Go into a shop and try a few bodies out in the hand.
The 600D (T3i) for example is quite a different camera to handle and hold than a 60D.
The Nikons have a quite different menu system and some interface differences (as a newb you may find a depth of field preview button useful, all canon DSLRs except the 1100D / T3 have this, only the upper end Nikons feature it)
I personally would suggest a cheaper body that gives you some PIC modes (so that is the rebels) but with manual controls to move on to when you are ready.
But you have to be happy with how any camera you buy fits in the hand, fits at the eye, and able to reach the main controls.
I would advocate a body and 18-55 IS kit, I wouldn't advocate the 18-135.. to expensive for an unexceptional lens. Better value and range with the similarly priced body + 18-55IS + 55-250IS combo.
Or take the other route and do it old school. Why not buy a body only and a prime lens (say the 28mm f2.8, 35mm f2.0 or 40mm f2.8 ) and learn loads about depth of field control and perspective? Zoom lenses are great, but they make for lazy learners... in my opinion. A fast aperture prime is the way to learn lots quickly and with the examples I've given it needn't cost the earth.
Maybe a body & 18-55 kit with a fast aperture prime is the more user friendly way to go about it... but I would opine that the 18-135 is the wrong thing to buy... especially if you are interested in video (all canon DSLRs nowadays do video, and its very decent on everything except the low budget 1100D / T3)