The Splendours of South India by Rail

This morning after breakfast we’ll explore Kochi on a city tour with an experienced and knowledgeable local guide. First, we’ll visit St. Francis Church, from where you’ll see the unique cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets, the only place they are used outside China. It is believed these nets were introduced by traders from the court of the Chinese Mongolian ruler Kublai Khan between 1350 and 1450. 

While there, you’ll tour nearby Jew Town, the atmospheric area around the Paradesi Synagogue built in 1568. While most of the original inhabitants have migrated to Israel, the area has retained its charm and is full of great cafes, and shops selling antiques, crafts, and spices on both Synagogue Lane and Jew Town Road. You’ll have time to soak up the atmosphere and visit the Synagogue – the oldest active synagogue in the British Commonwealth and home to many rare antiques. 

After enjoying lunch together in a traditional restaurant, we’ll return to Kochi and take some time to relax in the hotel.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner together and some local entertainment – a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a blend of music, vocals, choreography, hand and facial gestures telling familiar stories in Keralan culture.

Overnight: Fragrant Nature Kochi, Kochi (B, L, D)

Buckle up, because most of today is spent travelling – but what a great journey it will be. After breakfast and check out, we’ll transfer to the Ernakulam railway station with boxed lunches to travel in air conditioned rail carriages on the SBC Intercity train from Ernakulam, arriving in Coimbatore in the afternoon. Coimbatore is a big business and junction city – Tamil Nadu’s second largest at 2.5 million people. It is often referred to as the Manchester of India for its textile industry but most travellers, like us, use it as a stepping stone towards Ooty.

On arrival in Coimbatore, we’ll enjoy a city tour on our private coach before checking-in to our hotel and enjoying some free time before regrouping for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Taj Coimbatore, Coimbatore (B, L, D)

It’s a very early start this morning for a very special journey – the steam-driven Toy Train from Mettupalayam to Ooty on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Our private coach will take us on the journey to Mettupalayam Railway Station by private coach, where we’ll take our seats in an air conditioned carriage to immerse ourselves in the charm of yesteryear amidst beautiful scenery for the ride to Udhagamandalam (Ooty).  

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, one of the steepest railway lines in Asia runs 46 kilometres through mountainous terrain, gorgeous ravines, lush tea estates and thick forests linking the hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor, using an ingenious ‘ABT’ rack system to climb the steep ascents. This steam-driven train is a symbol of India’s commitment to maintaining its heritage and is one of the most thrilling heritage train journeys in India. 

On arrival at Udhagamandalam station we’ll  transfer directly to our hotel, our home for the next two nights, and check in.  There’ll be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the facilities of our grand heritage hotel, a landmark in the misty hills of Ooty since 1829, before we gather for dinner at a local favourite  

Overnight: Taj Savoy, Ooty (B, D)

Known locally as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, a mix of Indian hustle and bustle and Hindu temples with beautiful gardens, an international school, and charming Raj-era buildings. The town served as the summer capital of South India for the British Raj-governed Madras Presidency to escape the intense summer heat of Madras for four to six months of the year. It was visited by British officials during colonial times as a popular summer resort and after independence in 1947, it developed into the region’s premier hill resort town.

This morning after breakfast, we’ll embark on a town tour and a visit to a Tea Estate to see firsthand the journey this popular brew takes from the fields to our tables. We’ll return to the hotel around lunchtime and set you free for the afternoon and evening to soak up your surroundings and enjoy the facilities of our beautiful hotel.  

Overnight: Taj Savoy, Ooty (B)

This morning after breakfast and checkout, we’ll travel by private coach onto the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. Nagarahole is one of the most important tiger reserves in India and is a major hub of conservation under the Project Tiger and Project Elephant Act. It has one of the highest density tiger populations in India after Corbett Tiger Reserve near Delhi and Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam.  

Upon arrival, we’ll check in and enjoy lunch at our wilderness lodge, offering a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty and rustic luxury. Located on a coffee plantation, and in close proximity to the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, the wilderness resort provides guests with an upscale and comfortable stay. After some free time to freshen up, we’ll tour a nearby spice plantation, before enjoying dinner together at the lodge.

Overnight: Machaan Wilderness Lodge, Nagarahole (B, L, D)

It is an early pre-dawn rise this morning to head out on a safari drive.  Sunrise is the optimal time to witness and revel in a morning wildlife tour of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, giving us the best chance of spotting one or more of the tigers, black leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, barking deer, wild dogs and 270 species of birds that call the park home. Nagarahole is special in that it has vast watering holes that accommodate herds of wild elephants and other animals on their banks, making your experience even more spectacular. During the British Raj period, the park was a hunting spot for Mysore Maharaja, British Viceroys and Indian Royal families – unthinkable in modern times.

