A Complete Guide of South India Tour by Maharaja Express

Maharajas’ Express is one of the few luxury trains that focus on the tourist attractions in the southern India. Maharajas’ Express offer two different south India train tour itineraries namely the Southern Sojourn and the Southern Jewels.

Maharajas’ Express presents five classic itineraries that cover different destinations in the northern part of the country. Southern Jewel and Southern Sojourn are two signature itineraries that are available at specific time during a year.

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Itineraries for South India Journeys

The train provides two itineraries and both span for eight days and seven nights. Both the itineraries start on a Saturday and ends on a Saturday. These are exclusive itineraries, which are not available throughout the year like the other five itineraries provided by Maharajas’ Express. For the exact date of the journeys, check the site of the train or talk to your travel agent.

For Booking the South India Journey : Click Here

Covering Destinations in South India Journeys

The Southern Sojourn starts in Mumbai and ends in Trivandrum. It covers important destinations like Ratnagiri, Goa, Hampi, Anegudi village, Mysore, Cochin and Kumarakom. The Southern Jewel starts in Trivandrum and ends in Mumbai. The destinations covered are Chettinad, Mahabalipuram, Mysore, Hampi, Goa, Ratnagiri and others.

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Accommodation and Amenities

Both the itineraries are served in the same train with seven-star service level and amenities. Your train amenities include:

1. Spacious wardrobe for storing essentials.
2. Climate control with control options within the cabin.
3. Luggage hold.
4. Paramedic facility on-board.
5. Free internet, live TV and direct international dial phone facility.
6. Attached washroom with toiletries.
7. Variety of meal offerings including lactose free meal, ovo lacto veg meal, vegetarian meal, kosher meal, gluten free meal, vegan meal, Jain meal and many others.
8. Well stocked club and library.
9. Board games, card games, souvenir shops and others.

Read Here : About Facilities in Maharaja Express Train

Traditional Welcome at Train

India is known for its hospitality. There goes a Sanskrit saying that Guest is God. The train incorporates the traditional Indian welcome to invite the travelers into their cabin. This welcome ceremony takes place in the railway station. Although the tourists of Southern Jewel have to assemble at Vivanta by Taj Hotel for check in formalities, the traditional welcome ceremony starts after the tourists are taken to the railway station.

Also Read : How to Enjoy the Royal Lifestyle with Maharaja Express Luxury Train

Iconic Activities during Journey

Although the destinations look similar, both the itineraries have unique activities. The style of sightseeing and enjoying the destinations changes in both the itineraries.

Southern Jewels Journey – Maharaja Express

1. Your first destination is Chettinad, a small town that is famous for its authentic cuisine. While at the destination, you ought to try signature Chettinad dishes.
2. You will be exposed to several cultural activities like sari draping, dhoti draping, henna, cultural dance and music performances and many others.
3. Sightseeing trips will be arranged at all destinations.
4. You will be experiencing cliché Goa styled night during your visit to Goa. This carnival styled evening is the nightlife that is an iconic attraction of Goa.
5. The tour has specifically included many heritage sites like Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Basilica of Bom Jesus and many others.
6. Enjoy a ride in tuk-tuk, spa sessions and other activities during the journey.

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Southern Sojourn Journey – Maharaja Express

This itinerary focuses on ancient history and culture of the land. Top iconic activities to enjoy during this trip are:

1. Canoe boat ride on the backwaters of Kumarakom.
2. Walking tour in Goa and visit to Churches of Northern Goa.
3. Carnival dance and music night in Goa.
4. Visit to heritage villages, spa sessions, tuk-tuk ride, battery driven cart and others.
5. Visit to heritage site of Hampi.
6. Visit to tourism village of Cochin.
7. Watching the traditional snake boat race.

Cost of the Trip

Cost of both the trips are similar. Basic accommodation without service tax and other additional tariff starts at $7,530 per head. The cost of the ticket varies with style of accommodation, optional trips chosen during the journey and other factors. The cost of the journey varies from year to year.

Find here: Maharajas’ Express Fare

The Southern Jewels Cost
	Adult	Single Supplement
Deluxe Cabins	USD 7,530	USD 5,680
Junior Suite	USD 10,880	USD 9,810
Suite	USD 15,180	USD 15,180
Presidential Suite	USD 26,070	USD 26,070

The Southern Sojourn Cost
	Adult	Single Supplement
Deluxe Cabins	USD 7,530	USD 5,680
Junior Suite	USD 10,880	USD 9,810
Suite	USD 15,180	USD 15,180
Presidential Suite	USD 26,070	USD 26,070

Also Read: What is the Ticket Price of Maharaja Express ?

Schedule of the Southern Journeys

The southern train journeys are signature special journeys that are not available throughout the year. These itineraries are open to tourists only in the month of September. For 2018, the Southern Sojourn starts at September 15 and the Southern Jewel starts at September 22. These journeys are available only once in a year and thus, the demand for the tickets will be sky-high. It is important to pre-book the tickets at least three months in prior to the journey.

Find Here: Maharajas’ Express Departure Dates

Tips for South India Tour of Maharaja’s Express

1. Southern India is generally hot and humid. Although September marks the beginning of winter season, the climate can be still warm. Pack accordingly.
2. You will be enjoying meals at exclusive hotels and thus, pack a pair of decent clothing too.
3. Most of the excursions including long trips that might have to be covered on foot. Always wear comfortable shoes.
4. Always carry water and light snack with you.
5. While dining, request your waiter for a lesser spicy version of the menu. The cuisine of southern India is spicier than other common cuisines.
6. Indian have a strong link with their traditional and culture. Make sure not to hurt their culture by any means.

Also Read: Things to Know Before You Travel in Maharaja’s Express Train

For general information about the trip, booking and cancellation details and accommodation style information, check out the website of the train.

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