Jewels of the South
Bengaluru - Mysore - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Thanjavur - Chettinad - Cochin - Kumarakom
Overview
Embark on the Golden Chariot – Jewels of the South journey, a 5-night/6-day luxury train tour designed to showcase the cultural heritage, UNESCO sites, and natural beauty of South India. Traveling through Bengaluru, Mysore, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Cochin, and Kumarakom, this experience blends royal hospitality, guided excursions, fine dining, and the charm of South India's most iconic destinations.
Top Stops on This Journey
Popular destinations you'll explore across this 6-day itinerary
Bengaluru
Known as India's Silicon Valley, Bengaluru is a major technology hub celebrated for its pleasant climate, expansive parks, and vibrant urban culture.
Why you'll love it
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Bangalore Palace
- Cubbon Park
Mahabalipuram
A historic coastal town in Tamil Nadu renowned for its ancient rock-cut cave temples and monolithic structures designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Why you'll love it
- Shore Temple
- Pancha Rathas
- Krishna's Butterball
Kumarakom
A picturesque village on Vembanad Lake in Kerala, famous for its serene backwaters, houseboats, and diverse bird sanctuary.
Why you'll love it
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Vembanad Lake
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
Journey Highlights
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Saturday – Bengaluru → Mysore
Registration and check-in at Yesvantpur Railway Station from 08:30 hrs. Train departs at 09:45 hrs. Lunch onboard. Arrival in Mysore by 14:15 hrs for a guided visit to the magnificent Mysore Palace. Return to the train for dinner onboard as the journey continues toward Chengalpattu.
- Check-in at YPR
- Lunch onboard
- Mysore Palace tour
- Overnight journey to Chengalpattu
Sunday – Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram
Breakfast onboard on arrival at Chengalpattu Railway Station. Optional morning excursion to Kanchipuram, the "City of Thousand Temples". Lunch onboard. Afternoon tour of the UNESCO-listed Mahabalipuram Monuments. Dinner at a beachfront hotel. Train departs for Thanjavur.
- Kanchipuram temples (optional)
- Mahabalipuram monuments (UNESCO)
- Beachfront dinner
Monday – Thanjavur → Chettinad/Karaikudi
Breakfast onboard. Deboard at Thanjavur at 09:00 hrs for exploration. Return onboard for lunch. Continue to Chettinad for visits to the Athangudi Tile Factory and Chettinad heritage mansions. Dinner onboard as the train journeys toward Cochin.
- Thanjavur exploration
- Athangudi Tile Factory
- Chettinad heritage mansions
- Dinner onboard
Tuesday – Cochin (Kochi)
Breakfast onboard on arrival at Cochin Harbour Terminus. Visit Mattancherry Palace and enjoy traditional Kerala dance performances. Lunch onboard. Optional visits to the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. Dinner onboard as the train departs for Kumarakom.
- Mattancherry Palace
- Traditional Kerala dance
- Chinese Fishing Nets (optional)
- St. Francis Church (optional)
Wednesday – Kumarakom Backwaters
Breakfast onboard. Experience a serene Kerala backwater houseboat cruise with lunch at an exclusive venue. Evening return to the train for dinner onboard.
- Kerala backwater houseboat cruise
- Exclusive lunch venue
- Scenic backwater landscapes
Thursday – Return to Bengaluru
Breakfast onboard. Deboard at Yesvantpur Railway Station (YPR). End of the journey.
- Breakfast onboard
- Disembarkation at YPR
What's Included
- Twin/double luxury cabins with en-suite bathroom
- All meals & soft beverages
- House brands of wine, beer & spirits
- Butler service
- Guided excursions with entrance fees
- Complimentary tea, coffee & bottled water
- Porterage at stations
- Onboard paramedic
- Deluxe cabin guests enjoy shared touring in AC vehicles with an English-speaking guide
Not Included
- Optional tours not listed in the itinerary
- Taxes, travel insurance & gratuities
- Laundry, telephone calls & premium alcoholic beverages
- Professional camera/video fees
- Airport/train transfers
- International and domestic airfare
- Pre/post-tour accommodation unless specified
Departure Dates
Season Season 2026
Season Season 2027
Season Season 2028
Cabin Pricing
| Cabin Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin | USD 5,000 per person |
| Single Supplement | USD 3,800 per person |
- *Rates exclude 5% service tax
- *Valid for 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 departures
Starting from
AUD $6,850
per person twin share (USD 5,000)
Free personalised itinerary planning