Kochi to Mamallapuram: Across Southern India

Arrival in Kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets

Arrive in Kochi at any time. The day is unstructured, leaving time to check into a hotel in the Fort Kochi area and acclimate to the coastal humidity. Late afternoon is the right time to head for the harbour. Here, you can watch the sunset behind the iconic, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a centuries-old fishing technique still in use.

DIY Reality Check: While the Chinese fishing nets are a free and iconic public sight, the reality on the ground can be complex. Many of the nets are no longer used for commercial fishing, and their operators rely on tourist demonstrations. Independent travelers report that approaching the nets often results in being pulled into a demonstration followed by an awkward and sometimes aggressive negotiation for payment. A guided visit bypasses this friction, ensuring a respectful interaction that benefits the local operators without the pressure of a tourist trap.

Fort Kochi & Overnight Train to Bangalore

The morning is open for independent exploration in Kochi. A walk through Fort Kochi's historic quarter is essential, cutting through cobblestone streets past colonial-era architecture and the scent of spices. Key sights include St. Francis Church, which holds Vasco da Gama's original tombstone, and the 16th-century Paradesi Synagogue in the old Jewish Quarter. The rest of the afternoon is free to wander before heading to the station. The overnight train to Bangalore is a classic Indian travel experience, covering the 635km journey while you sleep.

Gardens and City Streets of Bangalore

The overnight train pulls into Bangalore in the morning. After finding breakfast, the first stop is the Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, a sprawling 18th-century park established by Mughal royalty. It holds India's largest collection of tropical plants and a famous glass house modelled on London's Crystal Palace. The afternoon is free for exploring the city at your own pace. As evening approaches, an orientation walk through the city's commercial heart covers the main drags of Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brigade Road, and Church Street, the epicentre of modern Bangalore.