Southern India Tours for Seniors
Ever thought about exploring Chennai's iconic South Indian cuisine, visiting ancient Shore Temple in Mamallapuram, and strolling through Puducherry's French Quarter? Premium South India delivers cultural richness. Taste Madurai's unique street food offerings, cruise Kerala's backwaters on a houseboat. From Tamil Nadu's temples to Kerala's waterways, South India's pace is slower than the north, perfect for travelers wanting depth over rushing between sights.
10 best trips for 'over 50s' in Southern India
Compiled by
SteffSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar
- Premium South India
- Premium North & South India (from Delhi to Alleppey)
- South India Wildlife Tour
- Exclusive Culinary Tour of South India - ( 15 Days & 14 Nights )
- Essence of Idyllic South India
- The Magical Kerala Tour
- Spotlight on South India - Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka
- Best of Kerala Tour
- Luxury 4‑Days Goa Coastal Bliss: Private North & South Goa Beach & Culture Tour
- Magical Kerala with Mumbai and Goa
This 13-day premium trip takes a slower pace through South India with comfortable AC hotels and a traditional kettuvallam houseboat stay in Alleppey's palm-shaded backwaters. Walk through UNESCO-listed Shore Temple in Mamallapuram, see mustard-colored buildings in Puducherry's French Quarter.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Puducherry, Madurai, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Premium From $4,385
10% Off- US$3,947You save $439
Southern India's treasures reveal themselves through guided walks in Munnar's tea plantations, peaceful cruises in Kerala's backwaters, and relaxed tours of Mamallapuram's Shore Temple. Restful stays include modern hotels and traditional houseboats with private facilities.
Duration 23 days Destinations Delhi, Jaipur, Amber, Agra, Taj Mahal, Lucknow, Varanasi, Sarnath, Alleppey Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Premium From $9,090
10% Off- US$8,181You save $909
South India Wildlife Tour
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cultural contrasts and scenic landscapes kept everyday exciting. Alleppey houseboat experience was peaceful, with great food on board.”
Kurt, traveled in August
South Indian charm reveals itself through AC transport and 3-star hotels. Periyar boat rides, Munnar tea plantation visits, and peaceful Kerala backwater cruises await. Suitable for ages 1+.
Duration 16 days Destinations Bangalore, Srirangapatna, Mysuru, Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park, Ooty, Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, ThekkadySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Panda Experiences From $6,015
65% Off- US$2,105You save $3,910
Exclusive Culinary Tour of South India - ( 15 Days & 14 Nights )
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very professional travel company, they did amazing job during this Corona crisis.”
Shefali, traveled in February
Southern India reveals itself through stays at Hotel Ideal Beach Resort Mahabalipuram and authentic cooking demonstrations in Kochi. Gentle walks through Fort Cochin's historic quarters and peaceful cruises on Alleppey's backwaters suit all mobility levels.
Duration 15 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kochi (Cochin) Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Relaxing Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Ghum India Ghum From
65% Off- US$1,250
Essence of Idyllic South India
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A very well thought out tour of Southern India to include lots of cultural sites and wilde life.”
Clive, traveled in January
A gentle South Indian sojourn features 2-3 hour daily activities. Highlights include Alleppey houseboat cruises, peaceful walks in Munnar's tea gardens, and accessible temple visits in Madurai, with comfortable AC transport throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Munnar, Periyar National Park, Madurai, Thanjavur, Puducherry, Mahabalipuram, Chennai (Madras) Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Payless tours india From $2,251
45% Off- US$1,238You save $1,013
The Magical Kerala Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Kerala the most southwestern state in India is amazing. Enjoy the houseboat ride, a highlight of the Kerala tour.”
Brian, traveled in December
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator GeTS Holidays From $2,490
70% Off- US$747You save $1,743
Spotlight on South India - Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cities on the route were wonderful to visit with lots of historical artifacts and cultural experiences.”
K, traveled in November
Comfortable stays at Deshadan Backwater Resort and Heritage Madurai highlight this South Indian journey. Peaceful houseboat cruises in Kerala's backwaters, guided heritage walks in ancient temples, and cultural performances. Early booking recommended for premium rooms and festive season travel.
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 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $2,437
30% Off- US$1,706You save $731
Best of Kerala Tour
51 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Cochin history and culture were fascinating, and the houseboat ride in Alleppey was just magical.”
