The Southern Sojourn - Maharajas' Express

Starting from CAD 9457/pp*
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Day 1 : Saturday
  • Welcome Onboard as we proceed to Goa.
  • Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express.
  • This afternoon, assemble at 1500 hours at The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai and complete your registration and check in formalities at the hotel for the Maharajas’ Express. Following which, you will proceed to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. On arrival you will be greeted with a welcome drink and the Police Band playing as you board the Maharajas’ Express.
  • The Maharajas’ Express departs Mumbai at 1715 hours approximately and travels through the land of the Marathas to Goa.
  • Dinner on board.
Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.
 
Day 2 : Goa (Sunday)
  • Arrive into Goa - the Queen of Beaches.
  • After onboard breakfast, deboard to visit the Churches of North Goa including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the remains of Saint Francis Xavier are preserved. Visit the Se Cathedral, just opposite the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Se Cathedral was built to mark the conquest of Goa by the Portuguese after defeating a Muslim army. A Walking Tour of the Old Panjim houses will give a glimpse of the amalgamation of the Portuguese culture with Goanese.
  • Return to the train for onboard lunch.
  • Deboard at around 15:45 hrs for an evening of dance and music. Enroute, visit the Goa Chitra Museum, one of the finest private ethnographic museum in the state. The museum houses a collection of pottery, farming tools, musical instruments, carts and palanquins depicting the growth of civilization in Goa.
  • Later enjoy an exclusive Goan evening of carnival music followed by dinner at an exclusive venue. After dinner, return to comfort of Maharajas’ Express.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
 
Day 3 : Goa - Hampi (Monday)
  • Breakfast onboard as the train shall proceed to Hampi. Enjoy the scenic ride through ridges. Lunch shall be served onboard.
  • Arrive HOSPET Railway Station and proceed to visit Anegudi Village. The sylvan village across the Tungabhadra river dates its history to the Neolithic Age. Interact with the locals and participate in activities to get a glimpse of the village life.
  • Or you may choose for a rejuvenating spa at one of the deluxe hotels.
  • Return to the comforts of Maharajas’ Express.
  • Dinner shall be served onboard.
  • Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the Optional Activities.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
 
Day 4 : Hampi (Tuesday)
  • After an early breakfast, proceed to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. The group of monuments with several stone structures spread over a vast expanse speaks volumes about the highly developed Dravidian architectural style of the Vijayanagar empire. Prominent sites include Ganesha Statue, Virupaksha Temple, Narasimha Statute, Elephant Stables and the Vittala Temple complex, housing the Musical Pillars Temple and the Stone Chariot.
  • Enjoy the surroundings as you travel around these on Tuk Tuks and Battery Operated Carts.
  • Return to the train for lunch as the Maharajas’ Express proceeds to Mysore.
  • Dinner shall be served onboard.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
 
Day 5 : Mysore (Wednesday)
  • After onboard breakfast, visit the Wodeyar Palace popularly known as the Mysore Palace. The residence of the royal family of Mysore, the Palace is one of the largest in South India and house two ceremonial halls coupled with an array of courtyards, gardens and other buildings.
  • Proceed for lunch at the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. The heritage building, was built by the Wodeyars for the exclusive stay of the Viceroy of India in the 1920s. The structure, particularly the central dome, resembles, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London and houses a Viceroy Hall, a Ball Room and a restaurant.
  • Return to the comforts of Maharajas’ Express.
  • Or you may choose a visit to Shreerangapatnam, the capital of Tipu Sultan.
  • Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.
  • Maharajas’ Express proceeds for Ernakulam/Cochin.
  • Breakfast and Dinner on board; Lunch at Lalitha Mahal Palace.
  • Requires removal of footwear at Mysore Palace.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
 
Day 6 : Cochin (Thursday)
  • Arrive into Kerala - God’s Own Country.
  • Breakfast and lunch shall be served onboard.
  • Disembark at around 14:15 hrs to visit a village complex practicing various traditional arts. Take a short Tuk Tuk ride to reach the Model Eco Tourism village. Witness the unique Chinese Fishing Nets in action, a traditional crab farm and other activities using coir products.
  • Proceed for dinner to an exclusive venue. Enjoy traditional South Indian dances while you relish a traditional South Indian lunch.
  • Dinner at an exclusive venue.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
 
