Southern India Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Southern India tour packages
- What people love about Southern India Tours
- 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
Southern India (9 destinations)
100 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Exceptional service; fun way to combine travelling and meeting people.”
Alexander, traveled in December
Southern India dazzles from Kochi's Dutch Palace to Periyar's spice plantations. UNESCO Shore Temples grace Mamallapuram's coast, while French-colonial Puducherry and traditional Kerala backwater homestays offer authentic local encounters.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur National Park, Mysuru, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Madurai, Periyar National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,960
5% Off- NZ$2,812You save $148
Kerala Tour - 8 Days
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cultural experience in Cochin was amazing, with some lovely old buildings. The boat ride in Kumarakom and Alleppey was unforgettable.”
Franco, traveled in December
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $3,092
63% Off- NZ$1,144You save $1,948
Grand Tour of South India
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were good, and the hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor, and the temples of Madurai were unbelievable.”
Gabriel, traveled in December
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 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $6,452
65% Off- NZ$2,258You save $4,193
South India Revealed
71 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The group I was travelling with was excellent. We researched and planned our activities as a group.”
Catherine, traveled in December
From Varkala's clifftop beaches to Hampi's ancient ruins, Southern India unfolds its treasures. Kerala welcomes visitors with backwater homestays and Periyar's spice plantations, while Madurai's Sri Meenakshi Temple leads to Goa's relaxing beaches.
Duration 16 days Destinations Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin), Periyar National Park, Madurai, Mysuru, Hampi, Goa Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,830
35% Off- NZ$1,190You save $640
South India : Backwaters, Tea Plantations, Temples & Beach Stay W/Private Guide & Chauffer
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation was varied from good to excellent and the service and hospitality everywhere was incredible.”
John, traveled in January
Cultural heritage unfolds from Madurai's ancient temples to Kerala's backwaters. Tea harvesting in Munnar, wildlife viewing in Periyar, and traditional performances in Thekkady complement stays in comfortable 4-star properties.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, Alleppey, Mararikulam Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $3,307
10% Off- NZ$2,977You save $330
What people love about Southern India Tours
- South India Revealed
Another winner for me on this Intrepid tour. It's a completely different vibe from the hustle and bustle of the North and the majestic wonder of the forts and palaces. The South is about relaxing but there is plenty to see by way of history and culture. Trust me the South has much to offer outside of its beach scene, there is plenty of rich culture and history to explore, the Ghandi memorial museum in Mysore is a must see and the ruins of Hampi are too breathtaking to explain here. The temples are a wonder to see in Kerala and Mysore - full of colour and lights, if you go try and see if you can experience it during a festival to really see the community come alive (be warned though this is also an extremely busy time to go - October to March). The other extreme beauty comes from the natural beaches in Varkala, the backwaters of Kerala and the fun chill out scene of Goa. It's an eclectic mix across the whole of india, but you tend to hear of the Northern regions more. Our guide Mohsin Ali was brilliant. Patient, calm an embodiment of the soothing south.
Great trip with Intrepid into the south of India. Max 12 travellers makes it an easy way to explore this fascinating country. Our Leader Ravi was excellent, it was like travelling with a really well organised friend. cant wait to check out nth India next
Southern India (9 destinations)
- Kerala Tour - 8 Days
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.
Travel Southern India your way
Kerala's active tours mix outdoor activities with real cultural experiences. You can go bamboo rafting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where tigers, wild elephants and countless birds make their home. Up in Munnar, you'll walk through terraced tea fields and chat with workers about how they process the leaves. The houseboats in Alleppey are a highlight - our travelers love these converted kettuvallams that serve as floating hotels while cruising through quiet backwater villages. Some trips include watching local martial arts at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre or learning traditional fishing methods from local communities. It's ideal if you want to keep moving while getting to know daily life here.
The Kerala cultural tours run 8 to 11 days and really get you into local life. You'll wander through Fort Kochi's old quarters and Dutch Palace before heading up to the tea plantations of Munnar where the mist rolls in each morning. Our travelers tell us they love mixing guided walks in spice gardens with free time to explore markets on their own. The routes take you tiger spotting at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and drifting past village scenes on traditional houseboats in Alleppey. Most tours make stops at the sea-meeting point of Kanyakumari and also Kumarakom, where waterfront rooms put you right by the bird sanctuary - perfect for watching migratory birds arrive.
