Stepping onto the rich red carpet at Delhi Safdarjung railway station, you immediately sense that this is no ordinary train journey. A traditional flower garland settles around your neck while musicians play soft classical notes in the background, signalling the start of a luxury heritage train tour. The Maharajas’ Express isn’t just about moving from one destination to another across India; it’s a moving palace designed to recreate the lavish lifestyle once enjoyed solely by India’s royalty. For travellers seeking a seamless blend of historic magnificence, rich culture, and world-class comfort, this journey transforms standard sightseeing into an immersive, grand adventure.
The train reveals an eye for detail from the very first moment you enter the train, instantly taking you to the essence of the grandest havelis and palaces of Rajasthan. Every corridor is graced by intricate carvings in wood, soft ambient lighting and rich upholstery in silk. Whether it is a Deluxe Room or the huge Presidential Suite with its entire carriage, each room is furnished with all the modern comforts: individual climate control, a private en-suite bathroom, and large panoramic windows overlooking India’s ever-changing scene.
A dedicated butler will attend to every little detail and make sure that your favourite drink is ready after your afternoon stroll, or your evening clothes are ironed and ready for your dinner. Two themed dining cars, Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal, set with gold-bordered fine porcelain and crystal glassware, serve custom multi-course menus which include authentic Indian regional specialities and international classic dishes.
The journeys on the Indian Railways Maharaja Express are well planned to keep a balance between the well-known tourist spots and the historical ones which have not been explored. Your private sanctuary travels with you wherever you go, rather than worrying about logistics, regional road connections, or checking in and out of hotel rooms.
A typical journey weaves through well-known attractions in North and Central India:
Agra: Catch the morning sun upon the white marble of the Taj Mahal, then enjoy the privilege of private access to historical monuments.
Ranthambore: Leave the palace corridors for an open-top safari in former royal hunting grounds and see wild Bengal tigers.
Jaipur & Jodhpur: Visit the majestic forts of Amber Fort and Mehrangarh Fort and watch the sunset on the cliffside with private meals in real palace estates.
Bikaner: Step off the beaten path for sundowner cocktails amid the rolling sand dunes, accompanied by local folk musicians and dancers under a starlit desert sky .
All off-train excursions are fully guided by local guides, and all transportation, entry tickets and cold refreshments will be sorted out in advance.
For international visitors and overseas Indians travelling from abroad, navigating transport across distant cities can feel daunting. The train takes that friction away altogether. From royal dining to local transportation to special excursions and entertainment on board, it’s all bundled into one transparent package. Recognising its commitment to exceptional service and travel standards, international travel organisations have voted it the world’s best luxury train for multiple consecutive years.
Reserving a cabin on board requires planning ahead, as departures are limited to the cooler travel season between October and April, and suites often sell out months in advance. Knowing how to book Maharajas’ express ticket comes down to visiting the official booking portal online or contacting authorised luxury travel partners. The site offers the ability to compare cabin classes, to see and book fixed schedules, to find out exactly what you will get and to take advantage of special seasonal offers.
Travelling across North India on a luxury heritage train tour offers a rare perspective of travelling through the land of royal tales. It turns history into a private palace dinner, a desert sundowner and amazing sunrises, just from the window of your cabin. Soar through the heavens with the Maharajas’ Express and get to experience the warmth of Indian hospitality coupled with unmatched grandeur.