Southern India Rail Adventure
20 days/19 nights
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
20-Day Adventure from Mumbai to Chennai
Rail travel-lovers this is simply a must-do! Explore Southern India by train on this coast-to-coast odyssey. It will have you watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea in the west and the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal in the east. You’ll explore exotic seaside spots, emerald and wild jungles and mountainous hill stations. Over 20 days you’ll ride eight different trains, including the Nilgiri Railway – one of India’s iconic toy railways and the steepest train ride in all of India!
You’ll learn about the heartland of Hindu culture and all of its caste complexities. See how three different colonial empires had their own influences on regional architecture, food and religion. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for you – and just 11 other travellers – all under the mindful guidance of two incredible local guides who want you to experience the real India they love – the country they call home.
Trip Breakdown
Trip length
20 days, 19 nights
Dates
Starts: Mumbai, 18 November 2024
Finishes: Chennai, 7 December 2024
Booked Out
*Private supplement
Price
$8,795 AUD (per person twin share)
- $1,900 deposit.
- 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: $2,935 AUD, max 2 spots
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Meeting point
Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai
Ending point
Residency Tower Hotel, Chennai
Group size
Maximum 12 people.
Inclusions
- Meals: 19 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 11 dinners and 1 afternoon tea
- Best available and air-conditioned train seat allocation
- Private road transfers as listed
- Private airport/hotel transfers
- 19 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- 2 top-rated and English-speaking tour leaders
- All listed activities and more!
*Note: flight details are needed 60 days in advance
Exclusions
- International airfares and travel insurance (necessary)
- Any visas required (Australian passport holders have a relatively simple online process to apply for their e-Visa. We will gladly help answer any questions you have as you pass through the process)
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Have a group?
Contact us and we can arrange a private departure.
Trip Highlights
Explore the UNESCO listed Elephanta Caves
Search for tigers while on Safari in Kabini
Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Visit a Tea Plantation
Share Biryani Dinner in a family home
Live the Bohemian life in Pondicherry
Overview
Train Journeys Included
Day 2: Mumbai Local train (Marine line to Church gate)
Day 2: Toy train in Elephanta Caves
Day 3: Mumbai – Goa (Mandovi Express Mumbai – Goa)
Day 6: Goa – Udupi (Mangaluru Express 12133 Goa – Udupi)
Day 13: Ooty – Coonoor (Udagamandalam Coonoor special Train)
Day 15: Coimbatore – Chennai (Vande Bharat Express 20644, Coimbatore – Chennai)
Day 17: Chennai – Chengalpattu (Ms Guruvayur express 16127, Chennai – Chengalpattu)
Accommodation Preview
Hoysala Village Resort
Red-Earth Kabini
Accord Highlands Resort Ooty
The Promenade
Trip Summary
| Trip Summary | B | L | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Mumbai | |||
| Day 2 | Mumbai Local train, Gateway of India, Toy train in Elephanta Caves, Chopatty Snack crawl | |||
| Day 3 | Mumbai to Goa train | |||
| Day 4 | Half day sightseeing tour of Old Goa | |||
| Day 5 | Divar Island tour, Olaulim Village visit and High Tea experience | |||
| Day 6 | Goa to Udupi train, walking tour of Udupi, Ananteshwara Temple visit | |||
| Day 7 | Transfer Udupi to Hassan, Velur and Halebid Temples visit | |||
| Day 8 | Transfer Hassan to Mysore, Maharaja Palace visit, Food Walk of Mysore | |||
| Day 9 | Visit Ranganthaswamy and Chamundeshwari Temples, Biryani dinner with a local family | |||
| Day 10 | Morning transfer to Kabini, Afernoon Jungle Safari | |||
| Day 11 | Morning Jungle Safari, transfer to Ooty | |||
| Day 12 | Ooty Botanical Gardens visit, Tea Plantations and Tea Factory visit | |||
| Day 13 | Train ride of Ooty to Coonoor Nilgiri Mountain railway. | |||
| Day 14 | Transfer from Ooty to Coimbatore, Perur Pateeswarar Temple visit | |||
| Day 15 | Train from Coimbatore to Chennai, Evening walk along Marina Beach | |||
| Day 16 | Full day tour of Chennai | |||
| Day 17 | Chennai to Chengalpattu train, Transfer Chengalpattu to Pondicherry, Walking tour of Pondicherry, Pondicherry Food Walk | |||
| Day 18 | Auroville - Experimental Township visit | |||
| Day 19 | Transfer from Pondicherry to Chennai, free day to explore on your own | |||
| Day 20 | Goodbye till another time |
Trip Map
Itinerary
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: Country Inn and Suites by Radisson (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
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:INR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:54.54 INR.
A deposit of $1,900 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Australian and New Zealand passport holders can apply for an E-Tourist Visa. If you are staying in India longer than 30 days you will need to apply for a 1 year Visa. The Visa fee is around $40 AUD for 30 days and $65 AUD for 1 year.
Your trip has been designed by Mat & Lisa, the two cultural adventure experts behind Magnificent Rail.
Magnificent Rail is brought to you by the same team who built Patch Adventures, a boutique women-only adventure company.
Lisa is a guidebook author who has travelled extensively all over Asia. Mat’s first rail journey in India was at the tender age of 17; he has since organised highly successful tours to places such as India, Myanmar, and Iran. Between them, they have put together this well-balanced adventure for you.
The preparation of this trip has taken months and months of work, on top of multiple visits to India over the years by our team!
Your trip will be led by a local expert: an experienced Indian trip leader who speaks the language and knows their rotis from their chapatis. They will be assisted by a second leader, meaning we can flexibly allow the group to split and explore different aspects of India, depending on the mood of the day.
Level 1 – Easy
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include walking on uneven ground as well as getting on and off different types of transport. You should be able to ascend a flight of stairs and access a shower over a bath. From time to time you must be okay with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (hotel rooms have sit-down toilets) but when you’re on the move, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the tour.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights, if you’re in need of assistance.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Indian adventure, we ask your contribution be: 4,500 Indian Rupee (equivalent to $85 AUD) which is given to your guide on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and regional guides.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guides. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
- 7,000 to 8,000 per person, per guide (equivalent to $123 – $150) (Exchange Rate used – $1AUD : 52.7 Rupee)
Food is everything in India. From street food to fine dining, you can find it all. Service in restaurants can be a bit slow, but the wait is worth it. Most meals are included in this trip, but when they’re not, your Tour Leaders will be on hand to point you towards restaurants with better hygiene.
That being said… Delhi Belly is a real thing. It is common for tourists to get sick in India, as food tends to be on the heavy side. If you enjoy Indian food, you’re going to LOVE this trip. You’re going to discover all kinds of foods that you never even thought existed.
Our best piece of advice is – avoid Western food at all costs if you don’t want to get sick.
YES! We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets no problems, or any variation of the above. Just let us know in advance. Note: this food is often very simple and may get repetitive. We cannot cater for those with severe nut allergies. Any other medical conditions, get in touch.
Whether you are a couple, or a couple of friends, or travelling solo, our Magnificent Rail journeys will appeal to anyone who is inspired by the charm of scenic rail travel and wants to see the best of a country.
Our adventures are designed to appeal to those in their 50s, and 60s and early 70s (but of course, everyone is welcome!) Our clients are curious and active, and want to find the magic of travel again, but with some modern comforts in unique and interesting places along the way. They’ve often avoided tours in the past because they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
They prefer insider perspectives and lingering longer in the right places for a deeper experience.
Send us an email at contact@magnificentrail.com.au or give us a call at +61 482 095 648; A deposit is required to reserve your spot.
