India can be overwhelming in the best possible way. There is the Taj Mahal to see, royal forts to wander through, wildlife to encounter and cities where centuries of history still shape everyday life. But what if you could experience some of the country’s most iconic treasures without spending days moving between hotels and airports? A Maharajas’ Express luxury tour brings these experiences together, pairing carefully planned excursions with the comfort of a private, moving retreat.
There are four different options available in Maharajas’ Express, each offering a different view of India. There is a trip for every travel plan, between the cultural splendour of the Indian Panorama and the royal landscapes that are covered by the Indian Splendour and Heritage of India. For travellers with time constraints, the Treasures of India is the best Maharajas’ Express itinerary, a 3-night, 4-day tour of Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur.
It is this balance that makes the experience particularly appealing to international travellers. You can spend the morning exploring a historic monument, return to the train for a leisurely meal, and wake up somewhere completely different the next day.
If time is limited, the Treasures of India journey is the perfect itinerary to see some of North India’s most recognisable sights without compromising on comfort.
The trip then takes you to Agra, where you’ll visit one of the most famous monuments in India, the Taj Mahal, which is a highlight of the trip.
The next stop is Ranthambore, where guests can embark on a wildlife safari in the Ranthambore National Park to spot its iconic Bengal tigers and other creatures in the park.
The final destination is Jaipur, where the itinerary includes visits to Amber Fort, City Palace and Albert Hall Museum. Guests also have dinner at Rambagh Palace, adding a fine-dining experience to the day’s sightseeing before the train continues towards Bikaner on the longer Indian Splendour journey.
The longer trips provide a larger canvas for travellers wishing to explore a bit more. For example, the journey of the Indian Splendour starts from Delhi, making a stop in Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Udaipur before arriving at Mumbai.
On a royal train journey India, a window is a special thing; there is a specialness when boarding the Maharajas’ Express.
The guests stay in the beautifully furnished cabins, and the meals are served in the fine-dining restaurants, Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, of the train. There is also a lounge and bar on the train, where guests can refresh themselves between trips.
Accommodation ranges from Deluxe Cabins and Junior Suites to Suites and the Presidential Suite, giving travellers the freedom to choose the level of space and privacy that suits them.
What makes the luxury India tour by train memorable is the contrast between its destinations. The day may start with the quiet grandeur of the Taj Mahal. The other may lead you to Ranthambore, at the heart of the jungle. In Jaipur, the grandeur of architecture and royal heritage are the highlight, while Bikaner and Jodhpur offer a glimpse into another facet of Rajasthan with their forts, desert scenes and rich heritage.
Other highlights of the Indian Splendour tour include a dinner at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, the sand dunes and sundowners in Bikaner and a special cocktail dinner in Jodhpur at Khaas Bagh. The tour also involves a boat trip on the Pichola Lake in Udaipur, a visit to the City Palace and a time spent in Udaipur’s Old City.
If you are travelling for a luxury train experience in the Golden Triangle, Treasures of India is a short train connecting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, adding a totally new dimension with the addition of Ranthambore.
Touring India by train is in itself a beautiful experience, but travelling in a luxury train is the cherry on the cake. You don’t need to unpack and repack at each stop; just as your cabin is yours, the outside scenery is changing around you. Time is allowed for breakfast as the train passes through the countryside, an excursion ashore after lunch and a dinner on board. It makes a multi-city holiday seem very easy for international visitors who have only ever visited India once.
India has a lot to discover, and the Maharajas’ Express luxury tour makes it possible to experience its monuments, wildlife, cities and royal heritage without having to rush from one destination to the next.
Whether you have only a few days or a full week to spare, a Maharajas’ Express tour itinerary lets you experience India’s most celebrated treasures at a pace that leaves room to look around, take it all in and enjoy the journey itself. After all, one of the best aspects of travelling in India is the way you make the journey and not just the destination.