Tours of India

South Indian Odyssey

Tour Map of South Indian Odyssey

Whether it’s your first, second or even third time to the Indian Subcontinent, if you haven’t yet been to South India, you are in for a real treat! This diverse and comprehensive trip across the cultural and historical landscapes of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Kerala encompasses some of the country’s most authentic cultural experiences and offers a very different experience from that of the north. Travelling from the shores of the Indian Ocean to the beaches of the Arabian Sea, we will have a chance to explore UNESCO Heritage sites and ancient temple shrines, experience Tamil culture 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 Backwaters aboard a traditional Keralan houseboat for two nights. This truly is a journey of remarkable contrasts, exploring one of India’s most fascinating regions.

Inside Kerala and Karnataka

Tour Map of Inside Kerala and Karnataka

An ever-increasing number of holiday-makers are coming to Kerala, India’s most literate state, to enjoy its wonderful beaches and legendary hospitality. However there is so much more to this diverse area than many of its visitors ever realise and this trip aims to dip below the surface of Keralan society to discover something of its food, its traditions and its artistic contributions, be that in dance, craftwork or even its own unique martial art, kalarippayattu. Neighbouring Karnataka is much less visited and yet within its southern region can be found some of the subcontinent’s most impressive temples and sculptures dating back over 800 years. Dividing these two states are the Western Ghats, an imposing ridge of strikingly beautiful mountains which we will explore from both Wayanad on the Keralan side and a coffee and spice plantation in Coorg on the Karnatakan side. This is a great trip for those that demand more of their trips that just sun, sea and sand. Come and discover the true delights of two of South India’s most welcoming states.

The Majesty of Southern India

Tour Map of The Majesty of Southern India

Southern India is less visited than the famed cultural cities of the north, but those who choose to travel here are rewarded with lush green landscapes, exotic spice plantations, ancient pilgrimage centres, scenic national parks and a fascinating blend of age-old dynasties and more recent colonial history. Travel from Bangalore to Mysore and onwards to Ooty, nestled in the Nilgiri Mountains surrounded by tea gardens and dense forest. Three nights in the old port city of Cochin provides ample time to see the famed Chinese fishing nets, and in Alleppey you will experience the serene beauty of the maze of backwaters with a cruise on a traditional houseboat. Concluding in Chennai, the commercial hub at the height of the British Empire, this new tour has been designed to combine leisurely days with enlightening visits - the majesty of southern India awaits you.

Tamil Nadu Explorer

Tour Map of Tamil Nadu Explorer

‘The Last Classical Civilisation’ is how acclaimed author and unabashed India-phile Michael Wood, has referred to the Tamil culture of India’s south. With a heritage distinctly different from that of India’s north, Tamil Nadu is home not only to some of the most fertile land on the planet but also to some of its most impressive temple architecture and its richest traditions. On this trip we explore the state in depth by travelling along the shores of the Indian Ocean through Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry before heading inland via several UNESCO World Heritage sites towards ancient Madurai whose Dravidian heritage goes back over 2500 years. From here we will head up into the stunning beauty of neighbouring Kerala’s Western Ghats before descending to the Arabian Coast to explore Kochi (Cochin) and the majestic landscapes of the Backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat for two nights. Balancing its time between world-class cultural sights, tea-plantations, beaches and backwaters, this trip offers a great taste of the variety that defines India’s peninsular.

Magical Malabar Discovery

This extraordinary journey offers an opportunity to experience one of the most diverse and unexpectedly beautiful corners of India. Starting out in Mysore, the cultural capital of the state of Karnataka, we visit a number of colourful Hindu temples and opulent palaces, before stopping off for a 2-night stay at the Nagarhole National Park. Wildlife abounds here, especially wild elephants, and our cruise on Kabini Lake, together with morning and evening game drives on the following day, promise to be memorable. Then, heading west to the district of Coorg in the Western Ghats, we find ourselves in a world of lush forest, rushing rivers and emerald-green tea and coffee plantations. The Bylakuppe Tibetan Buddhist settlement is a surprising highlight of this part of our holiday. Continuing our scenic journey to the idyllic Malabar Coast at the northern tip of the state of Kerala, we spend 2 nights at Neeleshwar Hermitage, an award-winning boutique hotel on the beach, the perfect place from which to explore this tranquil and traditional region. A final, unforgettable experience is the backwaters cruise and overnight stay on a comfortable houseboat. Not yet on the tourist map, this is a 'hidden' part of India where the fortunate visitor can fully connect with the local people, their vibrant cultures and the beautiful landscapes they inhabit. We can wholeheartedly recommend this one!

