Inspiring • Authentic • Tailor-Made

Inspiring • Authentic • Tailor-Made

Pettitts Travel UK 01892515966

Southern India Holidays

The south, more exotic than the north, is the crossroads of many cultures and predominately comprises of the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana. One of the best places to visit in southern India, Tamil Nadu is the better known of the three and offers the chance to discover some of India's greatest temple treasures. The religious complexes in Madurai, Kumbakonam, Chidambaram and Tanjore are exceptional whilst the exquisite mansions of Karaikudi and the picturesque former French colony of Pondicherry are fascinating places to explore and can form the basis of an excellent cultural and heritage tour. To the north, visit the regal city of Mysore, then enter underexplored Karnataka. Highlights here include the deserted Hindu city of Hampi, the temples of Belur and Halebid, the stunning Islamic architecture of Bijapur and the excellent nature reserves of Nagarhole and Bandipur where wildlife safaris can be arranged. Hyderabad, capital of neighbouring Telangana, is a grand city and home to a number of impressive monuments including the 17th century Char Minar, Chowmahalla Palace and 700 year old Golconda Fort, and provides a fascinating contrast to the wider region.

Holiday Ideas for Southern India

A Journey through South India

24 days from
£5545 per person

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Hidden Treasures of the Deccan Plateau

16 days from
£3740 per person

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Karnataka's Hidden Treasures

16 days from
£3595 per person

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Undiscovered Karnataka and Kerala

14 days from
£3620 per person

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The Wildlife of Southern India

14 days from
£3800 per person

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Eastern India and the Tribes of Orissa

17 days from
£4310 per person

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When to visit Southern-India

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Best Times
Good Times

When planning a holiday to southern India you will need to consider where it is you will be visiting since the climate is heavily influenced by the heights of the Western Ghats which run on a north-south axis and cleave the region in two. The result of this geological formation is that the regions either side of the Ghats each receive their respective monsoons at different times of the year – Karnataka between June and September and Tamil Nadu from October to December. Therefore, if planning to visit both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu the best time to visit is from mid-December to the end of March. As the year progresses temperatures steadily rise and although the hills provide respite, the plains can be very hot making this the best time to undertake a wildlife safari. It is not uncommon for Tamil Nadu to receive short, sharp downpours throughout the year, however, this is unlikely to occur in Karnataka and Telangana which, outside of the rainy season, have generally settled weather with clear skies and warm sunny days.

What is a Tailor-Made Holiday?

We create a holiday tailored to your specific requirements, including:

  • When you go
  • Duration
  • Time spent in each place
  • How much you want to spend

We offer our experience and knowledge to help create your perfect, tailor-made itinerary

What to do in Southern India

Southern India is incredibly diverse. A melting pot of cultures, languages and religion, geology, architecture and wildlife, the region has much to offer. Tamil Nadu, dominated by the historic city of Chennai, is best known for its distinctive temples – towering gopurams resplendent with colourful carvings and cavernous interiors. With a distinct and proud Tamil heritage, over the centuries Tamil Nadu’s cultural traditions were largely maintained from outside influences and this is clearly seen in the buildings and architecture. Often overlooked Karnataka is home to a host of spectacular sights from palaces, national parks such as Nagarhole and archaeological remains to barefoot coastal retreats. A highlight of the region is Hampi, one of the best places to visit in southern India, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the epicentre of the of the all-powerful Vijayanagara Empire. From Karnataka it is also possible to travel overland through the historic towns of Badami, Bijapur and Gulbarga to Hyderabad, capital of Telangana, with its extraordinary collection of Islamic monuments or west towards the beach resorts of Goa. As India specialists, bespoke India travel is second nature to us so, whether you wish to undertake a cultural and heritage tour, wildlife safari or stay in a yoga and wellness retreat, all of our southern India travel packages are one-off, memorable and unique.

Head Office: 8-9 Orchard Business Centre, North Farm Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent, TN2 3XF

London Office: 5th Floor, 116 Pall Mall (IoD Building), London, SW1Y 5ED

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01892 515 966

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