Travel differently, travel better
Subscribe and receive our travel inspirations and practical advice twice a month.
Wanting to share your trip with a group?
Subscribe and receive our travel inspirations and practical advice twice a month.
Wanting to share your trip with a group?
and create the tailor-made trip that suits you
Glide Through the Backwaters of Kerala Cruising the backwaters of Kerala is more than a journey, it’s a slow, sensory immersion into rural South India. Aboard a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat, you drift past swaying coconut palms, mirror-like canals, and villages where life flows with the rhythm of the water. From Alleppey to Kumarakom, watch locals cast fishing nets, children wave from canal banks, and rice barges glide by a dreamlike way to discover authentic Kerala.
Discover the Healing Science of Ayurveda Rooted in over 5,000 years of wisdom, Ayurveda in South India is not just a wellness trend, it's a way of life. Whether you're unwinding with a warm oil Abhyanga massage in a heritage resort or committing to a full Panchakarma detox in the forest retreats of Wayanad or Kovalam, the region is globally renowned for its Ayurveda retreats in India. Many travellers return year after year, drawn by the promise of holistic healing.
Marvel at the Dravidian Temples of Tamil Nadu The temples of Tamil Nadu are architectural symphonies in stone. Towering gopurams (temple gateways), intricate carvings, and vibrant rituals await in sacred cities like Madurai, Thanjavur, Rameswaram, and Chidambaram. These living monuments are not museums they pulse with music, incense, festivals, and centuries of devotion. Step into a world where South Indian temple architecture meets spiritual spectacle.
Unwind on Goa’s Golden Beaches A heady mix of heritage and hedonism, Goa is India’s most laid-back coastal escape. Stroll past Portuguese churches, sip feni under the palms, or dance barefoot at a beach shack as the sun dips into the Arabian Sea. From the vibrant markets of Anjuna to the quiet sands of Palolem, Goa’s beaches are ideal for both solitude and celebration, a must for your South India beach holiday.
Explore Wildlife in the Western Ghats The Western Ghats, a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot, are home to lush jungles teeming with life. Go on a safari in Bandipur, track wild elephants in Periyar, or wake to the calls of hornbills in Nagarhole. South India’s national parks protect endangered species like the Bengal tiger, Malabar giant squirrel, and lion-tailed macaque, offering intimate encounters with the wild.
Walk the Ancient Spice Routes Spices shaped the history of the world and South India was at its aromatic heart. In Thekkady, Wayanad, and Coorg, walk through fragrant spice plantations, where cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves still grow in abundance. Learn about harvesting techniques, meet the farmers, and sip spiced tea while listening to stories of trade, conquest, and culinary exchange that once drew Arab, Portuguese, and Dutch merchants to these hills.
Travel Back in Time at Hampi Scattered across a surreal boulder-strewn landscape, the ruins of Hampi capital of the once-mighty Vijayanagara Empire are a testament to South India’s regal past. Wander past ancient marketplaces, elephant stables, and ornate temples like the Virupaksha and Vittala with its stone chariot. With its mix of history, myth, and natural wonder, Hampi is one of the most awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
With over 4,500 miles of stunning coastline, holidays to South India are a vivid canvas of white sand beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush tropical jungles, and shimmering seas. From the sun-drenched coves of Goa to the misty tea trails of the Nilgiri Hills, this region offers a sensorial journey into the vibrant heart of southern India.
At Shanti Travel, our team of local experts doesn’t just build holidays we craft stories that flow with the rhythm of South India: one conversation, one shared meal, one sunrise at a time. Whether you’re drifting along the canals of Kerala or sipping filter coffee in a Tamil village, every moment is infused with meaning and connection.
Tour South India and step into a world where life unfolds in bold, unforgettable hues. Trek through the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the planet’s richest ecological zones. Watch as elephants roam the forests of Bandipur and exotic birds take flight in the rainforests of Wayanad.
In Tamil Nadu, the skyline is crowned with towering Dravidian temples. Cities like Madurai and Kanchipuram burst with festivals, music, and intricate stone carvings that come alive during rituals. Meanwhile, for sea lovers, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in India, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
And then there’s Kerala often called God’s Own Country, where life moves to the rhythm of paddles gliding through the backwaters. Cruise past villages in a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat, wander through the tea gardens of Munnar, and experience the timeless calm of Ayurvedic retreats nestled in the hills.
Every moment in South India is steeped in culture, flavour, and natural beauty. In Kerala, glide along palm-lined canals, join a cooking class to master coconut-infused curries, or witness a traditional Kathakali performance under the stars.
In Tamil Nadu, marvel at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, take part in vibrant festivals like Pongal, or shop for luxurious Kanchipuram silk sarees. In Karnataka, discover the surreal ruins of Hampi, the coffee-scented hills of Coorg, or the spiritual beach town of Gokarna, a peaceful alternative to Goa.
Whether you're trekking the Nilgiris, meditating in Auroville, or exploring colonial-era streets in Pondicherry, a South India tour reveals a land where tradition and nature live in graceful harmony.
Dreaming of a romantic getaway? Honeymoon holidays in South India are infused with warmth, beauty, and timeless charm. Drift on a sunset cruise in Alleppey, wake to birdsong in a Wayanad treehouse, or unwind at a luxury beach resort in Mararikulam. Add candlelit dinners, fragrant monsoon walks, and soulful conversations in the hills and you’ve found the perfect recipe for an unforgettable honeymoon.
From heritage hotels in Chettinad to private cottages in the Western Ghats, South India offers endless moments of romance.
Whether you're a culture lover, beach seeker, adventure traveller, or honeymooner, South India has something extraordinary to offer. Let our local travel designers craft a custom South India itinerary, designed entirely around your interests.
Contact our travel experts today to plan your journey, and discover the magic, mystery, and majesty of one of India’s most captivating regions.
Over the years, I’ve had the joy of guiding travellers through the lush landscapes, sacred temples, and sun-drenched shores of South India. Each journey reveals something new, a coastal ritual at dawn, the scent of cardamom in the hills, or the golden shimmer of a Kathakali dancer’s crown under temple lights.
Stretching from the Western Ghats to the Bay of Bengal, from the palm-lined beaches of Goa to the coral reefs of the Andaman Islands, South India is a vivid canvas of contrasts and an unforgettable travel destination. Whether you're chasing monsoon trails in Wayanad, walking through centuries-old Chola temples in Tamil Nadu, or sipping fresh coconut water after a swim in the Arabian Sea, there's magic in every moment.
Tour South India to experience its legendary hospitality and rhythmic soul. Rejuvenate with ancient Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala, drift along its romantic backwaters, or explore the rich colonial heritage of Pondicherry. The regal ruins of Hampi, the architectural marvels of Belur and Halebidu, and the wildlife sanctuaries of Kabini and Periyar open up the region’s wild and royal sides.
Festival lovers? Time your trip around Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Onam in Kerala, or Hampi Utsav in Karnataka to witness a burst of color, music, and devotion. And don’t miss the culinary trail from spicy Chettinad curries and crispy dosas to the coastal seafood feasts of the Konkan.
Whether you're a solo explorer, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family in search of meaningful experiences, I’ll help you craft a tailor-made holiday to South India that flows with your style and spirit.
Let’s create your journey together, one that lets you soak in the depth, grace, and timeless charm of this incredible region.
| Climate in South India | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperature in C° | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 23 |
| Sunny days per month | 25 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
