Maharaja Express Royal Sojourn

Overview

There is nothing like the pleasure one derives in daydreaming about a royal life style and then imagine if all this becomes a virtual reality…. The tour with the Indian Maharaja is one such opportunity. The grand journey begins at New Delhi where after a short relaxation the magic begins at Safdarjung. You are ceremoniously ushered to your seat before you begin the royal treat. In this entire tour the travelling is done at night and the sightseeing in the day time so that you get to enjoy without losing a bit of your energy levels.

The first destination Jaipur happens to be one of the picturesque and colourful places of the tour. Be it the costume, the busy bazaars, the spicy cuisine or the magnificent forts and palaces; Jaipur has it all. The royal Observatory in Jaipur also happens to be the UNESCO world site! It is the largest in the world. You get to relax and unwind in the most comfortable coaches of the Indian Maharaja. The service is impeccable and prompt. The attendants are very steadfast and earnest. It is a joy, to witness the sun go down over the hills as you relax with your favourite book or just nice and authentic cup of tea!!

The next destination is home to the best traditional paintings and temples apart from the souvenirs made of the famous Kota stone and the famous Kota muslin!! Then comes a little adventure, with you getting ready to spot the elusive cat in its thick green habitat! The park is the ideal home to several other animals and birds. After the jungle experience it is time to keep the hunting hat and the binoculars a rest because the next destination calls for the poetic and not the wild ‘you’. Agra waits with jewel on the river bank; the beautiful Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and other attractions.

The royal journey comes to an end at New Delhi again. The short, but a truly magnificent journey, is certainly worth a repeat.               

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

Later in the evening you will be transferred to Safdarjung Railway Station to begin the epic journey, where on arrival at 2030 hours approximately, complete your registration and check in formalities as you enjoy a welcome drink. The Maharajas’ Express departs Delhi at around 2200 hours to Jaipur. Dinner on board

Day 03 - Jaipur

Arrive in Jaipur – the ‘Pink City’ of India. Following arrival begin your exciting sightseeing tour of the City Palace Museum. 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. 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. FULL BOARD

Day 04 - Jaipur

This morning, following breakfast on board, you will get the opportunity to visit the 11th century Amber Fort. Continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the “Anokhi Textile Museum” of hand-block printing; 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. Return to the luxury of the train. Enjoy dinner on board as Maharajas’ Express proceeds for its next exciting destination, Kota. FULL BOARD

Day 05 - Kota

Today you arrive in the south eastern region of Rajasthan into the historical city of Kota. Following breakfast on board disembark and proceed for a boat cruise on river Chambal. After the cruise you return to the train to relish a sumptuous lunch. Following lunch, visit Maharao Madho Singh Museum and Garh Palace. Later in the evening proceed for Gala dinner at Umed Bhawan Palace. Return to the luxury of the train. FULL BOARD

Day 06 - Ranthambore NP

Enjoy relaxed morning onboard the train, following a leisurely breakfast. OR Avail optional excursion to the famous cotton-silk weavers’ colonies at Kaithoon. Enjoy lunch onboard as you ride through the countryside of Rajasthan, as you cruise your way to the town of Sawai Madhopur. On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, get ready for an exciting safari to the 'Ranthambore National Park'. After the drive return to the comforts of the Maharajas’ Express and relish dinner. FULL BOARD

Day 07 - Agra

This morning prepare yourself for an early morning game drive into Ranthambore National Park. 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. On arrival, disembark and visit the world famous Taj Mahal. FULL BOARD

Day 08 - Agra

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. OR You may visit Itmad-ud-Daulah. 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 the Agra Fort. 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. FULL BOARD

Day 09 - 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 ‘Royal Sojourn’ journey comes to an end. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever!

Day 10 - 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 your 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.