India's Leading Destination Management Company since 1983

The Southern Jewels | 08 Days

Trivandrum – Chettinad – Mahabalipuram – Mysore – Hampi – Goa – Mumbai
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Tour Overview

Welcome aboard the Maharajas' express, bestowed the "World's Leading Luxury Train" award at the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years from 2012 to 2016. The Maharajas' Express has redefined the luxury travel experience by offering guests the opportunity to explore fabled destinations providing a glimpse of rich cultural heritage of Incredible India which will leave you with fond memories of this train journey to be cherished.

Tour Highlights

  • Welcome Ceremony at Kochuveli Railway Station
  • Explore the magnificent Chettinad Mansions
  • Indulge in activities like Sari Draping, Dhoti Draping, Heena art etc.
  • UNESCO World heritage Site of Mahabalipuram
  • The magnificent Mysore Palace
  • Special lunch at Lalitha Mahal Palace
  • Half day visit to Srirangapatnam (optional)
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi
  • Ride in tuk tuk
  • Explore Anegudi Village
  • The well-stocked Goa Chitra Museum
  • Special evening of Goan music and dance
  • Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Walking Tour of Old Panjim
  • Special Indian evening with drinks and dance on-board

Day 01 Saturday Trivandrum

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

Day 02 Sunday Chettinad /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 Maharajas Express proceeds to Mahabalipuram.

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard.
  • Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Day 03 Monday Mahabalipuram

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

Day 04 Tuesday Mysore

After onboard breakfast, visit the Wodeyars 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 Srirangapatnam, 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 05 Wednesday Hampi

Today, breakfast is followed by a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. A wonderful specimen of Dravidian style of Architecture these stone structures are located in a huge area. The temples here were constructed by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire. Some of the popular ones are Ganesha Statue, Virupaksha Temple, Narasimha Statute, and the Elephant Stables. Next, do not miss the Musical Pillars Temple and the Stone Chariot at the Vitthala Temple complex. Enjoy a ride in Tuk tuk. Lunch on-board the train

At 15:45 hours, disembark to visit Anegudi Village, right across the Tungabhadra River. This wonderful village dates back to the Neolithic age. Here, you can interact with the locals. Get a sneak peek into daily lifestyle. The other option is of enjoying a relaxing spa session at a popular city hotel. Be back on-board the Indian luxury train for dinner.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board
  • Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express

Day 06 Thursday Hampi – Goa

The train arrives in Goa, early in the morning. Have your dinner in the train as the train passes by through wonderful vistas. The morning is at leisure. Enjoy the facilities on-board the train. After lunch, disembark from the train at around 16:00 hours for an evening of dance and music performances. On the way, visit the Goa Chitra Museum. This well-stocked museum has a wonderful private ethnographic collection of palanquins, carts, musical instruments, and pottery and farming tools. Evening is scheduled for special Goan music and dance carnival, followed by dinner at a special venue. Back to the train

  • Breakfast and Lunch onboard. Dinner at an exclusive venue.
  • Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express

Day 07 Friday Goa

On the 7th day, enjoy breakfast on-board the train. Later, embark on a sightseeing your of Goa including the UNESCO World Heritage site. Basilica of Bom Jesus. This Basilica preserves the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier. Next visit is to the Se Cathedral, located on the opposite road of the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Lunch is planned at a special venue. The Portuguese had built this cathedral to commemorate their victory over the Muslim army. Church visit is followed by a Walking Tour of the Old Panjim. The houses here are a wonderful mix of the Portuguese and Goan culture. Back to the train for a special evening with drinks and dinner, the journey back to Mumbai starts.

  • Breakfast and Lunch onboard. Dinner at an exclusive venue.
  • Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express

Day 08 Saturday Disembark Mumbai

The train has entered Mumbai today. Early in the morning enjoy breakfast. Later at 08:15 hours disembark. Complete the check-out formalities and bid goodbye.

The Southern Jewels 8 days covering approx. 2767 kms

Tariff Per Person

Rooming Deluxe Cabin Junior Suite Suite Presidential Suites
Adult $ 7530 $ 10880 $ 15180 $ 26070
Single Supplement $ 5680 $ 9810 $ 15180 $ 26070

Inclusions

  • 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.

Exclusions

  • Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • GST Tax 5%, 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.

PAYMENT

A . Payment Terms
In case of FIT's

  • 25% of the published price plus applicable taxes at the time of confirming the booking along with names.
  • Balance payment 60 days prior to the departure.

In case of bookings under companion offer

  • 1st Adult:- 25% of the published price plus applicable taxes at the time of confirming the booking along with names.
  • 2nd Adult:- Full 50% of the published price plus applicable taxes at the time of confirming the booking along with names.
  • Balance payment 60 days prior to the departure.

Special Note

  • Name with details required at the time of booking except as provided. Name change is allowed upto 30 days prior to departure.
  • Only one date change may be permitted upto 30 days prior to departure subject to availability. No refund in case of difference of tariff.The difference of tariff to be paid in case of higher tariff for the scheduled departure.
  • Either name change or date change will be allowed not both as stated above.

B. 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 payment of the booking amount, you will receive an acknowledgement for the amount paid.

You will have to pay all bank charges.

The 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.

The Company reserves the right to decline your booking /s for any Tour or to cancel your booking without assigning any reason.

CANCELLATION

If you wish to cancel the booking , you must communicate the cancellation by

  • E-mail to aartt@keralatoursoperatorindia.com

The following cancellation charges will apply: -

For any cancellation days are counted excluding the date of departure

A. In case of FITs:

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

B. In case of Bookings under companion offer:

1st Adult:-

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

2nd Adult:

  • Full 50% of the adult fare will be charged irrespective of no. of days from the date of cancellation and the date of departure.

Train Schedule

The Southern Jewels - 7 Nights / 8 Days
Month Saturday
September 2018 22