India Wonderland, a bespoke tour operator, debuts six new South India Tours: Golden Triangle with Kerala, Kerala Ayurveda Backwaters Tour, Kerala Honeymoon Tour, Kerala Ooty Tour, South India Cultural Tour, and South India Pilgrimage Tour. The South India Tours showcase the “wonderland” of the country’s rich history, diverse culture, stunning architecture, rare exotic animals, tranquil waters, and, of course, tea and spice plantations.
Did you know . . .
- “Heritage tourism attracts travelers seeking authentic experiences, educational value, and meaningful cultural engagement rather than conventional leisure travel.”
- “Roughly 330–378 million tourists travel annually for religious or spiritual purposes, seeking self-enrichment, yoga, meditation, and heritage experiences.”
- “Wildlife tourism is a rapidly expanding sector, with the global market projected to reach over USD 380 billion by 2033.”
“Through our new South India Tours, we wanted to go beyond the expected and introduce travelers to the deeper, more meaningful side of India,” says Sanjay Poddar, head of operations, India Wonderland. “From sacred temples and vibrant traditions to serene backwaters and wildlife encounters, each journey is thoughtfully designed to create lasting, authentic connections.”
South India, also known as “God’s Own Country,” is known for its rich history, diverse cultures, Ayurveda (a traditional healing medicine focused on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through diet, herbal remedies, yoga, and massage), tranquil backwaters, teas, and spices.
South India offers a captivating blend of history, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. Travelers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, known for its seventh- and eighth-century temples and chariot-shaped rathas, along with historic landmarks including Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, San Thome Basilica, St. Francis CSI Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral at Fort Kochi, and Hill Palace.
Visitors can unwind with a houseboat cruise through Alleppey’s peaceful backwaters, known as the “Venice of the East,” while enjoying authentic Keralan cuisine prepared with aromatic spices, curry leaves, and fresh coconut. Tea and spice experiences also provide a closer look at South India’s renowned plantations, from Munnar’s tea estates and museum to spice regions in Periyar and Thekkady featuring cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and vanilla.
Nature lovers can encounter exotic wildlife, including Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, sambar deer, and endangered mountain goats, while birdwatchers can explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and migratory bird habitats such as Pathiramanal Island. Scenic boat rides, elephant experiences, cave exploration at Guna and Gudiyam Caves, and breathtaking landscapes—including Thalaiyar Falls, Lakkam Waterfalls, Echo Point, and Kodaikanal Lake—complete the journey through South India’s diverse wonders.
The South India Tours “wonderland” adventures are listed below.
Golden Triangle With Kerala Tour: The 11-day and 10-night escorted tour ventures from Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, to Alleppey. Tour highlights include Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial), Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, City Palace, Jal Mahal (a little palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and Jantar Mantar (India’s largest observatory). The adventure also includes a parade of elephants in Thekkady, spice-scented farms, exotic animals at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and a houseboat cruise.
Kerala Ayurveda Backwaters Tour: The 6-day and 5-night adventure explores Cochin, Kumarakom, and Alleppey and returns to Cochin. Memorable moments include a Colchin (now known as Kochi, the “Queen of the Arabian Sea) city tour, Ayurveda treatments (rejuvenation therapies, steam baths, and yoga), and a houseboat cruise.
Kerala Honeymoon Tour: The 7-day and 6-night tour travels from Kochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, and a houseboat. Majestic moments include Kathakali (a traditional Kerala dance performance), Cheeyappara Waterfalls, bamboo rafting, hiking near the border, camping, a boat safari at Lake Periyar, and a houseboat cruise.
Kerala Ooty Tour: The 10-day and 9-night guided tour visits Bangalore, Mysore, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Cochin. Majestic moments include Mysore Palace, the Dasara Festival, Brindavan Gardens, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, the Folklore Museum, Jaganmohan Palace, Lalit Mahal Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, the Government Botanical Garden (300 varieties of roses), Palani Temples, and the Pillar Rocks (three massive pillars).
South India Cultural Tour: The 7-day and 6-night escorted tour travels from Madurai, Periyar, and Kumarakom to Kochi (Kerala). Tour highlights include the Shore Temple and Kanchipuram, known as the ‘City of Thousand Temples,’ and the ancient Shiva Temple of Kapaleeshwar and Meenakshi Amman Temple (known for its 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers)), the Government Museum and National Art Gallery, and the Valluvar Kottam monument.
South India Pilgrimage Tour: The 15-day and 14-night pilgrimage ventures from Chennai, Tirupati, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Rameswaram, Auroville, and Puttaparthi to Chennai. The spiritual journey will revamp the soul with stops at famous temples dedicated to Lord Muruga, including the Parthasarathy Temple and Vadapalani Temple, as well as other well-known Hindu temples such as the Ekambareswarar Temple (Shiva and Parvati), Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple, Sri Padmavathi Devi, and Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy.
Visitors will experience an Aarti ceremony, a popular Hindu ritual called the “ceremony of lights,” and will indulge in the 22 holy springs at Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. Additionally, they will receive rejuvenating therapies and yoga at the Quiet Healing Center, make a stop at the birthplace of Sri Sathya Sai Baba (a spiritual leader), and visit the Chaitanya Jyoti Museum, Gokulam, Meditation Tree, and the Wish-Fulfilling Tree.
“Our goal with these curated itineraries is to blend comfort with discovery while celebrating South India’s incredible diversity. Whether it’s Ayurveda, heritage, or nature, every experience is crafted to inspire, rejuvenate, and leave travelers with unforgettable memories of India’s true essence,” says Sanjay Poddar, head of operations, India Wonderland.
Visit India Wonderland to book the South India tours.
