Train tour: Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu in 25 days

Arrive at Mumbai Airport and you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.

Made up of seven islands on the eastern periphery of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai attracts people from all over the country to its prosperous streets. Mumbai is also the abode of ‘Bollywood’, an industry that creates more films per year than any other city in the world.

Leaving the city timely this morning we travel by train to Goa, following the Konkan Railway to the station at Thivim. Travelling along this line offers us an occasion to rightly realize some of the most stunning scenery tendered by any of the Indian rail networks as we surpass through the amazing scenery of the Western Ghats.

The palmfringed shores of Goa were colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, who seized the original Arab trade settlement and began building a city on the Arabian Sea sprinkled with houses, gardens monasteries and churches, lots of which unluckily no longer remain.

Goa ultimately became the commercial centre for East and West, where traders could purchase pearls, coral, rubies, golden jewellery, silks, China porcelain, lacquered furniture, ambergris and exotic spices. The Portuguese influence is still very much apparent – the main religion is still Roman Catholic and siestas are still widely applied in the hot afternoons. Like most parts in India, Goa also has its own food specialities, the most well-liked is pork vindaloo! You may also want to sample the locally prepared spirit feni – a spine-tingling drink made from coconut or cashew apples.

We have a comfortable start to the day with the morning free before we meet in the afternoon and take a walk around the city of Panjim. While Goa is mainly known for the beaches that lure tourists during the year, the wide streets of Panjim are worth discovering. The buildings are noticeably European in style with shutters, balconies and red tiled roofs though they are assorted with more traditional temples to form a rather unusual style. If you wish to spend some time on the beach it is just a short taxi ride away.

This morning we will go to a local spice plantation, to learn a little of the spices and plants that grow between these fertile landscapes. This part of India has long been famous for its plentiful array of spices; indeed Christopher Columbus was en route to the spice rich Malabar Coast when he bounced into America by mistake. A journey of the gardens with a local guide will disclose the massive wealth of Goa’s aromatic treasures, containing pepper and nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon.

Night stay is in Goa

Spend your day at leisure. Later night board overnight train for Hampi. Night is on board

Arrival at railway station near Hampi where you will be straight driven away to Hampi.

After breakfast have a visit to group of Hampi temples visiting Virupaksha temple, Lakshmi Narain Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple. Mesmerize yourself with art and architectures of Hampi site. In the evening opt for visit to local bazaar or stay at leisure. Night stay is in Hampi

Overnight stay is in Hampi

Note that check in time at hotel is around 1200 Hours. If room is subject to availably at the time of check in. In any case if room is not available then you can enjoy breakfast at hotel restaurant till the room is ready for check in.

Full day is for leisure and rest or optionally visit Hampi sites for photography as it is a photogenic site for shutterbugs. Night stay is in Hampi

After breakfast, drive to Badami. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Visit Badami which is famous for its rock cut temples. Places to worth visit are: The Banashankari Temple and Badami Cave Temples dating back to the 06th& 07th centuries. Later drive further to visit the temples and sculptures of Pattadakal, Aihole & Mahakuta blended in Dravidian and Nagara style.

Overnight stay at Badami

Relax at your hotel. At the time of checkout drive to railway station to board your train for Mysore.

[The train is basic with overnight beds]

Arrive at Mysore railway station and get transferred to your pre booked hotel in Mysore.

Today you will cover magnificient Mysore Palace, Jagmohan Palace. Evening is free or go for rickshaw ride in busy markets of Mysore. Night stay is in Myosre.

Note that check in time at hotel is around 1200 Hours. Room is subject to availably at the time of check in. In any case if room is not available then you can enjoy breakfast at hotel restaurant till the room is ready for check in.

Morning drive to Bylakuppe and discover the Namdroling Monastery - home to nearly 5,000 Tibetan

Buddhist monks and nuns Namdroling Monastery is recognized as a base for teachings of the Buddha and the Nyingma belief - the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Carry on to Madikeri for your overnight stay

Discover Madikeri (the coffee hub of India) and experience a tour of a coffee plantation.

