Visit South India

We have been visiting India for over 35 years and have well-established connections with rural communities. Our trip offers supporters of a charity the chance to explore local tourisms and learn about the lives of the people their donations are supporting. 2026 Itinerary at bottom of page!

Trip overview:

The SOTE supporters visit starts is a two-week visit staring in Bengaluru (Bangalore) Airport from where you will be transported to a hotel close WWI, one of our partner organisations, for a three-night stay. This is followed by a one-day relocation drive to Chennai where we will stay for four days during which we will visit CRUSADE, another of our partner organisations, as well as seeing some of the sights.

We then drive south to Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry. The centuries of French rule gave this town a unique Indo-French atmosphere, preserved in the architecture and relaxed lifestyle. 

Here we will visit places of interest and you will have time to explore this charming town and its beaches. The next destination is Mamallapuram (Mahabilipuram), a popular tourist resort, where we will have a guided tour of some of India’s oldest Hindu temples dating back to the 7th century AD. 

From there, we will visit CARE Foundation the last of our partner organisations. Finally we return to Chennai in order to take a morning departure flight from the nearby airport. 

How much does it cost to visit India?

To visit India, our charity charges £1,500 per person. This includes 14-nights accommodation (sharing a room) with breakfast, airport transfers, transport, planned tourisms trips, and a volunteer leader throughout the visit. Flights are not included. There is an additional charge of £400 for a single room. 

What is the best time to visit South India?

From years of experience, we believe the best time to visit India is January to February. From March onwards, the weather gets much hotter which can make travelling more challenging.

Travelling to India in these months avoids the monsoon season and maximises visitors’ ability to explore a variety of cities and rural areas.

Preparing for your trip

When you sign up to Visit South India with Salt of the Earth, we send a comprehensive guide to preparing for your visa including information regarding Tourist Visas, exchanging money, and water safety.

Why do we run visits to India?

We offer this visit for supporters of Salt of the Earth and their friends and family. We also welcome people interested in the work we do. The aim of the visit is to offer an immersive South Indian experience. We know of no other visit like ours.

India 2026 Itinerary: 

Sun 25th/Mon 26th Jan: Overnight flight to Chennai, minibus transfer to Hotel Mahabs

Tue 27th Jan: Free day at Mahabalapuram (beaches and monuments)

Wed 28th Jan: Minibus to CRUSADE, introduction to their work, visit a project, check in at SRM Grand

Thurs 29th Jan: Return to CRUSADE to visit more projects and villages,

Fri 30th Jan: Tourist day in Chennai (Shopping, food trail and Old Town Bazar)

Sat 31st Jan: Visit CRUSADE for final time. Travel to Surguru Hotel in Pondicherry

Sun 1st Feb: Free day at Pondicherry (Market town and French Quarter)

Mon 2nd Feb: Second free day at Pondicherry

Tues 3rd Feb: Check our of Surgru Hotal and visit Auroville and back to Hotel Mahabs

Weds 4th Feb: Free day at Hotel Mahabs and Mahabalapuram

Thurs 5th Feb: Travel to CARE Foundation and visit villages with sponsored children

Fri 6th Feb: Another day with CARE and their villages

Sat 7th Feb: Free day

Sun 8th Feb: Free day, joint meal together and pack

Mon 9th Feb: Travel back to Chennai Airport (or move on to your own adventures)