As the name suggests, Mumbai and South India Train Tour is a treasured trail to discover the multifarious gems and architectural jewels in the western and southern India. The onset of this journey allows tourists to unfurl the mesmerizing magic of Mumbai. The journey then enters the ancient specimens of artistry at Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Later, the tour via train enters Hyderabad, the first city of south. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu forms the base to explore the temple towns of Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Trichy, Tanjore and Madurai. The train tour then furthers into the God's own country, Kerala and its prominent attractions of backwaters, wildlife and heritage circuit of Kochi. Towards the end, the journey takes a splendid turn at Mysore, the city of southern royalty and ends at Bangalore.

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Day 1. Arrive Mumbai

Arrive Mumbai and meet India Luxury Train representative who will welcome and transfer you to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2. Mumbai

Morning cruise across the harbour (9 km) to visit Elephanta Caves, noted for huge rock cut caves including one dedicated to Lord Shiva. Upon returning, resume the Mumbai city tour through a visit to Kamla Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens on Malabar Hill, Marine drive, Chowpatti Beach, Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India & drive through the Crawford Market, Marine Drive & Flora Fountain. Overnight stay.

Day 3. Mumbai - Aurangabad

Morning transfer to Railway Station to board Train for Aurangabad # 7617 Tapovan Express (dep. 06:00 hrs. arr. 13:30 hrs). Check into hotel. Afternoon visit Aurangabad Caves created between the 2nd-6th century AD. These caves depict the tantric influences in their illustrated iconography and architectural designs. Also visit Daulatabad Fort, a fort city created by Tughlaq dynasty and later served occupations of Mughals. Located 13 km away from Aurangabad, this is one of the prominent sites depicting Mughal control on the Deccan region. One of the world's best preserved fort of medieval times, surviving virtually unaltered, Daulatabad yet displays the character that made it invincible. Overnight stay.

Day 4. Aurangabad - Excursion to Ajanta Caves

Full day tour of Ajanta Caves. Ajanta Caves are 106 km from Aurangabad and are artistic specimens of ancient Indian heritage. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, these 30 rock hewn caves of Ajanta complex are frescoed with Buddhist art created by monks cum artists for eight long centuries. Overnight in Aurangabad. (Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays.)

Day 5. Aurangabad - Excursion to Ellora Caves - Hyderabad

Morning visit Ellora Caves (29 km) consisting of 34 rock cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu & Jain art belonging to the 4th-9th century A.D. era. The most remarkable among these caves is the Kailash Temple, meant to be a replica of Lord Shivas celestial abode - Kailasha is the best example of rock-cut architecture and an engineering marvel. (Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.) After this excellent excursion; transfer to Railway Station in evening and board train to Hyderabad for onward journey. Train # 7063 Manmad Secundarabad Express dep. 19:20 hrs. Overnight on train.

Day 6. Hyderabad

Arrive Hyderabad at 08:30 hrs. Afternoon begin Hyderabad City Tour. The 400 year old young city is dotted with heritage structures that accentuate the beauty of this city of Nizams. Begin the city tour with a visit to Charminar, the iconic four arched gateway of this city. Later visit Mecca Mosque & Salar Jung Museum featuring an extensive collection of manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes & curios. Overnight stay.

Day 7. Hyderabad - Chennai

Day is free at leisure or you can embark on an optional tour to Golconda Fort. Afternoon, transfer to Railway station and board the Train # 7052 Secundarabad MS Express (dep. 15:00 hrs) to reach Chennai, the gateway of south. Overnight on train.

Day 8. Chennai - Excursion to Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram

Arrive Chennai at 06:40 hrs. Transfer to hotel. Embark on a full day tour of Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram (64 kms from Chennai) is the ancient capital of the Pallavas revered at par the spiritual brilliance of Varanasi. Scribed in history as the city of 1000 Temples, Kanchipuram is still known for its 124 shrines that can be explored by the tourists during this city's tour. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of great interest during Kanchipuram City Tour. Don't forget to shop for the amazing silks of Kanchipuram. Later this day, visit the open air bas reliefs of Mahabalipuram, famous for its rock hewn structures and temples. Out of all these structures, one temple that stands out is Sea Shore Temple. Overlooking the sea, this temple is famed for its rock cut Dravidian architecture. Overnight stay.

