South India by rail

Traveling across South India by train is exhilarating one moment, frustrating another moment, then charming the next. But always interesting. Trains in India and particularly the south are much improved from days gone by when many of us will remember images of people crammed into every corner, inside and out. Not to say that they are as efficient as the Swiss when it comes to timetabling or logistics. They do still have their moments of mayhem which is why it is wonderful to have a South India travel expert book it all up for you and ensure that you have a seat, a carriage with air conditioning and that all you have to do is sit back and enjoy views of the stunning states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Heading inland through Tamil Nadu takes you on a journey to some of India’s most spectacular spiritual sites, such as the Dravidian temples in Madurai and similar heavenly spots in Tiruchirappalli, or Trichy for short. A wonderful coastal train journey takes you up the east coast from Tanjore to Puducherry, one of India’s lesser known cities, with a somewhat unique French colonial and coastal charm.

For your last leg, take a train from Coonoor back to Cochin where the coast beckons and where you can chill out for a few days in one of many stunning hotels or welcoming homestays. Alternatively, seek out a rewarding Ayurveda spa which is very much a feature of this region.

This train route also takes you through the Ghat Mountains, plantations and hill stations which stretch through Karnataka and into Kerala where you will finish your rail odyssey in Cochin. Enjoy some chill out time exploring the city’s spice markets and colonial culture, then swap train travel for boat as you explore the famous backwaters on a barge.