Maharaja Express Classical India

Overview

Travelling like the way kings and queens did in their times is not an uncommon fancy amongst travellers of all ages. This fancy and whim becomes reality when you travel in the luxury train in India which is rightly called the land of turbaned maharajas.

Apart from the destinations one gets to live the royal way with omnipresent khidmatgars, at your service, plush coaches to stay in and the food that is cooked by master chefs. The tour gives you the chance to know the vibrant culture, lifestyle and also the religious fabric of India in the age old traditions and the beautiful temples like in Gwalior and Varanasi. The temples at Khajuraho have an altogether different feel. It is known for the erotic architecture on the temple walls.

Yet another element of adventure is added by the wild life excursion at Bandhavgarh National Park. The old fort ruins, gurgling brooks, green deciduous forests and the variety of wild life is simply amazing. The luxury train helps you restore all the energy levels with its recreational activities on board. The Maharaja Express then towards the fag end of the tour takes you to the land of the Nawabs, kebabs, elegance and sophistication in language and lifestyle-Lucknow!! Some of the best master chef’s right from the Mughal era belong to this place.

The dream like journey ends at Delhi.

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Delhi

Arrive Delhi, meet and transfer to your hotel. Later proceed for orientation tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Qutub Minar – the 239ft sandstone tower. Drive past the India Gate; Parliament House [exterior] and the President’s Palace. Visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of Nation was cremated; drive past the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk.

Day 02 - Delhi

After breakfast you will be transferred to Safdarjung Railway Station to begin the epic journey, where on arrival at 0830 hours approximately, complete your registration and check in formalities as you enjoy a welcome drink. The Maharajas’ Express departs Delhi at around 1000 hours to Agra. Arrive Agra and proceed for city tour of Agra – visiting Agra Fort and Hi tea atop Taj Khema in the backdrop of splendid Taj Mahal. FULL BOARD

Day 03 - Gwalior

Early this morning, disembark to visit the world famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. Return to the train and enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you journey through the fascinating Chambal ravines which served as the home to some of India’s most notorious dacoits. Following disembarkation, continue for lunch to the Usha Kiran Palace. After lunch, proceed on a tour of the magnificent Gwalior Fort and Jai Vilas Palace Museum. FULL BOARD

Day 04 - Khajuraho

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board the train as she continues her journey through some of the most dramatic and picturesque environs towards Khajuraho. On arrival in Orchha, disembark and venture on tour of the quaint domain of the Bundela Kings. Visit the Jahangiri Mahal. Return to the train and continue onwards to the temple city of Khajuraho. On arrival proceed on a tour of the magnificent temples of Khajuraho. FULL BOARD

Day 05 - Bandhavgarh NP

This morning, as you enjoy breakfast the train rolls into Umaria. Disembark and prepare yourself for an exciting drive to the Bandhavgarh National Park. FULL BOARD

Day 06 - Varanasi

Today as you enjoy breakfast, your journey continues from the royal jungles through rich agricultural fields, arriving into the holy city of Varanasi. Following disembarkation, your tour begins with the visit to ancient ruins of Sarnath. After a sumptuous lunch, visit the world famous Varanasi Silk Weaving Centre. Later proceed for a scenic cruise on the river Ganges and witness a magical evening aarti at the ghats of the holy Ganges. FULL BOARD

Day 07 - Lucknow

Enjoy traversing through the lush green agricultural belt of Uttar Pradesh as you relish your breakfast on board. Late morning, the Maharajas’ Express slowly pulls into the fabled ‘City of Nawabs’, Lucknow. This morning you will explore the dramatic ruins of Imperialistic Lucknow as you visit The Residency, the famous ‘Rumi Darwaza’, a beautifully ornamented gateway; the spectacular Bada Imambara considered being the largest vaulted apartment in the world comprising of ornamental gateways, corridors and galleries. FULL BOARD

Day 08 - Delhi

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 ‘Classical India’ journey comes to an end. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever!

Day 09 - Delhi

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Delhi International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to you next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.