Southern India by Rail
Southern India by Rail
Southern India by Rail
15 Days
Visiting: India
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2430
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover Southern India by rail, arguably one of the greatest ways to explore such a vibrant and culturally rich country.
Your rail journey starts in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu and home to a stunning collection of Hindu Temples. Discover Chettinad on the way, renowned for its deliciously spicy and flavourful cuisines that will leave your tastebuds dancing for more before concluding in Kerala and Karnataka,. Enjoy breathtaking views as you become immersed in the heart and soul of Southern India.
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Fly To Chennai
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Chennai, transferring to your hotel on arrival. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Explore Mahabalipuram
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start today with an exploration of the ancient temples and intricately adorned monuments, providing insight into the architectural wonders of Kanchipuram and the coastal allure of Mahabalipuram.
Day 4: Travel To Tanjore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will transfer to Chennai Station, where you will step aboard the Trichy-bound Tejas Express. Sit back and enjoy the picturesque landscapes while you head south. On arrival you will transfer to Tanjore for the night.
Day 5: Travel To Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Madurai, with an intriguing detour through Chettinad to learn about tile-making and to wander through the local market. Enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson, savouring the flavours of Chettinad cuisine, which culminates in a delightful lunch experience. Upon reaching Madurai, the evening unfolds as you experience an Arti Ceremony at Minakshi Temple, a spiritual and cultural spectacle.
Day 6: Explore Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A day of exploration that starts with a sightseeing tour of Madurai. Discover Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, a historical gem resonating with the splendour of a bygone era before engaging in a delightful Food Trail Tour, to relish the diverse and flavourful culinary delights that Madurai is known for.
Day 7: Travel To Trivandrum
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, you'll transfer to the railway station to board the TPJ TVC Express bound for Trivandrum. Upon reaching Trivandrum, immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the city with a visit to the iconic Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a site of profound cultural and religious significance.
Day 8: Travel To Kanyakumari
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a day trip to Kanyakumari, where you will marvel at the convergence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal. Discover the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue, iconic landmarks adorning the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, before returning to Trivandrum.
Day 9: Kerala Backwaters
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast take a drive to Alleppey, where you will board a traditional houseboat, locally referred to as a Kettuvallam. Cruise through the captivating backwaters, enveloped by verdant scenery and swaying palm trees. The soothing rhythm of the tranquil waters provide an ideal backdrop for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Travel To Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark and to Kochi, a city rich in history and culture. Enjoy a city tour that explores significant landmarks, historical sites, and lively local markets. In the evening, delve into the realm of Kathakali, an ancient dance form merging intricate facial expressions, graceful motions, and vibrant attire.
Day 11: Travel To Ooty
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast transfer to the rain station to board the SBC Intercity Express heading to Coimbatore. Upon reaching Coimbatore you will continue by coach to Ooty where you will check in at your hotel.
Day 12: Toy Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, commence a picturesque journey from Ooty to Coonoor, on the famous Toy Train. Meandering through the enchanting Nilgiri Hills, the journey unfolds breath taking views of landscapes, tea plantations, and quaint villages. Take the time to discover the Botanical Gardens in Coonoor before returning to Ooty.
Day 13: Bangalore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to the railway station in Coimbatore to catch the SBC Intercity Express headed for Bangalore. Upon reaching Bangalore, transfer to your hotel before dinner.
Day 14: Explore Bangalore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with a city tour of Bangalore, immersing yourself in the modernity and tradition that characterizes this lively city. Explore prominent landmarks, cultural sites and attractions that showcase the city's rich heritage and essence.
Day 15: Depart Bangalore
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.