Icons of North India, seen in royal style.
The Maharaja's Express - India Panorama
7 Days / 6 Nights
Luxury rail - Heritage - Wildlife - Spiritual India
Set departure / Hosted small group on luxury train
Palace-on-wheels - Tiger-safari - Ganges-aarti
The Essence
Key Highlights
- Travel aboard the Maharajas’ Express, a luxury train styled on royal-era elegance with fine dining and plush cabins
- Explore Jaipur’s royal heritage with visits to Amber Fort, City Palace, and landmark observatories
- Venture into Ranthambore National Park on a game drive in search of Royal Bengal Tigers and other wildlife
- Discover the Mughal legacy at Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and optional visits like Itmad-ud-Daula
- Experience the temple artistry and stories of Khajuraho, with evening cultural shows or spa time
- Witness Varanasi’s spiritual atmosphere with Sarnath, silk weaving, Ganges boat ride, and the evening aarti ritual
Itinerary
Day 1: Maharajas' Express, New Delhi, Jaipur
Day Itinerary
An Orange DMC representative greets you at the airport, for your transfer to Safdarjung
Railway Terminus, where a grand adventure awaits as you step aboard the luxurious
Maharajas Express.
Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast and lunch on board as the train begins its journey to Jaipur.
Upon arrival in the pink city, dive into the rich history and royal allure of the City Palace
galleries, a window into the past.
As evening descends, savour a delectable dinner at the elegant Rambagh Palace, before
returning to the Maharajas Express for a restful night.
Stops
New Delhi
New Delhi
India’s capital, New Delhi, lies on the Indo-Gangetic Plain, within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful buildings, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the grand, sandstone Red Fort, striking Qutab Minar, and fascinating Humayun’s Tomb. Architecture enthusiasts will delight in the iconic Lotus Temple. Hear ‘qawwalis’ (devotional music) at the dargah (tomb) of the Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya; or wander through the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, famous for its traditional jewellery and saris. The gorgeous Sunder Nursery and Lodi Garden provide calm, flower-filled oases for picnicking.
Overnight: Maharajas’ Express
Travellers can explore India by rail on one of five fascinating journeys offered by the luxurious Maharajas Express. The train’s décor recreates the elegance and pageantry of erstwhile Maharajas and guests can enjoy state-of-the-art facilities in the spacious, well-appointed cabins and suites. There are two dining cars where guests can feast on gourmet dishes served on gold-edged plates and drink wine from hand-cut Swarovski crystal glasses. Cocktails and snacks can be enjoyed in the Safari Bar while the lounge car also offers a well-stocked bar, library, souvenir shop, and board and card games. Other onboard facilities include live television and CCTV cameras in all public areas, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour paramedic on board, and an air ambulance in case of emergencies. Activities offered include guided tours to historical and World Heritage sites and cultural experiences such as folk dances.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 2:
Maharajas' Express, Ranthambore National Park
Day Itinerary
Start the morning with a lavish onboard breakfast before venturing to the majestic Amber
Fort. Feel inspired by the fort’s grandeur, particularly the breathtaking Diwan-e-Aam and the
ethereal Sheesh Mahal, a testament to Rajasthani architecture.
Return to the Maharajas Express for a delectable lunch. The afternoon presents a canvas of
possibilities, from a soothing spa experience to exploring the City Palace and Observatory
(Jantar Mantar) or embarking on a local city tour.
As the day winds down, relish an onboard dinner as the train proceeds to Sawai Madhopur,
your gateway to Ranthambore.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 3: Maharajas' Express, Fatehpur Sikri
Day Itinerary
Head out early this morning on a thrilling game drive into Ranthambore National Park.
Unravel the mysteries of this famed wilderness, the former hunting grounds of the royal
house of Jaipur.
This park is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers and abundant biodiversity. Return to your
train to enjoy breakfast onboard as the train journeys towards Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO
World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in the architectural marvel of this ‘City of Victory’
during a guided tour.
As the evening unfolds, delight in a splendid dinner aboard the Maharajas Express.
