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Southern India: Mumbai to Kerala & Konkan Railway

 
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
20272028
Duration
16 days
From per person
£4,499
Tour code
KRJ27
Mobility Rating 3
View Dates & Pricing
View Dates & Pricing
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Experience tropical coasts and rich cultural heritage on this tour following India's historic Spice Route from Mumbai to Kerala, staying in exceptional hotels and enjoying breathtaking journeys on the Konkan Railway and unwinding on the beach resorts of Goa

Explore India's Konkan Coast on this captivating tour blending immersive cultural experiences, breathtaking rail journeys and extraordinary hotels.

Starting in Mumbai, watch the city's colourful streets come to life during an early-morning tour. Following India's historic Spice Route, fly to Goa and relax on a golden-sand beach before boarding the renowned Konkan Railway for a journey along India's Konkan Coast, soaking up stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the lush Western Ghats.

Discover Mangaluru's fascinating history, enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance and cruise through Kerala's tranquil backwaters, embracing the serenity of your surroundings.

Unforgettable Experiences

Journeying on the scenic coastal Konkan Railway
Journeying on the scenic coastal Konkan Railway
Experience one of the world’s great coastal rail routes, travelling through tropical landscapes, rivers, forests and dramatic mountain scenery aboard India’s premium Vande Bharat train.
Cruising through Kerala’s idyllic backwaters on a traditional houseboat
Cruising through Kerala’s idyllic backwaters on a traditional houseboat
Glide through Kerala’s serene maze of canals and rivers on a traditional ‘Kettuvallam’ houseboat, beginning at the vast Vembanad Lake and enjoying lunch, tea and coffee on the way to Kumarakom.
Wandering the colourful streets of Mumbai at dawn
Wandering the colourful streets of Mumbai at dawn
Embark on an extraordinary early-morning exploration of the city as markets, docks, laundries and colonial-era streets come to life, offering a side of Mumbai most visitors never see.
Experiencing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage
Experiencing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage
Witness a rich introduction to Kerala’s artistic and maritime heritage through a traditional Kathakali dance performance, colonial streets, harbour cruises and spice-trade history.
Staying in unique luxury hotels
Staying in unique luxury hotels
Spend 15 nights in exceptional hotels along the Konkan Coast and Kerala’s canals, blending immersive experiences, authentic cuisine and incredible views.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Overnight flight from London to Mumbai

Your immersive rail tour of Kerala and the Konkan Coast begins at London Heathrow, where we meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the group before our direct flight to Mumbai.

With its spectacularly lush scenery, golden coast and serene waterways, the southern state of Kerala is renowned as one of India's most beautiful. Our journey will take us from the colourful city of Mumbai to Goa before we board the famed Konkan Railway for a breathtaking journey along the stunning Konkan coast to Mangaluru. Throughout our journey, we get to experience the local way of life on Kerala's winding canals and plantations, taste local flavours and encounter centuries of fascinating history.

DAY2Arrival in Mumbai

Arriving in India this morning, we transfer to our five-star hotel in the heart of the city. Mumbai is a lively, colourful city, but today's itinerary is a relaxed one, giving you time to unwind after your long flight. You might like to use the hotel's wellness centre, visit the spa or enjoy a bite to eat.

In the evening, we reconvene for dinner in one of the hotel's restaurants. As you get to know your fellow travellers over your first meal, you can look forward to tomorrow's explorations of Mumbai.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY3Wandering the streets of Mumbai at dawn

Waking before sunrise today, we set out on a special tour of Mumbai with a local guide. As our driver navigates the streets, we watch this colourful city come to life, visiting a lively fish auction, a fragrant flower market and bustling vegetable stalls. Exploring early in the day gives us the chance to experience a side of Mumbai few visitors get to see.

Returning to the hotel, we enjoy a late breakfast together, reflecting on the morning's highlights. After the meal, you have a few hours of free time. Whether you choose to relax at the hotel or explore Mumbai on your own, we gather in the afternoon for a tour of the city's highlights.

