7 Days - Maharajas Express Indian Splendour

Your journey begins with a warm welcome aboard the luxurious Maharajas Express at Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station. Once settled into your elegant surroundings, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast as the train makes its way towards Agra. As the scenic countryside rolls past your window, a tour briefing will be held on-board to introduce you to the week’s itinerary and highlight the experiences that await. A delicious lunch is served in one of the train’s beautifully appointed dining cars before the train arrives in Agra, home to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Disembark for a guided visit to the Taj Mahal, a breathtaking monument to love built in gleaming white marble. After taking in its beauty and learning about its rich history, return to the train to relax in your cabin or enjoy optional on-board activities. The day concludes with a multi-course dinner prepared by the train’s expert chefs, as you settle in for your overnight stay in Agra in the heart of the Golden Triangle.

Begin the day with a guided visit to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an impressive example of Mughal architecture. This sprawling red sandstone fortress, once the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty, offers a fascinating insight into India’s royal past with its palaces, courtyards and intricately carved halls. After exploring the fort, return to the comfort of the Maharajas Express to relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on-board as the train continues its journey towards Ranthambhore. Take in the changing scenery from the comfort of your cabin or one of the shared lounge areas before sitting down to a freshly prepared lunch.

In the afternoon, set out on an exciting game drive through Ranthambhore National Park, one of India’s premier wildlife reserves, renowned for its population of Bengal tigers as well as leopards, sloth bears and a variety of birdlife. Following your safari, return to the train for some time at leisure. The train then departs for Jaipur, with another exquisite dinner served on-board as you travel through the Rajasthani countryside.

Arriving in Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan and famously known as the Pink City, the day begins with a leisurely breakfast on-board the Maharajas Express. After breakfast, you’ll disembark for a guided visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the most celebrated forts in India. Set high on a hilltop and overlooking the peaceful Maota Lake, the fort is a striking blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. Inside, you’ll explore ornate courtyards, grand halls and intricately decorated chambers, including the dazzling Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors.

Following your visit, return to the comfort of the train where lunch is served in one of the elegant dining cars. The afternoon is yours to relax on-board or take advantage of a selection of optional experiences in Jaipur, such as a spa treatment, local shopping, or cultural activities. As evening falls, you’ll head out for a special dinner at Rambagh Palace, a former royal residence turned luxury heritage hotel. Set in lush gardens, the palace offers a refined dining experience that reflects the elegance of its regal past. After dinner, return to the Maharajas Express for a restful evening. Later that night, the train departs for Bikaner, continuing your journey through the heart of Rajasthan.

The day begins as the Maharajas Express arrives in Bikaner, a historic city on the edge of the Thar Desert, known for its grand forts and desert landscapes. After a relaxed breakfast on-board, you have the morning at leisure to enjoy the comfort of the train or choose from a range of optional activities, which may include local sightseeing or cultural experiences tailored to your interests.

Lunch is served on-board before you head out in the afternoon to explore Junagarh Fort, one of the few major forts in Rajasthan not built on a hilltop. This impressive complex, with its richly decorated interiors, expansive courtyards and mix of architectural styles, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s royal history. From there, you’ll continue on to the nearby sand dunes, where you’ll experience the stark beauty of the desert as the sun begins to set.

The evening unfolds with sundowners amid the dunes, followed by a traditional barbecue dinner accompanied by cocktails and live folk performances. With music, dance and cuisine under the open sky, it’s a memorable cultural experience that captures the spirit of Rajasthan. After the festivities, return to the comfort of the train. Later in the evening, the Maharajas Express departs for Jodhpur, continuing its journey through the desert landscape.

The journey continues as the Maharajas Express arrives in Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan, known for its striking architecture, vibrant markets and historic forts. After a leisurely breakfast on-board, the morning is yours to unwind in the comfort of the train or opt for one of the optional activities on offer, such as a local excursion, spa treatment or cultural experience.

Lunch is served on-board before the afternoon’s exploration begins. You’ll set out to visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched high above the city on a rocky hill. One of the largest and best-preserved forts in India, Mehrangarh offers panoramic views over Jodhpur’s sea of blue houses and is home to a superb collection of royal artefacts, ornate palaces and historic galleries. Following the fort visit, enjoy a lively tuk tuk ride that brings you right into the heart of the old city, where you’ll take a short walking tour through the bustling lanes around the Old Clock Tower market, known for its spices, textiles and handicrafts.

As evening falls, you’ll be welcomed to Khaas Bagh, a restored heritage property, for an exclusive cocktail dinner. Surrounded by historic charm and traditional hospitality, it’s a fitting close to a day immersed in Rajasthani culture. Later, return to the comfort of the train and settle in as the Maharajas Express continues its journey onward to Udaipur.

Begin your day with breakfast on-board the Maharajas Express as the train approaches Udaipur, often referred to as the City of Lakes. Known for its scenic beauty and regal past, Udaipur offers a blend of natural charm and architectural elegance. Upon arrival, you’ll disembark for a tranquil boat ride on Lake Pichola, gliding past ghats, temples and palaces, with views of the famed Lake Palace seemingly floating on the water.

Following the boat ride, you’ll visit the City Palace, a grand complex overlooking the lake, built over centuries by the Maharanas of Mewar. The tour includes the Crystal Gallery, which houses a rare and remarkable collection of furniture and artefacts made entirely of crystal, once ordered from England but left untouched for decades. After your exploration, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Satkar Hall in Fateh Prakash Palace, a heritage hotel within the palace complex, offering traditional Rajasthani hospitality in an elegant setting.

Return to the train in the afternoon, with time to relax in your cabin or participate in optional on-board or off-train activities. In the evening, enjoy a themed “Indian evening” on-board, showcasing cultural performances and regional cuisine, followed by dinner. As the night progresses, the Maharajas Express departs Udaipur and begins its final leg towards Mumbai.

As the Maharajas Express continues its journey through the Indian countryside, enjoy a relaxed breakfast on-board while taking in the views from the comfort of your cabin or one of the shared lounge areas. The final leg of the journey offers time to reflect on the experiences, landscapes and cultural moments that have unfolded over the past week.

A leisurely lunch is served on-board as the train nears its final destination. In the afternoon, the Maharajas Express arrives at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO-listed railway station known for its striking Victorian Gothic architecture. Upon arrival at around 4:30pm, you’ll disembark and bid farewell to the train, its crew and fellow travellers, marking the end of a memorable rail journey through some of India’s most iconic destinations.