Day 7 : Kumarakom (Friday)
  • After onboard breakfast, proceed for a Canoe Cruise on the famous backwaters of Kumarakom. Enjoy this scenic cruise into the hinterland as the canoe's pass through narrow canals with coconut palms dotting the landscape.
  • Proceed for lunch at an exclusive venue on the lakefront. Witness an exciting Snake Boat Race. Snake Boat Races with upto 60 boatmen rowing in provide a magnificent example of rigorous training and team spirit of the traditional sports of South India.
  • Return to the comforts of Maharajas’ Express.
  • Enjoy an ‘Indian Evening’ onboard raising a toast to this memorable experience as the Maharajas’ Express proceeds to Trivandrum.
  • Breakfast on board; Lunch at an exclusive venue; Indian Evening and Dinner on board.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
 
Day 8 : Disembark In Trivandrum (Saurday)
  • Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at around 08:00 hours at Trivandrum (Kochuveli Railway station), the capital city of Kerala. Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express as the journey comes to an end. The journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever!
Breakfast on the Maharajas’ Express.
 
 Inclusion
  • Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with en suite bathrooms.
  • All meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits.
  • Butler service.
  • Guided off train excursions as illustrated in the journeys inclusive of entrance fees, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide.
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board.
  • Porterage at stations.
 
 Exclusion
  • Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Taxes, Insurance, Gratuities.
  • Telephone calls, laundry, alcoholic beverages (apart from the house brands of wines, spirits, beer served in the restaurants and bar).
  • Video, film and professional still camera fees.
  • Maharajas' Express Exclusions Arrival and departure transfers.
  • International and domestic air tickets.
  • Pre and post tour accommodation and any tour extensions are not included unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys.
 
 Child Policy
For Deluxe/Jr.Suite/Suite Cabins:
  • Children below 5 years shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking.
  • Single child (5 years - 12 years) sharing cabin with adults - 50% of the adult fare, subject to sharing of double bed with two full paid adults. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking.
OR
  • Single child (5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin - 50% of the (adult fare + Supplement charges) if requested in a separate cabin.
  • Two child (5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin - 50% of the adult fare for each child in a separate cabin on twin sharing basis.
  • Three child (5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin - 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of double bed.
OR
  • If third child request in a separate cabin - 50% of the (adult fare + Supplement charges).
  • Single child (5 years - 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin : - Two adults fare on twin sharing basis.
  • Two child (5 years - 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin : - One adult fare plus 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of double bed.
For Presidential Suite Cabin
  • Children below 5 years shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed in PS.
  • Single child (5 years - 12 years) sharing cabin with adults - 50% of the adult fare, subject to sharing with two/three/four full paid adults in PS.
  • Two child (5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin - 50% of the adult fare for each child in a separate sub cabin on twin sharing basis subject to sharing with two full paid adults in PS.
  • Three child (5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin - 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of with two/three full paid adults in PS.
  • Single child (5 years - 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin : - Two adults fare on twin sharing basis in PS.
  • Two child (5 years - 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin : - 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing with one full paid adult.
 
 Christmas & New Year, Signature Journey Supplement Charges
  • Taxes Will be Charged Extra.
  • There will be supplement charge of USD 500 per pax travelling during the tour falling on New Year eve and Christmas.
  • The supplement charge will be applicable for child between 05-12 years also.
  • Supplement charges may be applicable for certain signature journeys as announced by IRCTC from time to time.
 
 Penalty Clause
  • Deduction of 0.5% of the balance amount shell be paid if payment is made between 30 to 59 days prior to departure.
  • Deduction of 0.75% of the balance payment shall be paid if payment is made between 0 to 29 days prior to departure.
  • If this is not done, then the request will not be accepted and the booking will be treated as cancelled and relevant cancellation charges will be applied following deduction for services rendered.
  • On completion of the booking and payment formalities, a confirmation will be sent to you or your travel agent. It is your / travel agent's responsibility to check the confirmation and advise us immediately in case of any errors. The final documentation containing the itinerary and voucher will be dispatched to you 14 days prior to date of departure.
  • On payment of the booking amount, you will receive an acknowledgement for the amount paid. You will have to pay all bank charges.
The Southern Jewels Tour Program for Year 2018
Month Departure Dates
September, 2018 15
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