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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Yassine • traveled in March, 2025
The best of this Tour was the route itself! From the breathtaking temples of Tamil Nadu, the tea plantations of Munnar, to the backwaters of Kerala, it had it all. I didn't ask for more! Furthermore what made my trip unforgettable was my Driver Nishad. An excellent, extremely friendly, reliable, and wonderful travel companion. He played a significant role in making my trip an unforgettable one!!! As for the booked guides, all of them were good and competent, except in Kanchipuran, there was no guide at all and as planned. A scheduled visit to the Sri Ekambaranathar Temple did not take place as it closed at 12:00. It was not practical to wait until 16:00. Anyway, the temple is under huge renovation/restoration. The tour operator should have informed! As for the accomodation: Some of the hotels were excellent, others good and some very disappointing: -Chennai: The Raaj Bhaavan Clarks Inn was located in Velacherry on a main road, far from downtown Chennai, about a 35-minute drive. My room was dusty and worn out. The bed linens weren't very fresh. The shower curtain was moldy, and the bathroom door was rotting! -Mahabalipuram: Hotel Mamalla Heritage: Very good! -Pondicherry: The Annamalai was very nice, but very far from the interesting and lively "Colonial Quarter." The Colonial Quarter had beautiful and affordable B&Bs, perfect for solo travelers or couples! -Thajavur: Hyders Park Hotel: Good. -Madurai Residency: Very loud and hot, got no sleep! -Munnar: Hotel Las Palmas: The hotel was not in “bustling” Munnar but about 10 Km far away on a country road. The worst hotel of the entire trip, far away from everything. The bed was so hard and bad, I could feel the wires and springs between my ribs, I hardly slept the two nights in this hotel!!! -Periyar (Kumili): Silver Crest: very good! -Kumarakum: Renai Green Field hotel: Excellent Hotel!!! -Cochin: Sealord Hotel: The other very bad hotel of the trip. The hotel is in Ernakulam and not in Fort Kochi, which is the interesting historical site. By car, it takes up to half an hour; by ferry, it's only 15 minutes, but the water metro runs every 40 minutes only. The hotel is located on a main road, and my pre-booked room was on the 7th floor, the cheapest and hottest floor. Even the AC coudn´t cool down the room. The mattress was also very bad. As in Pondicherry, there are fantastic and cheaper small hotels and B&Bs in Fort Kochi!!! Conclusion: I really do recommend this trip to anyone interested in history, ancient Hindu culture, and Kerala's nature. I booked this tour during Black Friday and received in total about 50% discount. The discounted price was quite fair. I would not recommend it a the published list price, which in my opinion is excessively too high, taking into account the price level in India! Ask for a price quotation before you book, in India the price is always negociable ;-)
South India Temple Tour with Kerala (House Boat Experiences) - A
Arney • traveled in April, 2026
Memorable India crafted a perfect Kerala itinerary for us, starting in the charming streets of Fort Kochi. Hari, our driver, was excellent — always early, always smiling, and full of tips on local food spots. The highlights included tea plantations in Munnar, a spice plantation walk in Periyar, and a magical overnight houseboat in Alleppey. The hotels were top-notch and full of character. If you want to see Kerala in comfort and style, this is the way to do it.
Amazing Kerala Tour from Cochin - 6 Days - U
Ute • traveled in March, 2025
We enjoyed our Tour very much, the Hotels had been very nice, all over all those with a pool. „Dhanu“ our driver drove smooth and safely, gave hints and fulfilled wishes for specials. The guides had good knowledge about temples and Sightseeings.
Classic South India Tour with Extension Option Kovalam
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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
The best Southern India tour packages
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MelissaSouthern India travel expert at TourRadar
10-Day Kerala Cultural and Wellness Tour : Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Alleppey, Kovalam
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was an excellent adventure! The local hotels were good, looked after us well.”
Gladys, traveled in March
Duration 10 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator SafeHands Travels From $2,719
70% Off- US$816You save $1,903
Amazing Kerala Tour from Cochin - 6 Days
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This 6-day Kerala journey was pure magic!”
Danish, traveled in May
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 $578
25% Off- US$434You save $145
South India Temple Tour with Kerala (House Boat Experiences)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From the breathtaking temples of Tamil Nadu, the tea plantations of Munnar, to the backwaters of Kerala, it had it all.”
Yassine, traveled in February
Chennai's Marina Beach to Kerala's backwaters reveal Southern India's magic. Visit UNESCO sites like Shore Temple, enjoy Kathakali performances in Kochi, and stay in heritage hotels like Hotel Mamalla Heritage and luxury houseboats.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Munnar, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator World Travel Experiences From $2,560
50% Off- US$1,280You save $1,280
Grand Tour of South India
52 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The places and Hotels got better and better every day. Now we endet pur trip on a calm house boat and it was perfect!”
Isabella, 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, Srirangapatna, Mysuru, Ooty, Coonoor, Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $3,899
60% Off- US$1,560You save $2,339
Classic South India Tour with Extension Option Kovalam
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Hotels had been very nice, all over all those with a pool.”
Ute, traveled in February
The magic of Southern India spans from Chennai's Marina Beach to Kochi's spice markets. Tour UNESCO sites like Shore Temple, sail Periyar Lake, sleep in traditional houseboats, and watch Kathakali dance in historic Fort Kochi.
Duration 12 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Auroville, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Trichy, Madurai, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator World Travel Experiences From $2,350
50% Off- US$1,175You save $1,175
Rejuvenating Kerala - India By Car and Driver
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Its possible to see the best Sightseeings. Munnar and the backwaters of Kerale are beautiful.”
Jennifer, traveled in March
Cochin's ancient Chinese fishing nets mark the start of this journey to Munnar's Eravikulam National Park at 2,695m. Tour Thekkady's spice gardens, witness traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts, and choose from Elephant Court to Niramaya Retreats before an Alleppey houseboat cruise.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator MTA Destination Management Company From
50% Off- US$394
Luxury Kerala Tour Package – Private 9 Days of Backwaters, Houseboats, Munnar Hills, Ayurvedic Spa & Beaches
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was fantastic. Top rating on everything from my side.”
Aroita, traveled in November
Kerala's cultural heritage unfolds through ancient churches in Kochi, bustling spice markets in Mattancherry, and serene backwater cruises in traditional houseboats. Features authentic local encounters and comfortable lodging.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator SafeHands Travels From $2,429
70% Off- US$729You save $1,700
Travel Southern India your way
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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
Who are you traveling with?
Top Southern India travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers777 tours- Couples766 tours
- Seniors (50+)231 tours
Best time to visit Southern India
- 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.
- 747 tours
- popular 760 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.
- 781 tours
- 779 tours
- popular 784 tours
- Winter 2026 / 2027
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.
- 769 tours
- popular 772 tours
- 765 tours
- Spring 2027
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 763 tours
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Contact our Southern India travel experts
Rebecca
Expert in Southern India at TourRadar
Rebecca 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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