Maharajas' Express: Indian Splendour

Highlights

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

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

Explore the majestic Amber Fort in Jaipur, a remarkable fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture

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

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

7 days

From

NZD 16,163

per person, twin share

Download PDF Make an enquiry

Travelling with kids? Read more

All services are subject to availability.

Overview

This meticulously crafted seven day itinerary aboard the Maharajas' Express immerses you in India's royal traditions, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Experience the grandeur of palaces, forts, and sand dunes, along with thrilling wildlife and cultural excursions. The journey is enhanced by exquisite cuisine, impeccable hospitality and guided off-train adventures, offering a truly unforgettable taste of incredible India.

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

Download Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Delhi Agra

Begin your Maharajas’ Express journey at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, where you will be welcomed aboard and complete the check-in formalities. Settle into the train and enjoy breakfast onboard as the Maharajas’ Express travels towards Agra. A tour briefing follows before lunch is served onboard.

Arrive in Agra and visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of India’s most celebrated landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this extraordinary monument is renowned for its graceful symmetry, intricate craftsmanship and timeless beauty. Continue with the Mohabbat-e-Taj show, which brings the story and romance behind the Taj Mahal to life through music, dance and theatrical performance.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express for dinner and an overnight stay onboard in Agra.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Lunch, Dinner

Taj Mahal

Day 2 Agra Ranthambore

Begin the morning with a visit to the impressive Agra Fort, a magnificent red sandstone fortress that served as the principal residence of the Mughal emperors. Return to the Maharajas’ Express for breakfast as the train travels towards Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambore National Park.

Enjoy lunch onboard before setting out on an exhilarating game drive through Ranthambore National Park. One of India’s most renowned wildlife reserves, the park is home to Bengal tigers as well as leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer and abundant birdlife.

Return to the train and continue towards Jaipur. Dinner is served onboard as the Maharajas’ Express travels overnight towards the Pink City.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ranthambore National Park

Day 3 Jaipur

Enjoy breakfast onboard before setting out to explore Jaipur, the celebrated capital of Rajasthan. Visit the magnificent Amber Fort, dramatically set among the rugged hills surrounding the city. Originally commissioned by Raja Man Singh I in 1592, the fort showcases a remarkable blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural influences.

Continue to the City Palace, a magnificent complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings reflecting Jaipur’s royal heritage, followed by a visit to the Albert Hall Museum, Rajasthan’s oldest museum and an impressive example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express for lunch and some time to relax onboard. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive dinner at the elegant Rambagh Palace, formerly the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and now one of the city’s most celebrated heritage hotels.

Return to the train and continue overnight towards Bikaner.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Amber Fort

Day 4 Bikaner

Arrive in Bikaner this morning and enjoy breakfast onboard before visiting the remarkable Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok. Famous for its thousands of sacred rats, the temple is an unusual and fascinating expression of local religious tradition and devotion.

Return to the Maharajas’ Express for lunch before exploring Junagarh Fort, an imposing fortress renowned for its richly decorated palaces, courtyards and temples. 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 Jodhpur.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Junagarh Fort

Day 5 Jodhpur

Arrive in Jodhpur in the early morning, with breakfast served onboard. Known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is dominated by the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, which rises dramatically above the surrounding city.

Begin the day with visits to Mandore Garden and the Umaid Bhawan Museum, housed within one of India’s grandest royal residences. Return to the train for lunch before continuing to Mehrangarh Fort. Explore this imposing hilltop fortress and discover its remarkable palaces, courtyards and collections, offering an insight into the history and grandeur of the Rathore dynasty.

In the evening, enjoy an exclusive cocktail dinner at Khaas Bagh, a heritage hotel, before returning to the Maharajas’ Express. Continue overnight towards Udaipur.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mehrangarh Fort

Day 6 Udaipur

Enjoy breakfast onboard before arriving in Udaipur, the romantic City of Lakes. Set out on a boat ride across the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola, surrounded by the city’s palaces, temples and historic buildings.

Continue to the City Palace, one of Rajasthan’s most impressive 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 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 and enjoy an Indian Evening onboard, followed by dinner. Later, the train departs for Mumbai.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Udaipur City Palace

Day 7 Arrive in Mumbai

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and lunch onboard as the Maharajas’ Express makes its final journey towards Mumbai.

Arrive at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in the afternoon. Disembark and bid farewell to the Maharajas’ Express as this remarkable journey through India’s iconic cities, magnificent forts, royal palaces, wildlife and cultural heritage comes to an end.

Breakfast, Lunch

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: Indian Splendour

Delhi / Mumbai

From NZD 13,469pp

4.9 stars, 96 reviews

From NZD 16,163pp

Enquire