Day 9. Chennai – Trichy

In morning, begin a city tour of Chennai including a visit to the Museum featuring Art and Bronze Gallery. (Closed on Fridays and Public holidays). Drive through the Flower and Fruit market, High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral and Snake Park. In afternoon, transfer to the Railway Station and board the connecting Train to Trichy or Tiruchirapalli # 2605 Pallavan Express dep. 15:30 hrs. Arrive Trichy at 20:50 hrs. Transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10. Trichy

Begin day 10 with a full day temple city tour of Trichy. Trichy or Tiruchirapalli was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century, the city witnessed Carnatic Wars fought between the French and the English. Lord Robert Clive, one of the prominent English officials in India also stayed in this city. His house is one of the prime tourist attractions of this city. Rockfort temple is also a landmark of Trichy, soaring high towards the ancient temple of Ganapati. A further climb takes visitors to a Shiva temple. Overnight stay.

Day 11. Trichy –Tanjore - Madurai

In morning, drive to Madurai (142 km/4 hr) via Tanjore. At Tanjore, visitors can marvel at the world heritage site of the beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadeeshwara. This temple is topped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite stone weighing 80 tons. The paintings, handicrafts and stone artifacts make Tanjore one of the highlights of Mumbai and South India Train Tour. Overnight Madurai.

Day 12. Madurai

Morning visit the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the presiding deity, Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. The unique feature of this temple is its colour washed and sculpted gopurams (rising high above the surrounding countryside). Later, visit the Tirumala Nayakkar Palace, a celebrated palace built in accordance to the Indo Saracen architecture. The defining element of this palace is the stucco work on its domes & arches. Also, visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 13. Madurai - Periyar (Thekkady)

In morning, drive to Periyar National Park (137 km/4 hr). Set up in 1934, it extends to 777 square km & forms part of the high mountain ranges, the Western Ghats. Wildlife can be observed during the cruise on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Amongst the animals which can be seen are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, langur monkeys, etc. Overnight in lodge.

Day 14. Periyar

Morning optional visit to the National park again. During noon time, visit the famous spice plantations in Thekkady. Overnight stay.

Day 15. Periyar - Kumarakom

In morning drive to Kumarakom (130 km/4 hr), one of the best backwater destinations in Kerala. The center of attraction during Kumarakom tour is an exciting bird watching experience at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Located on the southern bank of Kavanar River as a manmade island, this is a small bird sanctuary serving haven to numerous bird species including migratory birds as well. Overnight stay.

Day 16. Kumarakom - Houseboat

In morning, board the houseboat from Kumarakom Jetty and sail towards Alleppey, the slice of Venice in Kerala. Sailing along the backwaters by day and anchoring the houseboat at night forms one of the most awaited experiences of lifetime. The soul gets relieved when tourists board the houseboat and experience the life beyond the city rush. The slow speed of Kettuvallam houseboat unwinds the weariness of spirit and soul and rejuvenates the existence. This relaxing experience can be accentuated with a visit to the adjoining village during halts. All meals will be provided on board. Overnight on board.

Day 17. Houseboat - Alleppey – Cochin

Morning disembark at Alleppey. Later drive to Cochin (70 km/1 ½ hr). Afternoon is free at leisure or tourists can explore the city by own. Evening watch cultural Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay.

Day 18. Cochin - Bangalore

Full day city tour of Cochin. Cochin is the natural port harbour created by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks whose quality ensures that the rougher the seas are outside the calmer the waters are within the Harbour. Vasco-de-Gama's Spice Route to India placed Cochin's Harbour on the world map. On the visit to this natural harbour, one can spot the iconic large Chinese Fishing Nets. Other attractions of Cochin City Tour include a visit to Jewish Synagogue, Portuguese Churches, Mattacherry Dutch Palace, mosques and temples. In evening, transfer to the Railway Station and board the connecting Train # 6525 Bangalore Express dep. 17:55 hrs. Overnight on train.

Day 19. Bangalore

Arrive Bangalore at 06:55 hr. Full day city tour of Bangalore including a visit to the Bull Temple, and Tipu's Summer Palace. The city tour also includes a drive past numerous parks, Vidhan Soudha and down town commercial centre. Overnight stay.

Day 20. Bangalore - Mysore

Drive to Mysore (140 km/3 hr). Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 21. Mysore

Morning visit Mysore Palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-1912. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Overnight in Mysore.

Day 22. Mysore - Bangalore / Out

Drive to Bangalore airport to connect flight for onward destination.

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