in a small group helped) and explained at the beginning of the trip responsible tourism concepts such as down sides of elephant riding and touts which helped me make conscious purchasing decisions. As a foodie he was also extremely helpful when it came to trying all the local cuisine in a safe and healthy manner.
Review submitted 18 Apr 2024Southern India
Laura · Traveled March 2024
The Southern India trip was amazing. So much to see, eat and experience in the 2 weeks. The variety of places we visited, from national parks, cities and the coast made each day so memorable. The variety of transportation was also so fun and nice not to be ferried by private minibus everywhere. Our tour leader Garima was wonderful. We were in very safe hands with her and she took any travel stress away. Southern India is definitely worth a visit and very different to the north.
Review submitted 06 Apr 2024South India travel FAQs
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