South India
Explore the majestic colonial backdrops of India’s tropical south by tuk-tuk, hike through mystical tea mountains, and paddle through an enchanted water world. Learn about sustainable living in Auroville and discover the laid-back pace of the backwaters in Kochi. On the pulse of everyday life, we experience the many bright colours, scents and flavours of this fascinating country up close. What could be better?
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Full immersion into nature and culture
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Overnight stay on a traditional houseboat
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The backwaters – A fascinating water world
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Beach time on the Bay of Bengal
Visual inspiration
Details
Day 1, Thu, 12.02.2026: Welcome to South India
Upon your arrival in the morning, you’ll be welcomed with a smile and taken directly to breakfast. After you’ve checked in, get ready for a short city tour of Chennai. You’ll pass magnificent colonial buildings until you arrive at the 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. At the Madras Museum, India’s second oldest museum, you’ll admire bronzes from the Chola period as well as countless other treasures. What a great way to start off your unforgettable gay holiday!
Day 2, Fri, 13.02.2026: A treasure trove of archaeology
Your day begins with a visit to the Santhome Cathedral, a neo-gothic shrine which houses the remains of Thomas the Apostle. Afterwards, you’ll continue past Marina Beach, a natural urban beach stretching 13 kilometres and one of Chennai’s best-known landmarks. The route continues past the flower and fruit market, before you stop to visit the richly ornate Kapaleeshwarar Temple. From there, the journey continues to Mahabalipuram.
Why South India?
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With over a billion citizens as well as a multitude of languages, religions, customs, and cuisines, every region in India is fascinating in its own right. In South India, the mix of modern cities, sleepy villages and one-of-a-kind natural and cultural treasures makes it an ideal gay travel destination.
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South India is home to some of the most vibrant festivals, ancient temples, and mesmerising traditional dance forms. Cities like Madurai showcase breathtaking temple architecture, while the annual Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a haven for contemporary queer artists and global creatives.
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South India is famous for its Ayurvedic wellness retreats, yoga centers, and spa resorts - a chance to recharge your body and mind in a serene and welcoming environment.
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Cities like Chennai and Kochi have growing queer communities, LGBTQ+ events, and even Pride celebrations. While you won’t find a massive gay scene, there are plenty of safe and welcoming spaces to meet like-minded travellers and locals.
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Same-sex relations are legal in India. Owing in part to the popularity of the Bollywood industry, the media and Indian society are increasingly taking a stance on LGBT issues, especially in larger cities.
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Nevertheless, keep in mind that India is more traditionally oriented, and that sexuality is lived in private and not demonstrated in public.
Day 3, Sat, 14.02.2026: Temple hopping in Mahabalipuram
You’ll start the day with a visit to the fishermen in Devaneri. Make sure you’ve charged your camera: Between the surreal rock formations and dreamy Mahabalipuram Beach, you literally have millions of photo opportunities. On a tour of the city, you’ll discover impressive cave temples and elaborate relief sculptures. Among the highlights are the famous Shore Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Arjuna’s Penance, the Five Rathas, and several Mandapams. The sculptures here tell fascinating stories of deities, animals, Hindu legends and everyday life.
Day 4, Sat, 15.02.2026: Discovering utopia in Auroville
On your way to the southernmost tip of India just before Puducherry, you’ll stop at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community established by Sri Aurobindo in 1910, and learn about everyday life in an ashram. After a brief visit to the city museum of the former French colony, you’ll make a pit stop to admire the new age world of Auroville, an experimental township founded in 1968. Wait till you see Matrimandir – the golden orb!
Day 5, Mon, 16.02.2026: Dancing with the gods
Palm trees, sugar cane and small villages line our route to Tanjore on the Kaveri plain. On the way, you’ll stop in Tharangambadi – the “place of the singing waves”. Want to hear some Indian music? Your guide certainly has a wide selection for you to choose from. The rhythm will put you in the mood for your next stop in Chidambaram where you’ll visit a temple dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja, the King of Dance. Another architectural gem of the Chola kings awaits you in Darasuram as well: the Airavatesvara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Day 6, Tue, 17.02.2026 Temples and god makers
Today, you’ll explore the 1,000- year-old Brihadishvara Temple in Tanjore (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In Vaitheeshwaran Koyil, you’ll encounter mystical fortune tellers who can see what your future holds by reading your personal palm leaf. On an excursion to Madurai, you’ll marvel at a pious and lively ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple in the evening.
Day 7, Wed, 18.02.2026: In the heart of Tamil Nadu
Prepare to be mesmerised! Today, you’ll visit Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, one of India’s largest temples and the lifeline of the city of Madurai. Another architectural highlight follows: Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a magnificent and regal palace completed in 1636. Afterwards, it’s time to satisfy your appetite – explore the city’s diverse cuisine and experience how closely culinary art, history and culture are intertwined here.
Day 8, Thu, 19.02.2026: A bouquet of aromas
Lush landscapes and “spicy” mountains will escort you over the heights of the Cardamom Hills on a spectacular drive to Thekkady. In a spice garden, you’ll get tips from the spice masters on how to grow pepper and ginger. Make sure to take notes and try it out back home! In the evening, you’ll get to know the distinctive culture of South India during a demonstration of the traditional martial art of Karalipayattu.
Day 9, Fri, 20.02.2026: Tigers, tea and teak
The morning begins with a leisurely stroll through the tropical landscape where there are plenty of opportunities to become acquainted with the local flora and fauna. Afterwards, spend the day at your leisure exploring this spice paradise. There is so much for you to discover here on your gay holiday!
