South India Tours & Holidays
Join us on a spice, temple and dosa-filled journey into the soul of South India.
From the palm-lined beaches of Goa to the sleepy backwaters of Kerala and the temple-strewn Hampi, South India is packed with cultural and culinary adventures. While iconic landmarks like Maharaja's Palace and Sri Meenakshi Temple are bound to wow you, the real magic for us lies in sharing a biriyani with a local family, learning about Ayurveda as you sniff your way around a herb garden or tracking tiger footprints with a village guide. If you want to discover India beyond the Golden Triangle's big-ticket attractions, a South India trip could be on the cards.
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South India highlights
Cruise the Kerala backwaters
Hop on a traditional wooden houseboat for an unforgettable journey through the winding, palm-shaded backwaters of Kerala. Settle into the slow pace of life here as you watch locals going about their day and enjoy home-cooked Keralan food on the deck. There'll also be plenty of opportunities to hop off to visit nearby villages and learn about life along these emerald-green waterways.
Marvel at Sri Meenakshi Temple
The whole ‘land of colour’ thing has become a bit of a cliché, but one glimpse at Sri Meenakshi Temple will show you why it’s one of the best ways to describe India. Located in the heart of Madurai city, this ancient temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi – is a maze of lamp-lit corridors leading to shrines where traditional rituals take place, including the remarkable Hall of a Thousand Pillars.
Go temple hopping in Hampi
Steeped in history with thousands of stunning temple ruins dotted across the landscape, there are countless stories and mysteries to uncover in Hampi. After exploring the architectural masterpiece of Vittala Temple, kick back with a chai in a riverside café, climb up Matanga Hill to watch a magical sunset or enjoy a river ride in a coracle (a traditional rounded bamboo boat).
Chill out in Varkala
Welcome to one of Kerala’s most beautiful beach towns. Soaring cliffs protect Varkala’s sandy shores and dolphins can be spotted from high up on the rocks depending on the time of year. Dig into seafood curries at one of the many restaurants, enjoy a yoga or meditation workshop and watch a spellbinding Kathakali dance performance at the Cultural Centre.
Cook an Ayurvedic feast
Uncovering the melting pot of culture and history in Kochi is hungry work, so what better way to fill your belly than a mouthwatering South Indian feast. The best part? It'll be cooked by you! During this hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn the basics of one of the world’s oldest holistic health systems while cooking a delicious three-course meal with ingredients that maintain good health.
Take an overnight sleeper train
From navigating busy stations and chatting with locals in your carriage to gazing out the window as you chug through ever-changing scenery, travelling on an overnight train is a rite of passage for travellers in India. With padded berths kitted out with a sheet, pillow and blanket and vendors who climb aboard selling everything from samosas to biryani, you won’t be forgetting this journey in a hurry!
South India tour reviews
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Southern India
Suzanne · Traveled April 2025
Review submitted 01 May 2025Southern India
Felicity · Traveled April 2025
Review submitted 09 May 2025Premium South India
Linda · Traveled April 2025
Review submitted 26 Apr 2025Southern India
Kim · Traveled April 2025
Review submitted 26 Apr 2025Southern India
Nick · Traveled April 2025
Review submitted 26 Apr 2025Get inspired on The Good Times
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