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Discover Southern India and Kerala
Discover Southern India and Kerala

Discover Southern India and Kerala

Trip Type: Rail Journey
India | 15 Days
Starts From:

NZD 6,055.00 /Person

15 days, 31 meals. Discover India’s mesmerising southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Watch cultural dance performances, uncover col...

Discover Southern India and Kerala

15 days, 31 meals. Discover India’s mesmerising southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Watch cultural dance performances, uncover colourful temples and historic churches, sample the famed foods of South India, along with visiting renowned tea gardens and spice plantations. Travel on scenic World Heritage Toy train and cruise on the serene backwaters of Kerala.

Touchdown in Bengaluru and meet your representative who will transfer you to your premium hotel, located a short drive from the airport. Spend time relaxing in one of several restaurants on site or indulge at a spa that features a menu of anti-jetlag treatments.

Accommodation
Bengaluru, Taj Bangalore

Location
Bangalore , India

Meet your Great Rail Journey Tour Escort and fellow travellers and transfer by coach to Mysuru. On arrival, step out and explore the city or simply settle in and unwind. The former capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore, now known as Mysuru, is often referred to as the cultural capital of Karnataka. This evening, gather for a Welcome Dinner in the hotel.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Mysuru, Radisson Blu Plaza Mysore

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Bangalore , India

Step out on a full-day guided tour, exploring the cultural icons of Mysuru such as St Philomena's Church, a large neo-Gothic cathedral inspired by Cologne Cathedral, and Mysore Palace, a sublime and intricately decorated building with Hindu, Muslim, Gothic and Rajput architectural influences. Continue to Srirangapatna, known for its ornate temples and forts and, poignantly, the site of a major battle between the British East India Company and Tipu Sultan. Later head to Chamundi Hills and discover a Hindu temple dedicated to Nandi, with its enormous Nandi (Bull) statue.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Bangalore , India

Journey by coach to Ooty, short for Udhagamandalam, a hill station located in the Nilgiri Mountains, popular with the British during the time of the Raj and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Surrounded by forested foothills and verdant tea plantations amid the Blue Mountains, named after a blue flower which blossoms every 12 years on the 'Nilgiris', Ooty the 'Queen of the hills', is a picturesque paradise for nature lovers. You may like to take a walk through the gardens, visit the local honey and bee museum or simply relax and soak in the views.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Fortune Sullivan Court Ooty

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Bangalore , India

Begin your day with a visit to Ooty's Botanical Gardens, with its vibrant displays of over 650 types of flora in terraced beds dotted with water features and sculptures. Continue to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit St Stephen's Church, built by the British in the 19th century and renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows and the marvellous painting of 'The Last Supper'. Stop at the local market on the way back to the hotel. Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting for dinner.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Location
Bangalore , India

Start the day with your Insider Experience. Pass by colonial mansions, soak in the scenery featuring rolling hills covered with eucalyptus forests, and coffee and tea plantations. Stop at Coonoor and visit a local tea factory to learn about the process of making tea. This area has produced tea for over 100 years, in particular a variety with distinctively dark colour and strong aroma. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before another Insider Experience. Pass through forest covered hills, cross several bridges, traverse through tunnels and marvel at this feat of engineering. Arrive in Mettupalayam, and travel by coach to the city of Coimbatore for an overnight stay, with dinner on arrival.

Accommodation
Vivanta Coimbatore

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Location
Bangalore , India

Following a morning at leisure in Coimbatore on the banks of the Noyyal River, surrounded by the Western Ghats Mountain range, catch the Intercity Express train. Enjoy a simple packed lunch onboard, as you journey to the city of Kochi in Kerala. Known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', Kochi - previously called Cochin - is a captivating destination.

Accommodation
Two Nights: Crowne Plaza Kochi

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Location
Bangalore , India

Spend time discovering Fort Kochi, including St Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama the Portuguese explorer was first buried before his body was carried back to Lisbon. Head to Mattancherry Palace, known as the Dutch Palace, and admire the beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Gain insight into the daily life of local people at the Dhobi Khana, a sprawling open-air laundry where hundreds of pieces of clothing are washed every day and hung out to dry. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Bangalore , India

Visit the Jewish Synagogue decorated with Chinese blue titles and Belgian chandeliers and marvel at the incredible treasures, including The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament - before transferring to Alleppey. Board a houseboat. or kettuvallam, for your Insider Experience. Originally used to transport spices and rice, these houseboats are constructed of local materials.

Disembark at Kumarakom for an overnight stay at your hotel on the lakeshore.


