Maharaja’s Express Trains

Maharaja’s Express Trains I reckon we all engage in travelling. The exercise is nothing short of a wanderlust odyssey. It is noteworthy to mention that the Maharajas’ Express is the most extortionate and high-priced luxury train operating in the world. Maharajas’ Express-The Southern Jewels For a few moments take a break and imagine a gargantuan wedge plunging into the Indian Ocean. South India is the subcontinent's steamy heartland – a lush contrast to the peaks and plains up north. Incredible Heritage Wherever a person traverses southern India, one uncovers iconic relics of the several civilisations which have inhabited this land over two millennia. Further Tamil Nadu's inspired Pallava sculptures and the towering Chola temples; the preternatural ruins of the Vijayanagara capital at Hampi…and several diverse places more than perhaps an individual needs to remain immortal to appreciate the grandeur. Southern India is a melting pot and a treasure trove with few parallels. Luscious Landscapes Several thousands of kilometres long, with cascading coastline dotting the landscape of fertile plains, glinting backwaters and rolling hills in South India. This is a constantly changing landscape which is glisteningly green by the double-barrelled monsoon. Amazing Culinary Delights South India's glorious culinary variety offers a melange of dining options to the connoisseur and the gluttonous. Some of India's most famous and traditional staples originate from this part of the country- the large papery dosas (savoury crêpes) and fluffy idlis (fermented rice cakes) are the backbone of South Indian cooking. Goa's spicy, Portuguese-influenced cuisine is a fiery inventive fusion at its most splendiferous. The Itinerary The places covered by this opulent train makes a dramatic beginning with the historical city of Thiruvananthapuram (the capital city of God’s Own Country, Kerala) before calling it a day at the financial capital of India, Mumbai. After a visit to the famous Kollam beach and Anantha Padmanabha Swami Temple the wondrous journey begins by embarking upon Maharajas' Express as the sun sets in the Arabian Sea. The excursionist savours delicious dinner onboard while continuing the sojourn to Mahabalipuram which is famous for its pristine beaches and the Shore Temple as it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. This is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating back to the 8th century AD. At the time of its construction this area was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty. The propertied train then drops anchor at Chettinad/Karaikudi in interior Tamil Nadu. Following a sumptuous breakfast on board, the sightseers take a trip to the statuesque Chettinad Mansions and the celebrated Athangudi Tile Factory. . After travelling through backwaters of Kerala, Mahabalipuram and Chettinad the holiday maker, is a witness to the train scorching the tracks to Mysuru. Upon arrival at Mysuru, the voyagers feast on a delectable gourmet breakfast. Thereafter, they visit the resplendent Mysuru Palace. Thereafter the trippers appreciate the majesty of Ranganatha Swamy Temple and the armoury of Tipu Sultan who waged a forlorn battle against the French invaders. Dinner is served onboard. The melting pot, sylvan beaches of Goa welcome the pilgrims of this odyssey the next morning. After a tingling breakfast the backpackers pay obeisance at the churches of North Goa. The more adventurous are provided an option to swim in the gushing waves of the beaches of Goa. This is followed by a visit to the Goa Chitra Museum. After dinner on board, the grandiose train moves to Ratnagiri. Maharajas’ Express-Southern Sojourn South India symbolises classical Indian heritage. The landscape is dotted with wondrous and breathtaking temples, churches, mosques and synagogues reflecting how strongly its pluralistic religious and spiritual thought is interwoven and interlaced in the lives of the denizens. The Itinerary The trip commences from Mumbai, the financial capital of India and traverses through Ratnagiri on the Konkan coast and drops anchor at the exotic beaches of Goa, and weaves its way through the historical ruins of Hampi in Karnataka and traditional Mysuru and finally criss-crosses through Kerala. Travelling overnight from Mumbai, the train reaches Ratnagiri where tourists reconnoitre this port town in Maharashtra. Overlooking the Arabian Sea is the majestic Ratnadurg Fort which houses the legendary Bhagwati temple. On the second day after a sumptuous breakfast served onboard, pilgrims of this opulent train head towards North Goa to pay obeisance at the transcendent churches. After a brief “Walk the Talk” tour of Old Panjim Houses the plush guests spend some quality time with the astounding waves on the beaches of Goa. Post lunch onboard, the travellers visit the Goa Chitra Museum, which houses around 4,000 artefacts—showcasing Goa's traditional agrarian lifestyle and technology. The medieval town of Hampi is the next cynosure for the tourists. Hampi, also referred to as the Medley of Monuments at Hampi has been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This was the epicentre of the Hindu Vijanagara Empire in the 14th century. Chronicles recorded by Persian and European travellers, particularly the Portuguese, indicate that Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, with numerous temples, farms and trading markets. The propertied train then chugs its way to Mysuru by night. Typical South Indian fare is served at breakfast which is followed by a voyage to the spectacular Mysuru Palace. The hosts transport the guests to an exclusive destination for a lip-smacking lunch. After luxuriating in Karnataka this grandeur train transports its well-heeled guests to God’s own Country, Kerala. The train stops at Kochi (a melting pot of faiths and a city truly representative of the pluralistic culture of India). Kochi is also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, and is eponymous for its famous synagogue, St Francis’s Church and the grave of the original traveller Vasco da Gama. On the seventh day of this expedition, guests relish a Canoe Cruise in the tranquil backwaters. After dinner on board, this upscale train motors its way to Thiruvananthapuram, where the voyage terminates. “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination,” writes the American politician Roy M. Goodman. One could very well say that travel is a way of happiness!