Maharajas' Express: The Indian Panorama (Tour code: 14202)

This morning, gather at Delhi Safdarjung station at approximately 07:00am to complete your check-in formalities. The train will depart for Jaipur at 08:15am. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board. Join the team onboard for a tour briefing and meet the crew during this exciting journey. After lunch onboard, disembark to visit the Amber Fort. Set in the picturesque and rugged hills, this fort is a captivating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh, the fort is built from red sandstone and white marble. Its imposing exterior conceals an inner paradise, a stunning fusion of art and architecture. Amber is a classic, romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura.

A short jeep ride will take you to the fort, where you can enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, offering striking views of the gorge. Step back into the Mughal era as you explore the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal) and the Hall of Victory.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Amber Fort

After enjoying breakfast on board, disembark to visit the City Palace galleries, including the Textile Museum, and Arts Museum. Return to the train for lunch. After lunch, relax on board or choose to participate in the optional activities.

In the evening, proceed for an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace Hotel. Built in 1835, this palace served as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1925 to 1957, before being converted into a luxury hotel. The palace retains its royal splendour with hand-carved marble latticework and elaborate gardens.

Return to the comforts of the Maharajas’ Express as it departs for Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore).

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Jaipur

Upon arriving in Sawai Madhopur early in the morning, prepare for a safari in Ranthambore National Park. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was designated a national park in 1973. The park is renowned for its frequent sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyenas and leopard. While the wildlife may differ from that of Africa, you are truly fortunate if you catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger or the shy leopard.

Embark on an early morning game drive. The safari takes place in open vehicles, and the ride can be quite bumpy and dusty. It is advisable to carry warm clothing during the winter months.

Return to the train and enjoy breakfast as you continue your journey towards the fabled, deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Savour lunch while admiring the changing landscape.

Upon arrival at the quaint station of Fatehpur Sikri, disembark and explore its fascinating attractions, including imposing gateways, halls of private and public audience and beautifully sculpted palaces with unique water features, showcasing a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century as his capital, this deserted red sandstone city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Return to the comforts of the Maharajas’ Express as the train continues its journey towards the enchanting city of Agra. Known as the jewel of India and home to one of the world’s most iconic architectural wonders—the Taj Mahal—Agra is a legendary city celebrated for its spectacular monuments and picturesque setting.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Fatehpur Sikri

Disembark early in the morning and set off to visit the world-renowned Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this extraordinary mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen, Mumtaz. Entirely constructed from white marble, the Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece, adorned with intricate inlay work and marble screens.

Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at the Taj Khema, a hilltop lawn offering a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal.

Following breakfast, return to the train for lunch. The afternoon is at your leisure, or you may choose to participate in optional activities.

In the evening, return to the train for dinner as it continues its journey towards Orchha.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Taj Mahal

Disembark at Orchha railway station to explore the charming village of Orchha, known for its rustic charm and traditional lifestyle. Visit Orchha Fort, a majestic structure built over several decades in the 1500s by the Bundela rulers, overlooking the Betwa River. A brief Tuk Tuk ride will give you a glimpse of village life in the hinterland. Return to the train for breakfast.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as the train continues its journey through some of the most dramatic and picturesque landscapes towards Khajuraho. Khajuraho is celebrated for its remarkable architecture and exquisite sculptures. Constructed between 950 and 1050 AD in a burst of inspired creativity, the temples are outstanding examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. 

Upon arrival, embark on a tour of the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the western group of temples, which includes some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak, including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Afterwards, return to the train to enjoy an ‘Indian Evening’ as it continues its journey to Varanasi.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Orchha Fort

As you enjoy breakfast on board today, your journey takes you through lush agricultural fields, leading to the sacred city of Varanasi. Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, with a spiritual heritage spanning over 3,000 years. This revered pilgrimage site, situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, captures the vibrant chaos and rich colour of India. Here, you will find bustling bazaars, exquisite silks, lively festivals, temples, mosques and palaces.

After disembarking, proceed to Hotel Taj Ganges for lunch. Following lunch, visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath. Afterwards, embark on a boat cruise along the Ganges, with a stop at a Silk Weaving Centre where you can browse or purchase the world-famous Banarasi silk saris and brocades.

Enjoy a picturesque cruise on the Ganges and experience the enchanting evening aarti at the river's ghats.

Return to the train, where dinner will be served on board. The train will then depart for Delhi.

Overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Varanasi

Savour a relaxed breakfast on board as the train reaches Delhi. Disembark at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station at approximately 12:30pm as your tour comes to an end. Farewell. 

Delhi