One of Mumbai's key sights is Mani Bhavan, or 'Jewel House', a museum and memorial dedicated to Mahatma Ghandi and the headquarters of his political movements. Another highlight is Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest open-air laundry, where you can see row upon row of colourful laundry hanging out to dry. During the tour, we drive past Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO-listed Victorian railway station, and the Gateway of India, an immense triumphal arch, before returning to our hotel for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY4Flying to the coastal paradise of Goa

Known for its breathtaking beaches, deep forests and blend of Portuguese and Indian culture, Goa is the perfect place to relax and unwind after our time in busy Mumbai. We leave our hotel in the city after breakfast, heading to the airport for our brief flight to Goa.

On arrival, we check in to our five-star hotel on Vainguinim Beach. Surrounded by palm trees, this luxurious hotel overlooks the Arabian Sea on one side and a lush garden on the other. You have a free afternoon to enjoy the hotel's facilities or soak up the sun on the terrace. You might like to use the spa and wellness centre or take a dip in the outdoor pool.

In the evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel, looking forward to tomorrow's free day in Goa.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY5Indulging in a free day on the beach

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day is free. With an excellent location on Vainguinim Beach, a stretch of coastline known for its peaceful atmosphere and soft sand, our hotel is the perfect setting for a day of unwinding.

You might like to spend the day relaxing on the beach under an umbrella, soaking up the sun's rays as the waves crash on the shore. Another option is to make use of the hotel's amenities, including the fitness centre, yoga practice room or the spa, where you can enjoy a massage or beauty treatment. With a range of restaurants serving everything from Portuguese-inspired dishes to slow-cooked barbeque at the hotel, you don't have to travel far to find a bite to eat.

In the evening, we gather for dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY6Goa’s Portuguese heritage and the renowned Konkan Railway

In the morning, we set out by coach to visit some of Goa's most famous sights. Our tour takes us to the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus, built by the Portuguese after the conquest of Goa. Portuguese occupation in Goa lasted for more than 400 years and had a profound effect on the state's architecture, cuisine, language and music. Another highlight is the Museum of Christian Art, the first of its kind in Asia, dedicated to Goa's artistic and cultural heritage.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we set off on a walking tour of Panjim's Old Latin Quarter, a UNESCO-listed area famed for its colourful houses, narrow lanes and Portuguese architecture. Strolling through this beautiful part of town is like stepping into Goa's colonial past.

In the evening, we transfer to the station, ready to embark on a journey along the Konkan Railway, an engineering marvel once thought impossible to build because of the Konkan Coast's rugged terrain and intense monsoons. Arriving in Mangaluru late at night, we check in to our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7Enjoying a guided tour of Mangaluru

After breakfast, we enjoy a full day sightseeing guided tour of Mangaluru's top sights. One highlight is St. Aloysius Chapel, an extraordinary Victorian-era temple built by Jesuit missionaries. Designed to resemble Rome's Sistine Chapel, the church's interior walls are covered in beautiful frescoes. We also visit the Sultan Battery watchtower, built to defend the area from English invasion, and Kadri Temple, a pyramid-shaped light blue temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.

After the tour, you have free time to find lunch independently. You might like to seek out some seafood, one of Mangaluru's specialities. We see a few more of the city's key sights in the afternoon, including the busy vegetable market and the Church of Miracles. Established in 1680, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the city.

In the evening, we reconvene for dinner at the hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8Exploring Kochi and enjoying a traditional Kathakali dance

Waking early this morning, we transfer to the station for our train to Kochi with a packed breakfast. Our route takes us along the coast, offering incredible views of the sparkling Arabian Sea on one side and green palm trees on the other.

