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The Southern Sojourn

Mumbai – Goa – Hampi – Mysore – Cochin – Kumarakom – Trivandrum


Durations: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Season: October - April
Starting From: GBP 5705

Have the experience of your lifetime by embarking on an unforgettable Southern Sojourn, on-board the Maharajas’ Express. This meticulously-crafted journey of 8 days takes you to some of the most popular journeys of the southern region of India, while offering you a chance to witness the grandeur of the landscape. Explore wonderful cities and towns like Hampi, Mysore, Cochin, and Kumarakom, along with the beach state of Goa.

Each place has its own special feature. Some of the main attractions include meals at special venues, unique Chinese Fishing Nets in Cochin, World Heritage Sites of Hampi, Canoe cruise in Kumarakom, the Goan church of Basilica of Bom Jesus, and the splendid Wodeyar Palace in Mysore. Modern comforts and royal interiors are added bonus.


Rating 4.5

Detail Itinerary

At 15:00 hours, assemble at The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower for completing the registration and check-in formalities for the Southern Sojourn journey of the Maharajas' Express. Later, proceed to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus where you enjoy a warm traditional welcome with garland and tikka. Relish a special welcome drink. Go on-board this Indian luxury train, which departs for the first destination Goa at 17:15 hours. Dinner is served on-board.

Overnight stay on the train.

On day 2, the Maharajas' Express has entered the 'party capital of India', Goa. As you enjoy breakfast on-board, treat your eyes to the wonderful views. Later, disembark the train for partaking in sightseeing. The first visit of the day is to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The mortal remains Saint Francis Xavier have been preserved in this church. The next church that you visit is the Se Cathedral, which is place right opposite the first church. This cathedral was built by the erstwhile Portuguese rulers to commemorate their victory over the Muslim Army. Thereafter, get ready for a Walking Tour of the Old Panjim houses, a blend of Portuguese and Goan culture. Savour the peace spread all around. Lunch in the train.

Later, de-board the train at 15:45 hours for attending a special dance and music performance by local artists. On the way, stop for visiting the Goa Chitra Museum, stocked with ethnographic collection of musical instruments, pottery, farming tools, palanquins, and carts. Proceed for enjoying the performance, followed by special dinner. Back on-board the train.

Overnight on-board.

On day 3, enjoy mouth-watering breakfast in the train while enjoying the wonderful landscape views as the train has started its journey to the next destination, Hampi. The morning is at leisure so that you can enjoy the facilities on-board Maharajas' Express. As you are enjoying lunch, the train has arrived at the Hospet Railway Station. De-board the train for visiting the Anegudi Village, locate across the River Tungabhadra. It is believed that this village belongs to the Neolithic times. Interact with locals to know about their daily lifestyle. The other option is to visit a luxury hotel in the city to enjoy a relaxing spa session. Back to the train. Dinner is served on-board.

Stay overnight.

The day starts early today. Breakfast is followed by sightseeing at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. Commissioned by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire, these temples are an amazing proof of Dravidian style of architecture. Spanning over a huge area, these man-made group of monuments are made from stone. Narsimha statue, Elephant Stables, Ganesha Statue and Virupaksha Temple are the highlights here. Do not miss out on exploring the Stone Chariot and the Musical Pillars Temple at the magnificent Vittala Temple complex. Later, enjoy a ride in tuk tuk or battery operated cart. Back to the train. Lunch and dinner is served on-board the luxury train.

Overnight stay at the Maharajas' Express.

Treat your taste-buds with lip-smacking breakfast. Later on, get ready for a city tour of Mysore. De-board for exploring the splendid Wodeyar Palace, also called the Mysore Palace. One of South India's largest complexes, it is the official residence of the royal family of Mysore, the Wodeyars. There are a number of structures in the complex including two ceremonial halls, well-maintained gardens, and several courtyards. Lunch at the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, built by the Wodeyars in the 1920s for the then Viceroy of India. The main highlights of huge, splendid palace complex is a restaurant, a ball room and a Viceroy hall. Thereafter, you can chose from- either returning on-board train or visit Shreerangapatnam, the capital of Tipu Sultan. Dinner in the Maharajas' Express, which begins its journey to Ernakulam/Cochin starts.

Stay on-board overnight.

The train today has entered into Kerala - the God's Own Country while you are relishing breakfast. The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, at 14:15 hours, de-board the train visiting the village where traditional arts of Kerala are practiced. Hop into a tuk tuk that offers you a ride to your attraction- the Model Eco Tourism Village. Thereafter, you visit the unique Chinese Fishing Nets (fixed land installation for fishing), a traditional crab farm, and industry making coir products. Dinner at a special venue followed by traditional South Indian dance performance. Return to the Maharajas' Express.

Overnight on-board.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast. Later, get down from the train for enjoying a canoe riding on the placid Kumarakom backwaters. Treat your eyes to the scenic views and green surroundings as the canoe traverses through the narrow waterways. Thereafter, lunch is planned at a special lakefront venue. Next in line is the spectacular Snake Boat Race. A boat is rowed by around 60 boatmen who row it in a rhythmic manner with drum beats and energizing songs. Back to the train. A special Indian evening of drinks and dinner has been planned on-board the train. The journey for Trivandrum starts.

Stay overnight on the luxury train.

The train reaches Trivandrum. Enjoy an early morning breakfast. At 08:00 hours, disembark from the train and bid goodbye.

The Southern Sojourn Departure Dates for Season 2019 - 2020
Month Departure Dates
SEPTEMBER, 2019 7
The Southern Sojourn (8 Days/ 7 Nights)
Cabin Adult Single Supplement
Deluxe Cabin GBP 5,705 GBP 4.303
Junior Suite GBP 8,243 GBP 7,432
Suite GBP 11,500 GBP 11,500
Presidential Suite GBP 19,750 GBP 19,750

Terms & Conditions:
  • All the above prices are on per person per journey on twin sharing basis.
  • The above cost is exclusive of 5% service tax that will be charged extra.
  • All Optional Tours are on chargeable basis and are subject to availability. Details and pricing will be made available on board during the journey.
  • Please note all bookings confirmed are non-transferable and will invite a cancellation charge as applicable.

Inclusions
  • Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with attached bathrooms.
  • All meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits.
  • Butler service, complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board.
  • Guided off train tours as included in the journeys inclusive of entrance fees, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide.
  • Porter charges at stations.
Exclusions
  • Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Taxes, insurance, gratuities, telephone calls, laundry.
  • Alcoholic beverages (apart from the house brands).
  • Video, film and professional still camera fees and arrival and departure transfers.
  • International and domestic air tickets.
  • Pre and post tour accommodation.
  • Any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys.

Payment
  • Pay 25% of tour cost at least 90 days or more prior to departure date and pay remaining amount 60 days prior to departure date.
  • Pay 100% of the tour cost if you are booking 59 days prior to departure date.
  • You will have to pay all bank charges.
  • The prevailing rate of exchange on the date of transaction would be applicable
Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy that is followed by the train is as:

  • 60 days or more prior to departure, 25% of published price.
  • 45 to 59 days prior to departure, 50% of the published price.
  • 0 to 44 days prior to departure, 100% of the published price.


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