Southern India & East Coast by Rail
14 days
From $ 1199
Duration14 days

It’s common knowledge that India is a huge tourist destination — so what do you do if you want to get off the beaten path and check out some underexplored parts of the country? Get on the train, of course. Hop on board and go from the deep south of Kochi up the east coast towards bustling Kolkata, disembarking to explore temples and palaces along the way. You’ll have the chance to explore smaller cities and villages on the coast, getting a perspective on this country that few have the opportunity to experience. Once you’ve lived like a local hopping off and back on the train for your next adventure, you’ll be seeing India in a brand new light.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 14 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 12+
Southern India & East Coast by Rail - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Kochi
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Kochi/Alleppey
This evening enjoy a taste of local life with a homestay.
Take the early train to Alleppey to explore the Kerala backwaters. Walk in the paddy fields and take a canoe ride through the canals the region is famous for. Dinner at a local homestay.
Meals: D
Day 3: Alleppey/Kanyakumari
Enjoy some more time in Kerala before an evening train to Kanyakumari for a full day exploring the area.
Meals: B
Day 4: Kanyakumari/Madurai
Spend the day in Kanyakumari. Drive to the southernmost tip of India and take a ferry across to Vivekananda Rock and the Ramkrishna Ashram. Take an evening Kanyakumari Express train to Madurai.
Day 5: Madurai
Explore the Meenakshi Temple and colourful markets of Madurai.
Day 6: Madurai/Māmallapuram
Take the morning Vaigai Express to Chengalpattu before continue by van to Mamallapuram.
Day 7: Māmallapuram
Cycle around and explore the rock-cut Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach.
Day 8: Māmallapuram/Chennai
Accommodation on the train tonight will be either in two tier or three tier bunks.
Drive to Chennai and explore Marina Beach and San Thome Basilica. Later, board an overnight train to Hyderabad.
Day 9: Hyderabad
Learn more about the region's history with a visit to the iconic Charminar and historic Golconda Fort.
Day 10: Hyderabad/Puri
Opt to visit the Salar Jung Museum or the scenic Qutb Shahi Tombs with free time.
Enjoy a free morning to continue exploring this state capital before catching an evening flight to Bhubaneshwar. Continue by van to reach Puri.
Day 11: Puri
Explore Raghuraj Pur village and beautiful Puri beaches.
Day 12: Puri/Kolkata
Take a morning Shatabdi Express train to Kolkata, with lunch provided on board. Arrive in the afternoon and take an orientation walk with the CEO. Enjoy lunch on board.
Meals: L
Day 13: Kolkata
Explore the vintage monuments and streets of this former capital of the British Era, also visit Missionaries' of Charity the noble peace prize winner, Mother Teresa’s house and final resting place.. Opt to take a ferry ride across the Hooghly River. Opt to join the group for dinner at one of the famed restaurants on Park Street for the final night out.
Day 14: Kolkata
Depart at any time.

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Backwaters canal ride
  • Vivekananda Rock and Ramkrishna Ashram visit
  • Meenakshi Temple visit
  • Cycle tour to Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach
  • Chennai city tour
  • Charminar and Golconda Fort visit
  • Jagannath Temple visit
  • Raghuraj Pur village visit
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Train (seats), Train (beds), Private van, Walking, Plane
  • Accommodation

    Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), Homestay (1 nt), Sleeper train (1 nt)

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