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. 2025 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 2025 Itinerary: 

Tues 28th Jan: Uk - Fly to Banglore

Weds 29th Jan: Airport transfer to Hosur Hotel - Free afternoon and evening.

Thurs 30th Jan: Visit WWI projects - Free evening

Fri 31st Jan: Visit WWI projects - Free evening

Sat 1st Feb: Drive to Pondicherry (Puducherry)

Sun 2nd Feb: Pondicherry, free day

Mon 3rd Feb: Drive to Chennai via Auroville

Tues 4th Feb: Visit CRUSADE projects

Weds 5th Feb: Visit CRUSADE projects

Thurs 6th Feb: Visit CRUSADE projects

Fri 7th Feb: Free day including Chennai Street Food Tour

Sat 8th Feb: Free day including Mahaballipuram Tour (Mammallapuram)

Sun 9th Feb: Free day

Mon 10th Feb: Visit CARE Foundation projects

Tues 11th Feb: Visit CARE Foundation projects

Weds 12th Feb: Depart from Chennai Airport