Southern India Tours & Trips
Take a bus journey through the UK, visiting iconic spots such as Stratford, where Shakespeare was born and wrote his great works. Head to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland's Crown Jewels, or take a cruise on beautiful Loch Lomond. Visit Dublin's famous Guinness Storehouse, where the black stuff is perfected, and see the mysteries of ancient Stonehenge, where monoliths stand in an eternal circle.
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Lily • traveled in November, 2024
A fantastic tour! The accommodations were comfortable, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. In South India the cultural was amazing, backwaters in Kumarakom also interesting, each stop was unforgettable. The temples in Madurai, the wildlife sanctuary, and the historic sites were all are breathtaking. The entire journey was seamless, and I highly recommend this tour.
Grand Tour of South India - P
pooja • traveled in February
We booked this 7 Days Tamil Nadu Temple tour with My Tour Advisor, I can say that this tour was very well-organized and well-executed by their professional team. Our guide was informative and knowledgeable. This tour is a must if you want to get an overview of the magnificent temples of South India in only 7 days.
Tamilnadu Temple Tour (A Budget Friendly Tour) - C
Catrin • traveled in March
I have enjoyed the roadtrip very much. The guy, who showed us the Kochi the 1st day was very nice and his information was very good. The driver was very polite and gave us a lot of tips and nice ideas of the places we can go to see something ordinary or where to go for diner. But to give you 5 stars it has been great if the tea factory has been opened when we our driver near Munar wanted to show it to us (he was astonished that it was closed) and that we got e.g. a hotel list as one of our group has recieved pro activly, when you know, which one will booked for us In total I would like to give you 4,5 stars, which is impossibel, but is right for me, because the landscape, the hotels everything was fine and I really enjoyed it, except the 2 points mentioned above.
Kerala Tour - 8 Days
Table of contents
- The best Southern India tour packages
- Travel Southern India your way
- Best tour companies for Southern India tours
- Best places to start your Southern India tour
- Discover Southern India tours for every budget
- Southern India tours for every type of group
- Top Southern India travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southern India
- Contact our Southern India travel experts
- What our customers ask about Southern India Tours & Trips
The best Southern India tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar
Grand Tour of South India
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We explored historical sites in Mysore and Madurai, which were awe-inspiring. Ooty and Coonoor offered peaceful breaks amidst all the sightseeing.”
Trevor, traveled in September
Southern India's attractions range from Mysore Palace to Kerala's backwaters. Three-star hotels provide comfort while visiting Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai's ancient temples, and traditional Kathakali performances in Cochin.
Duration 15 days Destinations Bangalore, Mysuru, Ooty, Coonoor, Coimbatore, Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam, ThekkadySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $6,615
60% Off- NZ$2,646You save $3,969
Best of Kerala
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip I would recommend we had our own private driver the whole time and his knowledge of India and Kerala was good.”
Elizabeth, traveled in December
South India's cultural tapestry spans from Kochi's colonial heritage to Munnar's 1,600m-high tea estates. Traditional Kathakali performances, wildlife encounters in Periyar sanctuary, and Alleppey's backwater cruises create unforgettable memories. 3-star hotels and dedicated English-speaking guides enhance the experience.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator GeTS Holidays From $3,096
70% Off- NZ$929You save $2,167
Kerala Tour - 8 Days
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great way to see Kerala for the first time and experience the culture. Our driver and accommodation was lovely.”
Julia, traveled in November
Kerala's rich heritage spans from historic Fort Kochi to Munnar's verdant tea estates. Traditional Kathakali performances captivate visitors, while wildlife roams freely at Periyar Sanctuary. A cruise through Alleppey's backwaters rounds out this 3-star hotel adventure.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $3,171
60% Off- NZ$1,268You save $1,902
South India Tour Package with Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Trichy including meals
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour provided by Real India Tours and Travels was excellent. The hotel was comfortable, super clean with modern facilities.”
Leonard, traveled in January
Southern India's cultural tapestry unfolds across 5 enriching days, starting at approx. $160 per day. Chennai's Marina Beach leads to UNESCO-listed Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, complemented by Kanchipuram's silk markets and Pondicherry's French Quarter. 3-star hotels provide comfort, while guided temple visits at Ekambaswera and Kailasanatha include local South Indian breakfast cuisine.
Duration 5 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Trichy Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Real viaggi india From $3,393
50% Off- NZ$1,697You save $1,697
Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The things I liked food, good organized tour, hotel, knowledgeable driver cum Guide.”
