Maharajas’ Express Indian Splendour

Day 1 - Delhi

Arrive in Delhi, you will be met at the airport and transfered to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 - Delhi

Today take a full day tour of Delhi, in the morning visit the 17th century Jama Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow, winding lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk.. Also stop in front of the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort for a photo stop. Then visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon drive past the Presidential Palace, India Gate and Parliament Buildings before visiting the Qutab Minar and Humayun’s tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Meals included : Breakfast

Day 3 - Delhi - Agra

Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express. This morning, assemble at Delhi Safdarjung station at approximately 0815 hours and complete your registration and check in formalities, a sipping into your welcome drink enjoying the instrumental music. The Maharajas’ Express departs Delhi at 0915 hours for Agra. Enjoy brunch on board as you arrive into Agra. Join us for a session on the train for a Tour Brief and meet your facilitators during this exciting journey. As you reach the ‘City of Mughal Splendour’, visit the world famous Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Return back to the Maharajas’ Express.

You may choose optional activities such as spa at a five star hotel or Mohabbat the Taj show or explore the city in your private car with guide. Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.

Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Meal: Brunch and Dinner on board.

Day 4 - Agra - Ranthambore

Early this morning, disembark to visit the exquisite Agra Fort. Later, enjoy relaxed breakfast on board as you travel to your next destination Ranthambore. Lunch shall be served onboard.

Arrive into Ranthambore and proceed for an exciting game drive in the Ranthambore National Park. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. The Park is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. The safari cannot be compared to that of Africa and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard.

The safari is carried out in open vehicles and the ride is quite bumpy and dusty. You must carry adequate warm clothes for winter months.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express. Dinner onboard as the Maharajas’ Express proceeds for Jaipur.

Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board.

Day 5 - Ranthambore - Jaipur

Following disembarkation and a grand traditional welcome, begin your exciting tour of the pink city with a visit to Amber Fort at 0830 hrs. 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. Return back to the train for a leisurely lunch on board.  You may also choose to participate in the optional activities such as Spa facilities at a five star hotel or visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar (The Observatory) or explore the city in your private car with guide.  Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the Optional services.  Proceed for an exclusive dinner 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, hand-carved marble latticework, and elaborate gardens.  Afterwards return to the station by 2100 hours as Maharajas’ Express proceeds for Bikaner. 

Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express. 

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch on board. Dinner at Rambagh Palace Hotel. 

Day 6 - Jaipur-Bikaner

Enjoy your journey through the countryside with breakfast on board.  At around 1000 hours, arrive into the desert citadel of Bikaner. You may choose to explore the city on an Optional City Tour.  Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.  After your optional tours, return to the train for lunch.  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 Jodhpur. 

Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.  Meal: Breakfast and Lunch on board; Evening barbeque on dunes. 

Day 7 - Bikaner-Jodhpur

This morning, the Maharajas’ Express, continues her journey into the stronghold of the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board. The morning is at leisure on board or you may participate in one of the optional tours to the Bishnoi villages to experience rural India or enjoy spa facilities at a 5 star hotel or Visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada or explore the city in your private car with guide  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 Old Clock Tower Market. As you reach the Market on Tuk Tuks, get a glimpse of the daily lifestyle of the local residents, passing some of the old houses and havelis.  Enjoy an exclusive Cocktail evening with a wide array of sumptuous Marwar Culinary delights served at an exclusive venue.  Return to the train and continue your journey to picturesque Udaipur. 

Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.  Meal: Breakfast and Lunch on board; Cocktail dinner at Hanwant Mahal/Khaas Bagh. 

Day 8 - Jodhpur-Udaipur

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.  Disembark the train at 1000 hours as you begin your visit 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. Lunch will be in a star hotel.  Following lunch return to the train for a relaxed afternoon on board as train proceeds for Mumbai. Enjoy an ‘Indian Evening’ on board, raising a toast to a memorable experience. 

Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.  Meal: Breakfast on board; Lunch in a star hotel; Dinner on board 

Day 9 - Udaipur-Mumbai

Enjoy relaxed morning on board, you will disembark at around 1545 hours at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus(CSMT) in the financial capital city of Mumbai. Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express as your ‘The Indian Splendour’ journey comes to an end. On arrival in Mumbai you will be transfered to your hotel

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch on the Maharajas’ Express. 

Day 10 - Mumbai

Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Mumbai, sights visited include the Elephanta Caves, The Prince of Wales Museum, Gandhi’s Mumbai home, the Parsee Towers of Silence and the vibrant Dhobi Ghats.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Mumbai

Take the assisted transfer back to the airport for your homeward flight.

Meals included: Breakfast