Southern India Rail Adventure

Day 1: WELCOME TO INDIA

Mumbai. India’s largest city. The home of Bollywood and some of the craziest traffic in the world, it’s time for the adventure to begin! 

You’ll get your own star treatment upon arrival and be transferred to your hotel directly from the airport. Tonight, you’ll meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers and two guides during a welcome dinner – at Taj Mahal Mumbai.

ACCOMMODATION: Trident Nariman Point (or similar)
INCLUDED: Dinner

Day 2: ELEPHANTA ISLAND

We’ll kick off your South India rail experience straight up, with a baptism-by-fire short trip on Mumbai’s chaotic suburban railway. Then, in complete contrast,  you’ll trundle along the pier to Elephanta Island in a cheerful and open-air toy train carriage to the island’s temples. The Elephanta Caves are World Heritage listed and echo the monumental construction feat of other stone carved structures – like Jordan’s Petra.  Many of the relief carvings inside pay homage to the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva.

End your day back in Mumbai watching the sun set between lines of palm trees on Marine Drive. Celebrate your first full day in India with a taste of some of Mumbai’s most popular snacks including bhelpuri, a street food made with puffed rice, vegetables, and deliciously tangy chutneys. What a day, and you’ve only just begun!

ACCOMMODATION: Trident Nariman Point (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: MUMBAI TO GOA

Get ready for an early start to the day. You’ll have a packed breakfast… but you’ll enjoy it from an air-conditioned first-class carriage  on the day train from Mumbai to Goa.

The high-rises of the city disappear as the train turns south. During the 12-hour journey, you’ll get a full immersion experience as the locals who routinely take this train go about their normal day. 

Out your window, the landscape is increasingly tropical. Take in the thick jungle forests, rivers with waterfalls, and the mountains rising blue in the distance. Now you can see why this part of India is best explored by rail. Imagine what other people miss by flying!

ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Village resort (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast

Day 4: GOA – COLONIAL PORTUGUESE

Start off the day at a slower pace with a leisurely breakfast at your beachside resort. Later on, explore some of Goa’s Christian heritage brought about by Portuguese colonisation back in the 1500s.  Make sure you have your camera ready when you visit Se Cathedral. It’s one of the most photographed sites in Goa thanks to its one-of-a-kind architecture and intricate mosaics. 

After lunch, the rest of the day is up to you. Is there an afternoon of unwinding at the resort beach in your future? Or would you rather visit a local spice farm to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the staples of Indian cuisine grow?

ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Village resort (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5: GOA – DIVAR ISLAND

This morning, you’ll take the ferry to Divar Island, just like the locals. Right across the Mandovi River, Divar Island is a quaint local community, despite being so near the capital city. It’s refreshingly untouched by urbanism and retains its tranquil way of life.

In the afternoon, you’ll be served a humble afternoon tea in the idyllic village of Olaulim. Wrap up the end to a perfect day with leisure time to explore back at your resort. If you fancy a swim, beach or pool – it’s your choice!

ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Village resort (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and High Tea

Day 6: UDUPI

The train leaves for Udupi at 7:30 am and you’re going to be on it.  The journey should only take around 4 hours. 

Udupi is known for its Hindu temples, like the 13th-century Sri Krishna Temple – one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in all of Southern India. Thousands make their way there each year to attend the daily prayers and festivals.

Take your chance to experience dosa tonight – a famous South Indian crepe made from a batter of lentils and rice that this area is known for.

ACCOMMODATION: Fortune Valley View Manipal (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7: UDUPI TO HASSAN

Today’s journey takes place by road. It’s roughly 5 hours from Udupi to Hassan, but you’ll make a stop enroute at Belur and Halebid. These twin cities were established during the Hoysala empire spanning from the 10th to 14th centuries. Look closely at the walls of the ornate temples – the inscriptions and images offer insight into everyday life at the time – from fields of battle to celebration dances.

Spend the evening relaxing in your spacious cottage, or stroll the grounds of your traditional village style hotel during the twilight hour.

