Maharajas Express – Heritage of India – A Journey into history to Experience the Splendour of a by Gone Era
Introducing to the delights of India The Maharajas’ Express – The Heritage of India start the journey with the the bustling commercial city of Mumbai and end in the national Capital Delhi. During the journey you visit the shimmering Lake City of Udaipur and the majestic fort at Jodhpur , enjoy sundowner on the sand dunes at Bikaner. Soak in the colourful Pink City of Jaipur. You get an opportunity to see from close quarters the legendry tigers at Ranthambore and one of the Seven Wonders of the World ‘The Taj Mahal’ all this and more in utmost luxury.
Embarkation & Disembarkation (Heritage of India)
Check-in Venue & Timing – The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai / 0830 hrs
Departure Station & Timing – Mumbai – Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus / 1050 hrs
Arrival Station & Timing – Delhi – Safdarjung Station / 1615 hrs
Guests boarding the Maharaja Express have to report at least an hour before the train’s departure at a pre-assigned venue in Mumbai for the pre-boarding facilities.
All Foreign Nationals are required to obtain Tourist VISA to visit India and Passport Valid for Six Months from date of departure from India.
Day 01Mumbai Board Maharaja Express - Sunday
Welcome aboard the Maharajas’ Express.
This morning, assemble at 0830 hours at The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, Mumbai and complete your registration and check in formalities. Join us for a tour brief and meet your facilitators during this exciting journey.
Proceed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus railway station where upon arrival, you will be greeted with a welcome drink and the Local Band playing as you board the Maharajas’ Express.
The Maharajas’ Express departs Mumbai at 1050 hours approximately and travels through the land of the Marathas to Udaipur.
Lunch and Dinner on-board.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Day 02Udaipur, Rajasthan - Monday
This morning you will wake up in the picturesque region of Mewar, one of the most popular and royal states of the Rajputana. Admire the magnificent landscape of the Aravali hills over a leisurely breakfast as you arrive into Udaipur – the City of Lakes.
Post breakfast, disembark the train as you begin your excursion with a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Following the boat ride, visit the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. Visit Mor Chowk and see its lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and the spectacular Zenana Mahal. Visit The Crystal Gallery and the Darbar Hall with an audio guide.
Proceed for lunch at the Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace hotel and experience the hospitality reminiscent of the ancient Mewar glory. Feast your taste buds over a spread of International and Indian cuisine.
Return to the train after lunch. Have a relaxed evening on-board or you may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional services.
Maharajas’ Express proceeds overnight to Jodhpur.
Breakfast and Dinner on-board; Lunch at Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Day 03Jodhpur, Rajasthan - Tuesday
This morning, the Maharajas’ Express, continues the journey into the stronghold of the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on-board. The morning is at leisure on-board or you may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.
Return to the train for lunch on-board.
After lunch, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Admire the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly carved arches followed by a walking tour of the Colorful Old Clock Tower market. As you reach the market on Tuk Tuks, get a glimpse of the daily lifestyle of the local residents, passing by some of the old houses and havelis.
Enjoy an exclusive cocktail evening with a wide array of sumptuous Marwar Culinary delights served at Khaas Bagh hotel.
Return to the train and continue your journey to desert city of Bikaner.
Breakfast and Lunch on-board; Cocktail dinner at Khaas Bagh, a heritage hotel.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Day 04Bikaner, Rajasthan - Wednesday
Enjoy your journey through the countryside with breakfast on-board.
Arriving into the desert citadel of Bikaner, relax on-board or you may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.
Following lunch, disembark and proceed to the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. While the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat, its real beauty lies inside. Be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal.
Later experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for a Sundowner on the Sand Dunes. Enjoy cocktails, savour traditional mouth watering barbecue delicacies as you enjoy traditional folk arts like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas.
Return to the comforts of your train by 2030 hours and embark on your onward journey to Jaipur.
Breakfast and Lunch on-board; Evening barbeque on dunes.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Day 05Jaipur, Rajasthan - Thursday
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on-board.
Following disembarkation and a grand traditional welcome begin your exciting tour of the pink city with a visit to Amber Fort. The Amber Fort, set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura.
A short jeep ride takes you up to the fort where you will enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, with striking views of the gorge. Step back into the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of Victory. Proceed for an exclusive lunch at the Rambagh Palace Hotel. The Palace built in 1835 AD was the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1925 to 1957, when it was converted into a luxury hotel. The palace retains its royal splendour with hand-carved marble latticework and elaborate gardens.
After lunch, return to the train or you may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Dinner onboard and train proceeds to Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore)
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional services.
Breakfast and Dinner on-board. Lunch at Ram Bagh Palace.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Day 06Sawai Madhopur - Fathehpur Sikri - Friday
On arrival into Sawai Madhopur, early in the morning, get ready for a safari to the Ranthambore National Park. Originally, the private hunting ground of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. It is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. Wildlife cannot be compared to that of Africa and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard.
Proceed for an early morning exciting game drive. The safari is carried out in open vehicles and the ride is quite bumpy and dusty. One must carry adequate warm clothes for winter months.
Return to the train. Enjoy breakfast as you continue your journey to the fabled deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Admire the changing landscape as you savour lunch on-board.
On arrival at the quaint station of Fatehpur Sikri, disembark and proceed on a tour of the fascinating sights comprising of imposing gateways, halls of private and public audience, beautifully sculptured palaces with unique water bodies, reflecting a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. This deserted red sandstone city was built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th century. It is now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then return to the train to enjoy an ‘Indian Evening’ as train proceeds to Agra.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on-board.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Day 07Agra - Delhi - Saturday
Today, the train continues on her last leg of the journey towards the magical city of Agra. The jewel of India, home to one of the world’s great architectural wonders – the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental
masterpieces and picturesque natural setting, Agra is a legendary city glorified by time.
Early morning, disembark and proceed to the world famous Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World). Also, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz. This incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India’s most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this poetry in marble.
Later, enjoy breakfast from atop the Taj Khema, a tabletop lawn, gazing at the Taj Mahal. Return to the train as it proceeds to Delhi.
Enjoy a hearty lunch on-board.
Bid farewell to the Maharajas’ Express as your ‘The Heritage of India’ journey comes to an end at approximately 1615 hours on arrival at Delhi Safdarjung Station.
The royal journey is over, but the memory of which will live on forever!
Breakfast at Taj Khema; Lunch on-board.
