If you like the idea of travel being as much about the journey as the destination, a train loop through South India is hard to beat. Think coastal stretches, hill stations, food you remember months later, and the particular comfort of a reserved window seat.

This outline isn’t a strict itinerary; it’s a framework you can adapt based on your starting city and available days.

Suggested loop

  • Chennai → Puducherry: Ease into the coast with French-influenced streets and seaside walks.
  • Puducherry → Madurai: Shift inland for temples, tiffin, and busy bazaars.
  • Madurai → Munnar (via road): Climb into the hills and tea gardens.
  • Munnar → Kochi: Come back down to a port city with layered history.

Why trains?

Trains give you space to move, read, and snack your way through the landscape. Book AC classes if you want more comfort or Sleeper class if you prefer windows that open and a busier, more local feel.

Booking tip: Use official apps or websites to avoid scams, and try to book at least a couple of weeks ahead for popular routes and weekends.

What to eat along the way

  • Idli, dosa, and strong filter coffee at station cafés and small city joints.
  • Banana chips, murukku, and local sweets from trusted shops.
  • Fresh seafood when you’re back by the coast.

This loop is less about ticking off “top 10” lists and more about letting the region’s rhythm set your pace: wake with early trains, nap in the afternoons, and watch the sky change colours through grilled windows.