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The Award-Winning Tour Specialist

Southern India by Rail

15 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

Celebrating 25 Years of tour excellence

Southern India by Rail

Traveling by rail in southern India offers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes, cultures, and heritage. From the bustling Chennai Central to the verdant hills of Mysuru, the train traverses Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, showcasing a seamless transformation of scenery, from sun-drenched coastlines to lush, palm-fringed backwaters. This experience goes beyond geography, providing a glimpse into the heart and soul of southern India.
  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 13 , Lunches: 12 , Dinners: 13
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    13 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visas
    Visa fees & processing for Australian passports
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 2
    A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
OFFERS
Special Offer
Your Partner will FLY FREE, or solo travellers save 50% on airfare. Selected departures.
OFFER
Classic Group Tour
15 DAYS
From $7,900PP
Chennai (2N) - Tanjore (1N) - Madurai (2N) - Trivandrum (2N) - Houseboat (1N) - Kochi (1N) - Ooty (2N) - Bangalore (2N)
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Tour Highlights

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.

Day by Day Itinerary

Chennai (2N) - Tanjore (1N) - Madurai (2N) - Trivandrum (2N) - Houseboat (1N) - Kochi (1N) - Ooty (2N) - Bangalore (2N)
  • Day 1
    Fly to Chennai
    Dinner
    Day 1: Fly to Chennai

    Fly 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.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Explore Mahabalipuram
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 2: Explore Mahabalipuram

    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    Travel to Tanjore
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 3: Travel to Tanjore

    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Travel to Madurai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Travel to Madurai

    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Explore Madurai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 5: Explore Madurai

    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Travel to Trivandrum
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 6: Travel to Trivandrum

    Following breakfast, you'll transfer to the railway station to board the PJ 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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Travel to Kanyakumari
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 7: Travel to Kanyakumari

    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Kerala Backwaters
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 8: Kerala Backwaters

    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Travel to Cochin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 9: Travel to Cochin

    Disembark and drive to Cochin, 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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Travel to Ooty
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 10: Travel to Ooty

    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Toy Train
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 11: Toy Train

    Following breakfast, commence a picturesque and iconic voyage from Ooty to Coonoor, on the infamous 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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Bangalore
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 12: Bangalore

    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Explore Bangalore
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 13: Explore Bangalore

    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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 14-15
    Depart Bangalore
    Breakfast
    Day 14-15: Depart Bangalore

    Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, arriving back to Australia a day later.

    Breakfast
Southern India by Rail map

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Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

India Railways

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When to go

The best time to visit India is from November to March when you’ll enjoy pleasant warm dry days and low humidity.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 8
    14
    11
  • 143
  • Chennai
  • 21
    29
    25
  • 22
  • Kochi
  • 23
    32
    27
  • 23
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 8
    14
    11
  • 112
  • Chennai
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 2
  • Kochi
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 26
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 9
    16
    12
  • 84
  • Chennai
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 4
  • Kochi
  • 25
    32
    29
  • 31
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 11
    19
    15
  • 35
  • Chennai
  • 26
    34
    30
  • 8
  • Kochi
  • 26
    33
    29
  • 95
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 14
    23
    18
  • 18
  • Chennai
  • 28
    37
    32
  • 44
  • Kochi
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 283
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 18
    27
    22
  • 6
  • Chennai
  • 28
    37
    32
  • 56
  • Kochi
  • 24
    30
    27
  • 706
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 21
    29
    25
  • 2
  • Chennai
  • 26
    35
    31
  • 100
  • Kochi
  • 24
    29
    26
  • 594
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 21
    28
    24
  • 1
  • Chennai
  • 26
    34
    30
  • 140
  • Kochi
  • 24
    29
    27
  • 403
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 18
    26
    22
  • 21
  • Chennai
  • 26
    34
    30
  • 137
  • Kochi
  • 24
    30
    27
  • 280
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 15
    22
    18
  • 90
  • Chennai
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 279
  • Kochi
  • 24
    31
    27
  • 320
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 12
    19
    16
  • 78
  • Chennai
  • 23
    30
    26
  • 407
  • Kochi
  • 24
    31
    28
  • 175
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Bali
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 111
  • Chennai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 191
  • Kochi
  • 23
    32
    27
  • 43

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

2024
  • Select Year
  • Select Month
Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Depart AUStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
    • Customary tipping amount of approximately US$100pp (AU$149pp) is paid locally in India.
    • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • International flights
    • All domestic transportation
    • All meals
    • 4* accommodation
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees
    • Visa fees for AU passport holders

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

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