South India
A heavenly mix of rolling hills, serene backwaters and fragrant spice plantations, South India is a nature lover's paradise.
Intro
South India is where you come to unwind and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Whether you're seeking some quiet time on Goa's beaches, wanting to cruise along the palm-fringed waters of Kerala, or fancy exploring the ancient cave temples of Karnataka, South India is every much as intriguing as its northern neighbour but a lot more relaxed.
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Why travel with us ?
Throughout our time travelling through southern India we very quickly came to realise that South India is far more than just the backwaters of Kerala and idyllic beaches of Goa pictured in most tourism videos for this region. Its distinct cultures, languages, cuisine and scenery make this a region well worth exploring.ÂOur top tip travelling to this part of India would be to venture off-the-beaten-track - whether it be in the tropical forests of Wayanad in northern Kerala or exploring some of India's best ancient stone architecture in Karnataka. On our Kerala & Karnataka Explorer tour, put yourselves in the shoes of Indiana Jones and wander the surreal boulder-strewn landscapes of Hampi and the 6th century cave temples in Badami.Â
Any visit to neighbouring Tamil Nadu must take in the towering Meenakshi temple in Madurai as well as the caves and stone carvings in Mahabalipuram, a short drive from Chennai. We also found this a good base to explore the former French colony of Pondicherry, although we suggest spending a few days there to soak in its charm. With such a rich tapestry of history and colonial legacy, our excellent local guides will lead you on a fascinating walking tour of Cochin, Chennai, Mysore, Panjim and Pondicherry.
For nature lovers, there is no place anywhere in the world like the Western Ghats, recognised by UNESCO as a biodiversity hotspot. It has seemingly endless rolling hills, tea plantations, rich and varied flora including an abundance of orchids, and it is teeming with bird life. We can organise treks and village stays here. Larger mammals, especially wild elephants can also be regularly spotted in Periyar, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Kabini.Â
We also fell in love with the food here, so we have developed a food-themed Taste of South India tour, taking in many cultural sites but at the same time learning about the region's central role in the spice route with a tour of spice plantations, visiting local food markets, and feasting on the best regional dishes.Â
With so many diverse options available, contact us and one of our India specialists can help you plan your perfect trip to South India.
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