Maharaja Express Travel Itinerary
DAY 01 (FRIDAY)
Welcome to Delhi! We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Delhi
One of the most historic capitals in the world, Delhi is a treasure trove that reveals the ultimate combination of tradition and modernity. Made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries, very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Its multi-layered existence is tantalizing and can entice the curious traveller to embark on a fascinating journey of discovery.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 (SATURDAY)
Welcome aboard the Maharajas’ Express.
This evening, assemble at Safdarjung station at approximately 2030 hours and complete your registration and check in formalities for the Maharajas’ Express, as you enjoy a welcome drink. The Maharajas’ Express departs Delhi at approximately 2200 hours to Jaipur.
Dinner on board.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
DAY 03 (SUNDAY)
Arrive in Jaipur – the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.
Nestled in the rugged Aravali hills; the picturesque capital city of Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 AD; it is surrounded by high defensive walls, rugged hills and dotted by magnificent palaces, massive forts and exquisite temples.
On arrival begin your sightseeing tour of the City Palace Museum, Jaipur which houses a remarkable collection of rugs, photographs, textiles, carpets, royal costumes, miniature paintings from Rajput and Mughal era, and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit.
Continue your sightseeing tour and visit the impressive collection of architectural astronomical instruments at Jantar Mantar (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world.
Return to the train for lunch.
Following lunch explore the bazaars of Jaipur with an opportunity to shop for some of the finest jewellery, textiles and blue pottery for which the city is renowned.
Complete the exciting day in the evening with a unique and enthralling experience – an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match. Your arrival at the venue will be accompanied by the royal military band and the beating of ‘Nagadas’ (huge Indian drums). You may choose to watch or participate in an exhibition game. After the match, enjoy dinner over sparkling wine.
Following dinner, return to the station and board the train for a comfortable sleep on board Maharajas’ Express.
Breakfast and Lunch on board; Elephant Polo Dinner with a glass of wine at a Palace hotel
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
DAY 04 (MONDAY)
This morning, following breakfast on board, you will get the opportunity to visit the 11th century Amber Fort. Situated on a ridge just outside the city of Jaipur; this fort palace is surrounded by fortified battlements overlooking the Maota Lake. 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.
Continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the “Anokhi Textile Museum” of hand-block printing; situated in the shadows of historic 11th century Amber Fort. The museum was established in year 2005 with a thoughtful initiative to preserve and conserve the art of traditional hand printed textiles from the celebrated towns of Sanganer and Bagru. It is probably the only museum of its kind in the world where one can observe the entire consuming and exhausting method of hand-block printing from carving of wooden blocks to transformation of raw fabric into a piece of art.
After sightseeing return to the Maharajas’ Express and enjoy a sumptuous lunch.
Following lunch you may choose to participate in one of the optional tours. Enjoy spa facilities at a palace hotel OR proceed on an excursion to Nahargarh Biological Park / Elephant Rehabilitation Centre – a delight for nature and wildlife lovers, the park is positioned just beyond the city limits of Jaipur and is spread over 7.2 square kilometres. The park was founded and introduced by Government of Rajasthan with an idea to conserve rare and endangered species of flora, fauna and wildlife of dry deciduous forest. Today the park is perfect example of tropical dry deciduous thorn forest and refuge for Asiatic lions, tigers, leopards, sloth bear, blue-bull, Indian gazelle, pangolin, langur monkey, jungle civet, desert fox, wild boar and variety of birds.
Return to the luxury of the train.
Enjoy dinner on board as Maharajas’ Express proceeds for its next exciting destination, Kota.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
DAY 05 (TUESDAY)
Today you arrive in the south eastern region of Rajasthan into the historical city of Kota. Following breakfast onboard disembark and proceed for a boat cruise on river Chambal. River Chambal is home to wide range of flora, fauna, highly endangered Gangetic dolphins, smooth coated otters, jungle cats, jackal, fox, hyena, civets and Ghariyal (Thin snouted Indian Crocodile. It is a safe haven for more than 300 species of birds.
This boat journey is a captivating expedition through primeval land, thriving culture and prospering civilization on the banks of river Chambal.
After the cruise you return to the train to relish a sumptuous lunch.
Following lunch visit Maharao Madho Singh Museum. Garh Palace, the imposing 13th century fort of Kota is positioned on the bank of river Chambal. This impressive and one of the largest fort in state of Rajasthan flaunts six huge archways to enter the city, embankment with a parapet, bastions and watch towers. The fort has many places including Madho Singh Mahal, Raj Mahal, Bada Mahal and Chhatar Mahal.