Accommodation
Kumarakom, Coconut Lagoon

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Location
Bangalore , India

Spend time at leisure before travelling through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, home to Periyar National Park for two nights. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon to settle in and appreciate your traditionally designed cottage set in beautiful gardens. Dinner tonight showcases the wonderful locally grown produce this region for which this region is famed.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Thekkady, Spice Village

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Bangalore , India

Set off this morning on your Insider Experience. In the afternoon, head to Lake Periyar, a stunning manmade body of water, for a peaceful cruise. Search for some of the diverse and protected wildlife including elephants and tigers. Return to your resort for dinner.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Bangalore , India

Departing gorgeous Thekkady after breakfast, descend the Ghat Mountains by coach, crossing back into Tamil Nadu. Your destination today is Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India and the capital of the important Pandya dynasty until the 14th century.

After some time at leisure, visit a nearby village for your Insider Experience. Returning to your hotel, enjoy dinner in attractive surroundings this evening.


Accommodation
Two Nights, Heritage Madurai

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Bangalore , India

Take a guided tour of Madurai, which includes the impressive 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. An ancient city located on the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, Madurai's skyline is dominated by 14 colourful gopurams, or gateway towers, of the 12th-century Meenakshi Temple. Embark on your Insider Experience this evening.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Bangalore , India

Set off to the airport for your flight to Chennai and an overnight stay. Previously known as Madras during the colonial era, Chennai's architecture and culture has Portuguese, Dutch, French and British influences. Explore the San Thome Cathedral Basilica built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the Madras War Cemetery and Marina Beach, one of the world's longest beaches, stretching 13 kilometres. Stroll through the city's flower market in George Town, soaking up a myriad of colours and fragrances. Sit down to a delicious farewell dinner tonight.

Accommodation
Chennai, Taj Coromandel

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Bangalore , India

Spend time at leisure or take the opportunity for an optional excursion to Mamallapuram (own expense), known for its World Heritage-listed temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. In time, transfer to Chennai International Airport for your onward flight.

Meals Included
Breakfast

Location
Bangalore , India

Touchdown in Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration make your way to your premium hotel, located a short drive from the airport. Spend time relaxing in one of 3 restaurants or indulge in a spa that features a menu of anti-jetlag treatments.

Accommodation
Bengaluru, Taj Bangalore

Location
Bangalore , India

Meet your Great Rail Journey Tour Escort and fellow travellers and transfer by coach to Mysuru for two nights. On arrival, step out and explore the city or relax or simply settle in and unwind. The former capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore, now known as Mysuru, is often referred to as the cultural capital of Karnataka.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Mysuru, Radisson Blu Plaza Mysore

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Mysore , India

Step out on a full-day's guided tour, exploring the cultural icons of Mysuru such as St Philomena's Church, a large neo-Gothic cathedral inspired by Cologne Cathedral, and Mysore Palace, a beautiful and intricately decorated building with Hindu, Muslim, Gothic and Rajput architectural influences. Continue to Srirangapatna, known for its ornate temples and forts and, poignantly, the site of a major battle between the British and Tipu Sultan. Following lunch (not included) head to Chamundi Hills and discover the unique Nandi (Bull) statue.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Mysore , India

Journey to Ooty, short for Udhagamandalam, a hill station located in the Nilgiri Mountains, popular for the British during the time of the Raj and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Surrounded by forested foothills and verdant tea plantations amid the Blue Mountains, named after a blue flower which blossoms every 12 years on the 'Nilgiris', Ooty the 'Queen of the hills', is a picturesque paradise for nature lovers. You may like to take a cruise on one of the nearby lakes, walk through the gardens, or visit the local honey and bee museum or simply relax and soak in the views.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Ooty, Fortune Sullivan Court Ooty

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Ooty , India

Begin your day with a visit to Ooty's popular Botanical Gardens, with its vibrant displays of over 650 types of flora in terraced beds. Among beautiful native flowers, are several water features and sculptures. Continue to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and reserve forests. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit St Stephen's Church, built by the British in the 19th century and known for its colourful depiction of 'The Last Supper'.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Location
Ooty , India

Travel to Coonoor by local toy train and take a walking tour of this enchanting town. Pass by colonial mansions, view tea plantations and visit a local factory to learn more about the process of making tea. The area has produced tea for over 100 years, in particular a variety with distinctively dark colour and strong aroma. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before stepping on board a steam train for a scenic journey on the World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Pass through forest covered hills, cross several bridges, traverse through tunnels and marvel at this feat of engineering. Arrive into Mettupalayam, and travel by coach to the city of Coimbatore for an overnight stay.

