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9.
April
2019.
18 reasons why teenagers will love South India

18 reasons why teenagers will love South India

Over the last few years, India has really started to make a name for itself as an exciting and family-friendly location for travellers looking for something a little different from a traditional package holiday.

Voted India’s Best Family Destination in 2018, Kerala is particularly family-friendly and ideal for teenagers due to the variety of activities on offer. Alongside engaging in a different culture, they can explore alternative lifestyles, see ancient monuments, discover wonderful landscapes, go on a jeep safari and experience animals in the wild, try out new sporting activities and taste new cuisine.

Kerala offers a great choice of contemporary hotels with modern amenities including private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, swimming pools, games rooms and Western food. The ideal time to visit Kerala is between September and March, when the weather is at its best – perfect for Christmas, Easter and half term holidays. Just be aware that travelling in monsoon between June and September is not advisable.

Here are 18 of the best teenage travel ideas for South India


Adventure and activities

Camp at Top Station

Take a break from technology and get back to nature with mountain-top camping. Start the day with a sunrise walk amongst the wildlife before a hearty breakfast above the clouds.

 Camping in South India

Cycle through Kerala

See the beautiful coast and hill stations on two wheels with a cycling tour of Kerala or by hiring a bike for an hour or two. It’s the perfect way to spot the hidden gems off the beaten track.

 Kerala cycling tour

Surf’s up

South India is making waves when it comes to surfing, whether it’s in the river mouth at Talakkolattur or Mahé, a popular surf destination since the 70s.

 Beach in South India

Tea picking in Munnar

Have a go at picking tea and sample your brew on a tour of Munnar’s tea plantations as you learn all about the process of making the perfect cuppa.

Tea picking on a plantation

Try a fun water activity

Set in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, bamboo rafting is the perfect family bonding exercise where you can learn new skills and catch a glimpse of elephants, sambar and gaurs.

 Bamboo rafting at Periyar

Trek through the greenery

Trek through the beautiful Western Ghats, a stunning mountain range with an abundance of local wildlife, for a small part or the whole of your trip.

 Trekking in the Letchmi Hills

Wonderful wildlife

Meet Lakshmi the Elephant

For an elephant opportunity you’ll never forget, don’t miss the chance to bathe, feed, and possibly get splashed by Lakshmi the elephant at the Serenity resort.

 Lakshmi the elephant

Amazing National Parks

Get the binoculars out and you might spot elephants, Nilgiri tahr and maybe an elusive tiger on an early morning trek or jeep safari through a national park.

 National parks in South India

Culture and heritage

Colourful festivals and events

Kerala offers diverse culture and celebrations, including many local festivals and events including the Aranmula Boat Race on the River Pamba and Swathi Sangeetholsavam Music Festival.

 Festivals in South India

Go back in time

For the history- loving teenager, South India is jam-packed with ancient monuments and temples dating back as far as the 7th centrury. Try one of the 7 UNESCO world heritage sites on offer.

 Temples at Madurai, South India

Meander along the backwaters

Travellers of any age will love hiring a fully crewed private houseboat to weave through the Kerala backwaters and observe local village life at a slower pace.

 Kerala houseboat on the backwaters

Visit a village tribe

Get a taste of tribal life by visiting a native South India tribe in the Wayanad District to observe the concept of simple living – a far cry from our modern luxuries.

 Athirapally tribal life

Stay with a family

To really experience Indian life, you’ll receive the warmest of welcomes by choosing accommodation with a family on a farm or homestay.

 Stay with a family in South India

Fantastic food

Learn about Indian cookery

Keen teenage chefs will love learning to create tasty regional Indian dishes with a culinary lesson in the local cuisine from a local chef.

 South India cookery tour

Vegetarian and vegan dishes

South India really is a vegan and vegetarian food heaven, with a wide range of dishes made from a colourful mix of tasty vegetables, fresh herbs and aromatic spices.

 South Indian vegetarian and vegan food

Relax and unwind

Endless beaches

Kerala has some great beaches where you can bask in the warmth of the Indian sun, read under shady palms, or take part in motorised and non-motorised watersports.

Mararikulam Beach, Kerala

Wellness retreats

As the birthplace of Ayurveda, South India is home to many gorgeous spas and wellness retreats with massages, yoga, meditation and traditional treatments on offer.

Wellness retreats in South India

Relax at the hotel

Kerala has wonderful resort hotels featuring swimming pools, games rooms and a host of activities for the young and old – ideal for a day off from all the excitement!

 Niraamaya Retreat, Kovalam


Create your own unforgettable family holiday by speaking to the South India travel experts at Authentic India Tours, a fully ABTA-regulated tour operator. Visit authenticindiatours.com for more information.