Discover India with the Amazing Luxury Train Maharaja Express

[Alina Jack]

India is incredible, with its gigantic forts, sumptuous palaces, and rich flora and fauna. Embark on a fascinating journey to discover all this and more with the Maharaja Express, the most popular luxury train not only in India but also in the world. Every suite is inspired by the classic salons of the erstwhile Indian princes, but equipped with modern amenities. Every en-suite cabin of the most popular luxury train in India is equipped with the best of amenities  (including climate control system, TV, phones, WiFi). Andtwo exquisitely designed dining cars serve meals cooked by master chefs, on fine gold-plated Limoges plates and in Swarovski crystal. You can spend the leisure in the spacious lounge, known as Rajah Club, sipping your favorite drink from the well-stocked bar.

Which Destinations Are Covered?

Maharaja Express has seven itineraries, which take you through the heritage sites and famous national parks of the country. Here are the five itineraries:

The Heritage of India (7 nights/ 8 days)

The Heritage of India Journey takes you to some of the country's main UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ajanta, the famous rock cut caves of the 2nd century BCE; the lake city Udaipur, known for its exquisite palaces and enchanting lakes; the sun city Jodhpur, where the mighty forts and luxurious residences of the traders portray the gallantry and the sophisticated lifestyle of ancient Rajasthan; and Bikaner, where visitors can experience desert life, riding on camels through the massive Thar Desert, and enjoying campfires. Additionally, a day is spent in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur sightseeing, relishing authentic cuisine and shopping the leather shoes, boutique printed apparels and traditional handicrafts, followed by Ranthambhore National Park, where you'll be thrilled to see Royal Bengal Tigers in their natural habitat; and finally the most famous of all - one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the astonishing Taj Mahal in Agra.

Gems of India (3 nights/ 4 days)

This more abbreviated journey first takes you to Agra and the Taj Mahal (among other gems of Mughal architecture), then to the tigers of Ranthambhore National Park, finishing up in Jaipur with its amazing Rajput architecture and fablous shopping.


Indian Panorama (7 nights/ 8 days)

Through north India, the first stop is at Jaipur, and a fter a royal elephant ride and sightseeing tour, the train moves on to Ranthambhore National Park, followed by Gwalior, a city of elegant palaces in Madhya Pradesh state. Next stop in that same state is Khajuraho, a collection of temples known for their breathtaking architecture and fine sculptures (some of them erotic in nature). The next day is spent at one of the world's oldest continuously occupied cities (and Hinduism's holiest), Varanasi. The last stop is Lucknow, full of Islamic and British colonial architecture, fascinating bazaars, and famed throughout India for its food.

Indian Splendor (7 nights/ 8 days)

Witness the sublime beauty of Taj Mahal, followed by a visit to the Ranthambhore National Park. Enjoy camel rides outside Bikaner; stroll through the bygone and contemporary splendors of Jodhpur; drink in the beauty of Udaipur by boat; and spend some unique moments at the Dinosaur Fossil Park outside the Gujarat state city of Balasinor, with both recreated dinos and fossilized remains from the world's third largest dinosaur excavation site.

Treasures of India (3 nights/ 4 days)

A variation covering Agra, Ranthambhore National Park, and Jaipur.