Gracey, traveled in March
The Kerala region unveils its treasures over 8 days, rated 5.0/5 by travelers. From historic Kochi's Dutch Palace to Munnar's misty tea plantations, followed by wildlife viewing at Periyar sanctuary. A traditional Kerala houseboat provides overnight accommodation, while visits to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kovalam's lighthouse beach complete the journey.
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 Operator Real viaggi india From $4,072
50% Off- NZ$2,036You save $2,036
Walking in Kerala
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Enjoyed enormously, and overall a well planned trip.”
Nigel, traveled in November
Southern India's natural beauty spans Munnar's tea estates to Kerala's backwaters. Active travelers climb Meesapulimala Peak, spot wildlife in Periyar National Park, and cruise Vembanad Lake. Traditional village life in West Chennamkary and colonial heritage in Fort Kochi round out the journey.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Meesapulimala, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Alleppey Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
50% Off- NZ$2,220
Amazing Kerala Tour from Cochin - 6 Days
31 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A flawless experience from Cochin to Munnar, Thekkady, and back! Every detail was professionally managed.”
Preeti, traveled in November
Kerala state reveals its wonders from Fort Kochi's colonial heritage to Munnar's tea estates at 5,249 feet. Thekkady's spice gardens, Vembanad Lake's traditional houseboats, and authentic Kathakali performances create cultural connections.
Duration 6 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Memorable India Journeys From $972
10% Off- NZ$875You save $97
Exotic Kerala Tour (Coconut Holiday Of India)
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was an excellent experience with a well planned itinerary and excellent tour.”
Anu, traveled in August
Southern India unfolds from Kochi's Dutch Palace to Periyar's elephant safaris. Traditional kettuvallams cruise Vembanad Lake, while Munnar showcases world-highest tea estates before Kovalam's beaches provide coastal respite. Eight nights in 3-star hotels include daily breakfast.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator World Travel Experiences From $3,086
50% Off- NZ$1,543You save $1,543
Pondicherry, Thanjavur & Trichy Heritage Expedition
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well-paced, covering beautiful destinations with rich cultural and historical experiences.”
Nastasia, traveled in November
Magnificent temples from Shore Temple to Brihadeshwara Temple await your visit. French colonial charm pervades Pondicherry, luxury beckons at Palais De Mahe, and Auroville's universal township opens its doors with expert local guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Darasuram, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Trichy Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agora Voyages OPC Pvt Ltd From
50% Off- NZ$1,543
Tamilnadu Temple Tour (A Budget Friendly Tour)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour is a must if you want to get an overview of the magnificent temples of South India in only 7 days.”
pooja, traveled in December
Southern India's spiritual heritage awaits at approx. $120/day, featuring UNESCO site Brihadeeswarar Temple and Meenakshi Temple. Stay at carefully selected hotels like GRT Grand Chennai and Sparsa Resort Kanyakumari, with daily breakfast and private AC transport included.
Duration 7 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Trichy, Thanjavur, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $2,183
30% Off- NZ$1,528You save $655
Travel Southern India your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Southern India tours
Looking at these tour companies, G Adventures hits the mark with their organized tours and expert CEOs (Chief Experience Officers), though you'll want to check if their pace works for you - some of our travelers found it quite active. World Travel Experiences does well with couples, planning everything down to the details which takes the stress out of traveling, but there was a note about some houseboat staff needing better customer service skills. Swastik India Journeys really shines when it comes to their team on the ground - the drivers know their routes inside out and the guides bring real depth to each site you visit. The houseboats they use add something special to the whole experience. For anyone wanting more control over their trip, MTA Destination Experts works nicely since they build custom itineraries and their drivers really know their stuff. It's interesting how each company has found their own way to handle India travel - from G Adventures' active group approach, to World Travel's couple-focused planning, Swastik's solid ground operations and MTA's personal touch. They're all good options depending on what you're after, whether that's joining a group, traveling with your partner, or having everything tailored just for you.
Best places to start your Southern India tour
Most of our Southern India journeys kick off from Kochi, with 50 different tours starting in this historical port town. Chennai comes in second with 23 tour departures, while Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and also Mumbai fill out the main starting points. Looking at our booking patterns, travelers typically lock in their plans about 4 months ahead - that's 116 days to be exact - which really helps with getting spots on houseboats and wildlife tours during busy seasons. The food experiences get constant praise from our guests, whether they're joining local cooking sessions or wandering through spice markets, and many tell us how much they loved staying with local families. For getting deep into the culture, we find local festivals and art workshops create natural connections with resident artists and craftspeople. Our guides know exactly how to help you navigate everything from busy markets to quiet villages and temple grounds, sharing local knowledge while keeping everyone comfortable and safe.