We’ll return to the lodge mid morning for breakfast, and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and enjoying the facilities at the lodge, including lunch. You might like to book a spa treatment (at your own expense) or spend your day lounging by the pool and bar – the choice is yours.

You’ll have the opportunity to join an afternoon safari or guided nocturnal walk in the evening, both included in the tour if you’d like to join in.

Overnight: Machaan Wilderness Lodge, Nagarahole (B, L, D)

After breakfast and check-out this morning, we’ll continue by private coach to Mysore, officially known as Mysuru, stopping along the way for lunch and arriving in the mid-afternoon.  We’ll go directly to our hotel and check in.  

This culturally rich city, dating back to 1399, is known for its heritage structures and palaces, and is popularly referred to as the “City of Palaces,” the “Heritage City,” and “Pensioners’ Paradise” because of the attraction to its pristine and calm ambience by retirees. 

After some time to rest and freshen up we’ll visit the Devaraja Market and St Philomena’s Catholic Church. Devaraja Market, one of the oldest and most famous markets in South India, is a vibrant display of colorful mix of flowers, fruits, spices, vegetables, sandalwood products, silk, and more, and is at its most enchanting in the early evening. From here we’ll transport ourselves in time and place to St Philomena’s Catholic Church, ain Mysore. Built in 1936 in a Neo-Gothic style inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, the church’s design resembles a Latin cross when viewed from above.

We’ll return to the hotel for dinner with your fellow travellers.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza, Mysore (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast we’ll visit the 13th-century Keshava Hindu temple, often described as “poetry in stone” and dedicated to the god Vishnu.

After touring the temple, we’ll visit the most prominent landmark in town, the exotic Mysore Palace, one of India’s most magnificent royal residences. An Indo-Saracenic masterpiece, blending elements of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles, it was designed by Henry Irwin and completed in 1912 after 15 years of construction. Once the official residence of the Wodeyar dynasty, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore for centuries, it is now one of the most visited monuments in India, second only to the Taj Mahal. The architectural and design elements are jaw-dropping in their beauty- the Grand Durbar Hall with its stunning Belgian stained glass ceiling, majestic pillars with gold detailing, and floor of shining marble tiles with mosaic patterns; the exquisite teakwood doors with ivory inlays, and the stained glass windows of Ambavilasa Hall; a gold-plated throne used by the Wodeyars during ceremonies are just some of the wonders.

We’ll then stop for some lunch before returning to the hotel where the rest of your day and evening is free.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza, Mysore (B, L)

This morning after breakfast and checking out, you’ll tour the Mysore Railway Heritage Museum, an outdoor exhibit of vintage locomotives, many dating back to the British Raj period. The main attraction here is the royal train compartment once used by the Maharaja of Mysore.

After lunch together, you’ll travel in Executive Class on the Mas Vande Bharat Express train from Mysore to Chennai, enjoying a light dinner on the train and arriving into Chennai in the early evening. Upon our arrival, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel – the 19th century Taj Connemara Hotel, and top up our earlier light dinner with a late supper in the Lady Connemara Bar and Lounge.

Chennai, known as Madras until 1996, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and the fourth-most populous city in India. It’s considered the keeper of South Indian artistic, religious and culinary traditions and interestingly, is also the country’s biggest automotive manufacturing hub – a true combination of past, present and future.

The Taj Connemara, is the city’s only heritage hotel. Built in 1854 as the Imperial Hotel and re-established as The Connemara in 1890, it was an Art Deco look that the Connemara sported when it reopened in 1937. Legendary Sri Lankan/European architect Geoffrey Bawa added his touch to the tower block and linking pool in 1974. Guests include Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew and the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

Overnight: Taj Connemara, Chennai  (B, L, D)

After breakfast and checking out, we’ll travel in a private vehicle by road for about two hours along the scenic East Coast Road to Mamallapuram, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exquisite architecture here harks back to the ruling Pallava dynasty of the 3rd – 9th centuries. On arrival, you’ll get to explore this ancient seaport town, ably led by your knowledgeable guide, paying a visit to the 7th century Shore Temple, one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India and famous for a giant open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders, known locally as Arjuna’s Penance. 

After lunch at a local restaurant famous for its Madras fish curry, we’ll return to our vehicle and continue past palm trees and lush green rice paddies to Pondicherry. 

