India small group vacation, South India
The south of Indian is an unforgettable kaleidoscope of contrasts, where UNESCO heritage gems mix with river backwaters and bustling cities full of colour and wonder.
Chennai/Madras Mahabalipuram Gingee Pondicherry Kumbakonam Karaikudi Madurai overnight train to Mysore Nagarahole National Park Kalamandalam Kerala backwaters Kochi/Cochin
Price
US $6065ToUS $6617 excluding flights
More info
Price includes all activities/equipment, tour leaders, local guides and drivers, meals, transport, accommodation and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary.
Optional Single Supplement: from $1,511.
Please note some itineraries are reversed.
Optional Single Supplement: from $1,511.
Please note some itineraries are reversed.
Description of India small group vacation, South India
Map
Price information
US $6065ToUS $6617 excluding flights
Price includes all activities/equipment, tour leaders, local guides and drivers, meals, transport, accommodation and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary.
Optional Single Supplement: from $1,511.
Please note some itineraries are reversed.
Optional Single Supplement: from $1,511.
Please note some itineraries are reversed.
Check dates, prices & availability
Travel guides
This Indian state is renowned for stonkingly delicious food, tea and spices, and the beautiful Western Ghat mountains.
From the misty mountain tops, coffee and cardamom estates, to the UNESCO sites of Hampi and Anegundi...
Vacation information
Pricing:
The currency converter above works on today’s interbank exchange rate. We do take bookings in a variety of currencies, but the rates are often set months in advance and may therefore differ from those shown above which are for guidance purposes only. Please inquire for details.
Reviews
1 Reviews of India small group vacation, South India
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026 by Hilary Glegg
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
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 travelers booking this vacation?
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 vacation 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 vacation 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
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your vacation to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONThis itinerary has been designed with an overland route, traveling 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.
Travelers 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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