Discover Southern India tours for every budget
Southern India tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Southern India travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers579 tours- Couples553 tours
- Seniors (50+)166 tours
Best time to visit Southern India
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter hits the sweet spot in South India from November through February with mild, dry days that our guests really appreciate. The Kerala cultural tours running 8-15 days let you dive into ancient spice markets and catch traditional dance shows in Kochi. Wildlife watching peaks now - tigers and elephants are active in Periyar National Park and Kumarakom's sanctuary fills up with migrating birds. Winter makes houseboat stays in Alleppey extra comfortable, and travelers tell us they love watching village life roll by while the onboard chef prepares fresh caught fish. The hill station visits to Munnar work perfectly too, mixing tea estate tours with stays in old colonial hotels and guided walks when the morning mist creates lovely photo opportunities.
- 541 tours
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- popular 586 tours
- Spring 2026
March through May brings ideal weather for exploring South India's culture and nature spots. Our Kerala tours focus on real local experiences - you'll cook with families in their homes, visit spice farms when fresh growth appears and see temple rituals during festival season. Many guests like balancing cultural visits with downtime, splitting days between guided walks through old Portuguese quarters and quiet afternoons at Ayurvedic spas. The conditions stay perfect for wildlife watching, making it great for nature photo tours from Periyar's woods to quiet backwaters where you'll spot kingfishers and herons nesting.
- popular 583 tours
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- Summer 2026
From June to August, our tours focus on highland areas and cultural spots that work well during monsoon season. The hill station visits to Munnar and Thekkady give nice relief from coastal heat, and guests enjoy seeing tea production happening while staying at plantation homestays. Cultural tours this time spend extra time at heritage sites, spice markets and traditional arts venues in Kochi, Trivandrum and also Kovalam. With fewer crowds at major temples, you get more personal time with local guides who explain all the ceremonial details and architectural meanings.
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- popular 539 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
September and October offer perfect conditions as monsoons fade away. Our photo tours really shine now - you get lush green scenery with clear skies for ideal lighting. Multi-day cultural trips mix visits to freshly opened national parks with local harvest festivals in small villages. The backwater tours are at their best, with nice temperatures for houseboat stays and walks through spice gardens. Active tours work especially well in autumn, combining bike rides through tea plantations, walks at ancient temples and kayaking in quiet lagoons while water levels stay high but the heavy rains have mostly passed.
- popular 551 tours
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Contact our Southern India travel experts
Andrei
Expert in Southern India at TourRadar
Andrei is one of our seasoned Southern India Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern India tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Southern India Tours & Trips
What cultural experiences can you join in Southern India?
You'll find some amazing ways to dive into Southern India's culture especially through hands-on experiences. Join traditional cooking demos in spice gardens or during homestays where you'll learn to make authentic dishes like Sadya a traditional Keralan feast served on banana leaves try it at places like the Tea Bungalow in Kochi. The Kathakali performances are really something special with their elaborate costumes and dramatic movements you can catch these at cultural centers in Kochi. If you're interested in ancient martial arts head to the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre in Thekkady to see Kalaripayattu demonstrations. The temples are incredible too especially the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai where you can wander through lamp-lit corridors and watch traditional rituals.
Where can you experience Southern India's natural areas?
The natural areas here are breathtaking and there are lots of ways to explore them. Periyar National Park is a must-visit you can spot elephants tigers and tons of birds either on jeep safaris or boat trips around Periyar Lake. If you're into hiking the Western Ghats are perfect with trails through tea plantations and eucalyptus forests leading up to amazing views of Anamudi Peak near Munnar. The trek to Meesapulimala South India's second-highest peak is really worth it too. You can get to these spots either by hiring a private vehicle or joining organized tours whichever suits your style.
What are some interesting alternative routes through Southern India?
There are some really cool ways to get around that most tourists don't know about. Take the local train from Varkala to Alappuzha it runs right along the Keralan coast with incredible ocean views and you'll get to mix with locals. The backwater route from Thekkady to Alleppey is fantastic by private boat and you can stay at village homestays along the way for a real cultural experience. Kollam's beaches are way less crowded than the popular spots plus you get to see the fishing harbor and enjoy the peaceful vibe that's what makes these routes special.