Our multi-day cultural tours range from 8 to 14 days, giving you different ways to discover South India's rich heritage. The two-week journey weaves through Kerala's backwaters, Karnataka's temples and Tamil Nadu's cultural landmarks, where you'll join Kathakali performances and explore Fort Kochi's spice markets with expert local guides. In Alleppey, families welcome you into their homes, sharing traditional cooking methods and family recipes that tell the story of Kerala's cuisine. The 10-day option takes you through Mysore Palace, Shore Temple, and Madurai's Sri Meenakshi Temple, with peaceful breaks at tea estates and spice plantations. Our travelers appreciate having scheduled activities balanced with independent exploration time at local markets. The 8-day cultural circuit focuses on Fort Kochi's Dutch Palace, Chinese fishing nets and Jewish Quarter before heading into the misty heights of Munnar's tea country. These tours stand out for their thoughtful mix of grand UNESCO temples, village homestays and tranquil backwater cruises, where skilled chefs prepare Kerala specialties onboard. At each stop, local guides share deep historical knowledge while connecting you with artisan families, traditional healers and dedicated temple caretakers.
Select from our extensive range of 393 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Southern India with our expert guides leading the 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.
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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
Kerala's budget tours run 7-8 days and hit all the right spots without breaking the bank. Starting in Kochi, you'll explore the old fishing nets and wander through aromatic spice markets before heading up to Munnar's tea plantations in the hills. The real cultural connection happens during homestays in Alleppey - local families share their cooking secrets and give you a genuine look at village life. Our guests love drifting through narrow canals on included houseboat trips, watching daily riverside scenes from their floating rooms. Nature enthusiasts get good value with guided visits to Periyar National Park to spot wild elephants and tigers, plus walks through spice farms where you'll learn about traditional growing methods and medicinal uses.
Luxury tours in Kerala really shine with stays in heritage properties and special cultural access over 8-14 days. You'll have expert naturalists in Periyar's wilderness, private houseboats with dedicated chefs and carefully chosen historic hotels. Our travelers tell us they love the exclusive touches - private Kathakali dance shows, visiting temples after regular hours and one-on-one Ayurvedic consultations. The routes blend cultural highlights like Mysore Palace, Meenakshi Temple and also quiet moments in tea estates and backwater hideaways. Expert guides provide rich historical context while dedicated staff handle all the details seamlessly.
Southern India budget tours- Southern India luxury tours
Southern India tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
252 tours in Southern IndiaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Southern India. We have 252 adventures that vary from 3 days to 24 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
419 tours in Southern IndiaSmall group tours winding through South India blend structured exploration with plenty of independent moments. Trips run 8-15 days, giving you the full cultural heart of Kerala, from traditional dance shows in Kochi to drifting past village life on converted rice barges in Alleppey. Our guests tell us how meaningful their homestays are in the backwaters, where they share meals with local families and learn about life around the lagoons. Most itineraries include guided wildlife spotting in Periyar National Park, where boats and jeeps take you close to wild elephants, tigers and hundreds of bird species. The journey continues up to Munnar's tea country, where groups walk misty plantations and discover traditional tea-making practices. These small groups work so well because of their adaptability - you can join temple tours or take time exploring markets and beaches at your own pace. Our travelers appreciate how the schedule flows naturally between cooking classes, spice farm visits, cultural discoveries and also peaceful evenings watching sunsets from rooftop restaurants or houseboat decks.
Private / Personalized
356 tours in Southern IndiaPrivate tours give you full control while keeping professional guidance - perfect for photographers, culture buffs and also families. Popular 10-14 day trips can adapt to what interests you most, whether that's more time around Thekkady's spice regions, exploring Munnar's tea culture or spending extra days in traditional villages. Our guests really value adjusting daily schedules around perfect photo light, local festivals and prime wildlife viewing times. Local guides know exactly when temple ceremonies happen, can introduce you to artisan families and arrange special experiences like cooking with local chefs or meeting traditional healers. The private format works great for discovering quiet corners of Kerala's backwaters and less-visited temple towns.
Top Southern India travel itineraries to fit your plans
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Bangalore, Mysuru, Nagarhole National Park
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The weeklong Kerala tours pack a lot into 7 days, starting in Fort Kochi where you can explore those fascinating Chinese fishing nets along the shore. Moving to Alleppey, our travelers often mention how meaningful it is staying with local families - sharing meals and getting to know daily life around the lagoons. The route then takes you through Kollam's busy fishing docks and onto Varkala for a nice mix of temple visits and beach time. Most people really enjoy wrapping up back in Kochi, where they join in traditional Kathakali dance shows and explore the historic Jewish Quarter with its synagogue that's been around for over 400 years.