Be welcomed like the Royals were, and enjoy the hospitality that Rajasthan has been famous for since time immemorial. The highlight of this day is a Royal Dinner at the ‘Durbar Mahal’– lavishly decorated with the historical belongings of the Royal Family, at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, and savour mouth watering delicacies with cocktails. Maharaja Umed Singh II commissioned Sir Swinton Jacob, an officer of the Royal Engineers in the British Army to undertake the conception and implementation of the Umed Bhawan Palace and in 1905 this palace was constructed. The Umaid Bhawan Palace subtly blends Rajput and Victorian architecture.
Breakfast and Lunch on board; Gala dinner at Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
DAY 06 (WEDNESDAY)
Enjoy a relaxed morning onboard the train, following a leisurely breakfast or take up the optional excursion to the famous cotton-silk weavers’ colonies at Kaithoon. Kaithoon is known for hand weaving of cotton and silk fabric / saris complemented by real gold or silver wire using the pit-looms popularly known as Kota Doria. Silk provides the necessary transparency and cotton bestows strength to the fabric.
Enjoy lunch onboard as you ride through the countryside of Rajasthan, to the town of Sawai Madhopur.
On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, get ready for an exciting safari to the ‘Ranthambore National Park’. The park encompasses nearly 400 square kilometres of dry, deciduous forest. The park derives its name from the huge 1000 year old Rajput fortress of Ranthambore which sits 215 meters high in the forest. 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. It is also a bird watcher’s paradise. Wildlife cannot be compared to Africa, and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard.
After the drive return to the comforts of the Maharajas’ Express and relish dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
DAY 07 (THURSDAY)
This morning prepare yourself for an early morning game drive into Ranthambore National Park with yet another opportunity to sight the king of the jungle, Tiger. Following the rustic game drive, return to the luxuries of the Maharajas’ Express.
Enjoy breakfast on board as you make your way to the beautiful city Agra – the Jewel of India. Lunch will be served on board.
Agra is 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 etched in the history of time.
On arrival, disembark and visit the world famous Taj Mahal, 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. Approximately 20,000 of India’s most revered craftsmen were recruited to shape this poetry in marble. Witness the dramatic interplay of light as the sun sets & casts its scarlet rays over the pearl white tomb, recreating the magic of Taj!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
DAY 08 (FRIDAY)
Early this morning disembark and proceed to Taj Khema, a tableland overlooking the magnificent Taj and enjoy a Champagne breakfast.
Return to the train and have a relaxed morning your disposal OR choose to participate in any of the following optional activities.
Proceed for excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, 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.
OR
You may visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, the 17th century mausoleum built by Empress Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jehangir, in memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Often referred and regarded as ‘Baby Taj’, the mausoleum is set in a “Char Bagh” (four gardens) style divided equally by water channels and walkways. Its white marble walls are inlaid with semi-precious stones, giving them shape of flower bouquets, trees, wine and perfume bottles.
OR
Avail spa facilities at a hotel.
Following your participation in any of the optional tours, return to the train for lunch.
Following lunch, proceed on a guided tour of Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Shah Jahan, the Taj’s creator, spent the last years of his life imprisoned at the fort by his son Aurangzeb. It was built in the late 1560`s by their predecessor, Akbar, with later embellishments by Jahangir, his son, and Shah Jahan, his grandson.
Return to the station and board the train for the last leg of your journey. Enjoy an Indian evening on board, raising a toast to a memorable experience.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board.
Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
DAY 09 (SATURDAY)
Early this morning the train pulls into New Delhi. Following breakfast on board you will disembark at Safdarjung Station at around 0830 hours.
Bid farewell to the Maharajas’ Express as your ‘Royal Sojourn’ journey comes to an end. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever!
Breakfast on board the Maharajas’ Express.
As you disembark & exit the station you will be met by your guide & proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi.
You will visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India and Humayun’s tomb, the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence).
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities (no vehicle at disposal).
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 10 (SUNDAY)
Early morning, you will be transferred to the international airport to board your onward flight.
NOTE:
All ‘Options’ / ‘Optional Tours’ are on chargeable basis and are subject to availability. Details and pricing will be made available on board during the journey
EMBARKATION & DISEMBARKATION
The point of embarkation & disembarkation for the specific journey as follows:
| Journey | Embarkation | Disembarkation |
| Royal Sojourn | Delhi | Delhi |
Following completion of boarding formalities, you will be transferred to the railway station in an air-conditioned coach and escorted to your cabin.
On your final night on board, the Train Manager will assist with disembarkation formalities which include luggage and clearance of extras.
