Maharajas' Express: Heritage of India

Highlights

Discover the grandeur of Udaipur’s City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola

Discover the rich history of Bikaner with a tour of this imposing fort, known for its well-preserved palaces, temples, and courtyards

Explore the Majestic Amber Fort in Jaipur, a stunning fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture

Embark on an exhilarating game drive in Ranthambore National Park, renowned for its wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger

Explore the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World

7 days

From

NZD 17,499

per person, twin share

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All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Experience the timeless splendour of India aboard the Maharajas’ Express on the Heritage of India journey. From Mumbai to Delhi, travel through the country’s rich history, vibrant culture and spectacular landscapes, discovering elegant palaces, magnificent forts, ancient temples and colourful cities along the way. Explore the romantic lakes of Udaipur, the Blue City of Jodhpur and the royal heritage of Jaipur, encounter the wildlife of Ranthambore and marvel at the architectural masterpieces of Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal.

Inclusions

An excellent team of professionals onboard to assist guests throughout the journey

Private ensuite accommodation on the Maharajas' Express – Deluxe Cabin

Entrance fees to all palaces, museums and parks

Expertly guided off-train excursions with an English-speaking guide

All meals, along with tea, coffee, mineral water, a selection of house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits

Off-train tours provided in Deluxe coaches

Itinerary

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Day 1 Mumbai

Begin your Heritage of India journey in Mumbai with a welcome, registration and tour briefing at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace. Continue to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), one of Mumbai’s most impressive architectural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to board the Maharajas’ Express.

Settle into the luxurious surroundings of the train as it departs for Udaipur. Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard while the journey begins through the changing landscapes of India.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Lunch, Dinner

Mumbai

Day 2 Udaipur

Enjoy breakfast onboard before arriving in Udaipur, the romantic City of Lakes. Begin with a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola, offering views of the city’s palaces, temples and historic buildings.

Continue to the magnificent City Palace, one of Rajasthan’s largest royal complexes, followed by a visit to the Crystal Gallery, home to an extraordinary collection of crystal objects commissioned by the former rulers of Udaipur.

Enjoy lunch at Satkar Hall at Fateh Prakash Palace, a heritage hotel, before exploring Udaipur’s Old City on a walking tour followed by a tuk-tuk ride through its lively streets.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express for dinner before the train departs for Jodhpur.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Udaipur City Palace

Day 3 Jodhpur

Enjoy breakfast onboard as the Maharajas’ Express travels towards Jodhpur, the celebrated Blue City of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, explore Mandore Garden, known for its historic temples, cenotaphs and beautifully landscaped surroundings, followed by a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Museum.

Return to the train for lunch before visiting the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s most impressive hilltop fortresses. Rising dramatically above Jodhpur, the fort offers spectacular views across the blue-painted houses of the old city and reveals the grandeur of the former Rathore rulers.

In the evening, enjoy an exclusive cocktail dinner at Khaas Bagh, a heritage hotel. Return to the Maharajas’ Express before the train departs for Bikaner.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mehrangarh Fort

Day 4 Bikaner

Arrive in Deshnok early this morning, where there is an optional visit to the famous Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple. The temple is renowned for its population of sacred rats, which are revered by devotees and considered an important part of local religious tradition.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express and enjoy breakfast onboard as the train continues to Bikaner. Discover Lalgarh Palace, an impressive red sandstone palace blending Rajput, Mughal and European architectural influences, before exploring the city’s historic havelis on foot.

Return to the train for lunch before visiting Junagarh Fort, a magnificent complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that has remained remarkably preserved. Later, travel to the surrounding sand dunes to enjoy sundowners as the desert landscape takes on its evening glow.

As night falls, enjoy a cocktail and barbecue dinner accompanied by traditional Rajasthani folk dances. Return to the Maharajas’ Express and continue towards Jaipur.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Junagarh Fort

Day 5 Jaipur

Enjoy breakfast onboard as the Maharajas’ Express arrives in Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan and famously known as the Pink City. Set out to explore the magnificent Amber Fort, dramatically positioned among the rugged hills surrounding the city. Originally commissioned by Raja Man Singh I in 1592, the fort showcases a remarkable fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural influences.

After sightseeing, enjoy lunch at the elegant Rambagh Palace, formerly the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and now one of the city’s celebrated heritage hotels.

Continue to the City Palace galleries and the Albert Hall Museum, Rajasthan’s oldest museum and an impressive example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express for dinner before departing for Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambore National Park.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Amber Fort

Day 6 Ranthambore National Park

Rise early for an exhilarating game drive through Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most renowned wildlife reserves. Keep watch for the elusive Bengal tiger, along with leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer and a diverse array of birdlife amid the park’s forests, lakes and ancient ruins.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express for breakfast as the train travels towards Fatehpur Sikri. Enjoy lunch onboard before arriving at the remarkable 16th-century Mughal city.

Explore Fatehpur Sikri, the former imperial capital of Emperor Akbar, whose grand palaces, courtyards and monuments remain remarkably preserved. Often referred to as the “ghost city”, it was abandoned as the imperial capital after only a few decades, although its magnificent architecture remains a testament to the grandeur of the Mughal era.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express and enjoy an Indian Evening, followed by dinner onboard.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Agra Delhi

Arrive in Agra early this morning and set out to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of India’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this extraordinary monument is celebrated for its graceful symmetry, intricate craftsmanship and timeless beauty.

After the visit, enjoy breakfast at Taj Khema before returning to the Maharajas’ Express. The train then continues towards Delhi, with lunch served onboard.

Arrive in Delhi in the afternoon and disembark, bidding farewell to the Maharajas’ Express as this unforgettable journey through India’s royal heritage, spectacular landscapes and cultural treasures comes to an end.