ACCOMMODATION: Hoysala Village Resort (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast

Day 8: MYSURU (MYSORE)

Another day travelling by road instead of by rail? Yes, but you’ll be on a train again soon. You’re on your way to one of India’s five famous toy train rides!

Mysuru is famed for its royal palaces, beautiful gardens, and ornate architecture. Get your bearings with a walk as your guides bring this elegant city’s story alive. Your walk includes a visit to The Palace of the Maharaja. Designed by Henry Irwin, the palace was built in 1897 after the older wooden palace was lost in a fire. The palace’s archways, domes, turrets, colonnades, and sculptures can only be described as magnificent.

Make sure you have comfortable shoes because you’ll finish up the day with a walking food tour. This is the best way to try out the city’s local delicacies – like Mysore Pak, a sweeter treat that loosely resembles a biscuit.

ACCOMMODATION: Grand Mercure (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9: BIRYANI

Today, you’ll see not one, but two, ornate Hindu temples in Mysuru. First, take in the striking blue, red, and green hues on the exterior of the Ranganathaswamy Temple, an important pilgrimage site for a Tamil speaking caste of Indian culture. Then, into the Chamundi Hills to visit a temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeswari, a fighter of demons and the protector of Mysuru.

In the evening you’ll join a local family for a Biryani Dinner. Over a dish of rice, chicken, and aromatic deliciousness, you’ll share stories of family and life with your hosts. You’ll look back fondly on these memories and their heartfelt hospitality… long after you return home.

ACCOMMODATION: Grand Mercure (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10: JUNGLE SAFARI

Today’s highlight is a jungle safari. But, first you’ll transfer to Kabini during a 2-hour drive. Your destination? A small forest and river located right between Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park.

Check into the safari lodge and enjoy some downtime before the afternoon safari. The local rangers debate weather conditions and wildlife movements before deciding if the safari be by boat or by 4WD.

Elephants lumber unbothered through the jungle brush here and sometimes herds pause near watering holes. The gaur, an endangered species of wild cattle, is easily recognisable by its curved horns and ridged shoulders if you’re lucky enough to spot one. From a distance, you may even spy a striped tiger or a lone black panther going about its business.

You’ll return to the tranquillity of your cottage at the resort. Listen to the sounds of nature from your front patio or from the privacy of your Jacuzzi. Either way, you will sleep well tonight!

ACCOMMODATION:  Red-Earth Kabini (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11: OOTY

Let’s safari again this morning! Have a second go at catching a glimpse of a tiger or maybe even a leopard moving stealthily among the tall grass.

Later in the day, check out of the resort and transfer by road to Ooty. You’re now one step closer to the famed mountain rail we’ve been promising!

The town of Ootacamund, also called Ooty, lies on the highest mountain peak in southern India. You’ve seen a lot of beautiful landscapes on your journey through India so far, but the scenery here both literally and metaphorically tops them all.

ACCOMMODATION:  Accord Highlands Resort Ooty (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner 

Day 12: TEA PLANTATIONS

Start slowly and sit for a leisurely breakfast before heading out to explore Ooty. This mountain area was once a colonial hill station where the British Raj would retreat to escape the summer heat in the plains below. 

Visit a tea plantation and tea factory to learn about the history of tea production in the area. Enjoy the sights of the lush greenery on the hills as you sip and savour the aroma of the fresh tea leaves. For tea lovers, this is the time to select your favourite flavours to bring back home. Even if you don’t drink tea, trust us, someone in your life will want this tea.

ACCOMMODATION: Accord Highlands Resort Ooty (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast

Day 13: COONOOR

The day you’ve been waiting for has arrived! The Nilgiri Rail Line is so steep the train needs rack rails – toothed racks that the train locks into using a cog – to make the climb into the mountains. You’re on the 12:15 pm departure, Ooty to Coonoor. It’s only a 15 km ride but it takes more than an hour. So as you peer out your window, there’ll be plenty of time to appreciate nature’s tapestry. Relive the incredible trip with your group over a leisurely lunch in Coonoor. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy in your mountainside retreat back in Ooty.

