Romance Tour of South India by Rail

Transfer from Chennai airport to your hotel.

In the afternoon city tour of Chennai, visiting the Museum to see the Art and Bronze Gallery and drive through busy city of Chennai visiting High Court Buildings, Marina Beach and Kapaleeswara Temple.

Overnight in Chennai.

After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram - one of the seven sacred cities in India and city of thousand temples. You will visit Ekambareshwarar temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple and Kailasanatha Temple.

After lunch drive to Mahabalipuram and the city tour. This city is famous for the seven pagodas, here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture.

Check-in to your hotel, rest of the day free.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry.

Check-in to your hotel and during the afternoon visiting of Sri Aurobindo’s Ashram, Aayi Mandapam, Notre dame Church. You will also explore French Enclave and Manakulla Vinayagar Temple.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast transfer to Villupuram railway station to board the train at 11.20am.

Travel by 2nd AC Sleeper and arrival in Tanjore in 14.45 hours, here you will take a tour of Tanjore visiting the Brahadeeswara temple which was built by Chola King Rajaraja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture, listed in world heritage monuments. There will be a sightseeing at the Tanjore Palace which was constructed in 16th century and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers.  Check into your hotel and rest of the day free.

Overnight in Tanjore.

After breakfast drive to Trichy to visit Amma Mandapam – witness the rituals performed by the locals for their parents / ancestors.

Later, visiting of Srirangam Temple, superb temple complex surrounded by seven concentric walls with 21 gopurams and probably the largest in India.

Departure for Chettinad, check-in to your hotel and witness the hidden treasures of the Chettinad region. Your excursion includes a visit to the Chettinad Palace, a textile weaving village, a tile making village and an antique's market.

In the evening you will enjoy a Chettinad dinner.

Overnight in Chettinad.

After breakfast, leave to Madurai - one of the oldest cities in South India. It has been a centre of learning & pilgrimage for centuries.

Check-in at your hotel and in the afternoon visiting of  Sri Meenakshi temple which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India. We will just take a leisure walk around the temple to see the flower market and also visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

In the evening witness Aarti Ceremony.

Overnight in Madurai. 

Morning visit Tiruparamkundram and Vandiyur Mariamman Tank.

In the afternoon at 4.45 pm boarding the train to Kanyakumari.

Arrival in Nagercoil Station at 9.40pm and transfer to your hotel.

Rest of the day free and overnight in Kanyakumari.

Early morning witness the spectacular sunrise and visiting of Vivekananda Memorial and Tiruvalluvar statue.

After breakfast drive to Kovalam. The rest of the day will be free to relax on the beach.

Overnight in Kovalam.

Kovalam is well known for its beautiful sandy beaches and palm fringed coconut trees.

Full day free to relax on the beach, overnight in Kovalam.

After breakfast drive to Alleppey – an enchanting backwater destination. You will board your houseboat at 12.30 pm to cruise the canals of Vembanad Lake and witness the traditional Kerala village life remained unchanged for many years.

Here your crew will prepare you delicious Kerala meal on board.

Overnight at the houseboat (Air Condition will be operated from 8pm to 7am only).

After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and departure for Cochin.

Check-in to your hotel and visiting of historic Fort Cochin including Jewish Synagogue – oldest synagogue in the commonwealth and the Mattancherry Palace – houses of lots of mural paintings.

St. Francis Church - the oldest European Church and visit to Chinese fishing nets introduced by Chinese traders long ago still used in Kerala backwaters as a traditional way of fishing.

In the evening watch the performance of Kathakali Dance show – traditional dance of Kerala. You can also witness the make up demonstration.

Overnight in Cochin.

After breakfast drive to Mettupalayam and check-in to your hotel.

Rest of the day free, overnight in Mettupalayam.

Transfer to Mettupalayam railway station to board the train that departs for Ooty at 7.20am.

Enjoy scenic journey of nilgiri hills, you will arrive in Ooty at 12.30pm.

Transfer to your hotel, rest of the day free.

Overnight in Ooty.

Morning half a day sightseeing tour of Ooty visiting botanical garden, boating on the lake and visiting Totabetta peak.

Free afternoon and overnight in Ooty.

Departure for Mysore.

Check-in to your hotel and in the afternoon half a day tour of Mysore visiting Maharaja's Palace, Chamundi Hill and colourful Devraja Fruit and Vegetable Market.

Overnight in Mysore.