Understand the production procedure and have a sample or two of the locally-grown coffee while

taking in the beautiful scenery.

Later visit the Madikeri Fort and the famous Raja’s Seat for its spectacular views.

Morning hop for a morning drive to a nearby railway station from where you will hook the train for Kochi [ Kerala] . This train will take you to God’s Own Country – Kerala.

Verged by the Arabian Sea in the West, the towering Western Ghats in the East and schmoozed by 44 interrelated rivers, Kerala is blessed with a exceptional set of terrestrial features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. A long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, plush hill stations and exotic wildlife, are just a few of the wonders that await you once you crossover to the other side. And what's more, each of these fascinating destinations is only a two hour drive from the other - a singular benefit no other place on the planet can offer.

On arrival at Kochi get transferred to your hotel.

Kochi, a principle port and center of the Malabar Coast spice trade since the 14th century. Known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," it was here that the first European settlement in India was recognized by the Portuguese. Successively, the city was ruled alternatively by the Dutch and the British until its independence

Kochi Sightseeing

Today, view 16th century St. Francis Church, one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India. Head to the harbor where local fishermen continue to use cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, distinctively unique to Kochi, living symbols of a centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast dating back to the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan. Spend the rest of the day on your own in Kochi. Time to relax before tonight's colorful Kathakali dance performance, Kerala's popular classical and emotional form of dance, drama and music

Following the performance, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant

After breakfast you will be driven away to Munnar

Munnar, Located at about 5,200 ft above the sea level, Munnar is a stunning hill station in the district of Idukki, Kerala. Munnar rolling hills covered in mist crisscrossed by the winding road, the dark emerald green coloured plantation and the few lone houses in midst of it will immediately make you fall in love with this place is also an ideal place for nature lovers, wildlife lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

If you can indulge in boating, trekking and paragliding. Munnar is the perfect place to hang your shoes and just soak in the calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Today, drive to Periyar National Park hanging high in the Cardamom Hills, the best-known wildlife sanctuary in South India, home to elephants, antelope, deer and many species of birdlife. Its diversity of flora and fauna, virgin lakes and impressive forests will surely make this visit most memorable.

After time to relax and settle in at the hotel, wander leisurely through one of the area's spice plantations. You'll hear about the many different ways to use these spices in both medicines and in the preparation of food.

Overnight: Periyar

Today the drive to Alleppey reveals this tranquil backwater region of Kerala. Boarding a houseboat, you cruise along this very intricate network of canals, lakes, lagoons and rivers called the "Venice of the East." Monitor Kerala's rural lifestyle as you glide past tiny villages sprinkled with rice fields and witness a way of life that has changed little through the ages. With women washing clothes on the river banks while children play in the shallows and kingfishers dart among the palm trees. Night is on Houseboat

Early morning hurry to board 2 hours train journey for Trivandrum.

Start your day by visiting the well-renowned Napier Museum. Napier Museum is of great significance, hence you should ensure you visit this place. This museum is an amalgamation of Mughal, Indian, and Chinese cultures. Hence, visiting this place can be quite an enriching experience. That being said, another highlight of this place is the natural air-conditioning system.

Secondly, visit the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. If you are a fan of paintings, then this place is a must-visit. It exhibits rare paintings belonging to the Tanjore, Rajput, and Mughal school of art. The oriental collection of paintings hailing from Tibet, Bali, Japan, and China will give a refreshing perspective.

Subsequently, later in the day, visit the Padmanabha Swamy Temple. This is arguably one of the most prominent attractions in Kerala. Therefore, this should be a part of every Trivandrum sightseeing itinerary. This is a stunning architectural marvel you can’t afford to miss. It blends the Kerala and Dravidian culture. The intricate carvings on the walls and roofs of the temple are simply mind-blowing.

In the evening board your overnight train for Madurai. Spend your night on board.

