Kerala & Exotic Southern India 2024/2025
16 Days Train Tour from £2695 per person
Follow in the footsteps of Portillo in the stunning south of India on this fantastic 16 day tour. Venture through the beautiful countryside on board delightful heritage railways, and enjoy a truly immersive Indian experience with dance performances and temple visits. Beginning in Mysuru, travel through Ooty, Kochi, Kerala, and finally Chennai, on an awe-inspiring journey showcasing the very best of this traditional – yet modern – segment of the subcontinent.
Itinerary
Days 1-3
To Mysuru
Fly from London to Bengaluru via Abu Dhabi today, arriving on Day 2, where your afternoon is at leisure to settle in. On Day 3, enjoy a full day tour of Mysuru, exploring the cultural icons of the city, including St Philomena’s Church and Mysore Palace.
Days 4-6Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Following a morning at leisure, we travel by coach to Coimbatore, where we overnight. On Day 5, our tour continues to Mettupalayam on board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. After time here, we transfer by rail to Ooty, where we take a sightseeing tour on Day 6.
Days 7-8
Kochi
We transfer by coach to Coimbatore again today, where we board the train to Kochi. We explore Kochi on a guided tour, viewing St Frances Church and the Dutch Palace. This evening, we are treated to a Kathakali Dance performance.
Days 9-10Houseboat Cruise
We take a tour of the Jewish Synagogue on Day 9, which is home to an array of treasures. We then transfer to Alleppey, where we board a kettuvallam, or houseboat, for a scenic cruise. We begin at Vembanad Lake, and travel to Kumarakom. On Day 10, we continue to Thekkady, where your afternoon is free.
Days 11-13Kerala's spices and Madurai
Today we visit a spice plantation, then head to Lake Periyar for a cruise. On Day 12, we go to Madurai, where we see the Meenakshi Temple this evening. Day 13 sees us take a guided coach tour of Madurai, which includes the opulent 17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace.
Days 14-16
Chennai and home
After breakfast, we take an internal flight to Chennai, formerly Madras. Here we take a sightseeing tour. On Day 15, there is an optional excursion to Mamallapuram, or you can choose to spend the day at leisure. Transfer to the airport in the evening for your overnight flight to London, arriving on Day 16.