
Grand Tour of Southern India & Kerala
20/02/2026 · By Tim Hall
Learn about what to expect while experiencing Great Rail Journeys’ popular Grand Tour of Southern India & Kerala holiday from expert Tour Manager Tim Hall.
Read moreTucked along India's lush southwestern coast, Kerala lives up to its name as 'God's own country'. Offering a striking contrast to the country's bustling cities, this tropical region captivates travellers with its peaceful backwaters, spice-covered hills and centuries-old traditions.
Discover the port city of Kochi, where centuries of maritime trade have left a unique architectural and cultural legacy, with Portuguese churches, Dutch palaces ad Chinese fishing nets reflecting a rich and layered past. Further inland, Kerala reveals its more tranquil side. A cruise across Vembanad Lake - India's longest freshwater lake - offers a serene window into rural life, gliding past palm-lined shores and rice paddies in a traditional houseboat. In the cooler hills of Thekkady, spice plantations and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary invite exploration, where elephants roam through dense forests. With a history shaped by ancient dynasties and a landscape of rainforests, mountains and mirror-like waters, Kerala is a place where heritage and natural beauty live side by side - a truly remarkable destination.
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This unforgettable tour of colourful southern India explores exciting cities, stunning Hindu temples, atmospheric mountain plantations and tranquil backwaters. After a night in Bengaluru, we soak up Mysuru's awe-inspiring royal palace and the charms of botanic Ooty before the tea plantations of Coonoor on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. ...