Welcome Onboard as we proceed to Chettinad. Welcome aboard the Maharajas’ Express. This afternoon, assemble at 1800 hours at Vivanta by Taj Hotel, Trivandrum….
The Southern Jewels
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered: Trivandrum – Chettinad –Mahabalipuram – Mysore – Hampi – Goa – Ratnagiri – Mumbai
Day 1 – Saturday Chettinad
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.
Dinner shall be served onboard.
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.
Day 2 – Sunday Chettinand/Karaikudi
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.
Day 3 – Monday Mahabalipuram
After onboard breakfast 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.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the Optional Activities.
Day 4 – Tuesday Mysore
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.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Requires removal of footwear at Mysore Palace.
Day 5 – Wednesday Hampi
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.
Day 6 – Thursday Goa
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. Return to the train for 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 as the train proceeds to Ratnagiri.
Breakfast and Lunch onboard. Dinner at an exclusive venue.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Day 7 – Friday Ratnagiri
After onboard breakfast, disembark at Ratnagiri to visit the Ratnadurg Fort ruins, Govt Aquarium and Thibaw Palace and Tombs. Return to the train for lunch. Enjoy an Indian Evening onboard – an evening of Bollywood dance and music with dinner as the train proceeds to Mumbai.
Return to the train.
Enjoy an ‘Indian Evening’ onboard raising a toast to this memorable experience as the Maharajas’ Express proceeds to Mumbai.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Day 8 – Saturday Disembark in Mumbai
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.
Accommodation
As the name suggests, Maharaja’s Express offers a truly royal accommodation for its passengers. It is well-equipped with 5-star hotel facilities and services, offering its guests a royal experience. The train takes its guests across the various destinations starting from north to south.
The accommodation includes five carriages for Deluxe Cabins, six for Junior Suites, two for Suites and one for grand Presidential Suite. Each cabin is especially fitted with a huge window for providing its guests the opportunity to see the outside beauty. There are 23 AC luxuriously decorated coaches on the train.
All the cabins have individual temperature controls, the one of its kind in India and state-of-the-art facilities like LCD televisions, direct dial telephone, DVD players, Internet and environmentally friendly wash rooms. The facility of in-house movies and live television is also available to keep the guests entertained. Each cabin is also installed with its own electronic safe deposit box.
Attendants
There are attendants at your service round the clock to ensure your comfortable sojourn on the train. Every need of each passenger is taken care of.
Restaurants
Rang Mahal and Peacock? are the two beautiful restaurants on board, having an accommodation facility of 42 people at a time. Complimentary wines and beer are also served with the dinner. A variety of lip-smacking cuisines like Indian, Continental and Chinese are served in the restaurants.
Bar and Lounges
Safari Bar on board is stocked with a wide range of wines, liquor and beer which comes complimentary to every traveller on the train. Scrumptious snacks are also provided along with the drinks. There is a lounge on the train that has a bar comprising game tables as well as club arm chairs for the comfort of its passengers.
Guides
Guests are also provided with professional and qualified English-speaking guides, who share the knowledge with passengers while exploring the attractions.
Smoking Policy
According to the Indian law smoking is not allowed in the train.
Charters
The Maharajas’ Express also offers its booking facility for weddings, conferences or any other exclusive event.
The train takes you to the most enchanting destinations of India on board. You can enjoy folk dance performance at different halts. Experience the royal pageantry of camel carts followed by musicians that will take you to another world.
The Southern Jewels Departure Dates for Season 2019
| MONTH | DEPARTURE DATES |
|---|---|
| September 2019 | Sat, 14th |
Maharajas’ Express Packages for Season 2020-21 (USD)
The Southern Jewels (8 Days/ 7 Nights)
Foreign National / Indian National
| DESCRIPTION | DELUXE CABIN | JUNIOR SUITE | SUITE | PRESIDENTIAL SUITE |
| Adult | $7,530 | $10,880 | $15,180 | $26,070 |
| Single Supplement | $5,680 | $9,810 | $15,180 | $26,070 |
Indian National
| DESCRIPTION | DELUXE CABIN | JUNIOR SUITE | SUITE | PRESIDENTIAL SUITE |
| Adult | INR 5,51,280 | INR 7,96,530 | INR 11,11,330 | INR 19,08,590 |
| Single Supplement | INR 4,15,840 | INR 7,18,190 | INR 11,11,330 | INR 19,08,590 |
| NEW YEAR / CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT DURING SIGNATURE TRIP | $ 500 | INR 35610 |
# USD 500 per person extra surcharge during Christmas and New Year departures.
# INR 33250 per person extra surcharge during Christmas and New Year departures.
# 5% GST will be extra as applicable.
# 5% TDS on commission will be charged
# The tariff structure for the guests having Indian Identity proof (Passport/Voter ID/Aadhaar/OCI will be applicable.
# The tariff is inclusive of cost of travel, accommodation, All meals, soft beverages, Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board, Butler service,transport & guide services for sightseeing, entrance fee (excluding video camera fee) for monuments & palaces and entertainment.
# The tariff does not include Insurance, Telephone calls, laundry, alcoholic beverages,
(apart from the house brands of wines, spirits, beer served in the restaurants and bar) Video and professional still camera fees, SPA Car, Business Car Facilities and other items of personal nature.
The above Tariff is subject to change without notice.
Service Tax are subject to change as per the government of India directives.
Reservation / Cancellation – Terms & Conditions
Booking Policy:
25% of ticket value plus applicable taxes at the time of confirming the booking.
Remaining 75% of ticket value 75 days prior to departure.
Penalty Clause:
Deduction on discount 0.5% of the balance amount shell be paid if payment is made between 30 to 59 days prior to departure.
Deduction on discount 0.75% of the balance payment shall be paid if payment is made between 0 to 29 days prior to departure.
For USD bookings: The payable amount in INR should be credited in our account as per the rate of exchange
(ROE) of the previous day of the date (www.rbi.org.in) of transferring the amount by the agent.
Cancellation Policy:
25% of ticket value 60 days or more prior to departure.
50% of ticket value between 45 to 59 days prior to departure.
100% of ticket value 44 or less days prior to the departure.
Child Policy
A) For Deluxe/Jr.Suite/Suite Cabins
1. 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.
2. 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.
3.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.
4. 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).
5. Single child (5 years – 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- Two adults fare on twin sharing basis.
6. 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.
B) For Presidential Suite Cabin
1. Children below 5 years shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed in PS.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Single child (5 years – 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- Two adults fare on twin sharing basis in PS.
6. 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.
No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment:
# No Show – In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited.
# En route termination of tour – In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited.
# Amendment – Is only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem’s (this needs to be supported by doctor’s certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case will be decided on merits on a case to case basis. No amendment will be permissible in case of booking of groups or complete train.