Southern India Small Group Tours
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10 best Southern India small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar
- Group Tour of South India Heritage & Backwaters
- Southern India
- Cultural heartlands of 7 Days of South India tour
- Best of South India Tour
- Spiritual Tamilnadu with Enchanting Kerala
- Backwaters of Kerala - An authentic tour of Kerala
- Magical Kerala with Mumbai and Goa
- 3-Day Private Tour: Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and Pondicherry
- Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour
- South India Temple Tour with Kerala (House Boat Experiences)
Duration 14 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Darasuram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $4,623
20% Off- NZ$3,698You save $925
Southern India
100 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was great, a varied, full & interesting itinerary.”
Elise, traveled in October
Small parties of 12-15 travelers uncover Southern India's hidden gems. The intimate size enables personal experiences at family homestays in Kerala, private spice plantation tours, and authentic interactions during Kathakali performances in Kochi.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur National Park, Mysuru, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Madurai, Periyar National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,960
10% Off- NZ$2,664You save $296
Cultural heartlands of 7 Days of South India tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour truly captures the essence of this enchanting region. The accommodations are luxurious and perfectly complement the experience.”
Mathley, traveled in May
Cultural gems of Southern India shine from Bangalore's Vidhan Saudha to Cochin's Jewish Synagogue. Private AC transport ensures comfort across 740km, while expert local guides offer intimate insights at each historic site and temple.
Duration 7 days Destinations Bangalore, Mysuru, Ooty, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Agra Travels Service & Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,463
Best of South India Tour
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were comfortable and the food was great at each stop. The houseboat experience in Alleppey was unforgettable.”
Nora, traveled in July
Groups of 1-10 travelers delve into South India's treasures. With an average age of 61, guests enjoy personalized attention at Thanjavur's ancient temples and Alleppey's backwaters, with dedicated English-speaking guides at major sites.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Kumarakom, 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 PrivatePersonalized Operator Panda Experiences From $8,607
70% Off- NZ$2,582You save $6,025
Spiritual Tamilnadu with Enchanting Kerala
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was indeed a trip to remember! He was very flexible with our choices and also made some good proposals.”
Richard, traveled in September
Groups of 2-10 travelers visit South India's spiritual sites in air-conditioned comfort. UNESCO sites like Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple and Madurai's 1000-year-old Meenakshi Temple can be explored at a relaxed pace.
Duration 14 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Munnar, Kumarakom, AlleppeySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator GeTS Holidays From
70% Off- NZ$6,922
Backwaters of Kerala - An authentic tour of Kerala
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It was very informative, and everyone was very friendly. We would highly recommend our driver Gurusamy.”
sha, traveled in July
Groups of 2-8 travelers explore Southern India's Kerala region. The intimate size enables rich cultural exchanges at Kochi's Chinese fishing nets, private spice plantation visits in Periyar, and exclusive houseboat experiences on Vembanad Lake.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kumarakom Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $2,527
30% Off- NZ$1,769You save $758
South India's cultural sites come alive for small groups, from Kochi's Chinese fishing nets to Mumbai's Gateway of India. Limited numbers allow meaningful interactions during Kathakali performances and authentic experiences in Goa's beach communities.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Mumbai, Goa Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator GeTS Holidays From
30% Off- NZ$5,619
3-Day Private Tour: Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and Pondicherry
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Chennai's vibrant streets and temples, Mahabalipuram's ancient monuments, and Pondicherry's charming French Quarter were all highlights.”
Noel, traveled in October
Dedicated guides lead private tours to Marina Beach, Mahabalipuram's UNESCO Shore Temple, and Pondicherry's French Quarter. Personal attention ensures rich cultural immersion at each historical site.
Duration 3 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 1 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Real viaggi india From
30% Off- NZ$2,100
Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was well organised and I was able to see some amazing sights in Kerala. The accommodation was good and the food was delicious.”
James, traveled in July
A dedicated guide leads private tours through Southern India's Kerala region. Small group size enables extended time at attractions like Eravikulam National Park and Periyar Lake, plus flexibility to explore local markets and cultural sites at a relaxed pace.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Private Operator Real viaggi india From $4,199
50% Off- NZ$2,100You save $2,100
South India Temple Tour with Kerala (House Boat Experiences)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From the breathtaking temples of Tamil Nadu, the tea plantations of Munnar, to the backwaters of Kerala, it had it all.”
Yassine, traveled in February
Averaging just 4 travelers, this Southern India tour offers close-up encounters at UNESCO sites like Shore Temple and Brihadeeshwara Temple. Intimate groups receive dedicated attention at Periyar Wildlife Reserve and Tamil temples.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Munnar, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator World Travel Experiences From $5,633
60% Off- NZ$2,253You save $3,380
Reviews of Small Group tours to Southern India
- Best of South India Tour
Wonderful we started in Chennai and saw so many amazing sites. The guide was excellent, and he really knew his stuff. The hotels were all fine nothing too fancy, but they were clean and comfortable. The driver was a real pro, getting us to each destination safely and efficiently. The time spent in the backwaters of Kumarakom was so peaceful, and I’m so glad I opted for the houseboat experience in Alleppey. It was such a unique way to experience the area. I’ll definitely remember this trip for a long time. South India was amazing.
- Classic South India
The hotels were comfortable. The guides were providing information's about the local history and culture, making the sightseeing tours interesting. The houseboat experience was a good. I particularly enjoyed Madurai and Kanchipuram visit. Just need hotels upgrade for better comfort.
- Relaxing kerala tour ( Cochin Munnar Alleppy Cochin)
Kerala is a great place to visit. It is peaceful and super cozy. My trip was very well organized. The food was great while the stay was quite comfortable. I loved the backwaters and I wished if I could have a little more time to stay here. Kerala tour packages are highly recommended.
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."