Southern India Small Group Tours
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10 best Southern India small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar
Southern India Coast to Coast Ride
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The amazing people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There cheers, waving and welcome.”
Alastair, traveled in March
Southern India opens up to intimate groups of 12-16 cyclists, ideal for exploring Tamil Nadu's temple towns and Kerala's tea plantations. Small numbers ensure personal attention at cultural sites like Madurai's Sri Meenakshi Temple and allow authentic interactions in rural villages.
Duration 14 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Auroville, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Madurai, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, VagamonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $5,937
9% Off- NZ$5,390You save $547
Groups of 12-15 companions uncover Southern India's hidden gems, enjoying unique experiences like private spice plantation tours in Thekkady and intimate home-cooked meals in Madurai. The size allows comfortable exploration of Munnar's tea estates and peaceful Kerala backwater cruises.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Puducherry, Madurai, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From $5,660
25% Off- NZ$4,245You save $1,415
Groups of 10-16 fellow travelers share intimate experiences like traditional Tamil dinners in Madurai homes and personalized tours of Munnar's tea plantations. The size allows for authentic interactions at spice farms in Thekkady and peaceful houseboat cruises in Kerala.
Duration 23 days Destinations Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Varanasi, Chennai (Madras), Puducherry, Madurai, Thekkady, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From $12,670
10% Off- NZ$11,403You save $1,267
Essence of Idyllic South India
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were exploring India at our own peace, which was great. We have wonderful memories from that tour.”
Angelina, traveled in February
Small groups of 4-6 travelers receive personal attention while visiting Kerala's backwater cruises and Tamil Nadu's temples. The intimate size allows quality interaction during Munnar's tea plantation visits and Kathakali performances, with dedicated English-speaking guides at key sites.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Munnar, Periyar National Park, Madurai, Thanjavur, Puducherry, Mahabalipuram, Chennai (Madras) Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Payless tours india From $3,896
50% Off- NZ$1,948You save $1,948
7 Days Tour to Kerala
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“enjoyed every mment from day one airport pickup to airport drop off. We LOVED this trip”
Latif, traveled in January
Select groups of 2-4 travelers receive dedicated attention throughout Southern India's highlights. AC vehicle transport facilitates close-up experiences at Eravikulam National Park, private houseboat cruises in Alleppey backwaters, and exclusive access to Munnar's tea plantations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, Kanyakumari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $3,487
65% Off- NZ$1,221You save $2,267
Complete South India Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The historical sites were impressive, and the Goa beaches were a perfect relaxation spot.”
Lucas, traveled in May
Small groups led by expert English-speaking guides visit major cities like Mumbai and Cochin. The intimate format ensures personal attention during visits to UNESCO sites like Hampi ruins and cultural experiences like Kerala's backwater cruises.
Duration 24 days Destinations Mumbai, Goa, Hampi, Mysuru, Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Varkala, Kanyakumari, Madurai, TrichySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $12,311
65% Off- NZ$4,309You save $8,002
Small groups of 1-4 travelers tour Southern India's Kerala region in AC vehicles. Guides provide personal attention during visits to Padmanabhapuram Palace and Kanyakumari's Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Authentic encounters await at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kumarakom's backwaters.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, Kanyakumari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $3,872
55% Off- NZ$1,743You save $2,130
Passage through Kerala
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Every destination from Bangalore to Cochin was amazing culture, history, and natural beauty.”
Robert, traveled in October
Groups of 6-12 travelers gain close access to South India's highlights. Limited numbers facilitate up-close wildlife viewing at Nagarhole National Park, private cultural demonstrations in Kerala, and exclusive access to tea plantations in Coonoor.
Duration 13 days Destinations Bangalore, Srirangapatna, Mysuru, Nagarhole National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Ooty, Coonoor, Coimbatore, Kochi (Cochin), AlleppeySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $8,976
65% Off- NZ$3,142You save $5,834
Small parties of 4-10 travelers immerse themselves in Southern India's wonders. Limited numbers allow private guides at Fort Kochi's historic quarters, exclusive spice plantation visits in Periyar, and personalized experiences on Alleppey houseboats.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, Kanyakumari Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $3,593
65% Off- NZ$1,257You save $2,335
Kerala Highlights Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The houseboat experience in Alleppey was a highlight, relaxing and unique.”
