Tamil Nadu and Kerala, 10 days

Hi,

I'm trying to devise an itinerary for some friends who are visiting india for the first time. They will fly into and out of Chennai.

They would like to visit a hill station, see some elephants/wildlife and spend a few days in Kerala by the beach.

So, from Chennai, is it possible to get to Kerala (ie Trivandrum or Varkala) by train via a picturesque hill station, preferably with spice/tea plantations? Any good spots to see elephants on the way over?

Thanks,
Gertie

I am sure there would be some way out..maybe Chennai - Kochi - Munnar (tea Plantations) - Periyar/Kumily (Wildlife / Spice Gradens and tea)- Allepey (backwaters - should not be missed) - Varkala (beach)

Depending on the number of people transport can be fixed..that is if they are more that 4 ..they can hire a car that would be around Rs.1500 per day...

By train to Bangalore. From there by A/C cab to Coorg (road till Mysore is fantastic for indian standards, from there on it's pretty sad though). Spend time in coorg where you get it all: elephant camp (e.g. Dubare Elephant Training Camp, Kabini or Nagarhole).
Coffee plantations (e.g. Siddapur or Madikeri)

We went down to Kerala from Coorg via the most excruciating trip ever: from Madikeri via Pariyambady to Kerala, we reached Tallasherry (there are dozen ways to spell this one). The road was horrific but it passes right through a rain forest, and since we did the trip during Monsoon in July it was very rewarding. Roll down the windows and breath the only fresh air you'll get in India. Just make sure your car is fit as there is no petrol station and nobody around except of course for the omnipresent suicidal bus drivers. The stretch was from Periyambady took about 4 hours, it's only 60km long. Just to give you a clue as to how strenuous it was. But again: i'd do it again any time.

In Kerala you can climb up to Munnar, very popular hillstation, again plantations and gorgeous views.

Please have a look at my journal for a south india report.

Have fun!

Hans

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Some great suggestions there, I'll continue my research.

Dhans, cheers for the journal link, I'll have a read.

Gertie