THE SOUTHERN SOJOURN

Assemble at the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai by 6:30 hours. Complete the registration and the check- in formalities for the Maharajas' Express. Board the train, enjoy a warm traditional welcome and a welcome drink. The train departs for its first destination, Ratnagiri as you settle in your cabins. Breakfast is served on-board. After your lunch onboard, disembark at Ratnagiri. The beautiful costal city has history, amazing sights and other excitements. Visit the Ratnadurg Fort ruins. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea from three sides, the horse-shoe shaped fort is a beauty to marvel at. The Thibaw Palace and Tombs are interesting to explore. The Government Museum add to the fun of the day's sightseeing. Return to the train. Overnight stay on the Maharajas' Express.

• Welcome Ceremony at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
• Visit the Ratnadurg Fort ruins, Govt Aquarium and Thibaw Palace and Tombs

The train has entered the 'Queen of Beaches' Goa today. Savor breakfast on-board. Disembark from the train for visiting the churches of North Goa including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This church is the site where the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier have been preserved. Later, visit the Se Cathedral, located on the opposite road of the first church. This church was erected by the Portuguese after they defeated the Muslim Army. Next in line is the Walking Tour of the Old Panjim houses. The feel of this place is quite calming and peaceful. Observe the blend of the Portuguese and Goan culture. Back to the train for lunch. At 15:45 hours, deboard the train and get ready for a special dance and music performance by local artist. On the way, halt to visit the Goa Chitra Museum. This wonderful museum is well-stocked with a private ethnographic collection of farming tools carts, pottery, palanquins and musical instruments. Later, proceed for a night of Goan carnival music succeeded by dinner at a special venue. Return on-board the Maharajas' Express. Stay overnight on-board.

Day Highlights

In the morning, Maharajas' Express starts its journey to Hampi. Enjoy lip-smacking breakfast on-board while treating your eyes to the wonderful beauty of the Indian landscape. Enjoy lunch on-board. The train chugs into the Hospet Railway Station. Get down from the train to visit the Anegudi Village. Located across the River Tungabhadra, this scenic village finds its roots back in the Neolithic times. Explore the village, interact with the locals, and partake in their daily activities to get complete knowledge of their life. If you are not ready for this excursion, you can simply go for a relaxing spa session one of the premium hotels. Back to the comforts of Maharajas' Express, one of the leading Indian luxury trains. Dinner is served on-board. Stay overnight in the train.

Day Highlights

Today, after an early breakfast, de-board the train for a visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. This is a sight with stunning manmade wonders. Observe the group of monuments made from stone, covering a vast expanse of an area. The temples are a wonderful proof of Dravidian style of architecture built by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire. Some of the most popular attractions at Hampi are Elephant Stables, Virupaksha Temple, Ganesha Statue, and Narasimha Statute. The next visit is to the sprawling Vittala Temple complex, with highlights like the Stone Chariot and the Musical Pillars Temple. You can also enjoy a ride in tuk tuks or battery operated carts. Get back to the train. The journey to the next destination Mysore starts as you enjoy your lunch. Dinner too is served onboard. Overnight on-board the Maharajas' Express.  

Day Highlights

Breakfast is served on-board. Disembark from the train for visiting the splendid Wodeyar Palace, also known as the Mysore Palace. One of the largest complexes in South India, it is the official residence of the royal family of Mysore. There are 2 ceremonial halls, well-maintained gardens, several courtyards and other wonderful structures. Special lunch at the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, a stunning structure. Constructed by the Wodeyars in the 1920s, this heritage building was built for the Viceroy of India. The huge palace complex has a restaurant, a ball room and a Viceroy hall. Later, there are options to choose from. You can either return on-board train or can visit Shreerangapatnam, the capital of Tipu Sultan. Enjoy dinner in Maharajas' Express. The train journey to Ernakulam/Cochin starts. Stay overnight.  

Day Highlights

Maharajas' Express chugs into Kerala - the God's Own Country today. Savor breakfast on-board. The day is at leisure so that you can enjoy the facilities offered on-board the train. At around 14:15 hours, get down from the train for visiting a village where traditional arts of Kerala are practiced. You arrive here at the Model Eco Tourism village by enjoy a ride in tuk tuk. Later, head to the exclusive Chinese Fishing Nets (fixed land installation for fishing), industry making coir products and a traditional crab farm. Dinner at a special venue along with traditional South Indian dance performance. Back to the Maharajas' Express. Overnight on-board.  

Day Highlights

Breakfast is followed by a Canoe ride on the Kumarakom backwaters. As the canoe makes its way from the narrow canals. Savor the scenic views of coconut palm trees lined on the landscape. As you disembark from the canoe, get ready for enjoy lunch at a special lakefront venue. Thereafter, be a spectator of the exhilarating Snake Boat Race, where a boat has around 60 boatmen who row the boat in a wonderful manner, clubbed with drum beats and energizing songs. Return to the train, which is now a venue of a special Indian Evening of drinks and dinner. The train begin its journey to Trivandrum. Stay overnight on the train.  

Day Highlights

Early morning breakfast in the train. At 08:00 hours, disembark from this Indian luxury at the Kochuveli Railway Station, Trivandrum. Kerala's capital city. The journey comes to an end.