Breakfast, Lunch

Delhi

Accommodation

Maharajas' Express

Upgrade available

For your safety and comfort, the train is fitted with CCTV cameras, smoke alarms, RFID door locks, and the continuous presence of a paramedic. Your luxury experience on the Maharajas' Express promises to be truly extraordinary.

DELUXE CABIN

The Deluxe Cabins aboard the Maharajas' Express are elegantly designed and named after precious gems, including Hakik (Agate), Firoza (Turquoise), Katela (Amethyst), Beruz (Aquamarine), and Pitoniya (Bloodstone), reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the overall experience.

Each Deluxe Cabin on the Maharajas’ Express is equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable journey. These include Wi-Fi, an intercom system, a DVD player, LED screen, a wardrobe, foldable writing desk and a personal electronic safe. The cabins are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathroom facilities with a shower, hot and cold water and a WC. To enhance your luxury experience, bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer, and premium toiletries infused with essential oils are provided. The train features 20 Deluxe Cabins: 12 of which have twin beds and 8 with double beds.

Room Upgrades

Junior Suites

The Maharajas’ Express features 18 Junior Suites with ensuite, with 12 offering twin beds and 6 with double beds. Each suite is designed with large panoramic windows, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of India throughout your journey.

Double/Twin room
Butler service
Shower cubicle & basin with hot and cold running water - with a range of toiletries
Bathrobe & slippers provided
Towels and linens changed daily or upon request
Hairdryer
Wardrobe & writing table
Luggage hold under the bed
TV & International telephone facility (costs may apply)
Personal safe
Complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water and light snacks available at all times
Wi-Fi internet (subject to network availability)
DVD player
Cabin-controlled air conditioning

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Suites

The Maharajas' Express features four Suites, each with double beds and large panoramic windows to ensure you can fully appreciate the splendour of India throughout your journey. The suites are further enhanced with amenities such as a complimentary mini-bar and a bathtub. Suite guests enjoy the privilege of a dedicated multilingual guide and a luxury car for all off-board excursions. The suites include a separate living room and bedroom, upholstered armchairs with a side table, a writing table, a complimentary mini-bar and luggage storage underneath the bed.

Double bed only
Dedicated butler service
Shower cubicle & bath tub with hot and cold running water - with a range of toiletries
Bathrobe & slippers provided
Towels and linens changed daily or upon request
Hairdryer
Wardrobe & writing table
Luggage hold under the bed
Mini-bar
TV & International telephone facility (costs may apply)
Personal safe
Complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water and light snacks available at all times
Wi-Fi internet (subject to network availability)
DVD player
Cabin-controlled air conditioning

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite spans an entire carriage, offering the pinnacle of luxury and elegance. It features a separate sitting and dining area, a bedroom with spacious bathrooms equipped with a bathtub and showers and all the modern amenities. The Presidential Suite includes interconnected cabins, accommodating up to four guests, providing an unparalleled experience to indulge in Maharaja-style opulence. Presidential Suite guests enjoy the privilege of a dedicated multilingual guide and a luxury car for all off-board excursions.

Double/Twin room
Dedicated butler service
Shower cubicle & bath tub with hot and cold running water - with a range of toiletries
Bathrobe & slippers provided
Towels and linens changed daily or upon request
Hairdryer
Sofa
Wardrobe & writing table
Luggage storage under the bed
Mini-bar
TV & International telephone facility (costs may apply)
Personal safe
Complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water and light snacks available at all times
Wi-Fi internet (subject to network availability)
DVD player
Cabin-controlled air conditioning

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Important: A surcharge applies to departures during or around the Christmas and New Year period.

2026 departure dates:

11 October
08 November
06 December

2027 departure dates:

03 January
31 January
28 February
28 March
10 October
07 November
05 December

2028 departure dates:

02 January
30 January
27 February
26 March

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
All ‘Optionals’ and ‘Optional Tours’ are available for an additional charge and are subject to availability. Details and pricing will be provided on board during the journey.

FAQs

What is the dress code onboard the train?

While there is no strict dress code, smart casual attire is recommended, especially for dining and off-train excursions.

Can special dietary preferences be requested?

Yes, the onboard chefs can accommodate various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, with prior notice.

Will I need to tip the train staff?

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Guidelines for tipping will be provided on board.

Is there air conditioning on board?

Onboard air-conditioning is provided, with individual control available for cabin air conditioning.

What is the check-in procedure for the Maharajas' Express?

Guests are required to check in at the designated boarding station at least an hour before departure. Luggage assistance is provided.

How much luggage can I bring with me on the train?

Passengers on the Maharajas' Express are advised to travel light due to limited storage space in the cabins. Each guest is typically allowed to bring one large suitcase and one piece of hand luggage. Additional luggage can be stored in the luggage hold, but access to this storage is limited during the journey. It's recommended to pack essentials in the cabin luggage for convenience. Soft top luggage is recommended.

Are optional excursions available on the Maharajas' Express, and is the cost included in the fare?

Yes, the Maharajas' Express offers a selection of optional excursions in addition to the scheduled ones. These may include special experiences like spa visits, private tours, or exclusive cultural events. While the cost of the main off-train excursions is included in the fare, optional excursions are typically available at an additional cost. Guests can choose and book these experiences during the journey, with guidance from the staff onboard the train.

Is there medical assistance available on board?

Yes, the train is equipped with a first-aid kit, and a paramedic is available on board throughout the journey.

Is smoking permitted onboard?

No, smoking is not permitted anywhere on board the Maharajas' Express. The train adheres to a strict no-smoking policy to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

Maharajas' Express: Heritage of India

Mumbai / Delhi

From NZD 14,582pp

4.9 stars, 96 reviews

From NZD 17,499pp

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