Guest Reviews

Recognized as Tour Operators by Ministry of Tourism
Govt. of India
Maharaja Express - Celestial India
From
USD 740 pp/pn
Day 01 / Saturday: Board the Maharajas’ Express in Kolkata – Onto Gaya
KOLKATA: Welcome on board the Maharajas’ Express.
Commence your epic journey at the Kolkata railway station. On arrival, you will proceed towards the Maharajas' Express and complete the pre-boarding formalities as you enjoy a welcome drink.
The Maharajas' Express departs Kolkata in the evening and travels to Gaya.
Dinner and Overnight on board.
 
Day 02 / Sunday : Gaya

GAYA: An early morning arrival gets you into Gaya. Gaya, with a rich cultural past, is one of the most sacred centers for Hindu pilgrims.
Following breakfast, proceed to Nalanda, an important seat of learning in ancient India. Its ruins indicate the presence of more than 2000 teachers and 10,000 students from all over the world.
After visiting these magnificent ruins enjoy lunch at Rajgir.
After lunch, drive to Bodh Gaya – the place where Prince Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree and came to be known as Lord Buddha. Visit the Maha Bodhi Temple complex dedicated to Lord Buddha; recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Return to Gaya and rejoin the train for your onward journey.
Dinner and Overnight on board.
 

Day 03 / Monday : Varanasi
VARANASI: Rise early and arrive into the legendary city of Varanasi. Following an early morning tea / coffee, get ready to witness a spectacular sunrise over the sacred Ganges.
Begin the morning with a scenic cruise on the river Ganges. Witness the spectacle of pilgrims ritually bathing, holy men practicing yoga and invoking the dawn. Continue for a walk through the twisting alleys absorbing the hustle and bustle of the Old City.
After breakfast, visit the world famous Varanasi Silk Weaving Centre. You can even shop for some world famous Banarasi silk saris and brocades.
Following lunch, visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon expounding the principles of Buddhism. Visit the ruins, stupa and the Ashoka Pillar, whose four back-to-back lions have been adopted as India’s national emblem.
Return to the comfort of the train and get ready for a thrilling ride into the wild.
Dinner and Overnight on board.
 
 
Day 04 / Tuesday : Umaria (Bandhavgarh National Park)
UMARIA: Very early this morning, you will arrive into Umaria. Following a quick tea / coffee, you proceed on drive to the Bandhavgarh National Park for an exciting game drive.
A wildlife retreat where history and nature meet, Bandhavgarh is a small national park with the highest known density of tigers. Dominated by a large fort, this park was the former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Rewa. The grasslands and sal forests harbor a healthy population of tigers, as well as deer, langur, monkeys, sloth bear and wonderful birds. On top of the escarpment is a temple with its own priest, whose approach is guarded by a beautiful, sleeping Vishnu at the base of the cliff.
Following brunch, you will enjoy some time at leisure and also have the opportunity to visit a village and familiarize yourself with the local culture.
Return to the station at Umaria and continue the journey to your next destination.
Dinner and Overnight on board
 
Day 05 / Wednesday : Khajuraho
KHAJURAHO: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and get ready to spend the day exploring the erotic architecture of the temples of Khajuraho.
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is renowned for its architecture and exquisite sculptures. Built between 950 and 1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity, the temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture.
Proceed on a tour of the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Western group which constitutes some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak. Continue to the Eastern group of temples. Visit the exquisite Jain Temples and admire some of the finest sculpture and carvings.
Following lunch, familiarize yourself with the local culture and the rural lifestyle of the villagers on a guided Village Walk.
Return to the luxury of your train, looking forward to another exciting journey.
Dinner and Overnight on board.
 
Day 06 / Thursday : Agra
AGRA: Early this morning, you will arrive into Agra. Relish a sumptuous breakfast; following which, you will disembark.
Agra, the jewel of India, is home to one of the world’s great architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental masterpieces and picturesque setting, Agra is a city glorified by time.
Proceed to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. Wander through lavishly decorated halls, courtyards and alcoves glimpsing the Taj Mahal in the distance.
Head to the Taj Khema, a tableland overlooking the Taj Mahal where colourful ‘khemas’ (decorated tents) are set up for a romantic Champagne Lunch. You will be welcomed by colourfully attired dancers and musicians who escort you to the gardens.
Continue on a visit to the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World and a fine example of fusion of many architectural styles, it was built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. This incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work.
Enjoy shopping at Agra, famous for its marble and soapstone inlay work, as well as handicrafts, embroidered fabrics, leather goods, brassware, carpets, pashmina shawls, textiles, precious and semi-precious gems and exquisite jewellery.
Rejoin the train and continue your eventful journey to princely Gwalior.
Dinner and Overnight on board.
 
Day 07 / Friday : Gwalior
GWALIOR: Early this morning, you will arrive into Gwalior. Following a leisurely breakfast, set out to explore the city.
A living heritage of heroism steeped in the splendour of its past, the ancient capital of Gwalior has made a successful transition into a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling.
Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Gwalior Fort, the city's most famous landmark that contains within its wall several interesting temples and ruined palaces - the marvellous Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Sas Bahu Ka Mandir and Suraj Kund.
Continue for lunch to the Usha Kiran Palace and get welcomed in true Gwalior tradition. Enter this 120-year-old palace, which has played host to the King of England and is now a heritage hotel. Set amidst 9 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns, this regal palace, rich in history, is outfitted with artistic stone carvings and delicate filigree work.
Following lunch, explore the Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum. Located in the new town, the palace belongs to the Scindia family. Although the current Maharaja still lives in a portion of the palace, a large part of it is now a museum. The Scindia Museum displays royal memorabilia and a remarkable collection of artifacts from around the world.
Enjoy Cocktails at the Palace Gardens, following which, you will head back to the station and board the train for your onward journey.
Dinner and Overnight on board.
 
Day 08 / Saturday : Disembark in Delhi
DELHI: Early this morning, following breakfast, you will disembark in the capital city of Delhi. Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express as you proceed on a tour exploring the fascinating sites of Delhi where the ancient and modern co-exist in perfect harmony. Savor gastronomic delights over lunch, as your 'Celestial India' journey comes to an end.

The mystical journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever!
 
* Price quoted for base category cabin on Twin Sharing Basis
* Price is Nett & Non-Commissionable
 

 

 


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