Spend your night on board [The train is basic with overnight beds]

Arrive Madurai and get transferred to your hotel. On the way see the quiet streets as the city awakens. Observe first-hand how everyday life begins in this Indian city from prayer rituals at the temple to market shopping -- truly a total immersion into the culture.

Return for breakfast, followed by a visit with the group to the ancient Meenakshi Amman Temple, Shop at the bargain-filled bazaars bursting with treasures and jewelry shops galore before returning to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, head to the gigantic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace with its imposing courtyard, grand throne chambers and entry flanked by stone carved horses. Later visit a local dance school practicing Bharatnatyam. Meet with students to learn more about the dance and attend a performance

Note that check in time at hotel is around 1200 Hours. Room is subject to availably at the time of check in. In any case if room is not available then you can enjoy breakfast at hotel restaurant till the room is ready for check in.

Morning board train for Trichy. It is a scenic 2 hours train journey. On arrival at Trichy Feel the magnificence of this gateway to several historical and pilgrimage places of Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirapalli, also known as Trichy, is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River. It is also Tamil Nadu’s 4th largest city that attracts millions of travelers every year. You can experience a mild climate in Trichy, ranging from 24 Degrees Celsius to 37 Degrees Celsius.

The locals of Trichy have a prosperous ancient cultural legacy. You, as a tourist, can get to explore many spectacular locations, beautiful churches, numerous temples, and historical sites during your Trichy trip. Opt to visit Rock Fort Temple built by Pallavas back in 508 AD. Also visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the Tiruchirappalli beautiful places. Dharma Varma Chola first constructed it, and later the temple vimanam got demolished by the Kaveri river flood. It was later on reconstructed by the Early Cholas King Killivalavan. The temple consists of 21 tower gateways. If you want to experience something spiritual, this is one of the best places to visit.

Later drive to Tanjore for your overnight stay

Thanjavur (Tanjore) once a thriving capital of the celebrated Chola Empire, known as the "rice bowl" of the Tamil Nadu region

Visit the spectacular Maratha Palace, within a maze-like complex; walk through the open courtyard Art Gallery displaying priceless collections of superb Chola bronzes and stone carvings and visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library.

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Begin the day with a visit to the grand Lord Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where thousands of people worship daily. Built by King Raja Raja Cholan over a thousand years ago, this impressive temple is one of South India's most magnificent architectural accomplishments.

The remainder of the day is at leisure in Thanjavur

Overnight: Thanjavur

Morning you will by travelling by train to Pondicherry. On arrival at a near Pondicherry you will be transferred to Puducherry.

Your journey along the coast takes you to enchanting Pondicherry, a former French colonial settlement that still retains its carefree French atmosphere and architectural legacy. In the charming Old Quarter, with its tree-lined cobbled streets, colonial villas are draped with fragrant bougainvillea, and sidewalk cafes abound. Even the policemen are dressed in traditional French red hats and belts!

Enjoy your French life in Pondicherry. Night stay is in Pondicherry.

Today visit serene Auroville, City of Dawn famous for the meditation center inspired by the teachings of the Indian yogi Sri Aurobindo. Many spiritually minded visitors come here and stay to nurture his vision of human unity. Next, view the golden-domed Mother Temple. Later, tour a factory where delicate individually handcrafted papers are produced followed by a visit to Aurobindo Ashram. Take a rickshaw ride around the French, Hindu and Muslim quarters of Pondicherry.

In time you will be driven away to Mahabalipuram. Night stay is in Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, embark for Mahabalipuram tour. Think about the Shore Temple standing by the sea for over 12 centuries, with an impressive bas-relief and imposing twin towers. At the southern end of the site, see the Five Rathas carved from large boulders and Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas-relief that magnificently depicts the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalayas coupled with scenes from Indian daily life. This temple complex is considered the finest early example of ancient southern Indian architecture.

Spend your rest of the day at the lovely beaches this coastal city has to offer before going for dinner at the hotel. Night stay is in Mahbalipuram

In time you will be transferred to Chennai airport to board your flight for onwards journey. Tour Ends