14 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour
Our Southern India by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring ancient rock-cut temples and monuments, showcasing impressive Dravidian architecture and stone carvings. Highlights include the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, Pancha Rathas, and Varaha Cave Temple, dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries.
Kanyakumari is a coastal town at the southern tip of India. Known for the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, and Kanyakumari Beach, it's a place where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet.
The Ooty Botanical Gardens cover 55 acres and showcase a diverse collection of exotic and indigenous plants. Notable features include a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree trunk, Toda Hill with traditional tribal huts. The gardens provide a serene retreat for nature lovers and those interested in horticulture.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Known for its Dravidian architecture, and apart from its religious significance, the temple is a symbol of Kerala's cultural heritage.
Witness an exuberant performance of the traditional dance-drama that is Kathakali. Kerala's best-known performing art, it is an extravagant retelling of Hindu epics complete with colourful costumes and elaborate make up.
Staying overnight on a Kettuvallam in Kerala offers a memorable experience. These traditional houseboats provide comfortable accommodation, scenic views, and delicious Kerala cuisine. Enjoy the tranquility of the backwaters, relax on the deck, and witness stunning sunsets and sunrises, as you interact with local life.
The Ooty to Coonoor toy train, part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its small size and charming appeal, the train offers breathtaking views of Nilgiri Hills, tea plantations, and picturesque landscapes. Passing through stations like Lovedale and Wellington, it uses a cog-wheel system to navigate steep terrains. The journey concludes in Coonoor, a beautiful hill station with attractions like Sim's Park and Dolphin's Nose
Arrive in Chennai International airport, where you will be met on arrival and transferred 40 minutes to your hotel with other group members who may be arriving at a similar time. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy time at leisure before meeting your fellow travelers for dinner. Early check-in is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book.
Embark on a morning excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, where you will delve into the cultural richness of these historical gems. Exploring the ancient temples and intricately carved monuments, the journey offers a glimpse into the architectural marvels of Kanchipuram and the coastal charm of Mahabalipuram. Later, as the day unfolds, we drive back to Chennai, where the vibrant cityscape awaits. Sightseeing today will last 3.5 hours.
After breakfast, transfer to Chennai Station and board the 4 hour Trichy-bound Tejas Express. On arrival, transfer by coach 1 hour 30 minute by road to Tanjore. After a brief tour of the city, check into your hotel before dinner.
Following breakfast, embark on a 4 hour drive to Madurai, taking a captivating route through Chettinad. Explore a tile-making factory before stepping into traditional houses, and wander through the local market to absorb the essence of this unique region. Engage in a hands-on cooking lesson, immersing yourself in the flavours of Chettinad cuisine, culminating in a delightful lunch experience. Continue to Madurai, where upon arrival, you check into the hotel. As the evening unfolds, partake in the serene Arti Ceremony at the iconic Minakshi Temple, a spiritual and cultural spectacle. Sightseeing today lasts approximately 3 hours.
Today you will enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Madurai. Explore the renowned Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, a historical marvel that echoes the grandeur of a bygone era. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a delightful Food Trail Tour, savouring the diverse and flavoursome culinary offerings that Madurai has to offer. Indulge in a gastronomic journey through the city’s streets, tasting local delicacies that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant destination. Sightseeing will last 3 hours.
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station where you will board the PJ TVC Express to Trivandrum. This journey takes approximately 6 hours and a packed lunch will be served onboard. On arrival in Trivandrum you will be transferred to your hotel. Later, delve into the spiritual ambiance of the city with a visit to the iconic Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a site of profound cultural and religious significance.
Today, explore Kanyakumari where you can witness the enchanting confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal. Explore the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue, iconic landmarks that grace the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. Later, drive 3.5 hours back to Trivandrum. Sightseeing will last 3 hours today.
Following breakfast, drive 4.5 hours to the Alleppey, where on arrival you will board the houseboat, commonly known as a “Kettuvallam”. Glide through the enchanting backwaters, surrounded by lush landscapes and swaying palm trees. The gentle lull of the water and the picturesque surroundings create a perfect setting for a peaceful night on board.
Disembark this morning and drive 2 hours to Cochin, a city rich in history and culture. Enjoy a city tour that visits notable landmarks, historical sites, and vibrant local markets. In the evening, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kathakali, a traditional dance form that combines intricate facial expressions, graceful movements and vibrant costumes. A Kathakali Dance Show is not just a performance; it's a journey into the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
After breakfast, transfer to the train station where you will board the SBC Intercity Express, travelling 3.5 hours to Coimbatore. Upon reaching Coimbatore you will continue by coach to Ooty 3.5 hours away. Upon arrival check in at your hotel before dinner.
After breakfast embark on a scenic and iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty to Coonoor, winding your way through the picturesque Nilgiri Hills. The scenic ride offers breathtaking views of the scenic landscapes, tea plantations, and charming villages along the way. This will take 1 hour and twenty minutes. Upon reaching Coonoor, explore the Botanical Gardens, before returning to Ooty.
After breakfast transfer back to the rail station in Coimbatore where you will board the SBC Intercity Express bound for Bangalore. This journey will take 6.5 hours, with a packed lunch served on board. On arrival in Bangalore transfer to your hotel before dinner.
Enjoy a city tour of Bangalore, exploring the dynamic blend of modernity and tradition that defines this vibrant city. Visit key landmarks, cultural sites, and noteworthy attractions that showcase the rich heritage and contemporary spirit of Bangalore. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore. Sightseeing will last 3.5 hours.
Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book.
The best time to visit India is from November to March when you’ll enjoy pleasant warm dry days and low humidity.
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and a single room throughout your tour.
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