South Indian Images - Eclipse

Tour Map of South Indian Images - Eclipse

A journey across colourful landscapes taking in the annular solar eclipse at the colonial hill station of Ooty. From intricately carved temple complexes to lush jungle backwaters and historic harbour ports, travel by train, bus and riverboat climbing to the heights of the Western Ghats and dropping down to the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean. This fast-paced adventure includes a little bit of everything southern India has to offer.

Classic Kerala

Tour Map of Classic Kerala

Travel to Kerala for a wonderful adventure, encompassing many of the cultural traditions and diverse landscapes which make this state so vibrant, yet so laid back. Explore the sites of medieval Cochin, shaped by Portuguese, Dutch and English traders. Visit some of Kerala’s largest and wealthiest temples in the ancient town of the Sacred Shiva and Trivandrum, the state’s capital. Watch spectacular performances of dance, puppetry and poetry, telling stories that have lasted millennia, and learn of the incredible discipline of their art from a master. Travel into the mountains to find yourself surrounded by emerald-green tea-plantations; and by equally verdant paddy fields as you sail along Alleppey’s gentle network of backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat. You will find you’re never far from wonderful scenes; and with opportunities to spot native birds and wildlife, you may be lucky enough to spot elephants, or even a tiger as you cruise along Lake Periyar.

Bangalore to Kochi - Eclipse

Tour Map of Bangalore to Kochi - Eclipse

Travelling from Bangalore to Kochi, we'll view the solar eclipse at the colonial hill station of Ooty, as well as searching for wildlife in Bandipur National Park, relaxing for a day and a night on a traditional Kerala house boat, and riding the famous Nilgiri Toy Train through lush mountain scenery. The trip ends in the wonderful port town of Kochi, with its blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British historic influences.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

South Indian Images

Tour Map of South Indian Images

Take a cultural journey with us across this colourful landscape, from intricately carved temple complexes to lush jungle backwaters and historic harbour ports. By train, bus and riverboat we climb to the heights of the Western Ghats and drop down to the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean. This fast-paced adventure includes a little bit of everything southern India has to offer.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

South India Explorer

Tour Map of South India Explorer

This overland journey from South India’s Coromandel Coast to the Arabian Sea at Goa is an ideal way to meet the welcoming local people as we travel mainly by local bus, train and boat. We explore intricately carved temple complexes, cruise along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, climb to the cool heights of the Western Ghats and spend time on tropical sandy beaches.

All the adventure you want, with a softer landing. Handpicked, character-rich accommodations with upgraded amenities services. Upgraded and private transport, including flights to maximize time. More included meals, activities and transfers.

South India: Explore Kerala

Tour Map of South India: Explore Kerala

If the north of India offers brilliant fuschia and turquoise, its south offers the coolest, most luxuriant greens anywhere. This compact trip offers the perfect taste of Kerala’s stunning tropical beauty. Stroll its beaches, ride in a canoe through its backwaters along quiet canals, explore southern palaces, and enjoy some of the country’s most incredible flavours. Experience a part of India that’s truly off the beaten path.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Best of Southern India

Tour Map of Best of Southern India

From steamy Kerala backwaters and spice plantations to incredible temples and searching for tigers in the wild, have your camera ready as you experience the highlights of Southern India. This 2-week adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time to explore on your own. Travelling by train, bus, rickshaw, and country boats will bring you closer to the locals and is a fascinating way to gain insight into the peaceful backwaters of Kerala and stunning temples of Tamilnadu.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

Kerala Backwaters

Tour Map of Kerala Backwaters

Unwind with us on this relaxing exploration of Kerala, a corner of India known by its welcoming locals, as God's own country. We cruise tranquil backwaters by houseboat, trek in search of wildlife in Periyar National Park and visit hilltop tea and spice plantations. Along the way we discover colonial Kochi and relax on Kovalam's crescent beaches.

Excellent value, amazing prices, quality experiences. Simple and clean hotels, guesthouses and hostels chosen for location and character. Affordable public and private transport for maximum cultural interaction. Plenty of optional activities tailored to your interests and budget.

Popular with 18-30-somethings. Yolo trips are built for those who want to take on the planet in a fun and affordable way with a small group of like-minded travellers. Skip the oversized tour bus and truly connect with your destination. Hit the highlights without giving up the freedom to mix it up according to your own tastes.

Beaches & Backwaters

Tour Map of Beaches & Backwaters

Watch the sunset through the fishing nets of Kochi, stretch out on white-sand beaches, drift through the tranquil backwaters and rise at dawn to see the sunrise. This 7-day tour offers a quick introduction to the diversity of South India. Inhale the exotic perfume of cardamom as you stroll through spice gardens and unwind with some yoga in your free time. Meet the locals and spend the night with a local family on a tour that's all about authentic cultural experience.