Welcome to South India
The tropical south has a different pace to the rest of India, it is slow and soothing, much like the idyllic backwaters of Kerala – South India’s answer to North India’s iconic Taj Mahal. Renowned for its welcoming people, lush scenery, delicious Indian cuisine and distinctive gopuram temples, South India holidays are the perfect option if you are looking for a relaxing, yet culturally stimulating escape. Its spiritual cliff-backed beaches are ideal for a meditative break on an Indian getaway and some of the country’s finest Ayurvedic medicine is practiced in the laid-back spas and resorts of this region.
Travel across India’s southern states, stretching from the palm-lined beaches of Goa down to the quiet Keralan Backwaters and across the Western Ghats to the thriving city of Chennai (formerly Madras and once a hub of the British East India Company) with Bangalore, the "Garden City", on the plains in between. The state of Andhra Pradesh spans a huge part of the east coast, and Hyderabad in the neighbouring Telangana sate which is famed for its nawabs and markets at the heart. In Tamil Nadu, visitors can explore elaborately carved stone temple complexes with towering gopurams visited everyday by hundreds of pilgrims, such as the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Chennai and the former French colony Pondicherry each have their own distinctive style of architecture. Besides the many fun beach resorts, Goa has a wealth of churches, a legacy of more than 400 years as a Portuguese colony. Few tourists make it to the remote, ruined Vijayanagara city of Hampi in Karnataka while travelling in India, but those who do are left overwhelmed by its beauty and atmosphere. For those seeking adventure holidays, this spot is worth visiting in tandem with the stunning natural backwaters. The trick with successful South India tours is to do less, rather than more, and plan to go back!
Below is a selection of our favourite India itineraries, but please bear in mind that all of Ampersand Travel’s tours are bespoke for each and every client. Our specialists are more than happy to share their travel advice to fit your personal interests, as well as provide insights on the best times to visit South India – especially during special festivals and events - while planning your India trip to this wonderful part of the country.
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Our suggested tours in South India
The Palaces, Wildlife, Plantations & Beaches of Karnataka
The astounding ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire at Hampi, exquisite rock cut temples of Badami, Pattadkal and Halebeedu, and giant...
View hereThe Hidden Beaches of the Andaman Islands
Explore the hidden beaches and secret gems of India’s underrated and laid-back Andaman Islands on this relaxing 12-day itinerary.
View hereBoutique South India: From Chennai to Cochin
This tailor made tour of South India comprises some of the best boutique hotels in the area, providing a unique...
View hereEssential India... Our Comprehensive Tour of North & South India
This itinerary is one of our absolute favourites. It combines the fascinating historical and natural gems of the northern regions...
View hereTamil Nadu & the Andaman Islands... Cultural Tour & Beach Holiday in South India
A chance to experience two extremes of India: Tamil Nadu, a fabulous alternative to Rajasthan renowned for its incredible centuries-old...
View hereClassic Kerala Holiday... Beautiful Beaches & Balmy Backwaters in South India
A relaxed introduction to the diverse and beautiful state of Kerala, loved for her friendly charm, incredible Keralan cuisine and...
View hereTamil Nadu & Kerala... A Luxury Tailor-made Tour of South India
Towering temples, mist shrouded hills and palm fringed beaches are just a few of the incredible sights that await you...
View hereImmersive Journey through South India
At Ampersand we share Conde Nast's philosophy towards luxury travel, so when we organised a press trip for them to...
View hereGrand Tour of South India... Our Signature Family-friendly Holiday
This fabulous journey cherry-picks the region's highlights, from the colonial charm of Cochin and the buzzing temple-town of Madurai to the...
View hereMystical Tamil Nadu... Our Sacred South India Tour
Exploring the myths and legends of the sacred south-east, this journey encapsulates the essence of the spiritual state of Tamil...
View hereDeccan Discovery... Archaeology, Ancient Temples & Train Journeys in South India
This extraordinary itinerary provides comfortable access to some of the most beautiful locations in southern India and to the Deccan,...
View hereFrom Bhutan to India’s Andaman Islands... A Romantic Adventure from Mountain to Beach
Bhutan and the Andamans could hardly be more different, a fantastic itinerary of mountain peaks and tropical reefs…
View hereSome of our favourite hotels in South India
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa ,
Goa
Located on the southwest coast of Goa, just 150 metres from the Arabian sea, this beach resort offers all the...
View here Svatma ,
Tanjore
Svatma is a unique hotel in one of Tamil Nadu’s most remarkable ancient cities – Tanjore – which immerses its guests in...
View here Elsewhere ,
Goa
Elsewhere is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Beach Hotels On a totally private spit of land overlooking the ocean, separated...
View here Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate ,
Coorg
Located in the hills of the Western Ghats, Karnataka, Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate offers a unique opportunity to experience a...
View here The Leela Palace ,
Chennai
On the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Adyar river, The Leela Palace launched in January 2013 and...
View here MS Oberoi Vrinda ,
Kerala
The Oberoi Vrinda is an exclusive cruiser that offers a luxurious journey through the picturesque and lush backwaters of Kerala....
View hereSome of our favourite places of interest in South India
Kumbakonam
The great temple town of Kumbakonam, one of the oldest and most important religious centres, lies between the Kaveri and...
View herePeriyar
This vast reserve, stretching over 750 square kilometres of densely forested terrain in the Cardomom Hills, does have a few...
View hereCoorg
Known as the ‘Coffee Cup of India’, Coorg occupies a verdant slice of Karnataka whose cool, hilly plantations are the...
View hereBangaram Island
India's tiniest Union Territory, the Lakshadweep Archipelago, is a cluster of 27 idyllic islands set in the Arabian Sea, between...
View hereTanjore
The vast delta of the Kaveri River is a fertile rice-growing region, and Tanjore is its busiest rural centre. Once...
View hereChennai
Stretching along India’s south eastern Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, Chennai (formerly Madras) is the fourth largest city in India and...
View here