Jennifer, traveled in August
AC vehicles matched to groups of 1-10 travelers cruise South India. Smaller parties enjoy spontaneous stops at Munnar's tea estates, while larger groups create vibrant atmospheres during Periyar Lake boat rides and Kovalam beach visits.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $3,449
60% Off- NZ$1,379You save $2,069
Reviews of Small Group tours to Southern India
- The best of Kerala in 9 days with idyllic houseboat and relax
That was our second time in India, we visited the south of the country focusing on Kerala. Thanks to this tour operator and their brilliant driver we saw beautiful places and experienced memorable moments. Houseboat in Allepay was beyond our expectations , the cruise was extremely relaxing and gave us an opportunity to observe birds and local villages. We even had an ayurvedic massage when the boat made a break. The nature of Kerala is fantastic and beautiful. We highly recommend this experience and this travel agent.
- Complete South India Tour
Excellent well organised tour. There were two of us with a comfortable car, our driver Meahealinga was punctual, and professional. We always felt safe while he navigated us through crazy traffic. The hotels were good overall only one issue which was addressed. The guides who joined us for tours were knowledgeable , making our experience even better. Transfers to and from airports were good. Can’t fault excellent tour we had an amazing holiday.
- Passage through Kerala
Fantastic South India experience. Amazing culture we loved all the destinations during the trip. Also enjoyed Nagarhole National Park Safari. Our guides in Mysore and Cochin are really informative and friendly. All the accommodations were perfect. Highly recommend this tour for South India.
What our customers ask about Southern India Small Group Tours
What are the accommodation options for small group tours in Southern India?
Southern India's small group tours feature a blend of heritage properties and boutique hotels that reflect the region's character. Places like Hotel Abad Plaza in Cochin and Hotel Silver Crest in Periyar provide comfortable rooms with modern amenities. A highlight for many travelers is staying on traditional houseboats in Alleppey's backwaters where private crews of 2 captains and a chef cater to guests' needs. Many accommodations are family-operated allowing for natural cultural exchanges. One TourRadar traveler noted "All hotels were nice clean and comfortable with AC. The houseboat experience was particularly special with personalized service."
How do small group tours navigate Kerala's famous backwaters differently?
In Kerala's backwaters small group tours operate on intimate houseboats that carry 4-8 people through the lesser-known canals of Alleppey and Kumarakom. These traditional kettuvallams can reach smaller villages and create opportunities to meet local fishermen away from busy tourist routes. A TourRadar traveler shared "our small group size meant we could visit tiny backwater villages and enjoy peaceful sunset cruises without the noise of larger groups."
What is the ideal duration for a small group tour in Southern India?
Tour operators suggest 12-15 days for a thorough exploration of Southern India's key destinations. This timeframe lets visitors explore Kerala's backwaters Tamil Nadu's temples and Karnataka's palaces without rushing. Golden Triangle India Tours offers both a 15-day "Grand Tour of South India" and an 8-day "Spice Lands of Kerala" focused on one state. A TourRadar traveler confirmed: "The 15-day format gave us time to really experience the culture and not feel rushed between destinations."
How do small group tours handle transportation between destinations in Southern India?
Transportation for small groups typically involves AC vehicles suited to group size with Toyota Innovas for 3-4 people and mini-vans accommodating up to 10 travelers. These smaller vehicles can access narrow village roads and remote locations that larger buses cannot reach including small spice plantations and scenic routes through the Western Ghats. A TourRadar traveler shared "Our driver Zakkir was an all-round great bloke always polite and a very safe driver. The smaller vehicle meant we could access narrow village roads and remote areas."
What makes the small group experience unique when visiting temples in Southern India?
Groups of 8-12 travelers can explore temples like Meenakshi Sundareswarar in Madurai and Sri Padmanabhaswamy in Trivandrum with focused attention from expert guides. These smaller numbers allow for detailed discussions about architecture and cultural significance. Hotels such as Hotel Gananam in Thanjavur offer convenient access to sites like the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswara Temple. TourRadar travelers report "the guides were knowledgeable and made the temple visits truly memorable with detailed explanations that wouldn't be possible in larger groups."