Kochi was once an important spice trading center, earning the nickname 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Today, the city is a fast-growing commercial hub with heaps of fascinating history. Arriving around midday, we check in to our hotel. You're welcome to find lunch independently before we head into Kochi's historic Old Town for a guided tour of Kochi's Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 for Kochi's community of Sephardic refugees from Spain and Portugal, it is the oldest active synagogue in India. Afterwards, we tour the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift to the King of Kochi and later renovated by the Dutch.

In the evening, we enjoy a mesmerising Kathakali performance. Kathakali is a uniquely Keralan form of theatre which weaves together graceful gestures and facial expressions to tell a dramatic story, accompanied by live music and singing. Enjoy this experience of local cultural heritage before we return to the hotel for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY9Sightseeing in Kochi and a harbour tour by boat

After breakfast, you have free time in Kochi until the afternoon, when we have a guided tour of the city's key sights. One highlight is Hill Palace, an archaeological museum and palace where you can get a glimpse into the area's history and view beautiful artefacts, including a gold crown gifted by the Portuguese.

We also see Kochi's famous Chinese Fishing Nets, a row of suspended nets standing in a line on the beaches. Introduced in the 14th century by a Chinese explorer, these nets are lowered into the water and lifted again in a slow rhythm. Another highlight is St. Francis Church, a 16th-century Anglican church, and Dhobi Khana, a public laundry facility where all the washing is done by hand.

In the early evening, we tour Kochi harbour by boat, enjoying an all-encompassing view of the city we spent the day exploring. After our cruise, we return to the hotel for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY10Enroute to Thekaddy and stopping at a rubber plantation

Boarding a coach after breakfast, we head for Thekkady, stopping on the way at a rubber plantation in Kanjirappally, a region famous for its plantations, relaxed pace of life and multicultural heritage. The plantation we visit is owned by a local family, and it allows us to glimpse another way of life in Kerala, beyond the busy city of Kochi or the serene backwaters.

During our time at the plantation, we learn how varieties of spices, coffee, rubber and pineapples are grown and make their way to the market. We take a gentle walk through the estate, learning from the experts at work processing the sap, brewing coffee and growing spices and fruit. Later, we eat an outdoor lunch next to the old estate and the beautiful forest (weather permitting).

After our visit, we board our coach and continue to Thekkady, where we check in to our hotel before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY11Exploring Thekkady, the ‘Spice Capital of India’

Enjoying breakfast in our beautiful surroundings, we then embark on a boat trip on Periyar Lake. Located in a large wildlife sanctuary, the lake was created by a dam, submerging a forest. As we explore the environment's diverse flora, including tree stumps that jut out above the water, look out for wildlife including elephants, bison, sambar deer and, if we're lucky, tigers. 

After our boat safari, we head back to the hotel for a late breakfast and enjoy a few hours of free time. In the afternoon, we head to a spice plantation for a fascinating tour and a stroll through the plantation. Known as the 'Spice Capital of India', Kerala is famous for growing a wide range of spices including pepper, vanilla, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric.

On our tour, we learn about cultivation, harvest and processing spices, and get to see techniques like peeling and drying cinnamon and hand-pollinating vanilla. We also enjoy lunch on the plantation before returning to our hotel in the afternoon.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY12Scenic cruise along Kerala’s idyllic backwaters

Waking early, we take our packed breakfast with us as we board a coach to Alleppey. Our final destination is Kumarakom, one of the most popular destinations in India. Arriving in Alleppey, we board a 'Kettuvallam' houseboat for a cruise through the tranquil backwaters.

This network of lagoons and canals is home to water lilies, lotus flowers and water hyacinths, with towering pines and teak trees lining the shore. These routes, once used to transport spices and rice between Kochi and Kuttanad, are now awash in natural beauty and more than 150 species of birds.

