The IRCTC will launch a special monsoon service offering visits to prominent southern tourist destinations in the Maharajas’ Express from next month.

Maharajas’ Express, the flagship luxury train of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation will undertake the southern sojourn covering Goa, Hampi, Mysuru, Ernakulam, Kumarakom and Thiruvananthapuam in June.

In the second itinerary, the luxury train will travel to Chettinad, Mahabalipuram, Mysuru, Hampi and Goa in July.

“We have decided to start two new circuits for the Maharajas’ Express, this year to cover prominent destinations in West and South India,” said a senior IRCTC official.

Passengers are allowed to avail themselves part of the total journey on a fixed price of ₹33,250 a day per person on twin sharing basis. On single occupancy basis, the charges will be ₹53,200.

The monsoon special will start from Mumbai on June 24 and stop at Goa, Hampi, Mysuru, Kochi and Alappuzha before terminating at Thiruvananthapuram.

The other monsoon special will depart from Thiruvanantha-puram on July 1 and terminate at Mumbai covering Chettinad, Mahabalipuram, Mysuru, Hampi and Goa.

Each journey will be of 8 days and 7 nights’ duration.

Cultural performances

In addition to visits to monuments and sightseeing at each destination under these trips, the guests will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional cultural performances in Kochi, visit a coir factory and enjoy a cruise with lunch at Alappuzha, savour traditional Chettinad cuisine and much more on these journeys.

The 23-coach Maharajas’ Express, with a capacity of 88 guests promises quality service. The train has modern features with onboard water filtration plant, spacious cabin sizes with no bunk beds, two bars-cum-lounges, two restaurants and a well-trained onboard team to cater to global expectations.