Southern India Small Group Tours
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10 best Southern India small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar
- Premium North & South India (from Delhi to Kochi (Cochin))
- Premium South India
- Essence of Idyllic South India
- The best of Kerala in 9 days with idyllic houseboat and relax
- 7 Days Tour to Kerala
- Complete South India Tour
- Passage through Kerala
- Women Special Kerala Tour
- Spice Lands of Kerala
- Luxury Kerala Backwaters and Wildlife
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
- NZ$11,795
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 $6,020
10% Off- NZ$5,418You save $602
Essence of Idyllic South India
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience with Captain and staff of Ecoboat in Alleypey was excellent, the reception and the food and services are great.”
Thi, traveled in October
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 $3,975
50% Off- NZ$1,987You save $1,987
The best of Kerala in 9 days with idyllic houseboat and relax
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour with enough days at each location to really enjoy the area and not feel rushed.”
Mario, traveled in February
Private parties of 2-12 guests explore South India with English-speaking drivers. The limited size allows authentic cultural immersion, from private Kathakali performances in Kochi to personalized exploration of Padmanabhapuram Palace near Kanyakumari.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kovalam Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Payless tours india From $2,812
50% Off- NZ$1,406You save $1,406
7 Days Tour to Kerala
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Kerala is amazing part of South India. 100% recommended this trip.”
Curtis, traveled in August
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 $3,533
65% Off- NZ$1,237You save $2,297
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 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 $12,473
65% Off- NZ$4,366You save $8,107
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 $9,094
65% Off- NZ$3,183You save $5,911
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 $3,923
55% Off- NZ$1,766You save $2,158
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 $3,640
65% Off- NZ$1,274You save $2,366
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 All Ages Welcome 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 $19,319
60% Off- NZ$7,727You save $11,591
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."