Wendy Wu Southern India by Rail

Mahabalipuram
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovering ancient rock-cut temples and monuments

Kanyakumari
This coastal town sits where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meets.

Ooty
Visit the extensive Ooty Botanical Gardens, home to a diverse collection of exotic and indigenous plants

Trivandrum
See the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its Dravidian architecture and as symbol of Kerala’s cultural heritage

Days 1-2: Fly to Chennai
Fly overnight to Chennai, transferring to your hotel on arrival. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Explore Mahabalipuram
Start today with an exploration of the ancient temples and intricately adorned monuments, providing insight into the architectural wonders of Kanchipuram and the coastal allure of Mahabalipuram.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 4: Travel to Tanjore
After breakfast, you will transfer to Chennai Station, where you will step aboard the Trichy-bound Tejas Express. Sit back and enjoy the picturesque landscapes while you head south. On arrival you will transfer to Tanjore for the night.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 5: Travel to Madurai
Drive to Madurai, with an intriguing detour through Chettinad to learn about tile-making and to wander through the local market. Enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson, savouring the flavours of Chettinad cuisine, which culminates in a delightful lunch experience. Upon reaching Madurai, the evening unfolds as you experience an Arti Ceremony at Minakshi Temple, a spiritual and cultural spectacle.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 6: Explore Madurai
Your day of exploration that starts with a sightseeing tour of Madurai. Discover Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, a historical gem resonating with the splendour of a bygone era before engaging in a delightful Food Trail Tour, to relish the diverse and flavourful culinary delights that Madurai is known for.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 7: Travel to Trivandrum
Following breakfast, you’ll transfer to the railway station to board the PJ TVC Express bound for Trivandrum. Upon reaching Trivandrum, visit the iconic Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a site of profound cultural and religious significance.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 8: Travel to Kanyakumari
Enjoy a day trip to Kanyakumari, where you will marvel at the convergence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal. Discover the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue, iconic landmarks adorning the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, before returning to Trivandrum.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 9: Kerala Backwaters
After breakfast take a drive to Alleppey, where you will board a traditional houseboat, locally referred to as a Kettuvallam. Cruise through the captivating backwaters, enveloped by verdant scenery and swaying palm trees.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 10: Travel to Kochi
Disembark and travel to Kochi. Enjoy a city tour that explores significant landmarks, historical sites, and lively local markets. In the evening, witness a performance of Kathakali, an ancient dance form merging intricate facial expressions, graceful motions, and vibrant attire.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Travel to Ooty
After breakfast transfer to the rain station to board the SBC Intercity Express heading to Coimbatore. Upon reaching Coimbatore you will continue by coach to Ooty where you will check in at your hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 12: Toy Train
Following breakfast, commence a picturesque and iconic voyage from Ooty to Coonoor, on the infamous Toy Train. Meandering through the enchanting Nilgiri Hills, the journey unfolds breath taking views of landscapes, tea plantations, and quaint villages. Take the time to discover the Botanical Gardens in Coonoor before returning to Ooty.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 13: Bangalore
Return to the railway station in Coimbatore to catch the SBC Intercity Express headed for Bangalore. Upon reaching Bangalore, transfer to your hotel before dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 14: Explore Bangalore
Start the day with a city tour of Bangalore, immersing yourself in the modernity and tradition that characterizes this lively city. Explore prominent landmarks, cultural sites and attractions that showcase the city’s rich heritage and essence.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 15: Depart Bangalore
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
(Breakfast)

Kathakali Dance Performance
Witness a performance of Kerala’s traditional dance-drama, Kathakali, an extravagant re-telling of Hindu classics

Overnight on a Kettuvallam
Stay overnight on a traditional houseboat and enjoy the tranquillity of the Kerala backwaters.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Take the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor, which offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills, tea plantations and picturesque landscapes.

• International Flights
• 13nts in 4* accommodation
• All meals: 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Domestic transport
• Visa fees for UK passport holders

Classic
See the classic sights in the company of expert guides so you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. Everything is taken care of, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. The tours are fully inclusive with all meals and a comprehensive touring programme.

This tour has a maximum group size of 28 people.

This tour has a physical rating of 2. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you’ll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.