Maharajas’ Express – Heritage of India

Report by 2:30 p.m. in Banquet Hall of Hotel Taj Mahal Palace (Gateway of India) for check in formalities of Maharajas’ Express Train Tour. Following this, travelers are transferred to Chhatrapati Shivaji Rail Terminus to board the Maharajas’ Express Train and depart by 5 p.m. Enjoy dinner on board.

After on board breakfast, proceed from Jalgoan Railway Station for excursion to World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves. These cave temples were sculpted out of hill sides between 2nd century BC to 7th Century AD and are famous for colorful frescoes executed on a ground of mud plaster in the tempera technique, showing incidents from life of Lord Buddha and Buddhist Jataka Tales.
Later, return to the train and depart to continue the journey. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board.

Udaipur is the City of Lakes and also referred to as Venice of the East. Post breakfast, disembark from the train and enjoy a boat ride in Lake Pichola followed by a visit to City Palace (one of the largest palace complex in India) with scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas and Crystal Gallery – with display of personal collection of Udaipur Royalty. Experience a sumptuous lunch in Durbar Hall of Fatehprakash Palace. Post Lunch, either return back to the train to relax or take any available optional tours/activities. Enjoy dinner on board the train and depart.

Optional Tours/Activities in Udaipur (Available at extra cost and booked on site via direct payment):
1) Personal Shopping Trip
2) Enjoy spa facilities in 5 star hotel
3) Evening Sound and Light Show (time permitting)

Train arrives in Jodhpur in the morning. Post breakfast, either relax on the train and enjoy some leisure time or take any available optional tours/activities.
After on board lunch, explore the erstwhile capital of Marwar, which is set like jewel amidst golden sands and is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces from Rajput era. Proceed on a walking tour of Old Clock Tower Market and visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort to admire the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels, and elegantly curved porches. Highlight of the day is Royal Cocktail Evening with a cultural program and array of sumptuous Marwar culinary delights.
Post dinner, return to the Railway Station and board the Maharajas’ Express to depart for the next destination.

Optional Tours/Activities in Jodhpur (Available at extra cost and booked on site via direct payment):
1) Jeep Safari excursion to a nearby located Bishnoi village – traditional eco farmers.

Train arrives at Bikaner Station in the morning. Post breakfast, either relax on the train and spend some leisure time or enjoy any available optional tours/activities.
After Lunch on board, visit late 16th century built Junagarh Fort – a formidable structure encircled by a moat and features numerous decorative halls.
Later, proceed for excursion to sand dunes with en-route high-tea stop at Gajner Palace. On arrival at the sand dunes, you are greeted by cocktails, barbeque, and folk dances.
Later, drive back to the Railway Station and depart to continue the journey.

Optional Tours/Activities in Bikaner (Available at extra cost and booked on site via direct payment):
1) Visit to Lalgarh Museum – where you can witness the architectural marvel of Rajasthan
2) Excursion to Deshnok (rat) Temple – About 600 year old and is known for its sacred rats

After on board breakfast, proceed for excursion to Amber Fort Palace – constructed in late 16th century using combination of Red sandstone and marble, having large ramparts, series of well decorated gates and hallways. Also visit the Halls of Public and Private Audience.
Later, drive back to the town and spend time with elephants (decorate and feed them or enjoy a Royal Ride) at City Palace, followed by lunch.
Post lunch, either return to the train to relax or take any available optional tours/activities.
Evening dinner on board and the train departs.

Optional Tours/Activities in Jaipur (Available at extra cost and booked on site via direct payment):
1) Enjoy Spa facilities at 5 star hotel
2) Private shopping tour
3) Golfing at Rambagh Golf club
4) Visit to City Palace and The Sun Observatory (Jantar Mantar).

On early morning arrival at Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, proceed for excursion to Jungles of Ranthambhore – the private hunting ground of the Maharajas. These jungles are also home to, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. There may also be possible sighting of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
Post safari, return to the railway station and departs. Breakfast and lunch on board.

Arrive at Fetehpur Sikri and proceed for excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, built in Red Sandstone in late 16th century and abandoned within 20 years of it’s construction due to water scarcity. This deserted Mughal City offers imposing gateways, Halls of Private and Public audience, and beautifully sculptured palaces.
Later, return to the train to enjoy a special Indian evening followed by dinner.

Early morning, 6:30 am, excursion to one of the wonders of the world, The Taj Mahal; constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece featuring beautiful inlay work and marble screens. This is followed by another exclusive event, champagne breakfast at TajKhema, overlooking TahMahal, atop a hillock. After the visit, return to the train and depart.

Enjoy lunch on board and enjoy the journey. Check out upon arrival, by 3:15 p.m., in Delhi. The magical journey aboard the Maharajas’ Express comes to an end.