Southern India Tours & Holidays
Palm-lined beaches, towering peaks and historic cities - South India has plenty to delight every type of traveller.
Encompassing the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, the region is a lush, tropical haven featuring diverse geography and traditions. Our South India tour packages have been carefully curated to include the very best attractions and experiences, Kerala and Bangalore, to pure relaxation on the idyllic beaches of Goa.
In Bangalore, excellent cultural and historical attractions can be explored, including India's largest civic building and the 9th-century Bangalore Palace, which was modelled after Windsor Castle. Travel east into the state of Tamil Nadu to reach Chennai, India’s fourth-largest city, where you can explore Fort St. George Museum, 17th-century St Mary's, an Anglican church touted as Asia's Westminster Abbey, and the expansive Marina Beach.
There's plenty of chances to connect with nature on South India holidays, too. Bandipur National Park, located in the state of Karnataka, is home to tigers, elephants, bison, deer and other wildlife. In Kerala, you'll find national parks, nature reserves, and exquisite white sand beaches, as well as the charming, historic port city of Kochi.
Our Featured Southern India tours
- 17 Excursions Included, 30 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 2 Airports
- 8 Dates - Oct 2024 - Nov 2025
Things to do in Southern India
With such diverse geography and history, there are ample activities for every type of traveller in South India. The region's cities boast a fantastic array of historic buildings, and there is no shortage of incredible landscapes to discover. Be it a South India temple tour or an afternoon of wildlife watching, your trip can be as action-packed as you like.
Explore French influences in Pondicherry
Having been a French colonial settlement until 1954, Pondicherry has a unique blend of local and French culture. In the pretty French Quarter, you'll find colourful buildings, tree-lined avenues and elegant shops, and there is also a beachfront promenade to stroll down - look out for the "gendarmes" wearing the traditional berets.
Houseboat cruise in Alleppey
While in Kerala, venture to the city of Alleppey to board a traditional houseboat, or kettuvallam. A journey on this thatch-roofed vessel will take you through the area's waterways and canals, where you can spot temples, coconut farms, and the homes of fishermen along the way.
Ride the mountain railway
Built by the British in 1908, the Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway is India's only rack railway. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, a ride on this scenic and historical line will provide you with the opportunity to see valleys, forests and towns before arriving at the bottom station of Mettupalayam.
Things to see in Southern India
Whether your passion lies in nature, history, cityscapes or cultural traditions, there’s an abundance of memorable sights on a South India tour. From picture-perfect beaches and elusive wildlife to grand palaces and historic streets, there is plenty to keep cameras busy. Here are just some of the best things to see in South India...
Food and drink in Southern India
There are plenty of superb culinary experiences to be had while exploring the best holiday destinations in South India. Each of the region's states and even cities and towns have their own preferences, delicacies and traditions, making a tour of South India perfect for those who enjoy trying authentic local flavours.
Compared to their North Indian counterparts, South Indian dishes are relatively spicy - it is said that spicy food helps to cool the body down by making you sweat. Those who aren't so fond of hot food needn't worry, though - there are plenty of milder options to choose from. Given the tropical weather, South India boasts an abundance of beautiful fruit and vegetables, which is why, in contrast to the north, the cuisine here tends to be more vegetable based. Seafood also features heavily on the region's menus, and rice is a daily staple.
Of course, the food on offer will differ somewhat depending on your location. In Mumbai you'll find all of the trendy dining venues and fine dining options you'd expect from the country's largest city, as well as more humble hole-in-the-wall joints and street food stalls. In Kerala the seafood is wonderfully fresh and often cooked with coconut-based sauces, while Goa's cuisine tends to be hot, with influences from its colonial Portuguese past.
Not sure where to start? Favourite South Indian delicacies to look out for include masala dosa, a thin pancake stuffed with potatoes and onion, and sambar, a stew made with lentils, tamarind and vegetables. Desserts include semiya payasam, made from rice flour vermicelli, sweetened milk, cashews and cardamom, and coconut barfi, a type of fudge made using grated coconut, milk and sugar. Coffee lovers won't want to miss the chance to try South Indian kaapi, or filter coffee. Made using finely-ground beans roasted with chicory, the coffee is usually brewed in a metal tumbler, before being poured at a distance into a cup in order to create a frothy layer on top.
