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Southern India & East Coast by Rail
14 days, Kochi to Calcutta
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Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Southern India & East Coast by Rail" (AHER), but here are some similar trips.
It’s common knowledge that India is a huge tourist destination — so what do you do if you want to get off the beaten path and check out some underexplored parts of the country? Get on the train, of course. Hop on board and go from the deep south of Kochi up the east coast towards bustling Kolkata, disembarking to explore temples and palaces along the way. You’ll have the chance to explore smaller cities and villages on the coast, getting a perspective on this country that few have the opportunity to experience. Once you’ve lived like a local hopping off and back on the train for your next adventure, you’ll be seeing India in a brand new light.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Rail
Get closer to the big cities, isolated communities, and stunning landscapes of the world's greatest destinations via train-based adventures on iconic rail routes.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 15, avg 12
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Kochi to Calcutta
Sold Out
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Trip Code: AHER
See how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
100
Ripple Score
Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.
Ripple Score for this trip: 100
Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 10, 2020 or March 29, 2021 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Itinerary
Day 1Kochi
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Kochi/Alleppey
Take the early train to Alleppey to explore the Kerala backwaters. Walk in the paddy fields and take a canoe ride through the canals the region is famous for.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 3Alleppey/Kanyakumari
Enjoy some more time in Kerala before an evening train to Kanyakumari for a full day exploring the area.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Kanyakumari/Madurai
Spend the day in Kanyakumari. Drive to the southernmost tip of India and take a ferry across to Vivekananda Rock and the Ramkrishna Ashram. Take an evening Kanyakumari Express train to Madurai.
Day 5Madurai
Explore the Meenakshi Temple and colourful markets of Madurai.
Day 6Madurai/Māmallapuram
Take the morning Vaigai Express to Chengalpattu before continue by van to Mamallapuram.
Day 7Māmallapuram
Cycle around and explore the rock-cut Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach.
Day 8Māmallapuram/Chennai
Drive to Chennai and explore Marina Beach and San Thome Basilica. Later, board an overnight train to Hyderabad.
Day 9Hyderabad
Learn more about the region's history with a visit to the iconic Charminar and historic Golconda Fort.
Day 10Hyderabad/Puri
Enjoy a free morning to continue exploring this state capital before catching an evening flight to Bhubaneshwar. Continue by van to reach Puri.
Day 11Puri
Explore Raghuraj Pur village and beautiful Puri beaches.
Day 12Puri/Calcutta
Take a morning Shatabdi Express train to Kolkata, with lunch provided on board. Arrive in the afternoon and take an orientation walk with the CEO.
Meals included:
LunchDay 13Calcutta
Explore the vintage monuments and streets of this former capital of the British Era, also visit Missionaries' of Charity the noble peace prize winner, Mother Teresa’s house and final resting place.. Opt to take a ferry ride across the Hooghly River. Opt to join the group for dinner at one of the famed restaurants on Park Street for the final night out.
Day 14Calcutta
Depart at any time.
What's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Backwaters canal ride
- Vivekananda Rock and Ramkrishna Ashram visit
- Meenakshi Temple visit
- Cycle tour to Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach
- Chennai city tour
- Charminar and Golconda Fort visit
- Jagannath Temple visit
- Raghuraj Pur village visit
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), homestay (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt).
Meals
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD315-410 for meals not included.
Transportation
Train (seats), train (beds), private van, walking, plane.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.