The Southern Jewels

Assemble at 18:00 hours at the Vivanta by Taj Hotel, Trivandrum. Complete your registration and check in formalities at the comforts of the hotel for the Maharajas’ Express. Proceed to the Kochuveli Railway station for a traditional welcome as you board the Maharajas’ Express.

Dinner shall be served onboard. The Maharajas’ Express departs Trivandrum at 21:15 hours for Chettinad, the land of the South India’s most influential trading community, Chettiars. Overnight stay on board.

Early in the morning the train arrives to Chettinad. Enjoy breakfast on board, later visit famous Chettinad Mansions and Athnagudi Tile Factory. Proceed for a visit to one of the Chettinad Heritage Hotel. Participate in for activities including Mundu/Dhoti Draping, Saree Draping, Henna Art etc.

Return to the train for lunch. Enjoy the comforts of your train as the train proceeds to Mahabalipuram. Dinner and overnight stay aboard Maharajas’ Express.

After an early breakfast, disembark at around 08:00 hours to visit Mahabalipuram. The historical port town is an interesting site treasuring ruins of the Pallava Empire. The ancient town is known for its earliest successful sea trade with South Asian countries. The mysterious relics are a 40 minute drive from the train station. Check out the UNESCO World Heritages sites including the Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and Shore Temple, etc.

Proceed for lunch at an exclusive venue with folk dances for entertainment.

Return to the comforts of Maharajas’ Express as the train proceeds to Mysore. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Begin the day with a sumptuous breakfast on board, Disembark for sightseeing in Mysore. The Wodeyar Palace popularly known as the Mysore Palace is the first stop. One of the largest in South India, the palace has served as a residence of the royal family of Mysore. Walk through the two ceremonial halls, number of courtyards, gardens and other buildings.

Lunch is arranged at the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. The heritage building, was built for the special stay of the Viceroy of India in the 1920s. The architecture resembles, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

Return to the comforts of Maharajas’ Express or are free to choose, as an optional activity, a visit to Shreerangapatnam, the capital of Tipu Sultan.

At around 20:00 hours, Maharajas’ Express proceeds for Hampi. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Start the day early. After breakfast, proceed to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. The group of monuments are renowned for its several stone structures. It is spread over a vast expanse on the shores of river Tungabhadra. The monuments are witness to the magnificent Dravidian architectural style of the Vijayanagar Empire. Explore the surroundings and the artwork on Battery Operated Carts. Ganesha Statue, Virupaksha Temple, Narasimha Statute, Elephant Stables and the Vittala Temple complex, housing the Musical Pillars Temple and the Stone Chariot are the top attractions to check out.

Return to the train for lunch. At around 15:45 hours, de-board for a visit to the Anegudi Village. Dating back to the Neolithic Age, the charming village is spread over the blissful banks of river Tungabhadra. Get a glimpse of village life, interact with the locals, and also participate in activities. An optional rejuvenating spa session is also arranged at one of the deluxe hotels in the city.

Back to Maharajas’ Express. Dinner shall be served onboard. Overnight stay aboard.

The train chugs towards Goa in the early morning hours. Enjoy a relaxed morning. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast talking in the beautiful scenery. Spend time enjoying the luxuries of the train. Lunch is arranged aboard.

Deboard at around 16:00 hours for an evening of dance and music. Make a stop to visit the Goa Chitra Museum, one of the finest private ethnographic museum in the state. Marvel at collection of pottery, farming tools, musical instruments, carts and palanquins. The museum treasures depicting the growth of civilization in Goa.

Later, enjoy a special Goan evening of carnival music followed by dinner at an exclusive venue. After dinner, return to comfort of Maharajas’ Express.

After onboard breakfast, proceed for sightseeing. 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. The next stop, Se Cathedral was built to mark the defeat of the Muslim Army and conquest of Goa by the Portuguese. Later, proceed for a walking tour. The Old Panjim are interesting to explore as you enjoy the blend of the Portuguese and Goan culture.

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at a pre-arranged exclusive venue. Return to Maharajas’ Express. Enjoy an ‘Indian Evening’ onboard. Dinner and overnight stay aboard as train proceeds to Mumbai.

Post breakfast, disembark the train at around 08:15 hours at Mumbai, the financial capital of India. Bid adieu to the Maharajas' Express as the journey comes to an end. Return home with fond memories of the Southern Jewels of India.