Welcome to our South India Tours & Trips
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
Essential 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 hereThe 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 hereTamil Nadu & Kerala: From Coast to Coast
From Tamil Nadu to Kerala; a comprehensive tour from the Coromandel Coast to the Malabar Coast. Towering temples, mist shrouded hills...
View hereToy Trains & Tamil Nadu
Exploring the sacred state of Tamil Nadu, this journey encapsulates the essence of the history, culture and spirituality of South...
View hereClassic Kerala... Beautiful Beaches & Balmy Backwaters in South India
A relaxed introduction to the friendly charm, incredible cuisine and fascinating history of the beautiful state of Kerala.
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 10-day itinerary.
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 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 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 hereSome of our favourite hotels in South India
Spice Coast Cruises ,
Vembanad Lake
Spice Coast Cruises offer an exclusive experience to enjoy a luxurious journey on a traditional Kettuvallom boat, through the picturesque and lush backwaters...
View here Taj Connemara ,
Chennai
Standing proud as the only heritage hotel in Chennai, the Taj Connemara is conveniently located in the city's business district. Beautifully combining old-world...
View here Brunton Boatyard ,
Cochin
Sitting on the waterfront of Cochin Harbour, this elegant white-washed building lies within the northern shores of Fort Cochin. What was formerly 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 Coconut Lagoon ,
Kumarakom
Located on the eastern shores of Vembanad Lake, Coconut Lagoon is a palm-framed haven of relaxation, set on an abandoned coconut...
View here Visalam ,
Chettinad
Visalam is an elegant 70-year-old Chettiar Mansion which has been carefully converted into a boutique hotel in the heart of this fascinating...
View hereSome of our favourite places of interest in South India
Tellicherry
Tellicherry Black Pepper is the most famous product of this little coastal town in northern Kerala, which became a busy...
View hereKumarakom
Behind the peninsula stretching from Cochin down to Alleppey is a vast lagoon, Lake Vembanad, a reservoir for the streams...
View hereKovalam
Kovalam's sandy beaches are lined with palm-fringed lagoons and rocky coves. Its close proximity to Trivandrum however has meant that...
View hereNeeleshwar
Neeleshwar is a tranquil area of empty beaches fringed by coconut plantations, uncrowded inland waterways and lush hillside spice gardens...
View hereBandipur National Park
Established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, Bandipur is located in the south Indian state of Karnataka,...
View hereHyderabad
A city where the north meets the south, Hyderabad is the fourth largest city in India. Built on the banks of...
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