Travel Like a King: Discovering the Heritage of India on the Maharajas Express

Embark on an unforgettable journey through India’s rich heritage, starting in the vibrant metropolis of Mumbai and culminating in the historic capital city of Delhi. Experience Mumbai’s lively streets and iconic landmarks before traveling to Udaipur, the City of Lakes, where glistening waters and majestic palaces await. In Jodhpur, explore the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and the blue-hued streets of the old city. Enjoy sunset cocktails over the sand dunes in Bikaner and immerse yourself in the Pink City of Jaipur, with its stunning Amber Fort and lively bazaars. Head to Ranthambore National Park for a thrilling wildlife safari, keeping an eye out for the elusive Bengal tiger. No trip to India is complete without visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, a magnificent testament to eternal love. Conclude your journey in Delhi, where ancient history blends seamlessly with modern life, and explore landmarks like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. Throughout the tour, enjoy royal hospitality, luxurious accommodations, and fine dining, making this adventure through India an experience you’ll cherish forever.

Passengers should arrive at least one hour before the train’s departure at the pre-assigned venue in Mumbai to take advantage of pre-boarding facilities.

Foreign nationals must ensure they have a tourist visa and a passport valid for at least six months from their date of departure from India.

 

Day 1: Sunday – Boarding the Maharaja Express in Mumbai

Step aboard the Maharajas Express for your historical journey. Start your adventure by meeting us at the Tower Hotel and The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai at 08:30 AM. After completing the registration and check-in formalities, join us for a tour briefing and meet your host for this exciting journey.

Next, head towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and the vibrant tunes of a local band as you board the Maharaja Express. The train will depart at around 10:50 AM from Mumbai, the land of Marathas, heading towards Udaipur, a city of shimmering lakes and regal palaces.

Enjoy lunch and dinner on board and spend the night in the luxurious comfort of the Maharajas Express.

 

Day 2: Monday – Exploring Udaipur, Rajasthan

Wake up to the majestic view of sun-kissed Aravalli hills, painted with the golden hues of the morning sun, in the beautiful region of Mewar, a land steeped in Rajput royalty. Savor a leisurely breakfast, taking in nature’s painting as the Maharajas’ Express pulls into Udaipur, the charming “City of Lakes.”

Post breakfast, alight from the train and begin your excursion with a boat ride on Lake Pichola to visit the City Palace. This magnificent complex, the largest in Rajasthan, boasts scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and domes. Explore Mor Chowk, adorned with peacock motifs depicting the three seasons, and marvel at the mirror work in Moti Mahal. Admire the intricate tiles in Chini Mahal and the stunning Zenana Mahal. Then, visit The Crystal Gallery and Darbar Hall with the aid of an audio guide.

After exploring the City Palace, enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Fateh Prakash Palace’s Satkar Hall, where the ancient traditions of Mewar come alive through impeccable hospitality. Indulge in a lavish spread of international and Indian cuisine.

Post lunch, return to your coaches for a leisurely evening onboard, or join one of the optional activities available. For more information on these activities, please contact our Guest Relations Executive.

The Maharajas’ Express will proceed overnight to Jodhpur.

Breakfast and dinner will be served on board, and lunch will be at Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace. Enjoy another luxurious night on the Maharaja Express train.

Day 3: Tuesday – Discovering Jodhpur, Rajasthan

On the third day, the Maharajas’ Express, a renowned luxury train in India, ventures further into the heart of Rajasthan, arriving in the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, nestled in the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the stunning sights of Rajasthan pass by your windows. The morning is yours to relax in your comfortable cabins, mingle with fellow travelers, catch up on reading, or participate in optional activities. For details on these activities, please speak to our Guest Relations Executive.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express for lunch. Following a delightful meal, head to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Explore its beautiful latticed windows, intricately carved panels, and delicately curved arches. Then, embark on a walking tour of the colorful Old Clock Tower market. A tuk-tuk ride will wind you through the charming lanes, offering glimpses into local life and passing by a few old houses and havelis.

Tonight, enjoy an exclusive cocktail party at Khaas Bagh, a heritage hotel, where a delectable spread of traditional Marwari cuisine awaits you. After a delicious meal, return to the train and set off for your next stop, the desert city of Bikaner.

Breakfast and lunch will be served on the train. Enjoy a cocktail dinner at Khaas Bagh, and spend another luxurious night on the Maharajas’ Express, the epitome of a luxury train in India.

Day 4: Wednesday – Unveiling Bikaner, Rajasthan

Enjoy your morning with a mouth-watering breakfast served onboard as you traverse the countryside on the Maharajas’ Express, the epitome of a luxury train in India. Upon reaching Bikaner’s desert citadel, relax in your cabins or engage in one or more optional activities. For details on these activities, please contact our Guest Relations Executive.

After lunch, we’ll disembark and proceed to Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, renowned for its formidable structure. Despite being surrounded by moats, its true beauty lies within. A visit to Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Badal Mahal, Hawa Mahal (Cloud Palace), and Anup Mahal will leave you utterly speechless with their intricate designs and historical significance.

Following the exploration of Junagarh Fort, prepare for a royal procession on a camel cart with musicians leading the way to a sunset celebration on the sand dunes. Sip on refreshing cocktails, enjoy a mouth-watering traditional barbeque, and be mesmerized by spellbinding folk performances like those of the Langaas and Kalbeliyas.

