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SOUTH INDIA BY RAIL – A RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL HOLIDAY
Experience the Indian railways on this journey across the two most southerly states of India. The time is divided between the scenic state of Kerala and the temple towns of Tamil Nadu with the longer transfers taken on trains. This trip also includes the 'toy train' in the Nilgiri Hills. Transfers between hotels and railway stations etc will be by car. This is a full itinerary with many places of interest to visit along the way - but it does include time to relax on a beach both at the beginning and end. Accommodation is offered in a mixture of hotels and homestays. This is consequently a very diverse holiday and we are sure will appeal to people who like to be kept 'busy' on holiday as well as rail enthusiasts.

Detailed itinerary on request.

DAY 1
Arrive into Trivandrum. Transfer to Kovalam. Two nights at Kovalam.

DAY 2
At leisure.

DAY 3
Transfer to Trivandrum Station. Catch train to Alleppey. Two nights in the backwaters.

DAY 4
At leisure in the backwaters. An opportunity to explore the local villages on foot or by bicycle.

DAY 5
Transfer to your exclusive houseboat for one night. Afternoon spent cruising the backwaters.

DAY 6
Transfer to Cochin by train. Two nights in Cochin.

DAY 7
Take a city tour and in the evening attend a Kathakali performance

DAY 8
Transfer to Palakkad by train. Two nights at Palakkad.

DAY 9
Full day at Palakkad giving you the opportunity to experience a bit of village live in this attractive rural area.

DAY 10
Transfer by car to Ooty, South India’s most well known hill station. Two nights in Ooty.

DAY 11
Full day in the Ooty and Coonoor area. You will have a car and driver at your disposal so can easily get to all the places you may like to visit.

DAY 12
In the afternoon take the Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway (toy train) from Ooty all the way to the bottom at Mettupalayam. The section between Coonoor and the bottom is by steam train. Transfer to Coimbatore for the night.

DAY 13
Take the train to Trichy. Sightseeing in Trichy before continuing by car to Tanjore. Two nights in Tanjore.

DAY 14
Full day of sightseeing in Tanjore or one of the other nearby Temple Towns.

DAY 15
Take the train to Pondicherry. Transfer by car to The Dune (hotel). Three nights at Pondicherry.

DAYS 16 - 17
Two full days to either relax on the beach.

DAY 18
Transfer to Chennai by car. On the way stop to visit the world heritage sites at Mahabalipuram. One night in Chennai.

DAY 19
Transfer to Chennai Airport for your flight home.

Rates
(for the season starting 1 October 2011 through to 30 September 2012)

Suggested adaptations to this tour

South India by Rail

£1,812.00

The prices given are based on a typical high season price. During the peak season the rates will be higher; during the summer they may be lower.
The prices above are per person based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room.
Please note that our prices do not include the costs of international flights to and from the destination. Airfares are on application.
Prices for single occupancy, more than two people travelling together, adaptations to the suggested tours and tailor-made tours on application.

For a shorter holiday cut out the beach section at the beginning of the tour and fly into Cochin – either starting with the backwaters or Cochin itself.
Add some time staying at Mahabalipuram. There is much to see and do here and it is also possible to visit Kanchipuram for the day from here.
We are more than happy to include train travel on any of our tours – so if this appeals to you please ask us and we will advise where a train journey could be added.

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