IRCTC The Southern Jewels 8D / 7N tour package in Maharajas' Express

IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd) is offering the 'Southern Jewels' tour package for 8 days / 7 nights in the Maharajas' Express train - one of the leading luxury trains in the world. Online booking can be done from the official website (the-maharajas.com).

The starting price of the package is $500. The date of journey is 22nd September, 2018. The highlights of the tour include:

• Traditional culinary delights at Chettinad.
• Visit to the magnificent Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
• Visit the grand Mysore Palace.
• Visit to the majestic Hampi ruins.
• Traditional Goan Carnival evening.

Details of tour itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday)

• Assemble at 6.00 p.m at Vivanta Taj Hotel, Trivandrum and complete the registration / check in formalities at the hotel for the Maharajas' Express.
• Proceed to the train station for a traditional welcome on board Maharajas' Express.
• Dinner on board.
• Departure from Kochuveli Railway Station, Trivandrum at 9:15 p.m for Chettinad.
• Night stay in Maharajas' Express.

Day 2 (Sunday) at Chettinad / Karaikudi

• Arrival at Chettinad.
• Breakfast on board.
• Visit to famous Chettinad Mansions and Athnagudi Tile Factory.
• Proceed to one of the Chettinad Heritage Hotels for fun activities that include Mundu / Dhoti Draping, Saree Draping, Henna Art etc.
• Return to Maharajas' Express train for lunch on board.
• The train proceeds to Mahabalipuram.
• Dinner on board and night stay in the train.

Day 3 (Monday) at Mahabalipuram

• Breakfast on board.
• Visit to Mahabalipuram at 8.00 a.m. Mahabalipuram is the historical port town that flourished in the Pallava Dynasty rule. India carried trade with the South Asian countries from here.
• Lunch at an exclusive venue with folk dances.
• Return to the comforts of Maharajas' Express.
• The train proceeds to Mysore.
Dinner on board and night stay in the train.

Day 4 (Tuesday) at Mysore

• Breakfast on board.
• Visit to the famous Mysore Maharaja Palace - the residence of the royal family of Mysore. The palace is one of the largest in South India and houses two ceremonial halls coupled with an array of courtyards, gardens and other buildings.
• Lunch at Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. The hotel is a heritage building, built by the Wadiyars of Mysore in 1920s for the exclusive stay of the Viceroy of India. The central dome of the building very much resembles with that of St.Paul's Cathedral in London.
• Return to the Palace on Wheel - Maharajas' Express. OR choose an optional activity which is a visit to Srirangapatnam - the capital of Tipu Sultan. Contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activity.
• Train departs from Mysore at 8.00 p.m.
• Dinner on board and overnight stay in the train.

Day 5 (Wednesday) at Hampi

• Early breakfast on board.
• Visit to Hampi - UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peep into the past moving around the ruins in enjoyable Tuk Tuks and Battery Operated Vehicles and admire the architectural excellence of Vijayanagara Empire.
• Lunch on board.
• Visit to Anegudi village at around 3.45 p.m. Experience the typical South Indian village life - a village that dates back to the neolithic age. Or choose for a rejuvenating spa at one of the deluxe hotels.
Dinner on board and night stay in Maharajas' Express.

Day 6 (Thursday) at Goa

• Breakfast on board.
• Visit to the churches in North Goa and a walking tour of old Panjim houses to experience the Portuguese and Goanese blended culture.
• Lunch on board.
• A fun-filled evening with Goanese dance and music.
• Visit to Goa Chitra Museum which is 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.
• Enjoy an exclusive Goan evening of carnival music followed by dinner.
• Return to the comfort of Maharajas' Express, overnight stay in Maharajas' Express and proceed to Ratnagiri.

Day 7 (Friday) at Ratnagiri

• Breakfast on board.
• Visit to the ruins of Ratnadurg Fort, govt aquarium and Thibaw Palace and tombs.
• Lunch on board.
• Experience a typical Indian evening on board, with Bollywood dance and music followed by dinner.
• Night stay on board as the train proceeds to Mumbai.

Day 8 (Saturday) - Tour ends in Mumbai

• Early morning breakfast on board.
• Journey ends at around 8.15 a.m.

Note

• Footwear need to be removed to enter into some of the monuments, sites, temples as per culture.
• Optional tours are chargeable and are subject to availability. Details of the optional tours and pricing will be provided on board during the journey.
• Timings as mentioned in the itinerary are subject to change due to situations like weather conditions / train diversions, restricted entry in certain places etc that are beyond control.
• The tour will generally be organised as per details given above. Guest are requested to check any changes made in the program / timings provided in the travel document during check in formalities and /or check with Train General Manager during the tour for any last minute changes / updates.

Rate of the package

• Presidential Suite - $7,530 for an adult and $5,680 for single supplement.
• Suite - $15,180 for adult and $15,180 for single supplement.
• Junior Suite - 10,800 for adult and $9,810single supplement.
• Deluxe Cabin - $7,530 for adult and $5,680 for single supplement.

• Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with en suite bathrooms.
• Meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits.
• Butler service.
• Guided off train excursions, entrance fees, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide.
• Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board.
• Porterage at stations.

• Optional tours mentioned in the itinerary.
• Taxes, 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.
• International and domestic air tickets.
• Pre and post tour accommodation and any tour extensions that are not included unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys.

Special Offers applicable to all Nationalities and T & C

1. Pay for 1 ticket and the companion will pay only 50%

   • Book for first adult on twin sharing at full cost and get 50% discount on the adult cost for the second adult sharing the same cabin. Offer valid till the date of departure and is subject to availability of cabins.
   • Payment for the 1st adult is as per the normal T & C. The 2nd adult availing 50% discount, should make full payment which is non-refundable.
   • The offer is non-transferable.
   • The offer cannot be clubbed with any other offers.
   • The offer is on First Come basis and depends on the availability of cabins / suites.
   • The decision of the management is final.
   • Other T & C of Maharajas' Express shall aslo apply.
   • Offer valid till the date of departure.



2. Maharajas' Express Early Bird offer

   • Offer applicable for all Nationalities.
   • Book a Deluxe Room and get a change to upgrade to Junior Suite by paying only 50% of the difference in the tariff.
   • Offer valid till 31st July, 2018 and subject to availability of Junior Suites.
   • The offer is non-transferable and cannot be clubbed with other offers.
   • Maharajas' Express reserves the right either to amend or withdraw the offer any time.
   • Other T & C, booking / cancellation policy of Maharajas' Express remains the same.
   • Maharajas' Express's decision is final.