India small group holiday, South India
Optional Single Supplement: from £1,095.
Please note some itineraries are reversed.
Description of India small group holiday, South India
Southern India is one of the country's most beguiling regions, and his diverse and comprehensive trip across the cultural and historical landscapes of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala encompasses the region's finest cultural experiences as well as a chance to see the amazing wildlife of the Nagarahole National Park, including Asian Elephant and over 250 species of birds.
Travelling from the shores of the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Sea, we will visit an array of UNESCO Heritage sites and ancient temple shrines. Highlights include the pilgrimage city of Kumbakonam (dating back to 300BC), the ancient centre of learning Kanchipuram, and the performing arts centre of Kalamandalam.
You'll experience Tamil and Dravidian culture and heritage first-hand and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Western Ghats and the Malabar Coast. We will also visit the historic splendours of Madurai, Mysore and Cochin, and explore the majestic landscapes of the Kerala backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat.
Explore the captivating city of Madurai - home to the Gandhi Memorial Museum, as well as a host of Hindu, Vishnu and Muslim temples and mosques – before catching an overnight train to Mysore, the stunning cultural capital of the Karnataka region famous for myriad festivals.
In Pondicherry, experience a sophisticated city with fascinating French colonial influences, then compare those with the 18th century palaces of Chettinadu - sumptuous creations in Italian marble and Burmese teak inspired by the grand houses of Europe.
The finale of this brilliant trip of contrasts is the historic riverside city of Cochin, centre of the Malabar spice trade.
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Price information
Optional Single Supplement: from £1,095.
Please note some itineraries are reversed.
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Reviews
1 Reviews of India small group holiday, South India
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026 by Hilary Glegg
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our evening visit to the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. We were not allowed to take phones inside, so no photos; all the senses were concentrated on waiting for the return of Shiva to his night dwelling inside the temple. It began with the temple drummers, then a magnificantley decorated elephant and then Shiva being carried in on his palaquin,sparkling and noble. The crowd rose up with hands above their heads in Namaste, silence except for the drumming. Fantastic!! Thanks to our amazing guide Lakshmi.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with the flow! Enjoy the food, the temples, the sometimes long journeys, the culture and colour and noise! Pack lightly, but sensibly,clothes that cover your legs and arms to the elbow.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think so; we used local companies, ate locally, refilled our water bottles in the mini bus, visited arts and crafts schools and venues, and the amazing Hortus Malabaricus gardens and the wild life reserve in Karnataka run by the government.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a great time. Thoroughly enjoyed it all. There was very little physical exercise, or walking, which made some days difficult, but you need stamina, as the temple days are long. The hotels were good, organisation excellent with a top notch driver and an excellent guide. So much to see, so much to learn, so much to enjoy.
Responsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONThis itinerary has been designed with an overland route, travelling by road, rail, including an overnight train between Madurai and Mysore, rickshaws, and houseboat.
It also includes a number of walking-based activities, including walking tours in Pondicherry, Mysore and Kochi.
The tour incorporates meals and culinary experiences that showcase regional cuisine, including a cooking class with a local family in Kochi and meals that reflect the traditions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These experiences support local food businesses and culinary heritage.
ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
The itinerary includes visits to Nagarhole National Park and the Kerala Backwaters ecosystem. Entrance fees included within the tour support access to protected natural areas and wildlife habitats.
Guests undertake wildlife safaris in Nagarhole National Park, where they may observe Asian elephants, deer, primates, birds and, potentially, tigers and leopards in their natural habitat.
Travellers are advised to reduce single-use plastic consumption through the use of filtered reusable water bottles.
The tour is led by a local Tour Leader and local guides where appropriate. Cultural visits include interactions with local artisans, performers and community members, providing destination knowledge and interpretation from local people.
People
LOCAL ECONOMYThe itinerary includes several experiences that directly engage local communities and businesses, including:
Visits to a traditional weaving village.
Demonstrations by bronze artisans.
Visits to cotton handloom producers.
Aathangudi tile workshops.
Meetings with potters, weavers and toymakers.
A cooking experience hosted by a local family in Kochi.
These activities help channel visitor spending towards local people, traditional skills and cultural enterprises.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
The tour uses local guides where appropriate and incorporates community-hosted experiences, artisan demonstrations and locally operated services throughout the journey, including family-run food businesses, transport providers and accommodation operators.
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