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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

South India Highlights

12-day South India rail, road and houseboat tour from Mysore to Cochin

Illustration of South India Highlights

Railbookers runs this 12-day independent rail vacation through South India, starting in Mysore and concluding with departure from Cochin, after an overnight houseboat stop in Alleppey along the way. Early days settle into two-night stays, with a full day of palace and temple sightseeing in Mysore before the drive up to Ooty in the Nilgiri hills. On day 4, travelers ride the century-old Toy Train from Ooty to Coonoor, a single-track line that has run since 1908. From there the route moves south by car and train to Cochin for heritage sightseeing in the old fort district, then to Periyar for a guided wildlife trek, and on to Kumarakom before an overnight houseboat cruise through the Kerala backwaters. Ground transfers connect most stops, so this is a trip for travelers who want a mix of history, wildlife and a slower, self-directed structure, with guided sightseeing built in at each stop rather than a fully escorted tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Most day-to-day transfers are made by private car rather than train; the itinerary names only two rail segments, the Ooty to Coonoor toy train on day 4 and the train from Coimbatore to Cochin on day 5.
  • The evidence pack lists no current departure dates; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Mysore

    Your Journey Begins in Mysore

    Welcome to India! On arrival at Bangalore International Airport, take the included transfer to Mysore via Srirangapatnam, where the legendary warrior Tipu Sultan built his island fortress and the Summer Palace stands. Once you arrive at your hotel, check in for a two-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Mysore

    Mysore

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a full-day tour of this enchanting city. First visit the majestic Mysore Palace, then the traditional Hindu Jaganmohan Palace, then the Lalitha Mahal Palace, and finally visit Chamundi Devi Temple, a 600-year old ancient structure.

  3. Day 3overnight: Ooty

    Mysore to Ooty

    After breakfast at your hotel, drive from Mysore to Ooty, nestled in the hills at over 7,000 feet, and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the town's botanical gardens, the church, and the local market.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ooty

    Ooty

    Enjoy a special ride on one of India's famous 'Toy Trains' today. Since 1908, people have been travelling on this single-track railway to experience the unique journey through the lush Nilgiri hills, from Ooty to Coonoor.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Cochin

    Ooty to Cochin

    Check out of your hotel in Ooty this morning and take the drive to Coimbatore to catch the train to Cochin (also known as Kochi). On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Cochin

    Cochin

    After breakfast this morning, enjoy a full-day tour of Fort Cochin. Start at Mattancherry, where you will visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India, built in 1568. You will then visit the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace. Later, enjoy an evening of classical Indian dance at the Kerala Kaleidoscope at Greenix Village.

  7. Day 7overnight: Periyar

    Cochin to Periyar

    Drive from Cochin to Periyar today and on arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, attend a Kalarippayattu show and be wowed by the impressive martial art which originated in Kerala, India.

  8. Day 8overnight: Periyar

    Periyar

    Enjoy an early morning guided trek through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and discover the amazing animals roaming the extensive grounds, including tigers, elephants, macaques, deer, leopards and Indian bison. Later visit a traditional Spice Plantation.

  9. Day 9overnight: Kumarakom

    Periyar to Kumarakom

    Drive from Periyar to Kumarakom today and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure enjoying the tropical coastal town.

  10. Day 10overnight: Onboard houseboat

    Kumarakom to Alleppey

    After breakfast this morning, drive to Alleppey where you will embark on your overnight journey aboard an Indian houseboat ('kettuvallam'). Glide through the serene backwaters of Kerala, cruising past green rice paddy fields, coconut trees and the typical Kerala village.

  11. Day 11overnight: Cochin

    Alleppey to Cochin

    Disembark the houseboat today and return to Cochin where you will check in at your hotel to spend your final night. Relax and spend the time at your leisure.

  12. Day 12rail

    Depart Cochin

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and take the included transfer to the airport for your continued travels. If you wish to extend this journey with additional nights in a particular destination, one of our Rail Specialist would be happy to assist you.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4A ride on the Ooty to Coonoor toy train, a single-track railway through the Nilgiri hills running since 1908.
  • Day 6A full-day tour of Fort Cochin, including the oldest Jewish synagogue in India, built in 1568, the Chinese fishing nets, and the Dutch Palace.
  • Day 8A guided trek through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to tigers, elephants, macaques, deer, leopards and Indian bison.
  • Day 10An overnight houseboat cruise through the Kerala backwaters, passing rice paddy fields and coconut trees.

Included

  • Airport and ground transfers as per the itinerary
  • Rail travel throughout as specified in the itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Mysore
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Ooty
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Cochin
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Periyar
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Kumarakom
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Alleppey
  • Full-day sightseeing city tour of Mysore
  • Half-day sightseeing tour of Ooty
  • Toy Train ride from Ooty to Coonoor
  • Half-day sightseeing tour of Cochin
  • Indian classical dance show in Cochin
  • Guided tour of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Visit to Spice Plantation in Periyar
  • Overnight houseboat stay in Alleppey
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel as specified in the itinerary, including the Ooty to Coonoor toy train ride.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, with included transfers and guided sightseeing at specific stops rather than a full-time tour manager throughout.
Which trains are included?
The trip uses Indian Railways between cities and the historic Toy Train from Ooty to Coonoor, a single-track line through the Nilgiri hills running since 1908.
What hotels are used?
Grand Mercure Mysore, The Savoy Hotel in Ooty, Trident Hotel in Cochin, The Elephant Court in Periyar, Kumarakom Lake Resort, and the Lakes and Lagoon Houseboat in Alleppey.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
The itinerary includes an early morning guided trek through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on day 8, plus full and half-day walking city tours in Mysore, Ooty and Cochin.

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