Stops
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri
A highlight in the province of Uttar Pradesh, Fatehpur Sikri served briefly as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. This world heritage site is rated as one of the best preserved collections of Mughal architecture in India. Surrounded by a six kilometre wall, with the fourth being a lake at the time, a day can be spent exploring the elaborate structures within. Marvel at the impressive Jama Masjid mosque, the detailed palaces built for Emperor Akbar’s wives, the public and private discussion halls and vast ornamental pool; all of which took over 15 years to conceptualise and build.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 4:
Maharajas' Express, Agra
Day Itinerary
Awaken in Agra, where the majestic Taj Mahal beckons. Built as a testament of love, this
wonder of the world is a sight to behold.
Visit the Taj Mahal and indulge in a decadent champagne breakfast at the Taj Khema,
followed by a return to the train for lunch. The afternoon opens doors to optional experiences – a spa retreat, a visit to the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula (which is believed to be a precursor to The Taj Mahal) or visit the red sandstone ramparts of Agra Fort. You can also opt to go on a local city tour, or enjoy a captivating performance, Mohabbat – the Taj Show.
As night descends, a sumptuous dinner awaits aboard the Maharajas Express.
Stops
Agra
Agra
Set on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a beautiful city famous for its incredible Taj Mahal building, one of the seven wonders of the world. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions. The city boasts numerous other superb attractions, including the red-hued sandstone Agra Fort, built in the 16th century; the Shahi Jama Masjid mosque, a 17th-century congregational mosque located in the historic core of Agra, and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, with its white marble facade embellished with intricate inlaid designs, also called the’ Baby Taj’.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 5:
Maharajas' Express, Khajuraho
Day Itinerary
Begin your day with breakfast onboard the Maharaja’s Express before disembarking at
Jhansi, from where you will travel by road to Orchha.
This historical gem unfolds its treasures, from the Orchha Fort to unique tuktuk rides through the village landscape.
Return to the lap of luxury on the Maharajas Express and proceed to Khajuraho. The
Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO world heritage site, unveils its architectural
splendour, with temples that whisper tales from the Chandela dynasty’s heyday.
The evening choose between a luxurious spa pampering, a Light and Sound Show or the
captivating Dances of India Show.
The journey continues with an onboard dinner as the train makes its way towards Varanasi.
Stops
Khajuraho
Khajuraho
Located southwest of Kanpur, Khajuraho is considered one of India’s seven wonders and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The city encompasses the nation’s largest array of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, decorated with intricately detailed erotic sculptures and reliefs. The site incorporates close to 100 sacred structures, some of them exquisitely preserved, and each evening, a light and sound show is staged here, covering the history, philosophy and craftsmanship encapsulated in this archaeological goldmine. Other highlights include the vibrant Annual Dance Festival of Khajuraho; the Panna National Park, home to leopards; the Arhanta Yoga Ashram, where visitors can take classical Hatha yoga classes. The city also boasts a wide variety of wonderful shops, markets and restaurants.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 6:
Maharajas' Express, Varanasi
Day Itinerary
A morning breakfast onboard the Maharaja’s Express heralds your arrival in Varanasi, where
the Taj Ganges Hotel welcomes you for lunch.
Visit the ruins at Sarnath, an archaeological marvel steeped in history. Witness the artistry of
local handicrafts at a local Benaras silk weaving center, followed by a serene boat ride on the
Ganges to observe the spiritual Aarti ritual that takes place each evening on the Ghats.
An exclusive vegetarian dinner accompanied by live Kathak dance awaits at Brij Rama
Palace at the Ghats.
Return to the Maharajas Express for an overnight journey to Delhi.
Stops
Varanasi
Varanasi
An ancient and deeply sacred city, Varanasi rests along the banks of the holy River Ganges and encompasses a wealth of beautiful riverside temples, stately old forts and vibrant markets. It’s considered the spiritual capital of Hinduism, and it’s widely believed that dying here will bring salvation. As a result, the city is home to a multitude of ghats – stone steps leading to the river –some of which are used for bathing rituals and others as cremation sites. An early morning boat ride along the Ganges offers an excellent way to take in the ghats and the bustling activity centred on them.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 7:
End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
As the train makes its way towards Delhi, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and lunch on board.
Arrive in Delhi during the afternoon, where you bid farewell to this extraordinary voyage,
your heart brimming with memories of regal splendour and captivating landscapes.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
The Maharaja’s Express – India Panorama
Icons of North India, seen in royal style.
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