Train 18 - तेरी प्यारी प्यारी Livery को किसी की नज़र न लगे

Hi guys, I am planning a trip from TVC to SVDK coming april (2016) with my family ( Wife & Son ). I need your help in deciding, which train or links would be better for a conformable & memorial journey. I have nailed upon few options, ur valuable inputs will be of great help.
My son will be 4 yr 11 months at the time of travel.
Should I book half ticket for him ?
I...
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was thinking to book so, as it wouldn't be comfortable to sleep together on 3A berth.
If I did so, would there be any issues ??
Class preferred: 3A
Option 1:
Take direct train: Firstly what came to my mind is to take himsagar express ( 16317 ) from TVC to SVDK. But since I have never traveled by this train, I m literally clueless. I have been staying in trivandrum for past 28 yrs, and have always booked for Kerala express or TVC rajdhani, for a visit to NDLS ( My native place ) once a yr or so. Hence this would be a big thing for me.
What bothers me is :
1 Food
2. Cleanness
I have checked IRCTC e catering also, but major stations which this train halts are either not in time period of service or there is no service. So I would be completely relying on pantry car.
Option 2:
Take stoppage at NDLS : Secondly I was thinking of , TVC to NDLS via either kerala express / sampark K Express and then NDLS to SVDK via shri shakti 22461 / uttar s kranti 12445. Although I would be paying extra on tickets, I would be saving a lot of time.
Eagerly waiting for your valuable replies.