MUMBAI: Welcome aboard the Maharajas’ Express.

This afternoon, assemble at 1400 hours at The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai and complete your registration and check in formalities at the hotel for the Maharajas’ Express. Following which, you will proceed to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. On arrival you will board the Maharajas’ Express and will be greeted with a welcome drink.

The Maharajas’ Express departs Mumbai at 1640 hours approximately and travels from the land of the Marathas to Gujarat.

Dinner and Overnight on board.

VADODARA: Early this morning, wake up in Vadodara. Relish a sumptuous breakfast, followed by a tour of the city’s highlights. Vadodara is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples and museums.

Begin your tour with the World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient town full of ruins scattered over the foothills of Pavagadh. The Pavagadh hill is one of the oldest rock formations in India. Visit the magnificent Jami Masjid, an architectural marvel built in 1513 with tall minarets and minutely carved gates. Followed by the Kewda Masjid and the Nagina Masjid.

For a sumptuous lunch, travel back more than a century to the ancient Jambughoda Palace and enjoy the hospitality of the feudal family who own this vintage estate.

Return to the city and proceed on a visit to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. A must for every art lover, it exhibits a royal collection of work by the important 19th century painter Raja Ravi Verma. It also displays 19th and 20th centuries European paintings of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo.

Enjoy ‘high tea’ at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1890 is the residence of the Royal family. Witness the grandeur of its ornate Durbar Hall, the Venetian mosaic floor, Belgium stained glass windows and sculptures of bronze and marble by Fellici.

Return to the station and board the train for your onward journey.

Dinner and overnight on board.

UDAIPUR: Wake to the magnificent landscape of the Aravali Hills as you arrive into Udaipur. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and get ready to spend the day exploring one of the most romantic cities in India.

Renowned as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. It is an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region. Picturesque havelis, ghats and temples along Lake Pichola and the lively bazaars make Udaipur one of India’s greatest destinations.

Begin with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. Visit Mor Chowk and see its lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and the spectacular Zenana Mahal.

Feel like a king as you experience the hospitality reminiscent of the days of yore and feast your taste buds over a vast spread of ‘Rajasthani’ delicacies.

Following lunch, proceed on a ‘Walking Tour’ through the Old Market of Udaipur. Browse through the shops selling exquisitely embroidered and printed fabrics, jewellery, paintings and carved wood artefacts and other local crafts.

Return to the luxury of the train and look forward to another exciting journey.

Dinner and overnight on board.

JODHPUR: This morning, the Maharajas’ Express, continues her journey from the pristine environs of Mewar region into the stronghold of the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and lunch on board as your train passes through some of the dramatic landscapes of the Thar Desert, arriving into the Blue City of Jodhpur.

Following lunch, disembark and explore the erstwhile capital of Marwar- Jodhpur. Set like a jewel amidst the golden sands and famous for its magnificent forts and palaces from the Rajput era, it is home to some of the finest architectural wonders.

Proceed on a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower market experiencing the hustle and bustle of the market as well as get an insight of the daily lifestyle of the local residents as you walk through a section of the blue
city, past some of the oldest houses and havelis. Continue to the magnificent Meherangarh Fort.
 
Admire the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches. Tour the palaces and temples built by successive rulers, with priceless jewels and a dazzling collection of arms. The highlight of the day is a Royal Cocktail evening with a wide array of sumptuous Marwar culinary delights served in theRoyal courtyard of Meherangarh Fort as you admire the cityscape from atop.Return to the train and continue your journey to glorious Bikaner. Breakfast on board; Lunch on board; Barbeque at
Meherangarh Fort.

Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

BIKANER: Following a leisurely breakfast, set out to explore the desert kingdom of Bikaner.

The medieval city of Bikaner was once a major centre in the cross-desert caravan trade. Popularly known as Camel Country, Bikaner has the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner’s forts, palaces and temples are splendid creations made in red and yellow sandstone and are living reflections of its rich historical and architectural legacy.

Following lunch, you will disembark and proceed on a visit to the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. While the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat, its real beauty lies inside. Be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal. The Fort Museum is fascinating and adorned with over-the-top costumes and jewellery.

Continue embark upon an experience of a lifetime! Get an up close glimpse into rural India as you are escorted through the surrounding village. Experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for a Sundowner in the Sand Dunes. Enjoy champagne as traditional folk artists like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas mesmerize you with typical Rajasthani folk tunes and dances.

Return to your train and enjoy a sumptuous meal on board.

Dinner and overnight on board.

JAIPUR: Today, you will arrive into the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.

The capital city of Jaipur is truly a pristine jewel in the crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, Jaipur is renowned for its magnificent palaces, forts and temples.

Following disembarkation, your exciting tour of the pink city begins 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 the exhibition game. After the match, enjoy a Cocktail lunch over sparkling wine.

Following lunch continue on a visit to the Amber Fort. Situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, 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. On completing the tour of Amber you will have the opportunity to shop for some of the finest jewellery, textiles and blue pottery for which the city is renowned.

Breakfast on board; Elephant Polo Lunch at a private venue; Dinner on board.

Dinner and overnight on board.

SAWAI MADHOPUR:  On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, get ready for a safari to the Ranthambore National Park. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. It is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard.

Return to the train and continue your journey to the fabled deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Admire the changing landscape as you savour a hearty brunch.

On arrival at the quaint station of Fatehpur Sikri, disembark and proceed 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. Then return to the train to enjoy an ‘Indian night’!

Dinner and Overnight on board.

AGRA: Rise early to witness the magic of sunrise at the world famous Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz. 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 give shape to this poetry in marble.

Continue for a romantic Champagne Breakfast on the lush green lawns of Taj Khema, overlooking the Taj Mahal.

Be welcomed by colourfully attired dancers and musicians who escort you to the gardens.

Following breakfast, return to the train and continue your journey to Delhi (or you have an option to enjoy shopping at Agra, famous for its marble and soapstone inlay).

Bid farewell to the Maharajas’ Express as your ‘Princely India’ journey comes to an end at approximately 1530 hours on arrival into Safdarjung Station.The royal journey is over, but the memory of which will live on forever!