India's Leading Destination Management Company since 1983

The Southern Sojourn | 08 Days

Mumbai – Goa – Hampi – Mysore – Ernakulam – Kumarakom - Trivandrum
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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.

Embark on a memorable journey on-board the luxurious Maharajas Express. The Southern Sojourn is a well-planned journey of 8 days combining the splendid sights of South India, with all its grandeur and mesmerizing landscape. The tour takes you to wonderful places like Hampi, Mysore, Cochin, and Kumarakom. Each destination has its own specialty.

Tour Highlights

  • Welcome Ceremony at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site of Basilica of Bom Jesus
  • Walking Tour of the Old Panjim
  • An evening of Goan music and dance
  • Visit to the scenic Anegudi Village/ A relaxing spa session
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi
  • Vitthala Temple complex
  • A ride in tuk tuk
  • Visit to the Mysore Palace
  • Special lunch at Lalitha Mahal Palace
  • Half day's excursion to Shree Rangapatnam, the capital of Tipu Sultan
  • Visit to Model Eco Tourism village
  • The unique Chinese Fishing Nets during city tour
  • Canoe ride on the Kumarakom backwaters
  • The exhilarating Snake Boat Race
  • Special Indian Evening with drinks and dinner on-board the train

Day 01 Saturday Goa

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 02 Sunday Goa

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

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

Day 03 Monday Goa –Hampi

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. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express

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

Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the Optional Activities.

Day 04 Tuesday 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 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.

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

Day 05 Wednesday 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 a visit to Shree Rangapatnam, 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
  • Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express

Requires removal of footwear at Mysore Palace

Day 06 Thursday Cochin

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.

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

Day 07 Friday Kumarakom

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 08 Disembark in Trivandrum

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

The Southern Sojourn 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.
The Southern Sojourn - 7 Nights / 8 Days
MonthSaturday
September 201815