Chennai to Kainchi Dham: A 5-Day Rail Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Chennai

Chennai, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Start your day with the famous idli and filter coffee at Ratna Cafe, a local favorite known for its authentic South Indian cuisine.
Head to the nearest railway station to catch your train to Coimbatore.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Coimbatore

Board an express train from Chennai to Coimbatore, enjoying the scenic views as you travel.
Travel on the Coromandel Express.
INR600, 8 hours

5:00PM

Explore Coimbatore

Visit the Marudamalai Temple, nestled amidst picturesque hills, and enjoy the cool evening breeze.
Take a local taxi from the railway station to the temple.
INR100, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Annapoorna

Savor a traditional South Indian thali at Annapoorna, a well-known restaurant in Coimbatore.
Return to the city center by taxi.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Into Nature

Coimbatore, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kovai Annapoorna

Indulge in a hearty breakfast with their famous dosa and sambar to fuel your day ahead.
Head to the station after breakfast.
INR250, 1 hour

10:00AM

Train to Ernakulam

Catch a train from Coimbatore to Ernakulam and enjoy views of lush greenery and rolling hills on the way.
Choose the Jan Shatabdi Express for a comfortable journey.
INR500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kerala Café

Relish local Kerala cuisine at Kerala Café with dishes like fish curry and appam.
Take a local bus or taxi to the café.
INR350, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Fort Kochi

Wander through the quaint streets of Fort Kochi, admire the Chinese fishing nets, and visit the St. Francis Church.
Use a local auto-rickshaw for convenience.
INR150, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fortcochin Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful meal at Fortcochin Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant ambiance.
Walk from Fort Kochi area as it's nearby.
INR600, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Kottayam Call

Ernakulam, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Abad Plaza

Savor a delicious breakfast spread including idiyappam and curry to kickstart the day.
Make your way to the Ernakulam railway station afterward.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Kottayam

Take a morning train from Ernakulam to Kottayam, famous for its beautiful backwaters.
Board the Kottayam Passenger train for a short 1-hour trip.
INR200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Vagamon Hills

Explore the stunning Vagamon Hills and take in the breathtaking views of rolling green hills and valleys.
Hire a local taxi from Kottayam for this short drive.
INR800, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kottayam Hotel

Enjoy a sumptuous meal of Kerala-style fish fry and rice at Kottayam Hotel.
Return back to Kottayam for lunch.
INR500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Backwater Tour

Experience a blissful backwater tour at Kumarakom which is a short drive from Kottayam.
Option to hire a houseboat for a unique experience.
INR2000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Spice Garden

Conclude the day with a flavorful dinner featuring authentic Kerala spices at Spice Garden.
Return to Kottayam center.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: The Spiritual Journey

Kottayam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vanilla County

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of appam and egg curry at Vanilla County, cherished for its local dishes.
Head to Kottayam railway station for your next leg.
INR350, 1 hour

10:00AM

Train to Kainchi Dham

Travel towards Kainchi Dham via the rail route, soaking in views of the countryside.
Transfer to a local bus or taxi once you reach the nearest station to Kainchi Dham.
INR500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ganga Food Court

Enjoy a simple vegetarian meal at Ganga Food Court, which is popular among locals and pilgrims alike.
Easily accessible from Kainchi Dham area.
INR300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kainchi Dham Temple

Experience the serene atmosphere of Kainchi Dham Temple, dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, surrounded by peaceful hills.
A short walk from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax and Meditate

Take some time to reflect and meditate in the tranquil surroundings of the temple.
Stay within the temple vicinity.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Dhaba

End your day with simple food at a local Dhaba, offering chapati and dal, perfect for the travelers.
Located conveniently within Kainchi Dham area.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 5: Closing Reflections

Kainchi Dham, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kainchi Dham

Enjoy a simple breakfast at the hotel, preparing for your departure with a new sense of peace.
Pack your belongings and check out.
INR350, 1 hour

10:00AM

Morning Walk in Nature

Take a refreshing walk around the scenic surroundings of Kainchi Dham before moving on.
Explore within walking distance.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Transfer to Nearest Bus Station

Head to the nearest bus station as you prepare to continue your journey.
Hire a local taxi.
INR200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Grab a final meal of wholesome dal rice and seasonal vegetables at a local eatery.
Conveniently located near the bus station.
INR250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Departure

As you depart Kainchi Dham, take with you beautiful memories and a sense of serenity.
Board onward transport as per your next destination.
Varies, N/A
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