Guest Reviews

Recognized as Tour Operators by Ministry of Tourism
Govt. of India
Maharaja Express - Royal India
From
USD 755 pp/pn
Day 01 / Sunday: Board the Maharajas’ Express in Delhi – Onto Agra

DELHI: Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express.
The epic journey kicks off at the Safardjung Railway station. On arrival, proceed towards the Maharajas’ Express and complete the pre-boarding formalities as you enjoy a welcome drink.
The Maharajas’ Express departs Delhi this morning to Agra.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board. On arrival in Agra, enjoy a tour of the spectacular monuments of the city. Proceed to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through lavishly decorated halls, courtyards and alcoves glimpsing the Taj Mahal in the distance.
Imagine dining outdoors on a hillock overlooking the magnificent Taj Mahal; on the lush green lawns of the Taj Khema is a tableland overlooking the Taj Mahal where colourful 'khemas' (decorated tents) are set up for a romantic Champagne Lunch.
Continue on a visit to the world famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a fine example of fusion of many architectural styles. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as the mausoleum for his favorite queen Mumtaz Mahal, it took almost 22 years to build it by almost 22,000 skilled artisans.
Enjoy some free time for shopping. Agra is famous for its marble and soapstone inlay work, as well as embroidered fabrics, leather goods, brassware, carpets and jewellery.
Return to the comfort of the train. Dinner and Overnight on board.

Day 02 / Monday : Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) - Jaipur

 SAWAI MADHOPUR: On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, get ready for an exciting safari to the 'Ranthambore National Park'. 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 every bird watcher's paradise.   
Return to the train for a hearty brunch; relax and unwind as your journey continues to Jaipur.
Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India's most well planned cities. Indulge in a bit of retail therapy as you visit the bustling markets of Jaipur. Being every shopper's paradise, Jaipur is the perfect place to shop for handicrafts, antiques, jewellery, pottery, carpets, textiles, metalwork and leatherwork.
Continue to visit the fabulous 'Amber Fort', situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. A short jeep ride takes you up to the hilltop. Carry on by jeep to the romantic hamlet of Kukas situated amidst the Aravali hills for a unique and enthralling experience – an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match with Champagne and Dinner.
Return to the station and board the train for your onward journey. Overnight on board.

Day 03 / Tuesday : Bikaner

BIKANER: Early this morning, you will arrive Bikaner, popularly known as the Came Country. Following a leisurely breakfast, set out to explore the desert kingdom of Bikaner. 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.
Your excursion starts off by visiting Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress which has never been conquered. The real beauty of this fort lies inside. Be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), the Hawa Mahal, the Badal Mahal and the Anup Mahal. The Fort Museum is fascinating and adorned with over-the-top costumes and jewellery.
Continue for an extravagant lunch to a majestic palace sprawled like an oasis in the midst of the desert region.
In the late afternoon, 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.
Rejoin the train and continue your journey to Jodhpur. Dinner and Overnight on board.

Day 04 / Wednesday : Jodhpur

JODHPUR: After a decadent early breakfast, disembark at Jodhpur, also known as the 'Blue City'.
Famous for its magnificent forts and palaces reflecting the architectural splendours of the Rajput era, the city is home to the finest Rajput buildings. They include the Mehrangarh Fort; Jaswant Thada and the charming Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Enjoy an exciting off the beaten track jeep safari through the arid countryside south of Jodhpur, to the neighboring rural village of Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat clan. Your Village Safari takes you into homes of the local villagers where you will witness traditional folk rituals and see village artisans at work.
Continue for lunch to Rohet Garh, the ancestral home of the Rathores since 1622 AD, now a leading Heritage Hotel. Post lunch proceed to the extravagant Mehrangarh Fort. Be amazed by 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.
Return to the train and continue your journey to glorious Udaipur. Dinner and Overnight on board.

Note: The sightseeing might be split into two groups whereby Group-A will proceed on tour as per the above schedule and Group-B will undertake the tour in the reverse i.e. visit Mehrangarh Fort in the morning followed by lunch at Rohet Garh and Village Safari.

Day 05 / Thursday : Udaipur

UDAIPUR: Wake to the magnificent scenery 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. Begin with a visit to the City Palace and then 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.
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.

Day 06 / Friday : Vadodara
VADODARA:  Early this morning, you will arrive into Vadodara. Relish a sumptuous breakfast, following which, you will disembark and enjoy a tour of the city highlights.
Begin your tour with a visit to the World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient town full of ruins scattered over the foothills of Pavagadh. 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. Enjoy 'high tea' at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. 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.
Day 07 / Saturday : Disembark in Mumbai

MUMBAI: Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark in the financial capital city of Mumbai. Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express and proceed on a tour unraveling the mysteries of this metropolis. Feast your taste buds over a scrumptious lunch as your ‘Royal India’ journey comes to an end.

The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever!

* Price quoted for base category cabin on twin share basis * Price is nett and non commissionable

 

 

 


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