The Maharajas’ Express is operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation and runs on 5 circuits covering more than 12 destinations across North-West and Central India. It is mainly centered on Rajasthan between the months of October and April. The Maharajas’ Express was voted “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” five times in a row at The World Travel Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014,2015, 2016 and 2017 and is the most expensive luxury train in the World.
It is a tough task, even for a frequent traveler to truly absorb the diversity that India has to offer. Hence the train’s itineraries are designed in such a manner that ancient and modern India come alive by integrating a panoramic mix of heritage and splendor of the country’s gems and treasures.
The saloons of the Maharaja Express train have been styled with influence from the private saloons of the former Maharajas of India. Each carriage presents a unique ambiance as each one has been named after a famous gemstone of the Maharajas and designed following that individual pattern.
You will have a gastronomical dining experience aboard two restaurant carriages – Rang Mahal (Color Palace) and Mayur Mahal (Peacock Palace). Socialize or relax in the Rajah Club Lounge and Safari Bar which are essentially the hub of the luxury train. Drinks, snacks, board games, and cultural activities with plush seating arrangements account for most of the attraction. You can also learn more by arranging Vedic sessions, astrologer sessions, Bollywood dancing and the tour directors deliver interactive mythology and historical sessions. Also, there are notable guest lecturers on selected signature journeys.
Meeting point in Safderjung Railway Station at 8:45 p.m. for a royal welcome. Maharajas’ Express departs at 10:00 p.m.
Report by 8:45 p.m. at Safdarjung Railway Station for a royal welcome. After check-in formalities, board the Maharajas’ Express for on board dinner.
Train departs by 10 p.m. from Delhi.
After sumptuous breakfast on board, Maharajas’ Express proceeds for Excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of 16th century built Amber Fort Palace, built atop a small hillock on city outskirts. Later, drive back to City Palace to spend time with Elephants – an opportunity to decorate and feed them or enjoy a Royal Ride. This is followed by a Champagne lunch.
Post lunch, guests have the option to relax in comfort of Maharajas’ Express or take any of the available optional tours/activities. In the evening, dinner is served on board and the train departs to continue the journey.
Optional Tours/Activities in Jaipur (Available at extra cost and booked on site via direct payment):
1) Available spa facilities in 5 star hotel
2) Private shopping trip
3) Visit City Palace, Museum, and Sun Dial (Jantar Mantar)
On arrival at Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, proceed for excursion to Jungles of Ranthambhore – the private hunting ground of the Maharajas. These jungles are 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. Return to the Maharajas’ Express by 9:30 a.m. to enjoy brunch on board and then depart to continue the journey.
Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri by 2:30 p.m. and proceed for excursion to the deserted Mughal City, comprising of imposing gateways, Halls of Private and Public audience, and beautifully sculptured palaces. Return to the Maharajas’ Express by 6 p.m. for dinner and then the train departs to continue the journey.
By 7 a.m., arrive at one of the Seven Wonders of the world, The Taj Mahal; constructed entirely out of white marble, an architectural masterpiece featuring beautiful inlay work, and marble screens. This is followed by another exclusive event, champagne breakfast at Taj Khema, overlooking Taj Mahal, atop a hillock. Later, return to the train by 10:45 a.m. and depart.
At 12:30 p.m., have lunch on board the Maharajas’ Express. Reach Gwalior by 2:15 p.m. and proceed for a visit to Gwalior Fort. Admire exquisite temples and palaces, out of which the most spectacular is the Man Mandir Palace, a masterpiece of Rajput architecture, and comes embellished with exquisite stone carving and latticework. There are the famous Saas-Bahu (Mother and Daughter-in-law) temples that are covered with beautiful sculptures of dancing girls and deities. Also, visit the nearby Jain Cave Sculptures.
Optional Tours/Activities (Available at extra cost and booked on site via direct payment):
1) Spa facilities at Hotel Usha Kiran Palace
At 6 p.m., See Jai Vilas Palace Museum, a section of which still remains residence of royal family of Gwalior. Admire the stupendous Durbar Hall with its crystal staircase and arched ceiling with stunning gold leaf work that supports two of world’s largest chandeliers.
Afterwards, high tea is served in the compound of Jai Vilas Palace.
Return to the train by 9 p.m. and the journey continues.
After delicious breakfast on board Maharajas’ Express, proceed for excursion to 10th Century built Kama Sutra erotic temples and return to train for lunch afterwards.
Post lunch, guests have the option to stay back and relax in their Maharajas’ Express cabin or take any available optional tours/activities. Evening dinner is served on board and then the train departs.
Optional Tours/Activities in Khajuraho (Available at extra cost and booked on site via direct payment):
1) Spa facilities in 5 Star Hotel
2) Sound and Light Show
3) Dances of India Show
Have breakfast on board at 8 a.m.
By 12 p.m., arrive in Varanasi and take a quick visit to Silk Weaving Centre Shop for some world famous Banarasi silk saris and brocades.
At 1:30 p.m., have lunch at Taj Gateway Hotel, followed by an excursion to the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon expounding principles of Buddhism.
Return to the city at 5:30 p.m. for a boat ride on River Ganges to witness the magical evening Aarti.
At 8 p.m., return to the train for dinner and continue to the next destination.
After breakfast on board the Maharajas’ Express, proceed to discover the “City Of Nawabs” with 18th century monuments like Bara Ibambara, Chotta Imbambara, Rumi Darwaza, and The Residency. Next follows the traditional Kathak Dance program and Awadhi lunch in a 5 Star Hotel. Later, return to the comfort of Maharajas’ Express and depart. On board, enjoy the Indian Evening followed by dinner
Journey aboard Maharajas’ Express ends on return to Safderjung Railway Station, Delhi. Check-out after breakfast by 8:30 a.m.
Important:
1) The train manager reserves the right to change the day to say program to suit local logistics.
2) The Optional Tours are subject to time available and cannot be guaranteed.
| Room Type | Single Occupancy | Double Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin | $ 12,920.00 | $ 14,760.00 |
| Junior Suite | $ 17,980.00 | $ 18,920.00 |
| Suite | $ 27,600.00 | $ 27,600.00 |
| Presidential Suite | $ 47,400.00 | $ 47,400.00 |
Note:
| Months |
Days |
|---|---|
| October 2022 | 23 |
| November 2022 | 20 |
| December 2022 | 18 |
| January 2023 | 15 |
| February 2023 | 12 |
| March 2023 | 12 |
| April 2023 | 2 |
| October 2023 | 1, 29 |
| November 2023 | 26 |
| December 2023 | 24 |
| January 2024 | 21 |
| February 2024 | 18 |
| March 2024 | 17 |
| April 2024 | 7 |
| September 2024 | 29 |
| October 2024 | 27 |
| November 2024 | 24 |
| December 2024 | 22 |
| January 2025 | 19 |
| February 2025 | 16 |
| March 2025 | 16 |
| April 2025 | 6 |