Day 10, Sat, 21.02.2026: Behind the tea hills
“God’s Own Country” is Kerala’s tourism slogan. It’s certainly not an overstatement with all these natural splendours! You’ve reached the next stop of your gay adventure – the backwaters, the river and canal system of Vembanad Lake. There you’ll board an air-conditioned, traditional wooden houseboat, which will be your means of transport and accommodation for the day. Enjoy a taste of Kerala’s culinary specialities during the boat ride and then settle in for the night as the sounds of nature lull you to sleep.
Hotels
During your gay holiday, you’ll be staying at a variety of hotels including the charming Heritage Madurai, the spacious Casino Hotel in Kochi and the beautifully situated Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa in Thekkady.
The Raintree Hotel ***** | Chennai
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay **** | Mahabalipuram
Shenbaga Hotel **** | Puducherry
Indeco Hotel Swamimalai **** | Swamimalai
Heritage Madurai ***** | Madurai
Amritara Spice Garden **** | Thekkady
Houseboat | Alleppey
Casino Hotel ***** | Kochi
Marari Beach Hotel **** | Maraikulam
If you book the seaside extension, you’ll spend three nights at the luxurious Marari Beach Hotel in Maraikulam.
Add-ons
4-day seaside extension on the Arabian Sea in Maraikulam: + € 930 (US$ 1008*) in a shared double room | + € 1400 (US$ 1517*) in a single room
Spend three nights at the luxurious Marai Beach Hotel in Maraikulam after your gay tour has officially ended. Relax your body, mind, and soul lounging at one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in India.
Included in the price of the extension package:
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3 nights in a shared or single room with bath or shower/WC
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Breakfast
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Private transfer to the airport – hotel – airport
* The USD prices quoted are approximate conversions of the binding EUR price. The actual USD amount will vary depending on the conversion rate of the payment service provider on the date of payment.
Day 11, Sat, 22.02.2026: Culinary traditions in Kumbalangi
After so many culinary highlights on your gay holiday, you’ve probably asked yourself where all these different ingredients come from. During a visit to an Indian village, you’ll learn about the sophisticated techniques used by the locals to harvest mussel meat, crab, and coconut leaves. Make sure to enjoy some freshly caught fish before your journey continues to Kochi.
Tour operator
This Guys.travel gay tour is organised and carried out by Marco Polo Reisen, a renowned specialist for worldwide discovery trips for over 60 years.
Day 12, Mon, 23.02.2026: In the kingdom of spices
Today you’ll dive into the history of multiculturalism in India in the 16th century. In the old town of Kochi, you’ll see colonial churches, synagogues, spice warehouses and even a Chinese fishing harbour. You’ll follow in the footsteps of adventurers from all over the world and hear fascinating stories about the people and traditions that shaped the culture of this wonderful place. During our final dinner together, you’ll have one last opportunity to savour the unique cuisine of South India and immerse yourself in the art of Indian dance drama. Later in the evening, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home. But you don’t have to leave just yet – you can book our seaside extension!
Seaside extension (optional)
Day 13-15, Tue-Thu, 24-26.02.2026: Beach time
What could be better than three more days of ultimate relaxation under the sun in Maraikulam on the Arabian Sea! Chill out on Marari beach, one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in India, visit other spectacular temples, or continue exploring the culinary wonders of the region. The possibilities are endless!
Day 16, Fri, 27.02.2026: Bye-bye, India!
All good things come to an end! Enjoy your last few hours in South India relaxing under the swaying palm trees. Your room is available until your departure. You’ll transfer to the Kochi Airport for your flight back home.
Prices and services
Share a room
€ 2099,-
≈ US$ 2274*
Have a room all to yourself
€ 2799,-
≈ US$ 3033*
Price per person includes:
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Transfers, excursions, and round trip in a local, air-conditioned coach
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13 nights in a shared or single room (+ € 700) with bath or shower/WC
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Breakfast, 4 x lunch, 12 x dinner
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Welcome and farewell dinners at local restaurants
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Train ride from Madurai to Villupuram
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Kalaripayattu demonstration
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Street food tour
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Itinerary as described (PDF)
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Entrance fees as per the itinerary
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Room until departure on the last day
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English-speaking Marco Polo tour guide in India
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CO2 compensation – climate neutral gay tour
* The USD prices quoted are approximate conversions of the binding EUR price. The actual USD amount will vary depending on the conversion rate of the payment service provider on the date of payment.
FEEDBACK
Patric | Switzerland
As on the first trip to North India, Jai was the perfect tour guide and was largely responsible for our positive experience. Once again, he guided us through the country with a lot of patience, empathy, wit and expertise and gave us an indescribably wonderful trip.
Thomas | Sweden
The decision to travel to India with you again proved to be absolutely right: I am very happy that I was also able to get to know the south of this beautiful country. Once again, I had wonderful experiences and impressions and met lovely people!
Pierre | France
Compared to the North India trip, this trip was a little more relaxed. The bus journeys were shorter, we often spent two nights in the same place and there was more time to relax. I particularly enjoyed the green and colorful flora in the south. An unforgettable trip!
Book your trip now
Travel cancellation insurance:
You can purchase travel cancellation insurance from us immediately after booking by clicking on the link provided in the confirmation e-mail.
Next steps
STEP 1:
After submitting the booking form, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt from Guys.travel with a comprehensive overview of the next steps.
STEP 2:
You will receive a booking confirmation by e-mail from the tour operator Marco Polo with an invoice and secured payment certificate. You will be asked to make a 20% deposit up front (full payment also possible).
STEP 3:
Once the minimum number of participants for the tour has been reached, you will be notified by Marco Polo and it is safe to book your flights.
STEP 4:
Marco Polo will send you your travel documents by e-mail 10 to 14 days before the start of the tour.
