Great Rail Journeys - Kerala & Exotic Southern India

An escorted experience and all travel arrangements

The services of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish
Scheduled flights from London to Chennai and Kochi to London (including taxes and charges)
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour

Comfortable accommodation in your destination

13 nights’ hotel accommodation

Delicious meals included

31 meals, including 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 13 dinners, including lunch and evening tea whilst on board our Kerala houseboat cruise

Exciting excursions and free time to explore

Guided tours of Mysuru, Ooty, Kochi, Madurai and Chennai
Journey on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Visit a tea factory in Coonoor
Visit the Meenakshi Temple, including the evening ceremony
Kerala backwaters cruise on a traditional houseboat
Kathakali dance performance
Cruise across Lake Periyar

• Mysuru
• The Nilgiri Mountain Railway
• Ooty
• Kochi
• Coonoor tea factory
• Meenakshi Temple
• Kerala backwaters cruise
• Kathakali dance performance
• Cruise across lake Periyar

HOTEL TAJ COROMANDEL, CHENNAI

Located in the heart of Chennai’s business and commercial district, the 5-Star Taj Coromandel is one of the city’s best known landmarks. The superb hotel has a large landscaped swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa and wellness centre, hot tub, two restaurants, a bar and sun terrace.

VIVANTA BY TAJ SURYA, COIMBATORE

In the centre of the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, the Vivanta by Taj – Surya is intrinsically modern in style and atmosphere. The hotel features a lounge with scenic views of Coimbatore, a large outdoor pool, spa treatments and a 24-hour fitness centre.

VIVANTA BY TAJ MALABAR, KOCHI

In Kochi, we stay at the beautiful 5-Star Vivanta by Taj Malabar, set amidst landscaped gardens with a lovely view over Kochi harbour. Here there is a choice of 5 restaurants and eateries, serving delicious cuisine ranging from Thai to Italian.

COCONUT LAGOON, KUMARAKOM

Our hotel in Kumarakom is the beautiful Cocunut Lagoon. This delightful hotel is located on the verdant shores of the azure Vembanad Lake, making this the perfect place in which to relax after a long day of exploring the region.

THE GATEWAY HOTEL PASUMALAI, MADURAI

Situated in acres of landscaped gardens on Pasumalai Hill, the 4-Star Gateway Hotel Pasumalai is a fine example of colonial architecture.

TAJ SAVOY HOTEL, OOTY

Quietly seated on hillside near to Ooty in the Nilgiri region, The Savoy Hotel’s accommodation comes in the form of colonial style cottages nested in six acres of bright, landscaped gardens.

SPICE VILLAGE, THEKKADY

Surrounded by mountains and spice plantations, the unique Spice Village Resort boasts modern amenities in a quiet natural setting.

Days 1-3: To Mysuru via Bengaluru

We depart London Heathrow for our overnight flight to Bangalore, travelling via Abu Dhabi. Arriving on Day 2, we transfer by coach to Mysuru, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to settle in to our surroundings.

Days 4-6: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Ooty

Following a morning at leisure, we travel by coach to Coimbatore, where we overnight. On Day 5 our tour continues to Mettupalayam, where we board the UNESCOlisted Nilgiri Mountain Railway, one of the world’s steepest operational rack-and-pinion railways. The steam-hauled service takes us up the hillside through verdant forests to Coonoor, where we visit a local tea factory.

Days 7-8: Kochi

Today we transfer by coach to Coimbatore, from where we board the train to the truly captivating city of Kochi. We discover Kochi on a guided tour on Day 8. Sometimes known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi is a fascinating city to explore.

Days 9-10: A houseboat cruise

On Day 9, we enjoy a guided tour of the Jewish Synagogue, home to an array of treasures including The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, before transfering to Alleppey, where we board a kettuvallam, or houseboat, for a scenic cruise discovering Kerala’s naturally idyllic backwaters.

Days 11-13: Kerala’s spices and Madurai

Today’s excursion takes us to an aromatic spice plantation, where we enjoy a guided walking tour, uncovering the secrets of southern India’s spices. This afternoon we head to Lake Periyar, a stunning lake in a large wildlife sanctuary, for a cruise across its peaceful waters.

Day 14: To Chennai

After breakfast today, we take an internal flight to Chennai, formerly known as Madras. This afternoon, we take a sightseeing tour, including some of the city’s colonial heritage, seen in the architecture that remains.

Days 15-16: Return to London

There is an optional excursion this morning to Mamallapuram, known for its UNESCO-listed temples (payable locally). Otherwise, enjoy the day at leisure, before we transfer to the airport for our flight to London, where we arrive on Day 16.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.