Hi all
A friend and I are coming to volunteer at a project near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. We're spending a few days in Mumbai and then going to catch the train all the way down to Madurai. Its going to be a massive journey but hopefully a fantastic adventure; been inspired by Paul Theroux.
Has anybody done this jouney, or have an idea of how long it will take and any recomended places to stop along the way?
Be most grateful for comments
Jack
Reply to this Dear Jack,
If you are travelling during the peak season to Tamil Nadu, suggest that you reserve your trains tickets in advance. The best train to reach from Mumbai to Madurai is Nagercoil Express and you can book tickets online on irctc.co.in. The journey takes about 23 hrs - assuming the train is not delayed.
If you are keen on visiting different places in India, then you can break your journey and reach Madurai. Something like Mumbai - Pune - Goa - Belgam - Udupi - Mysore - Bangalore - Nilgiris (Ooty) - Coimbatore - Madurai.
You can also travel from Coimbatore to Kerla and then to Madurai.
Write back should you need more details.
Reply to this Dear Tanya
Thanks ever so much for the info.
When is the peak season? I'm coming to mumbai this weekend and then hoping to catch the train South mid next week. Do you think I could get tickets upon arrival in Mumbai?
Been reading your blog on Goa, it sounds so Idyllic. Nilgiris blue mountain railway sounds amazing as well.
~Thank you again
Reply to this Yes, this is peak season - as schools have vacations in summer in India, so most people travel.
However, you have the option of booking 'Tatkal' tickets . With this option you can get a rail ticket exactly 5 days in advance. Just select this option on the site while booking.
You also have the option of traveling by bus, if you want to do short journeys. Entire distance from Mumbai to Madurai can be back-breaking in one stretch by bus.
Reply to this Tanya
Thanks for your input on the trains. Wondered if you could recomend a good hostel to stay when we arrive in Mumbai monday night at 11.30pm? Somthing not too expensive. and do european twin round pin adaptors work in India?
Reply to this You would easily find a lot of cheap hostels/hotels or lodges in Mumbai priced approx between 700 - 2000 INR/day. You can look for options near the airport (expensiver) or travel to Colaba (south mumbai). Most tourists stay in Colaba and you'd find a good deal on your stay. You can google up hostels & book the place.
Also, there are a lot of CouchSurfers in Mumbai, you may want to look at that option.
The European twin round pin adaptor may not work at many places in India - some hotels have the provision, most dont. However, you can easily buy an adapter in India. Its would cost you about 15-25 INR at any electrical shop, also these shops are all over the city.
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