Accommodation
Coimbatore, Vivanta Coimbatore

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Location
Coimbatore , India

Following a morning at leisure in Coimbatore on the banks of the Noyyal River, surrounded by the Western Ghats Mountain range, catch the train to the captivating city of Kochi in Kerala for two nights. Known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', Kochi - previously called Cochin - is a captivating destination.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Kochi, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Location
Kochi , India

Spend time discovering Fort Kochi, including St Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama the Portuguese explorer was first buried before his body was carried back to Lisbon. Head to Mattancherry Palace, known as the Dutch Palace, and admire the beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Gain insight into the daily life of local people at the Dhobi Khana, a sprawling open-air laundry where hundreds of pieces of clothing are washed every day and hung out to dry. In the evening, sit down and watch a Kathakali dance performance. A Keralan tradition, this ritual dance combines colourful costumes with traditional music played by local musicians.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Kochi , India

Visit the Jewish Synagogue decorated with Chinese blue titles and Belgian chandeliers and marvel at the incredible treasures, including The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament - before transferring to Alleppey. Board a houseboat - or kettuvallam - for a scenic cruise through Kerala's idyllic 'backwaters', a network of lagoons and canals. Constructed of traditional materials, these boats carried goods including exotic spices and rice, between Cochin and Kuttanad. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you cruise across Vembanad Lake, the longest freshwater lake in India, gliding through a palm-lined maze of canals. Disembark at Kumarakom for an overnight stay.

Accommodation
Kumarakom, Coconut Lagoon

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Location
Kumarakom , India

Spend time at leisure before travelling through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, home to Periyar National Park for two nights. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon to settle in and appreciate your traditionally designed cottage set in beautiful gardens.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Thekkady, Spice Village

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Thekkady , India

Discover an aromatic spice plantation on a guided walking tour that uncovers the secrets of Southern India's flavoursome spices. This area has grown and exported some of the world's most popular and fragrant spices including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon and clove. Learn how each one is cultivated. In the afternoon, head to Lake Periyar, a stunning body of water, for a peaceful cruise. Search for some of the diverse and protected wildlife including elephants and tigers.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Thekkady , India

Journey to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India for two nights. En route, visit a village inhabited by artisans who specialise in sculpting aesthetic idols and puppets out of clay.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Madurai, The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Madurai , India

Take a guided tour of Madurai which includes the impressive 17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. An ancient city located on the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, Madurai's skyline is dominated by 14 colourful gopurams, or gateway towers, of the 12th century Meenakshi Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, this Dravidian-style temple has been a major pilgrimage site for centuries. Witness the final puja of the day, a traditional Hindu ritual. Observe the priests as they symbolically bathe, dress and feed an idol of God Shiva, and then put him to bed alongside his wife, Goddess Meenakshi, to whom the temple is dedicated.

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Madurai , India

Set off for the airport for your flight to Chennai and an overnight stay. Previously known as Madras during the colonial era, Chennai's architecture and culture has Portuguese, Dutch, French and British influences. Explore the San Thome Cathedral Basilica built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the Madras War Cemetery on Marina Beach, one of the world's longest. Stroll through the city's flower market in George Town, soaking up a myriad of colours and fragrances.

Accommodation
Chennai, Taj Coromandel

Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch

Location
Chennai , India

Spend time at leisure or take the opportunity for an optional excursion to Mamallapuram (payable locally), known for its World Heritage listed temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. In time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals Included
Breakfast

Location
Chennai , India

  • 14 nights in premium accommodation
  • Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort
  • 31 meals - 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 13 dinners
  • Ride the famous Mountain Toy Train passing through the Nilgiri Mountains
  • Dine on regional and authentic South Indian cuisine
  • Cruise through the serene palm-lined backwaters of Kerala
  • Watch a Kathakali dance performance accompanied by local music
  • Take guided walks through tea gardens and spice plantations
  • 14 nights in premium accommodation
  • Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort
  • 31 meals - 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 13 dinners
  • Ride the famous Mountain Toy Train passing through the Nilgiri Mountains
  • Dine on regional and authentic South Indian cuisine
  • Cruise through the serene palm-lined backwaters of Kerala
  • Watch a Kathakali dance performance accompanied by local music
  • Take guided walks through tea gardens and spice plantations
  • Airport transfers, porterage and tipping included
  • Domestic flight between Madurai and Chennai included
  • Itinerary operated by Great Rail Journeys
  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • Depending on flight schedule for the accompanying group, a transfer to Mysuru may be on a private basis. In this situation you will meet your Great Rail Journey Escort in Mysuru
  • Overnight bag required Day 13, luggage travels surface from Madurai to Chennai
  • Prices are for land/rail and flight as specified only
  • Arrival into Bengaluru should be no later than 10pm on Day 1
  • Itinerary and inclusions may be subject to change
  • Domestic flight between Madurai and Chennai included
  • Itinerary operated by Great Rail Journeys
  • Prices are for land/rail and flight as specified only
  • Arrival into Bengaluru should be no later than 10pm on Day 1
  • Airport transfers, porterage and tipping included

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Price: NZD 6,445.00

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Room Type: TWIN
Adult Price: NZD 6,055.00
Enquire
Room Type: DOUBLE
Adult Price: NZD 6,055.00
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Provided by
APT
Reference Code:
RJTGCJ15
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Bengaluru, India
Trip Finishes:
India
Countries Visited:
India
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Destination Details
India | 15 Days

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