Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Southern India & East Coast by Rail" (AHER), but here are some similar trips.
Southern India & East Coast by Rail
14 days, Kochi to Calcutta
Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 10, 2020 or March 29, 2021 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Itinerary
Day 1Kochi
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Kochi/Alleppey
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.
This evening enjoy a taste of local life with a homestay.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Tuk-Tuk
Scoot quickly around the big cities inside a three-wheeled mini-taxi.
Kerala Boat Tour
Enjoy a boat ride through the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. Take in the lush, green scenery and the multitude of coconut trees.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 3Alleppey/Kanyakumari
Enjoy some more time in Kerala before an evening train to Kanyakumari for a full day exploring the area.
Free Time
Enjoy more time here.
Train
Meals are available for purchase on board.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Kanyakumari/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.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Vivekananda Rock and Ramkrishna Ashram Visit
Take an enjoyable ferry ride to Vivekananda Rock, a small island about 100m from the mainland. Mix with the many pilgrims going to visit this holy site—it honours the Hindu poet and philosopher, Swami Vivekananda. Learn about Hinduism at the peaceful Ramakrishna Ashram, an ashram maintained by the Ramakrishna Mission, which is a Hindu movement named after the late philosopher, Swami Ramakrishna.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 5Madurai
Explore the Meenakshi Temple and colourful markets of Madurai.
Meenakshi Temple Visit
Visit the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, considered to be the finest in South Indian religious architecture. This enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati, or Meenakshi. Even before you pass through the massive stone walls of the temple, the nine striking gopurams (monumental gateways covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals, and monsters all painted in vivid colours) loom high above.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time exploring the bustling markets and gorgeous temples of this holy city.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Gandhi Museum
Learn about India's struggle for independence at this museum devoted to the great man famous the world over, Mahatma Gandhi.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace Visit
50INR per person1200INR per groupVisit what remains of the 17th century palace of the ruler Thirumalai Nayak -- he contributed extensively to the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, which is located less than 2km away.
Cycle-Rickshaw Tour
350INR per personSit back and relax during this eco-friendly tour -- you'll be pulled along by a bicyclist! See the sights at a slower pace and form street level. Check out the fruit and vegetable market, watch the pressing of oil by bullocks, and the famous Gandhi museum and palace.
Day 6Madurai/Māmallapuram
Take the morning Vaigai Express to Chengalpattu before continue by van to Mamallapuram.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7Māmallapuram
Cycle around and explore the rock-cut Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach.
Sunrise Shore Temple Visit
Explore this impressive group of monuments that were sculpted during the 7th and 8th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at sunrise. Of these, the Shore Temple stands out for its a marvelous view of the Bay of Bengal's shore. Made of granite, it's actually a twin-temple dedicated both to the Hindu gods, Vishnu and Shiva.
Mamallapuram Beach Visit
Kick off your shoes and walk through the soft sand of this stunning beach. Watch fishermen take out their boats and bring in their catch.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Mamallapuram Bicycle Tour
325INR per person1000INR per groupJump on your bike and enjoy a ride around this charming, historical beach town.
Day 8Māmallapuram/Chennai
Drive to Chennai and explore Marina Beach and San Thome Basilica. Later, board an overnight train to Hyderabad.
Accommodation on the train tonight will be either in two tier or three tier bunks.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Chennai City Tour
Get to know this South Indian cultural hub with a visit to San Thome Basilica and a stroll along the expansive Marina Beach.
Day 9Hyderabad
Learn more about the region's history with a visit to the iconic Charminar and historic Golconda Fort.
Charminar Visit
Visit Hyderabad's most iconic structure, sometimes called the "Arc de Triomphe of the East", and take in the bustling atmosphere. Swing by the nearby Laad Bazaar and browse the stalls.
Golconda Fort Visit
Explore the remains of this former medieval capital.
Day 10Hyderabad/Puri
Enjoy a free morning to continue exploring this state capital before catching an evening flight to Bhubaneshwar. Continue by van to reach Puri.
Opt to visit the Salar Jung Museum or the scenic Qutb Shahi Tombs with free time.
Free Time
Head out and explore.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 11Puri
Explore Raghuraj Pur village and beautiful Puri beaches.
Raghuraj Pur Village Visit
Enjoy the varied artistic delights of this heritage crafts village, including Gotipua dance troupes, palm leaf paintings, stone and wood carvings, and toys made of wood, papier-mache, and cow dung (yes, you read that correctly).
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Day 12Puri/Calcutta
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.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Start exploring.
Meals included:
LunchDay 13Calcutta
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.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Day 14Calcutta
Depart at any time.