Southern India Small Group Tours
What if you explored southern India's distinct culture? Tamil Nadu's massive temples, Kerala's backwaters, maybe Karnataka's ruins at Hampi, and Goa's iconic beaches. Southern India feels completely different from the north - different food, languages, architecture, and pace. The filter coffee alone is worth the trip.
10 best Southern India small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar
- Group Tour of South India Heritage and Backwaters
- Relaxing kerala tour ( Cochin Munnar Alleppy Cochin)
- Spotlight on South India - Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka
- Best of South India Tour
- Magical Kerala with Mumbai and Goa
- Spiritual Tamilnadu with Enchanting Kerala
- Private Kerala Tour from Cochin to Kovalam: Backwaters, Hills & Beaches
- Essence of Idyllic South India
- India Yoga & Meditation - 9 Days
- Cultural Marvels Circuit: Chennai to Pondicherry
Group sizes typically range from 8-10 travelers, capped at 15 maximum. This size works well for visiting cultural sites across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The manageable numbers mean better access to detailed spaces like Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram and the Jewish Synagogue in Fort Kochi, where bigger groups often face restrictions. During the full-day houseboat cruise through Kumarakom's palm-lined canals, you'll get personalized service and traditional Kerala lunch without feeling crowded. Guided walks through Pondicherry's French Quarter and Chettinad's village handicraft centers benefit from your tour leader's focused attention and local interactions that aren't available to larger groups.
Duration 14 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Darasuram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $3,244
30% Off- US$2,271You save $973
Relaxing kerala tour ( Cochin Munnar Alleppy Cochin)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour provided me with the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and memorable holiday experience.”
Oliver, traveled in September
Bands of 8-12 travelers share Southern India's wonders together. This size enables quality time at Munnar's tea estates, peaceful exploration of Alleppey's backwaters, and authentic cultural experiences at Kerala's traditional art centers.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Real viaggi india From $800
50% Off- US$400You save $400
Spotlight on South India - Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The guides were very knowledgeable about the places we visited. Would recommend the trip.”
Beth, traveled in November
Private groups of 2-4 travelers visit South India's cultural treasures in AC vehicles, while groups of 5-8 journey in Tempo Travellers. Local guides provide expertise at each stop, with dedicated tour escorts for larger groups at sites like Meenakshi Temple and Kerala's backwaters.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Darasuram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Kanadukathan, Madurai, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $2,437
30% Off- US$1,706You save $731
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 $4,919
70% Off- US$1,476You save $3,443
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 $3,211
70% Off- US$963You save $2,248
Spiritual Tamilnadu with Enchanting Kerala
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic Tour. If there were 6 stars or more I would give them to GeTS Holidays! Highly recommend this Tour, you won't be disappointed at all.”
JRoy, traveled in June
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 $5,681
70% Off- US$1,704You save $3,977
Private Kerala Tour from Cochin to Kovalam: Backwaters, Hills & Beaches
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well planned, allowing us to comfortably cover all the major highlights.”
Ankit, traveled in December
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kovalam Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Brahmlaxmi Tours and Travel From
70% Off- US$2,144
Essence of Idyllic South India
11 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 $2,270
50% Off- US$1,135You save $1,135
India Yoga & Meditation - 9 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I would definitely check their tour again. Manohar is flexible and a listener, willing to give his best.”
Amjad, traveled in July
Limited to 2-4 participants, this Southern Indian wellness retreat offers intimate experiences at traditional ashrams and homestays. Participants receive personalized attention during yoga sessions in Mysore and meditation classes in Wayanad, plus exclusive access to local spiritual guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations Bangalore, Mysuru, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Palakkad, Coimbatore Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Turban Adventures From
50% Off- US$1,800
Private tours offer intimate exploration of Tamil Nadu's heritage sites. With dedicated guide service, visitors enjoy unhurried time at Kanchipuram's ancient temples and Vellore's 16th-century fort. Small groups ensure authentic experiences at Auroville's Matrimandir and Mahabalipuram's rock-cut monuments.
Duration 3 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Puducherry, Mahabalipuram Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Agora Voyages OPC Pvt Ltd From
50% Off- US$546
Reviews of Small Group tours to Southern India
- Relaxing kerala tour ( Cochin Munnar Alleppy Cochin)
relaxing Kerala tour with Cochin, Munnar and Alleppy as our destinations. The experience was simply breathtaking. From the moment we arrived in Cochin, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and felt like we were home. The city of Cochin was so beautiful and full of life. We visited the ancient Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese fishing nets, the St. Francis church and the Bolghatty palace. We then moved on to Munnar, which is situated in the middle of lush green mountains. It was a beautiful sight to behold. We went on a trek through the tea estates, visited the Mattupetty dam and also went on a boat ride in the Periyar river. It was a perfect way to relax and take in the beauty of nature. Our final destination was Alleppy. We spent our time here enjoying the houseboat cruise, which was so peaceful and relaxing. We also visited the backwaters, the Krishnapuram palace and the Ambalapuzha temple. Overall, our relaxing Kerala tour was simply amazing. We had a wonderful time in each of the destinations and experienced the culture and beauty of the region. The hospitality was great throughout our trip and the local food was delicious. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable holiday.
- Spotlight on South India - Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka
We enjoyed our tour very much. Our driver for the majority of the trip was Gopal. He took excellent care of us. The guides were very knowledgeable about the places we visited. Would recommend the trip.
- Best of South India Tour
I loved every moment of this tour itinerary was well-planned, offering a great combination of sightseeing. Guides were fantastic and gave us so much insight into the local history and culture. Our driver made sure we were always on time and safe, especially during the drives. Houseboat experience in Alleppey was the perfect. I would definitely recommend this tour to to explore 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."