By 20:30 hours, you’ll return to the comfort of your luxurious train and continue your adventure towards Jaipur.

Breakfast and lunch will be served on the train, and enjoy an evening barbeque on the dunes. Spend another luxurious night on the Maharajas’ Express.

Day 5: Thursday – Experiencing Jaipur, Rajasthan

Have a relaxed breakfast aboard the Maharajas’ Express as we arrive in Jaipur, the attractive “Pink City” of Rajasthan.

 

Upon landing and receiving a traditional grand welcome, begin your tour of the Pink City with a visit to Amber Fort. Nestled amidst picturesque and rugged hills, Amber Fort is a living testament to the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Initiated by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh, the fort is built from red sandstone and white marble, creating a stunning contrast. Its forbidding exterior houses an inner paradise where art and architecture merge beautifully. Amber Fort is one of the most classic and romantic fort palaces, imbued with mystique.

A short jeep ride will take you to the fort, where you’ll explore the royal apartments offering impressive views over the gorge. Travel back in time as you visit the Hall of Victory and the Sheesh Mahal (Chamber of Mirrors), enveloping you in the splendor of the Mughal era.

Following this, enjoy an exclusive lunch at the luxurious Rambagh Palace Hotel, established in 1835 AD. Once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1925 to 1957, the palace still exudes royal magnificence, featuring hand-carved marble latticework, regal archways, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

After a delightful lunch, return to the train or participate in optional activities. As the sun sets, savor a delicious dinner prepared onboard the Maharajas’ Express as the train gracefully departs for Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambore National Park. For information on optional activities, please contact the Guest Relations Executive.

Breakfast and dinner will be served onboard, with lunch at Rambagh Palace. Spend another luxurious night on the Maharajas’ Express, the ultimate luxury train in India.

Day 6: Friday – Sawai Madhopur and Fatehpur Sikri

As dawn paints the sky in Sawai Madhopur, buckle up for an exciting adventure—a safari through Ranthambore National Park. Once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, this park was converted into a sanctuary in 1973 and is now a haven for diverse wildlife. It is renowned for sightings of tigers, chital, sambar, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar, hyena, leopard, sloth bear, and jackal. While Ranthambore might not rival Africa’s vast wildlife, spotting a tiger or a leopard here is a stroke of luck.

Set off on an early morning game drive. The safari, conducted in open-air jeeps, offers a bumpy and dusty ride, but the chance to see amazing wildlife is worth it. Winter months can be chilly, so pack warm clothes for your early morning adventure.

After the safari, head back to your train for a refreshing breakfast as you resume your tour to the legendary deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard while taking in the transforming landscape around you.

Upon arriving at the charming station of Fatehpur Sikri, disembark for a fascinating tour. Explore the impressive gateways, private and public audience halls, and intricately sculptured palaces with unique water figures that impeccably blend Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century as his capital, Fatehpur Sikri is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After your exploration, return to the train for an “Indian Evening” as you depart for Agra.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served onboard. Spend another luxurious night on the Maharaja Express, the ultimate luxury train in India.

Day 7: Saturday – Agra and Delhi

Today, the Maharajas’ Express marks its final leg of the tour as it heads towards the enchanting city of Agra. This legendary city houses one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders—the Taj Mahal—and is known as the jewel of India. Adorned with spectacular monuments and set amidst an attractive landscape, Agra invites you to explore its timeless beauty.

Leave early in the morning to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s seven wonders. Built by Shah Jahan in remembrance of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this structure is crafted entirely from white marble, featuring exquisite inlay work and marble screens. Around 20,000 of India’s finest artisans were employed to bring this marble poetry to life.

Afterwards, enjoy a scenic breakfast at a tabletop lawn atop the Taj Khema, taking in the splendid views of the Taj Mahal. Return to the Maharaja Express Train for your final stop—Delhi, the heart of India. Relish a hearty lunch onboard as the journey progresses.

With bellies full of delicious food and hearts full of beautiful memories, bid farewell to your luxurious tour of ‘The Heritage of India’ at around 16:15 hours upon arrival at Delhi Safdarjung Station. Though the royal journey ends, the memories will stay forever.

Breakfast at Taj Khema. Lunch onboard.

Note:

All ‘Optionals’ / ‘Optional Tours’ are chargeable and subject to availability. Details and pricing will be provided onboard during the journey. The itineraries and timings are subject to change due to factors beyond our control, such as ‘force majeure’ events, strikes, fairs, festivals, sports events, weather conditions, non-availability of venues, disruptions/diversions of rail services, closure of/restricted entry at a place of sightseeing, re-routing of railway, etc. The tour will generally be organized as per the details given above. However, it is recommended to check for any changes in the schedule/timings in the travel document during check-in formalities and consult with the Train General Manager during the tour for any last-minute changes/updates.

Step into a world of opulence and heritage with the Maharaja Express, a luxury train in India operated by IRCTC. Tailormade Journeys Limited, the authorized booking agent, offers you the chance to experience this unparalleled journey. Designed for cultural enthusiasts, the Maharaja Express provides immersive tours through India’s rich history and vibrant traditions. Enjoy curated excursions to iconic landmarks and cultural hotspots, all while traveling in the utmost comfort and luxury.