M&M Exclusive

The Great Southern Mail

Program Overview

The Great Southern Mail crosses southern India coast to coast, Chennai to Mumbai, eight days aboard the Deccan Odyssey. The route runs through four states, one union territory and six UNESCO listed monuments, from the Tamil temple towns through the ruins of two empires to the basalt caves at Ellora, with a valet assigned to each cabin and every excursion guided and included.
Few rail journeys through the subcontinent put this much of the peninsula on one itinerary.

Program Routing

Chennai – Madurai – Tiruchirappalli – Thanjavur – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Hampi – Hyderabad – Aurangabad – Mumbai

Duration

7 Nights / 8 Days

Next departure

22nd to 29th Jan, 2028

Starting from

USD 9,000 per passenger
Based on twin-sharing

For reservation

+91 97119 92059

What Makes This Journey

Journey across Southern India aboard the Deccan Odyssey, where every destination reveals a story of ancient kingdoms, devotion, artistry, and royal grandeur. Travel through Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, Hampi, Hyderabad, Aurangabad, and Mumbai, where magnificent temples, colonial quarters, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites bring centuries of history to life.
Explore the spiritual magnificence of Meenakshi Amman Temple, the Chola masterpieces of Thanjavur, the artistic traditions of Swamimalai, the French charm of Pondicherry, the ruins of Hampi, the royal splendour of Falaknuma Palace, and the timeless wonders of Ellora. Experience classical performances, artisan encounters, heritage walks, and cultural discoveries along the way.
Between destinations, the Deccan Odyssey holds its own. A personal butler assigned to each cabin, the lounge car, the bar, the spa, and the dining restaurant, all moving through southern India at the pace the landscape deserves.

Bear in mind

Some excursions involve walking across uneven surfaces, temple complexes, archaeological ruins, and heritage precincts; comfortable footwear is essential.
Southern India can be warm and humid, particularly during daytime excursions. Light clothing, sunscreen, and regular hydration are recommended.
Visits to active temples and places of worship require respectful attire and may be subject to local customs, rituals, or access restrictions.
Railway operations, local conditions, or unforeseen events may affect routing and timings; your Marée & Meridian journey curator will keep you informed of any changes.

Program at a Glance

Day 1: 22 January 2028 (Saturday) – Chennai: Embarkation

Board the Deccan Odyssey at Chennai Junction with a traditional South Indian welcome. Your personal butler introduces the lounge car, bar, spa and dining restaurants before the journey begins.

Day 2: 23 January 2028 (Sunday) – Madurai: Temple Traditions

The Madurai flower market before sunrise, the Meenakshi Amman Temple by day, and a Bharatanatyam performance with Carnatic musicians in the evening.

Day 3: 24 January 2028 (Monday) – Tiruchirappalli & Thanjavur: Chola Heritage

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, a private bronze-casting workshop with the artisans of Swamimalai, and two UNESCO-listed Chola temples, the Airavatesvara at Darasuram and the Brihadisvara at dusk.

Day 4: 25 January 2028 (Tuesday) – Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram: Coastal Heritage

Tuk-tuks to Auroville and the Matrimandir, a walk through Pondicherry’s French Quarter with a stop for croissants, then Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas on the Bay of Bengal.

Day 5: 26 January 2028 (Wednesday) – Hampi: The Lost Empire

The Vittala Temple’s stone chariot and musical pillars, the Virupaksha Temple still in active worship, the Royal Enclosure and Lotus Mahal, and Hampi’s granite boulders at sunset.

Day 6: 27 January 2028 (Thursday) – Hyderabad: Nizami Grandeur

Golconda Fort, a tuk-tuk tour of the Charminar bazaars renowned for pearls, bangles and traditional attars, a museum-style tour of Falaknuma Palace and high tea overlooking the city, then back aboard for dinner.

Day 7: 28 January 2028 (Friday) – Aurangabad: Ancient Wonders

The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bibi Ka Maqbara (if time permits), with the afternoon free onboard as the train continues through Maharashtra.

Day 8: 29 January 2028 (Saturday) – Mumbai: Journey Conclusion

Arrive in Mumbai and disembark the Deccan Odyssey after eight days across southern India.

Your Journey Include

Overall

Accommodations

Entertainment

Experiences

Culinary

Your Journey does not Include

Maree & Meridian

Itinerary curated in partnership with Deccan Odyssey. Photo credits: Deccan Odyssey.

Ready to Experience This Journey?

Book your place on The Great Southern Mail and experience a remarkable rail journey through India, crafted with immersive experiences and memorable destinations.