ACCOMMODATION: Accord Highlands Resort Ooty (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14: COIMBATORE

It’s a short morning drive today to Coimbatore, and tomorrow you’ll be reunited with India’s national rail network. Coimbatore is a large city but it dates  back to ancient times and is world-renowned for producing textiles and rich coloured and patterned saris. Time for some shopping, perhaps?  

In the afternoon, you’ll explore with your guide – including the pilgrimage site of Perur Pateeswarar Temple. The temple’s beginnings were nearly 2,000 years ago, and it’s said that the golden statue of Lord Shiva housed there was ‘self created’.

ACCOMMODATION: Vivanta Coimbatore (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15: CHENNAI

At 6 am, the Vande Bharata Express leaves Chennai, and everyone in the group needs to be on it. You have a seat in the air-conditioned Executive Chair car for the 6-hour trip.

Chennai, once known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu. The busy city on the Coromandel Coast has it all – ancient temples, eye-catching natural wonders, a strong art culture and a thriving culinary scene.

In the early evening, take a walk to get oriented to Chennai. Absorb the scenes of Marina Beach, a favourite hangout for locals. Tonight is a low-key evening because the next day is packed with a whirlwind of activities.

ACCOMMODATION: Residency Tower (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast

Day 16: CHENNAI

An early start to the morning as your group has a full day of sightseeing ahead. One of the most impressive highlights would have to be the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple. Located on the shoreline near Elliot’s beach, the temple is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi. The colourful temple features eight avatars of the goddess. Local pilgrims pay homage here in the hopes of receiving prosperity.

Dinner tonight will be at one of your guide’s favourite places. We’ll spare the rest of the details for you now so you can enjoy the surprise later!

ACCOMMODATION: Residency Tower (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 17: PONDICHERRY

The train from Chennai to Pondicherry is local, and honestly, veeery slow. We had to sneak one last train ride into the trip though! So, you’ll take just a short, 50-minute train ride from Chennai to Chengalpattu. Then, transfer the rest of the way by road.

Until 1954, Pondicherry was a French colonial settlement in India. In the French Quarter, the influence is still present in the wide, tree-lined streets, colonial villas and trendy shops. The city has strong beachy and bohemian vibes, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the spiritual ashram communities the area is famous for.

Pondicherry cuisine is completely different to what you’ve already tried. The French influence is evident and on tonight’s walking food tour your tastebuds will be delighted with the new flavours. And afterwards, the French theme continues because you’ll sleep soundly for the next two nights in an elegant 18th-century French colonial home-converted-boutique hotel. Ooh la la!

ACCOMMODATION: The Promenade (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 18: AUROVILLE

Today, you’ll visit an astonishing place, unlike anything you’ve come across before. Mira Alfassa, a spiritual guru, established Auroville. The township was created in 1968 as an international town where humanity can live in unity and peace. At last count, there were people from 43 different countries living in Auroville. 

The buildings are so futuristic and modern, you’ll be forgiven if you think you’ve landed on Mars. The most iconic is a temple with a giant golden metal sphere in the centre.

Upon returning to Pondicherry, kick back and enjoy the evening. Maybe take a rickshaw to a restaurant with a great view. Your guides will give you recommendations for whatever experience you want.

ACCOMMODATION: The Promenade (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 19: CHENNAI

How did the final full day of your adventure get here so quickly? First, the group will transfer back to Chennai by road. The day isn’t over yet, so make the most of it. You have free time to explore on your own. You can make your way to anything that caught your attention the first time you were in Chennai. Or do a bit of last-minute shopping. 

After so many days together, it’s time to say your goodbyes to your guides  and your fellow travellers over one, final dinner. Exchange photos while you reminisce over the memories you’ve made together!

ACCOMMODATION:  Residency Tower (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 20: FAREWELL FRIENDS

Your journey in India has come to an end. What a time it has been! You’ve spent hours watching the countryside go by out the train windows, spotted elephants on safari, visited ornate temples and lingered over cups of tea. Just think of all the memories you’ve made and the stories you have to tell.

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to transfer to the airport. It’s not goodbye. It’s just until next time!

INCLUDED: Breakfast