Kerala & The South Tours & Holidays
Kerala & The South Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
The Indian South is a land of myths, mysteries and magnificent structures. It is a colourful delight of nature and culture, from the beaches and backwaters of the Keralan coast, to the temples of Tamil Nadu and the sandalwood forests of Karnataka. But most of all, with its exquisite hotels and delicious cuisine, it is a perfect place for a truly relaxing holiday.
The East India Company established a trading post at Chennai (Madras) in the 17th century and from here began their southern ...
The Indian South is a land of myths, mysteries and magnificent structures. It is a colourful delight of nature and culture, from the beaches and backwaters of the Keralan coast, to the temples of Tamil Nadu and the sandalwood forests of Karnataka. But most of all, with its exquisite hotels and delicious cuisine, it is a perfect place for a truly relaxing holiday.
The East India Company established a trading post at Chennai (Madras) in the 17th century and from here began their southern journey. But they weren’t the first to arrive from the West; the Dutch, the French and the Portuguese – Vasco da Gama died in Cochin in 1524 – were already established in the region as the Malabar Coast became a fundamental stepping stone in the race to bring spices to Europe.
And it is perhaps Kerala – the land of the coconut (as the name denotes) – that draws the traveller most. This tropical paradise – so different from the frenetic mayhem of the north – has been certified by the National Geographic as one of the 50 must-see destinations in a lifetime. And for good reason. The serene beaches, lush vegetation, mellow mountains, spice-perfumed air, exquisite hotels and an amiable culture that embraces Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism and Judaism gives Kerala its unique identity. To drift along the backwaters in an old rice barge is one of life’s highlights you will never forget.
Whether you wish to sample the long and varied history of the old Cochin Port or the ancient and intricate temples at Hassan and Madurai; the spice gardens and fish markets of the Malabar Coast or the magnificent palace at Mysore; the tranquil palm fringed canals of the famous backwaters; the history of the Raj, Colonel Wellesley and Tippu Sultan or the fascinating Kathakali dance and Kabalyam martial art; and the breathtaking scenery of the hills and tea plantations of Ooty and Munnar or the wildlife forests at Periyar and Mudumalai, South India encompasses scenic beauty, exquisite architecture, excellent cuisine, diverse arts and crafts, and a dense and magical culture.
Wild Frontiers runs wonderfully balanced group itineraries to South India and tailor-made holidays throughout the year. Speak to our experts to find out the best South Indian experiences and accommodations for you.
Best experiences

Bring White Mughals to life
Step into William Dalrymple's White Mughals, by visiting the locations from the 18th century tragic love story. Highlights include the British Residency and its grounds, the graveyard and the ruins of the mansion that James Kirkpatrick built for his wife.
Explore Hyderabad with Jonty
Enjoy a day out with one of the country's best guides. This packed itinerary takes you everywhere from a fort to a palace, weavers to mosques. Sample local chai and home-cooked biriyani, winding up with the bangle-makers and sari embroiderers at Old Bazaar.
Make a biriyani detour
Whisk your way through biryani hubs and handis of fragrant rice, whilst learning secret, local recipes. A true staple of Indian cuisine and life for centuries, The Biriyani Detour would of course not be complete without sampling the dish itself!
Get to the heart of Bangalore
Step into the oldest neighbourhood of the city on this Pete Walk. Your expert guide will give you an insight into local culture, as you experience the buzz of the market, hop into tea stalls and understand the unique architecture that surrounds you.
See sloth bears in a sanctuary
Visit Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, which provides life-time care for sloth bears previously exposed to trauma in the dancing bear trade. Home to over 70 sloth bears, we will get to know the residents and their daily routines within the lush grounds.
Take a walk through foodie heaven
Mooch around Malleswaram market to discover all its culinary delights - whether fruits or spices, coffee beans or papads. Whilst your foodie guide talks you through authentic vegetarian South Indian cuisine, you'll stop by some eateries to sample the goods.
Journey through myths & rituals
Explore the historic neighbourhood of Mylapore with a local storyteller, who will talk you through myths at Kapaleeshwarar Temple and rituals at a local home. Taking a tuk-tuk, you visit the oldest church in Chennai, before refreshments in a local cafe..
Feast your eyes on flowers
Navigate your way through the city's colourful Flower Market as it bursts into life. Observing the daily activities of the vendors, your guide will explain the importance of each flower to Indian culture and Hindu religion. It is worth the early wake-up call!
Appreciate ancient art forms
Meet the teachers and students at Kalakshetra Foundation Performing Arts School and Weaving Centre on this guided tour of the campus. Preserving ancient art forms, witness morning prayer under the banyan tree and saree weavers at work, amongst other traditions.
Pop to Chanderi & Karaikudi markets
Join the people of Chettinad at the small local markets, held weekly in the villages and twice weekly in Karaikudi. There's nothing quite like a market to get an insight into local life, as well as the incredible diversity of vegetables in the region!
Behold the clay horses of Ayyanar
Get acquainted with Ayyanar, who astride his horse is believed to protect the village from harm. The terracotta horses are votive offerings in Ayyanar temples. Not only do you see the shrines themselves, you also visit the Aranthangi potters that make them.
Marvel at the Chettinad mansions
Understand why UNESCO recognised Chettinad Mansions for their cultural importance on this guided tour. Featuring many a hand-made tile, see how they are created at Aathangudy Tile Makers - all before your final stop at a handloom weaver for vibrant textiles.
Delight in an evening of Kathakali
While away an evening at Greenix Village, witnessing this highly stylised classical dance show. Together with bright costumes and painted faces, Kathakali opens a window into the ancient stories and heritage of South India ever so beautifully and uniquely.
Trace Cochin’s Jewish heritage
Wander through the Jewish Quarter, visiting the Paradesi Synagogue and Namya Mott's tomb at the cemetery, as a patron saint in the community. After lunch, the owner of Kadavum Bagam Synagogue will give you a very special tour.
Cook Keralan cuisine with Neema
Meet Neema in her home for a traditional Keralan cookery class. After sourcing the ingredients at the local market, learn everything from the cooking utensils to the best way to serve your dishes. You can then enjoy the results in the Neema's dining room.
Kayak through the Mangrove Trails
Enjoy this guided kayaking trail through the Candolim river in North Goa and explore its beautiful and biodiverse mangrove forests. Paddle through intricate ecosystems and see firsthand the diversity of wildlife in them as you obtain an immersive experience that combines adventure and learning.
Take a Heritage walk through Old Goa
This fascinating heritage walk around Velha Goa (Old Goa), former capital city of the Portuguese colonial empire, is one of the last surviving relics of a long lost past. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Velha Goa houses some of the state's oldest churches and monuments.
Explore the tastes of Goa
Experience the best of Panjim's culinary delights with our Goan Feni & Tapas Food Trail. You’ll enjoy a night filled with delicious food, premium Feni, and exotic Feni-based cocktails!
Take a wildlife boat trip
Learn all you need to know about the conservation and preservation of Goa's most treasured aquatic wildlife. Get to know the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin and various other aquatic species that call this strip of sea home.
Discover an underwater paradise
The Andamans are home to some of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the world. Shallow reefs support the diverse marine life and you can learn about ways to help preserve the area through local efforts.
Kayak through mangrove forests
Learn about the islands' rich biodiversity as you jump in a kayak and navigate your way through forested waterways, an alternative way to experience the diverse nature of this area.