We glide across Vembanad Lake - India's longest freshwater lake - before entering a maze of canals and rivers on our way to Kumarakom. Lunch, tea and coffee are served as we drift through these scenic waterways towards our hotel for the next two nights. Our hotel is on the lakeshore and offers a slice of paradise in this spectacular region. We settle in with dinner on arrival.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY13Alleppey to Trivandrum by train - Vande Bharat AC Chair class

Today brings a guided walking tour of the serene backwater village of Kumarakom for a taste of rural life among the canals. As you walk along the peaceful lanes, relax and soak in the serenity of your surroundings. During the tour, we enjoy tasting a toddy, a traditional Kerala beverage extracted from a coconut tree.

Returning to the hotel, we enjoy a late breakfast before taking a coach to Alleppey. Here, we board a train to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Sit back and relax as we pass through lush green countryside, rolling hills and rustic villages.

Arriving in the late afternoon, we transfer to our hotel, where we enjoy dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY14To Kanyakumari, ‘The Land’s End’

This morning's explorations take us to the southernmost point of our journey. After breakfast, we board a train to Nagercoil and connect by coach to Kanyakumari, a coastal town at the tip of the Indian peninsula.

Named after the Virgin Goddess, Kanyakumari is a popular pilgrimage centre. After lunch at a local restaurant, we head to Kanyakumari's most recognisable symbol: the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Standing about 1640 feet from the shore, this immense edifice was built in 1970 to mark the place where Swami Vivekananda, a renowned Hindu monk and philosopher, is said to have attained enlightenment.

Later, we visit the beautiful Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, which commemorates the spot where an urn containing his ashes was displayed for public viewing before immersion. In the evening, we head back to our hotel in Kovalam for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY15Unwinding at our clifftop hotel in Kovalam

After breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day is free. Perched on a cliffside overlooking the Arabian Sea, our five-star hotel is a peaceful place to spend the last full day of your holiday.

You're welcome to enjoy the hotel's many luxurious amenities, some payable locally. These include a spa, outdoor swimming pools, fitness studio, restaurants, expansive vegetable garden and a variety of activities including archery, tennis, badminton, table tennis and billiards. With private access to the beach, you might also choose to spend the day unwinding on a sun lounger, enjoying the fresh sea breeze.

In the evening, we gather for a final dinner at the hotel restaurant, reminiscing about the wonderful memories we have made on the journey.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY16Homeward bound

Throughout this spectacular holiday, we explored the abundant greenery, sparkling coast and picturesque canals of India's Konkan Coast and Kerala. In Mumbai, we watched the colourful streets come to life before flying to Goa for a day of relaxation on the Arabian Sea. Boarding the Konkan Railway, we journeyed along the coast, admiring incredible views of the sea and the immense Western Ghats. We experienced the local way of life on Kerala's serene waterways and plantations, tasted local flavours and witnessed fascinating cultural traditions and performances.

After breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to the airport for our connecting flight to Mumbai. From here, we board our flight back to London, where your Indian journey reaches its conclusion.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

If your tour is marked as Small Group, enjoy a more immersive holiday experience, exploring with a like-minded group of just 22 travellers on average.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Visa requirements
Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi
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Coconut Lagoon
Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
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Spice Village, Thekkady
Spice Village, Thekkady
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President – IHCL SeleQtions, Mumbai
President – IHCL SeleQtions, Mumbai
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Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa
Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa
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Vivanta Old Port Road, Mangaluru
Vivanta Old Port Road, Mangaluru
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The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, Kovalam
The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, Kovalam
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Trains & Ships

More information on the different trains and ships that are used on this tour.

Find out more
Konkan Railway
Konkan Railway

The Konkan Railway connects India's commercial capital, Mumbai, and Mangalore. This 741-kilometre line is characterised by its stunning scenery, a combination of winding rivers, imposing mountains and deep valleys.

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Enhance your holiday

Extend your holiday

Extend your holiday by making alternative flight arrangements. Please call us to discuss your ideas and requirements.

Extend your holiday
Flight upgrades

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Flight upgrades
London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

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We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels