Kerala & the South Holidays

Holidays in Kerala and tropical South India offer a laid back and charming contrast to the frenetic whirl of Rajasthan and the North.

If you want a taste of India’s culture and attractions with a bit of downtime added in, then the South is the place to do it. Whether it’s lazing on a palm tree backed beach in Goa or cruising the serene backwaters of Kerala aboard a traditional houseboat, these experiences allow time to rest and reflect and, more often than not, are the part of the holiday you'll rave about on your return.

Of course, away from the beaches and backwaters there are innumerable sights. The cities alone offer huge variety, from Kochi’s (previously known as Cochin) Chinese fishing nets and historic mosques, to Puducherry’s (previously known as Pondicherry) bougainvillea draped promenades and French architecture. The temple cities of Tamil Nadu are also a must, with a bevy of ancient wonders, including Madurai’s unmissable Meenakshi Amman complex and the revered shrine of Sri Ranganathaswamy in Trichy.

Away from the cities the rolling tea plantations near Munnar make for a refreshing contrast and showcase the sheer variety of natural beauty on offer in India’s idyllic south.

Trailfinders offers a wide range of India holidays and we have a dedicated team of destination specialists who are a mine of information about what to do in Kerala, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore India with a private car and driver, on a sociable small group tour, on a luxury rail journey, or are simply looking for advice on where best to enjoy your Goa beach holiday - they are the perfect people to ask.