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Ten days gives you time to really get into South India's groove. These routes from Cochin blend cultural spots with nature experiences. You'll head up to Munnar's tea plantations for jeep rides through misty hills, then spend time at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where bamboo rafting often leads to wild elephant sightings and excellent bird watching. The backwater section includes nights on traditional houseboats in Alleppey - our guests regularly tell us the peaceful cruising and local cooking make their trip special. Many tours finish up at Kovalam's beaches, leaving time for Ayurvedic treatments and visits to fishing villages. What our customers really like about these longer trips is having guided activities but also free time to explore markets and discover things independently.
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Solo travelers get a lot out of our 15-day South India Revealed tour, which gives you time to relax on Varkala's beaches and explore old temple towns. You'll stay overnight with families in Kerala's backwaters and catch traditional dance shows in Kochi. Our guests tell us they like how the schedule mixes guided visits with free hours to wander markets or just chill on the sand. There's also a popular 7-day Kerala tour where small groups check out Fort Kochi's aromatic spice markets before heading up to see Munnar's misty tea fields.
The format works really well if you like being independent - you can join group activities or do your own thing. Many solo travelers love taking overnight trains to Mysore and Hampi since it's such a good way to chat with locals and other tourists. On the backwater boats, you get your own cabin but there are also common areas where everyone hangs out over tasty Kerala dishes made by the boat's cooks.
Couples tend to love our 10-day Kerala tour that takes in colonial Cochin, mountain stays in Munnar and also peaceful backwater trips. The private houseboat nights are especially nice - you can have dinner by candlelight while floating past village life on the banks. Another good option runs 12 days through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, combining temple visits with stays in lovely heritage hotels.
These trips are full of moments you'll remember together - learning Kerala dance moves in Kochi, watching the sun go down from tea plantations and cooking with local families. Many couples go for tours with restored heritage hotels, traditional Ayurvedic treatments and also private guides at temples. You get time for both cultural stuff and quiet moments, whether you're walking through spice gardens or watching the old Chinese fishing nets at work.
Our Kerala small-group tours resonate especially well with young travelers, combining cultural deep-dives with social connections. The 7-day coastal routes begin in Fort Kochi, where markets filled with aromatic spices lead into casual group dinners at local spots. Travelers frequently tell us they love the authentic homestays in Alleppey's backwaters, where cooking sessions and shared meals with families create lasting connections. For those with more time, the 10-day journeys expand to include Periyar's wildlife walks, where tigers and elephants sometimes emerge from the forest depths. What works particularly well is our mix of structured activities and independent exploration time - from Varkala's surf-washed beaches to spontaneous volleyball matches and tucked-away cafes in Kochi's creative quarter. The unhurried pace lets friendships develop naturally, as travelers learn traditional fishing techniques, float through narrow canals and gather at evening music spots. With intentionally small groups keeping the experience flexible, our customers often mention how meaningful connections form while drifting on converted rice barges through the backwaters or watching the sun sink behind coastal cliffs.
Our older travelers really like the 14-day Grand Tour of South India, which offers nice hotels while you explore Mysore Palace, Ooty's hill stations and also Kerala's backwaters. The guides know exactly how to help with temple stairs and busy markets, and we build in plenty of rest stops. Our senior guests often mention how much they enjoy mixing cultural visits with nature spots, from watching classical dancers to looking for birds in Kumarakom sanctuary.
Several tours aimed at seniors let you stay longer in each place, so there's less packing and unpacking. We pick hotels that are easy to get around, and activities can adjust to how mobile you feel. Lots of older travelers tell us they enjoy the social side of houseboat trips - chatting with other guests while watching Kerala life go by. With private transfers and attentive guides, everyone can take in South India's culture at whatever pace suits them best.
- Solo Travelers487 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples35 tours
- Seniors (50+)145 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Southern India
- Summer 2025
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 480 tours
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- Fall / Autumn 2025
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.
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- 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.
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- 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 467 tours
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Contact our Southern India travel experts
Micaela
Expert in Southern India at TourRadar
Micaela 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.