The Southern Jewels - Maharajas Express

Itinerary

Welcome Onboard as we proceed to Chettinad. Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express. This afternoon, assemble at 1800 hours at Vivanta by Taj Hotel, Trivandrum and complete your registration and check in formalities at the hotel for the Maharajas’ Express. Proceed to the train station for a traditional welcome as you board the Maharajas’ Express. The Maharajas’ Express departs Trivandrum (Kochuveli Railway station) at 21:15 hours for Chettinad, land of the South India’s most influential trading community Chettiars. Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

Arrive into Chettinad. After onboard breakfast, visit famous Chettinad Mansions and Athnagudi Tile Factory. Proceed to visit one of the Chettinad Heritage Hotels for activities including Mundu/Dhoti Draping, Saree Draping, Henna Art etc. Return to the train for lunch. Dinner shall be served onboard as the Maharjas’ Express proceeds to Mahabalipuram. Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Breakfast and lunch shall be served onboard. Disembark at around 08:00hrs to visit Mahabalipuram, the historical port town from where sea trade with South Asian countries flourished. A 40 minute drive from the train station brings you to this historical town. Visit 5 Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and Shore Temple, UNESCO World Heritage site. Proceed for lunch at an exclusive venue with folk dances. Return to the comforts of Maharajas’ Express as the train proceeds to Mysore. Breakfast and dinner onboard, lunch at an exclusive venue. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

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, as an optional activity, a visit to Shreerangapatnam, the capital of Tipu Sultan. Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities. At around 20:00 hrs, Maharajas’ Express proceeds for Hampi. Breakfast and Dinner on board; Lunch at Lalitha Mahal Palace. Requires removal of footwear at Mysore Palace. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

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 the ruins on Tuk Tuks and Battery Operated Carts. Return to the train for lunch. At around 15:45 hrs, 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. Breakfast, lunch and Dinner onboard. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

In the early morning hours, the train shall proceed to Goa. Breakfast and Lunch shall be served onboard. Enjoy a relaxed morning as the train passes through beautiful scenery. Deboard at around 16:00 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. Breakfast and Lunch onboard. Dinner at an exclusive venue. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

After onboard breakfast, proceed by road 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. lunch at an exclusive venue. Return to the train. Enjoy an ‘Indian Evening’ onboard raising a toast to this memorable experience as the Maharajas’ Express proceeds to Mumbai. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at around 08:15 hours at Mumbai, the financial capital of India. 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.

What's Included

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.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes

Yes, All language local guides are available as per request.

Yes

Yes, although you will have to make your own way to where the group is heading to out of your own expense.

Yes

Absolutely. Every traveler is required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Only for foreign national traveler.

Most of the places you will get free Wi-FI.

Yes

Currency always depend on the country.

You will receive all the booking pack with all the pick up times.

100% departure if there is single traveler.

Please speak to our sales team as soon as possible to see how we can help.

3 Star

Tips always optional.

Yes