Thompson, traveled in January
Step into South India with modern AC transport between sites. Kathakali shows in Cochin, wildlife viewing at Periyar Sanctuary, and backwater cruises create lasting memories. 3-star hotels and houseboats rated 4.8/5.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kumarakom Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Panda Experiences From $2,371
70% Off- US$711You save $1,660
Luxury 4‑Days Goa Coastal Bliss: Private North & South Goa Beach & Culture Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
This relaxed tour suits ages 6+ with short walks at UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral in Old Goa, while private AC transport covers just 25 km to Panaji. You'll stay at accessible spots like Nanu Resort with direct beach access and wander through colorful Fontainhas Latin Quarter.
Duration 4 days Destinations Goa, Panaji, Anjuna Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator SafeHands Travels From $1,449
50% Off- US$725You save $725
South Indian beauty unfolds with easy walks at Fort Kochi's heritage sites and tranquil houseboat stays in Alleppey. Smooth transport between Munnar's tea estates and Periyar Sanctuary, with quality accommodations throughout.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Mumbai, Goa Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator GeTS Holidays From $3,211
70% Off- US$963You save $2,248
What people love about Southern India Tours for Seniors
- South India Wildlife Tour
Beautifully curated tour with a perfect sightseeing. Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hills were spectacular. Nagarhole and Bandipur safaris offered thrilling wildlife encounters. Kerala’s scenery was unreal-lush tea plantations in Munnar and tranquil lakes in Kumarakom. The guides were informative and friendly. Hotels were tidy, service was prompt, and local cuisine was a treat. Great introduction to South India.
- Essence of Idyllic South India
South India tour was customized for our small group of pensioners perfectly. We were provided with a very friendly and accommodating driver Mr. Sunil who comes from Kerala and knows all the local attractions and specialties of south Indian cuisine. We tried thali on a banana leave, saw local markets and had a lovely safari in National Park in Thekkaddy. We saw lots of elephants and bird species which made us very happy. Tea plantations in Munnar was great, the place is unique and it's definitely worth visiting. We had some leisure time for shopping and walking around at the market. That was an advantage of this tour. Nobody was telling up to hurry up....we were exploring India at our own peace, which was great. We have wonderful memories from that tour and won't hesitate to go with this tour operator again in the nearest future.
- Spotlight on South India - Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka
Great exploration trip, was able to see centuries old amazing architecture and stone carvings of ancient India.
What our customers ask about Southern India Tours for Seniors
What type of accommodation can seniors expect on Southern India tours?
Most Southern India tours use well-appointed 3-4 star hotels that balance comfort with accessibility. The Radisson in Bangalore offers modern conveniences like elevator access and round-the-clock room service. In Hampi the Heritage Resort combines local architecture with updated amenities. Guest reviews often mention the Bloomsuites in Goa and Taj Kamar Inn in Chennai for their convenient locations and helpful staff. When touring Kerala's backwaters you'll stay in houseboats fitted with private bathrooms and climate control for a comfortable experience.
What's the best time of year for seniors to visit Southern India?
Plan your Southern India visit between October and March to enjoy milder temperatures and lower humidity levels. Cities like Cochin see temperatures of 23-30°C (73-86°F) during these months making it comfortable for daily activities. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The weather in December was perfect - not too hot and very comfortable for exploring temples and taking backwater cruises." Skip the June to September monsoon season when wet conditions can make walking challenging.
What medical facilities are available for seniors in Southern India?
You'll find modern hospitals with English-speaking medical staff in major cities like Chennai Cochin and Trivandrum. Higher-end accommodations including Taj Group properties keep doctors on call. Tour companies work closely with trusted medical facilities across the region. According to a TourRadar review: "Our guide knew exactly where to find good medical care when needed and the hotels were very helpful with any health concerns."
What level of physical activity is required for Southern India tours?
Tours in Southern India move at an easy to moderate pace that works well for older travelers. You'll do some walking during tea plantation visits in Munnar and temple tours in Madurai but the schedule allows for plenty of breaks. Properties like The Taj Green Cove Resort in Kovalam and CGH Experience hotels offer comfortable spots to rest between outings. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The walks were not difficult and our guide was very accommodating to different fitness levels within the group."
Are special dietary requirements accommodated on Southern India tours?
Special diets are well-catered for throughout Southern India from the Radisson in Bangalore to Kerala's houseboats. Daily breakfast comes standard with both Western and Indian choices available. A TourRadar guest shared: "The houseboat chef was excellent in preparing special meals considering my dietary restrictions and hotels always had multiple options available." You'll easily find vegetarian vegan and gluten-free meals and guides help communicate any dietary needs.
What kind of bathroom facilities are available during day tours?
Tour routes include regular stops at places with clean Western-style bathrooms including upscale hotels like the Radisson in Bangalore and The Park in Goa. Popular attractions such as Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and Fort Kochi maintain accessible facilities. A TourRadar review states: "Our guide always knew where to find clean bathroom facilities and hotels were selected with good accessibility in mind."