Jewels of South

Day 2 of the luxury train journey is reserved for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi. Enjoy delectable breakfast on board before you proceed to visit Hampi, the past capital of the Vijaynagara kingdom on the bank of the River Tungabhadra. Admire excellent craftmanship of monolithic sculptures and monuments while visiting the sites of ruins that tell the story of the ancient Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar. After the excursion, return to the train and have your lunch. In the evening, you can go for an optional visit to the Anegundi, a lovely village on the other side of the Tungabhadra. Then return and have your dinner as the train moves to Mahabalipuram.

Enjoy your delicious breakfast on board as you arrive at the Chengalpattu Railway Station in Tamil Nadu. Then proceed to visit the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mahabalipuram. The temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu showcases great architectural work of the Pallavas. Overlooking the shore of the Bay of Bengal, the 8th-century temple is built with blocks of granite. Here you can see Lord Vishnu in a lying posture. After exploration, enjoy your lunch at one of the best hotels and return to the train. In the evening, complete your dinner on board as the train moves to Thanjavur.

Today as the train enters the cultural town in Tamil NaduThanjavur, you complete your breakfast and proceed to visit the BrihadeshwaraTemple. This beautiful temple on the bank of the Kaveri River is a UNESCO world heritage site. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the largest temples in South India showcasing the brilliance of Dravidian architecture. Then return and have your lunch as the train proceeds to Chettinad; famous for its cuisine, temples, and mansions. In the evening as the train reaches Chettinad, visit the Athnagudi tile factory and Chettinadu mansions. Then return and have your dinner as the train moves to Cochin.

On day 5, Port city Cochin welcomes you to enjoy the colonial charm, traditional menus, Kathakali Dance, etc. Have your breakfast on board and head to the Fort Kochi. Visit the Mattancherry Palace also known as Dutch Palace. The palace depicts the life of Kings of Kochi through beautiful Kerala Murals. You can walk along the colonial streets of Fort Kochi lined with traditional shops. Then return to the train and have your lunch. In the evening, you can go for an optional visit to the St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India constructed in 1503. Also, explore the Chinese Fishing Nets, a unique and spectacular way of catching fishes. Then return and have your dinner as the train moves to Kumarakom.

On day 6, the train reaches Kumarakom, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala for backwater cruising and Ayurveda retreat. Have your breakfast on the train and proceed to board the houseboat to cruise on the Kerala backwater. Sink in heavenly delight as you sail on the serene backwater with views of coconut groves, charming villages, paddy fields, colorful birds, etc. Thereafter, return to the train and have your dinner as you move back to Bangalore.

Welcome to the Garden City again where your Jewels of South tour comes to end. Have your breakfast and de board the train bidding farewell to your co-passengers.