Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Scenic Train Journey from Chennai: Kukke Subramanya → Dharamshala → Maddur

Viewed by 210 travelers

Day 1: Chennai → Kukke Subramanya (Travel)

Morning: Board the overnight express from Chennai Central to Mangalore (approximately 14 hours). Enjoy the changing landscapes of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka from the comfort of your sleeper cabin.

Afternoon: Arrive at Mangalore Junction, grab a quick lunch of local seafood, and catch the connecting regional train to Subrahmanya Road (≈2 hours).

Evening: Check into a guesthouse near the Kukke Subramanya Temple. Take a leisurely stroll around the temple precinct to soak in the evening prayers and the cool hill‑top air.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Kukke Subramanya Exploration

Morning: Begin with a guided visit to the sacred Kukke Subramanya Temple, offering insight into its unique serpent worship traditions. Afterwards, hike up to Kumaraparvatha Hill for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Karnataka lunch at a local eatery, then explore the nearby Bhadrakali Temple and the scenic Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (short jeep safari).

Evening: Return to the town center for a relaxed dinner of “Kori Rotti”. End the day with a peaceful walk along the riverbank, watching the temple lanterns glow.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Kukke Subramanya → Dharamshala (Travel)

Morning: Catch the early train from Subrahmanya Road back to Mangalore, then board a fast train to New Delhi (≈32 hours total travel with a night stop in Hyderabad).

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to a premium bus or hire a private car to the Himachal‑Punjab border, then board the scenic Kangra Valley Railway to Pathankot (≈5 hours).

Evening: From Pathankot, take a short taxi ride to Dharamshala. Check into a boutique hotel in McLeod Ganj and unwind with a warm cup of Himachali tea.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj

Morning: Visit the iconic Dalai Lama Temple Complex and attend a short meditation session. Wander through the bustling market of McLeod Ganj, sampling local momos.

Afternoon: Trek to the serene Bhagsu Waterfall, stopping at the historic Bhagsunag Temple. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the cascading waters.

Evening: Descend back to town for dinner at a rooftop restaurant offering views of the Dhauladhar range. End the night with a cultural program featuring traditional folk songs.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Dharamshala → Maddur (Travel)

Morning: Board a private cab to the nearest railway station (Pathankot) and catch a train to Bangalore (≈38 hours with a night stop in Delhi).

Afternoon: Arrive at Bangalore City Railway Station, then take a short intercity train to Maddur (≈1 hour).

Evening: Check into a heritage homestay near the historic Maddur Fort. Enjoy a relaxed dinner of “Maddur vada” and local rice dishes.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Maddur Sightseeing & Return to Chennai

Morning: Explore the ancient Maddur Fort and its surrounding gardens, learning about its Vijayanagara heritage. Follow it with a walk across the famous Maddur Bridge over the Shimsha River.

Afternoon: Take a short drive to the nearby Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary for a boat ride among migratory birds. Have a light lunch of “Ragi Mudde” at a local café.

Evening: Board the evening express from Maddur to Chennai (≈8 hours). Arrive back in Chennai late night, concluding the adventure.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Kukke Subramanya Temple – 2 hrs – ₹150 entry/offer
  • Kumaraparvatha Hill – 1.5 hrs – ₹200 guide fee
  • Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary – 3 hrs – ₹300 safari
  • Dalai Lama Temple Complex – 2 hrs – Free (donation ₹100)
  • Bhagsu Waterfall & Bhagsunag Temple – 3 hrs – ₹100 parking
  • Maddur Fort – 1.5 hrs – Free
  • Maddur Bridge – 30 min – Free
  • Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – 2 hrs – ₹250 boat ride
  • Train travel (Chennai → Mangalore → Subrahmanya → Delhi → Pathankot → Bangalore → Maddur) – 9 days total – ₹7,800 (sleeper class)
  • Accommodation (6 nights, mid‑range) – ₹4,200
  • Meals (average ₹350/day) – ₹2,100
  • Local transport & taxis – ₹1,500
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹16,600

Tips

For a more relaxed pace, add an extra day in Dharamshala to explore nearby villages like Naddi and Triund, or extend your stay in Kukke Subramanya for a guided trek in the Western Ghats. If you need to shorten the trip, skip the Maddur leg and return directly from Dharamshala to Chennai via Delhi, saving two travel days while still experiencing the spiritual highlights of Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version