Rail Discoveries Spectacular Southern India

• Fully escorted by a local Indian Tour Manager from Bengaluru to the end of your tour
• 12 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner each day, and 3 lunches
• City tours of Mysuru, Ooty, Coonoor and Kochi
• Steam toy train journey
• Kathakali dance performance
• Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake
• Visits to a tea plantation and a spice plantation
• Kalaripayattu martial arts performance
• Boat safari on Lake Periyar
• Time at leisure at Cherai Beach

Days 1-2: To Southern India

Arrive at the airport and board your flight to Mumbai today. Upon arrival on Day 2 in Mumbai, take an internal flight to the thriving, modern metropolis of Bengaluru in the centre of Southern India.

Day 3: Exploring Mysuru

Mysuru’s enchanting beauty is uncovered today on a guided tour through the city streets. Visit the glorious Royal Palace, the reverent St. Philomena’s Church and the remarkable town of Srirangapatna.

Day 4: To Ooty

You depart Mysuru today, travelling by coach further south through Indian countryside and rural scenery. The rolling hills and unique landscapes, animals and people of Southern India are on full display as you pass farmlands, towns and villages on your way to the town of Ooty amongst the Nilgiri hills.

Day 5: Discovering Ooty

This morning, you board a coach for a full day guided tour of Ooty and its impressive panoramas. Ooty is a popular resort, with a number of protected parklands, tea gardens and plantations, all well worth a visit.

Days 6-7: Toy trains and tea plantations

From Ooty station, board a diesel toy train taking you through the hills along to the town of Coonoor. Hidden among numerous tea estates whose green roots and orchards stretch across this region, Coonoor is vibrant, verdant and varied.

Day 8: Kochi

Today, you enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Kochi, uncovering the splendid Dutch Palace and the grand Jewish synagogue. Later in the afternoon, you are at leisure before a Kathakali dance performance in a local theatre.

Days 9-10: A houseboat cruise and Thekkady

Drive to Alleppey today for a cruise on board an authentic houseboat on the glittering Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a lunch on the boat, as you take in the oasis-like views of this striking lagoon, one of the largest in India. On Day 10 you travel to Thekkady where you pay a visit to a tea plantation before experiencing an Indian martial arts display in a Kalaripayattu performance.

Day 11: The Periyar National Park

The Periyar National Park is one of India’s best areas for outstanding natural beauty. With lakes split by soaring hills, and rolling rivers curbed by enormous dams, there is much to see here with wildlife including elephants, tigers, and monkeys.

Days 12-13: Cherai Beach

You leave Periyar today, travelling north-west to Cherai Beach in Kerala. This golden stretch of sandy coast off the Arabian Sea, enjoys a splendid climate and ecological protection, making it one of India’s best beaches. On arrival, you check into your resort hotel, and the rest of the day and Day 13 are spent relaxing on this wonderful shoreline.

Day 14: Return home

Your time in India comes to an end today as you transfer to Cochin Airport for your journey back to London via Mumbai.

Lake Canopy, Allepey

Set among palm trees gazing over the azure waters of Punnamada Lake, this tasteful resort offers those who stay here classic Indian hospitality. Set in various cottages across the resort, Lake Canopy Hotel is a delight, with green gardens and an enviable position on the lakefront. An excellent restaurant, a spa, a swimming pool and a gym feature in this hotel.

Sea Lagoon Health Resort, Cherai Beach

Offering an outdoor swimming pool, an ayurvedic massage parlour and a private beach area, Sea Lagoon Health Resort is located just 350 yards from the Cherai Beach.

Trident Hotel, Cochin

One of the most fabulous hotels in Kochi, the fabulous 5* Trident Hotel is our base whilst here. With a location on Willingdon Island, this hotel is a marvellous base from which to conduct our explorations of this vibrant Indian city. The hotel offers a Spa, with a range of fantastic treatments (payable locally), as well as a swimming pool, a bar, and some restaurants.

ITC Welcome, Coimbatore

Located close to Valankulam Lake near the very centre of Coimbatore, the ITC Welcome Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore this lively Indian city. The rooms are comfortable, and contain all the amenities for a good stay, including tea & coffee making facilities, a television, complimentary toiletries, and an en-suite bathroom.

Country Inn and Suites, Mysore

Stay at the 4* Country Inn & Suites whilst in Mysore. Located on the outskirts of the city, this is the perfect base, away from the bustle of the busy centre of Mysore. The hotel has numerous fantastic amenities on offer, which includes an outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, a fitness centre, a spa, two restaurants, and a bar.

Fortune Sullivan Court, Ooty

In Ooty, stay at the 4* Fortune Sullivan Court, which is located right next to the pretty Udhagai Rose Garden and within easy reach of the numerous National Parks around Ooty. The rooms come with a television, a minibar, tea & coffee making facilities, and an en-suite bathroom.

Cardamom County, Periyar

Found in the spectacular natural haven of the Periyar National Park in Southern India, the Cardamom Country resort is a delight to stay at. With wonderful lush green gardens climbing above a blue outdoor pool, this hotel offers an authentic India stay against this magnificent scenery.

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.