The union territory of Pondicherry, known locally as ‘Pondy’, was under French colonial rule until 1954 and is often referred to as the ‘French Capital of India.’ Streets with French Gallic names like Rue Mahé de La Bourdonnais, Rue Bellecombe and Rue de la Compagnie run alongside Yanam Vengadasala Pillai street and Kandappa Mudailiar street. Some people even speak French, and English with French accents! But it’s not just French influence you’ll see here – the town is brimming with heritage buildings, French, Tamil and Muslim quarters, ancient temples and churches and is a melting pot of cultures from around the globe.

After checking into our resort hotel and having some time to freshen up, we’ll enjoy dinner together in one of the hotel’s restaurants. 

Overnight: Radisson Resort, Pondicherry (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast, you have a free morning to rest and enjoy the resort facilities, take a walk to one of the nearby beaches and enjoy lunch at leisure at one of the many surrounding restaurants. Later in the afternoon, we’ll embark on a rickshaw  tour of Pondicherry’s French Quarter. You’ll have the opportunity to tour local temples, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the French Quarter with its wide town squares, elegant European-style mansions with colonnaded balconies, and richly ornamented Catholic churches. Be sure to look out for local policemen in their white uniforms and distinctive French gendarme caps. 

Following the tour, the rest of your evening is free to return to the hotel or stay on and explore and dine at one of the many outstanding French, Indian and Italian restaurants in town or return to the hotel.

Overnight: Radisson Resort, Pondicherry (B)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll pick up our lunch boxes provided by the hotel and transfer to the Villupuram train station to board a local train, the Guruvayur Express, to the temple city of Madurai. You’ll travel in air-conditioned comfort over cauvery river crossings, past lush paddy fields and through places like Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) and Dindigul, known for historic temples, enjoying your packed lunch along the way.

Chennai may be the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, but Madurai is the heart and soul. Madurai’s Tamil roots stretch back 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest cities in India, a metropolis that traded with ancient Rome and was a great capital long before Chennai was even dreamed of. The famous Sangam poem ‘The Garland of Madurai’ paints a brilliant picture of the city in the days of the second-century, describing the perfume of flowers, ghee and incense that could be smelt for miles around.

Upon our arrival in Madurai in the late afternoon, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel for check in followed by dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Grand Madurai by GRT, Madurai (B, L, D)

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll enjoy a tour of  the lamp-lit labyrinth of the Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Meenakshi. After visiting the temple complex, continue on foot and visit the local bazaars. It’s days like this, having a local and knowledgeable guide with us at all times will make all the difference to your experience.

We’ll enjoy lunch at a local eatery, before returning to our hotel and taking some time to relax. 

In the late afternoon we will transfer by private coach to the Heritage Madurai Hotel for a cooking demonstration of several courses that will then be served to us for dinner.

Overnight: Grand Madurai by GRT, Madurai (B, L, D)

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll transfer to Madurai Railway station to board the train for the journey to Trivandrum, arriving  in the capital city of the state of Kerala in the mid afternoon. This  journey is a beautiful trip through the heart of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, covering approximately 260 km, and takes you through lush green landscapes, Western Ghats, and backwaters, making it one of the most scenic train journeys in South India. A lovely backdrop as you enjoy your boxed lunch along the way.

Upon arrival at Trivandrum, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel and check in. After having some time to freshen up, we’ll head out to take in some of the local sights on the way to dinner in town.

Overnight: Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram Hotel, Trivandrum (B, L, D)

We edge closer to our final destination this morning with an early breakfast before checking out and transferring to Thiruvanantharapuram Central station to board the Netravati Express to Alleppey, arriving around midday. 

Alleppey (Alappuzha), once a significant trading port in the 17th century, is one of the most beautiful destinations in South India. Famous for its serene backwaters, houseboat cruises, and lush green landscapes, It’s often called the “Venice of the East” due to its intricate network of canals, lagoons, and lakes. Apart from the beauty of the location, Alleppey is also famous for being one of the few places in the world where farming happens below sea level.

Upon arrival at the station, we’ll transfer to a privately chartered boat for a memorable lunch cruise floating through the dreamy waters of rural Kerala.

After an afternoon of cruising, we will transfer to our lakeside resort to unwind and enjoy the facilities with the rest of the evening and dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Lemon Tree Vembanad, Alleppey (B, L)

It’s a lazy morning today with time to enjoy the peaceful ambience at our resort before checking out, and transferring to the train station to board the train to Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, arriving in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer by private coach to our final destination of the tour,  the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa in Kochi, and check in.

After lunch at leisure and some down time enjoying the facilities of the hotel, we’ll gather together for a farewell dinner (including drinks) in a local restaurant to celebrate our adventure together.

Overnight: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi  (B, D)

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. For those leaving us to continue their travels onward or fly home, we’ll transfer you to your point of departure, whether it be Kochi train station or the airport. 

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