Southern India Small Group Tours
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10 best Southern India small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar
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 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From $5,700
5% Off- NZ$5,415You save $285
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 18 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From
5% Off- NZ$11,795
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 1 to 90 year olds 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 $3,429
68% Off- NZ$1,097You save $2,332
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 1 to 90 year olds 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 $3,808
58% Off- NZ$1,599You save $2,209
Complete South India Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent well organised tour. The guides who joined us for tours were knowledgeable, making our experience even better.”
Angela, traveled in February
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 1 to 90 year olds 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 $12,106
65% Off- NZ$4,237You save $7,869
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 1 to 90 year olds 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 $8,827
68% Off- NZ$2,825You save $6,002
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 1 to 90 year olds 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 $3,533
65% Off- NZ$1,237You save $2,297
Luxury South India Trip
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Cities, mountains, seaside, temples, forests. Kitsch and spiritual - all there.”
Dominic, traveled in February
Duration 13 days Destinations Mumbai, Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar National Park, ThekkadySee all destinations Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $36,497
50% Off- NZ$18,249You save $18,249
Luxury Kerala Backwaters and Wildlife
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very pleasant, comfirtable trip that combines nature, culture and leisure and shows many facettes of Kerala.”
Larissa, traveled in February
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $18,751
50% Off- NZ$9,375You save $9,375
Private parties of 1-4 travel in AC sedans, while 5-10 guests use mini-vans, ensuring comfort through South India's heritage sites. This arrangement allows close exploration of Thanjavur's temples and relaxed cruising on Alleppey's backwaters.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Kumarakom, AlleppeySee all destinations Age Range 1 to 90 year olds 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 $8,265
68% Off- NZ$2,645You save $5,620
Reviews of Small Group tours to Southern India
- 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.
- South India Revealed
Really great trip. Inspirational and friendly locals; great food, knowledgeable tour leader Thilip.
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."