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House boat in backwaters near palms at cloudy blue sky in Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Kerala & South India Holidays


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

With long palm-fringed coastlines dotted with a wide variety of resorts, you are sure to find your perfect beach idyll in this part of the world. 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 Kerala and South India holidays and we have a dedicated team of destination specialists who are a mine of information about what to do in Kerala and South India, 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 Kerala and South India holiday - they are the perfect people to ask.
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WHERE TO GO IN KERALA & SOUTH INDIA

Each region of South India boasts its own attractions and it’s no exaggeration to say each merits a holiday in its own right.

Click on the tiles below to browse a list of our preferred accommodation in each South India holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Chennai
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, serves as one of the main gateways to South India. As the first major British settlement on the subcontinent, this vibrant metropolis has a wealth of historic buildings in Fort St George, atmospheric narrow lanes, and its two mile long Marina Beach is a popular spot for an evening stroll.
Kochi
The thriving port city of Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, has been an important trading centre since the 14th Century. Kochi’s fascinating story as a melting pot of religions and cultures is reflected in its mix of old houses built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the famous Chinese fishing nets, the small Jewish community and some of the oldest mosques in India.
Kerala's Backwaters
Cruising the backwaters on one of Kerala’s houseboats allows you to experience the full beauty and tranquillity of the state’s inland waterways. An overnight stay on board is often considered a highlight of a tour of Southern India. TF’s own Carrie Hawes, from our Content team, shares her guide on what to expect on a backwater cruise.
Kovalam
Located at the southernmost tip of India, the once sleepy fishing village of Kovalam has grown over the years to become Kerala’s liveliest and most developed beach resort. The three main crescent shaped beaches are popular with tourists and locals alike and there’s a good range of hotels and restaurants to choose from.
Marari
Located just an hour’s drive south of Cochin, peaceful Marari boasts a long stretch of soft, sandy beach and offers a more barefoot experience than some of India’s more established beach destinations.
Munnar
South India’s largest and highest tea growing region, the rolling hills surrounding Munnar town provide a delightful vista of beautifully clipped tea bushes cascading down the slopes in neat rows. Located in a former British hill station, the fascinating Tea Museum explores the production process of tea, and at an altitude of 1,500m, its cooler climate provides great conditions for hiking.
Northern Kerala
Northern Kerala
Things quieten down considerably in Kerala’s far north, where the unspoilt coastline around Bekal and Neeleshwar provides the perfect place to relax and unwind. The nearby northern backwaters are also ideal for a blissfully peaceful houseboat cruise. Whilst more off the beaten track a visit to Northern Kerala is well worth the journey.
Tamil Nadu’s Temple Cities
Tamil Nadu’s Temple Cities
The temple cities of Tanjore, Trichy and Madurai are a must on any Tamil Nadu itinerary. Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities, is home to the unmissable 17th Century Meenakshi Amman Temple. Capital of the legendary Chola Empire, throngs of pilgrims worship at Tanjore’s 1,000-year-old Brihadisvara Temple each day, while Trichy’s Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most revered shrines in South India.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO KERALA & SOUTH INDIA

Nobody offers more ways to explore Kerala & South India than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular holidays to Kerala & South India. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.

Alternatively give us a call and one of our expert travel consultants can tailormake your perfect private tour.
Misty Mountains and Beautiful Backwaters
Private Tour
12 days / 11 nights

This tour takes in Kerala’s magnificent mountain scenery and the charming colonial city of Kochi along with an extended stay on the beautiful backwaters.

Guide Price: €2,449 pp

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Grand Tour of South India
Private Tour
18 days / 17 nights

Discover Tamil Nadu’s vibrant temple cities, Periyar’s wildlife and Kerala’s beautiful backwaters as you travel east to west across Southern India.

Guide Price: €3,849 pp

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Premium South India
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
13 days / 12 nights

Swaying palm trees, rolling hills and calm backwaters make up southern India's lush landscape and on this 13-day Premium adventure, you’ll travel off the tourist trail.

Guide Price: €2,310 pp

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Southern India
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
15 days / 14 nights

Explore lush and tropical Southern India on this 15-day adventure through lush lands and small villages.

Guide Price: €1,364 pp

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Classic Kerala & Marari Beach
Multi Centre Holiday
16 days / 15 nights

Explore the very best of the southern state of Kerala on this tour of Cochin, the hill country, backwaters and beaches.

Guide Price: €3,655 pp

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Cycle Kerala & Tropical India
Guided Small Group Cycling Tour
14 days / 13 nights

Jump on the saddle to discover laidback southern India on this cycling group adventure.

Guide Price: €3,300 pp

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OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN KERALA & SOUTH INDIA

We feature a great range of accommodation in Kerala & South India, with something to suit all budgets. A stay here offers a laidback contrast to the frenetic whirl of Rajasthan and the North. From glamorous lakeside properties and secluded mountainous retreats to traditional rustic dwellings and relaxed beach resorts, southern India offers something to suit all tastes and ensures an unforgettable experience.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Kerala & South India hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Maison Perumal
3 plus star

Puducherry

With its tall arched windows and white façade, this 18th Century house is a beautiful example of Franco-Tamil architectural style,and has been painstakingly restored to create a charming boutique hotel.
Kumarakom Lake Resort
4 plus star

Kerala's Backwaters

This gorgeous property is nestled amongst 25 acres of lush greenery on the banks of Lake Vembanad – an idyllic place from which to enjoy the tranquillity of Kerala’s famous backwaters.
SpiceTree Munnar
4 star

Munnar

Set dramatically in the hills and surrounded by stunning landscapes, SpiceTree Munnar is located 18 miles from the town of Munnar.
The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel
4 plus star

Kovalam

Spread across 67 acres and perched majestically atop a rocky headland, this large resort combines an excellent range of facilities with spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.
Marari Beach
4 star

Marari

A tribute to the fisherfolk of the region, this relaxed resort is set on 30 acres of coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and a large organic farm, beside the unspoilt Marari Beach.
Brunton Boatyard
4 plus star

Kochi

Occupying a prime position on Fort Kochi’s waterfront on the site of a 19th Century shipyard, this charming property has been designed to faithfully reflect the area’s diverse history and to blend in with the surrounding traditional architecture.

WHAT TO DO IN KERALA & SOUTH INDIA

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, Kerala & South India is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique insight into the culture that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

Northern India is renowned for coconut-based curry and rice dishes, and sampling local flavours is sure to be a highlight of any stay, whether you choose to add on a cookery class or a street food walking tour. Other popular excursions include heritage walking and cycling tours of historic cities and food market experiences.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your Kerala & South India holiday to life.
French Quarter Walking Tour
3 hours
Departs: Pondicherry

Uncover hidden gems of this city's jewel box of a French Quarter on a stroll with your private ...

Chennai's Morning Market
2 hours
Departs: Chennai

Early mornings are when Chennai’s market, one of India’s largest and liveliest, is at its energetic ...

Cycle Tour of Fort Kochi
4 hours
Departs: Kolkata

Saddle up for a leisurely exploration of Fort Kochi by pedal power! Your private guide will keep to ...

Keralan Cooking Class
3 hours
Departs: Kochi

All budding chefs should try their hand at cooking the Keralan way. Your host is a bit of a ...

Fort Kochi Heritage Walking Tour
3-4 hours
Departs: Kochi

Uncover the unique and eclectic heritage of Fort Kochi as you wander the charming narrow streets ...

Old Goa & Panjim's Latin Quarter Walking Tour
5 hours
Departs: Goa

Whilst no longer considered the ‘Rome of the East’ as in its 17th Century heyday, Old Goa is a ...

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KERALA & SOUTH INDIA?

The best time to visit South India is during the region's cooler season between June and March. Cool does not necessarily mean cold as daytime temperatures remain high, with clear skies and sunshine.

From April to June, with the exception of the Himalayas, India experiences a hot and humid climate by day and night. The monsoon typically falls on Goa from May to September and South India from June to November. The climate is very humid and wet at this time.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit India.

JAN

32
9h  2cm

FEB

32
9h  3cm

MAR

33
8h  4cm

APR

33
8h  12cm

MAY

32
7h  21cm

JUN

30
5h  34cm

JUL

30
5h  24cm

AUG

30
6h  16cm

SEP

30
6h  18cm

OCT

30
6h  27cm

NOV

31
6h  19cm

DEC

31
7h  7cm

Kerala & South India Fast Facts

What is the time difference in Kerala & South India?

India is 5:30 hours ahead of GMT and there are no daylight savings clock changes

How long is the flight to Kerala & South India?

Flight time to India averages between 9 to 11 hours depending on the destination

What currency is used in Kerala & South India?

Indian Rupee (INR). ATM's are available in cities and large towns and most hotels accept credit/debit cards

Do you tip in Kerala & South India?

Tipping in India is customary but not obligatory. A tip of around 10% for service staff is usually sufficient

What language is spoken in Kerala & South India?

There are many languages spoken in India, the most common being Hindi. English is also widely spoken

Do I need a visa to travel to Kerala & South India?

A visa is required for travel to India (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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