maharaja express

Maharaja Express

The Maharajas' Express is a luxury train owned and operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. It runs on 5 circuits covering more than 12 destinations across North-West and Central India, mainly centered on Rajasthan between the months of October to April.The Maharajas' Express was voted "The World's Leading Luxury Train" thrice, in a row at The World Travel Awards, 2012, 2013 and 2014.It is the most expensive luxury train in Asia.

TARIFF 2016 - 2017Heritage of India (8 Days/ 7 Nights)

Adult Single SupplementDeluxe Cabins USD 6,840.00 USD 5,160.00Junior Suite USD 9,890.00 USD 8,910.00Suite USD 13,800.00 USD 13,800.00Presidential Suite

USD 23,700.00 USD 23,700.00

Treasures of India (4 Days/ 3 Nights)


USD 12,900.00 USD 12,900.00

Gems of India(4 Days/ 3 Nights)


USD 12,900.00 USD 12,900.00

Indian Panorama (8 Days/ 7 Nights)


USD 23,700.00 USD 23,700.00

Indian Splendor (8 Days/ 7 Nights)


USD 23,700.00 USD 23,700.00

Heritage of India

Starting From: $6,840*

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Destinations Covered: Mumbai - Ajanta - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi

Treasures of India


Duration: 3 nights/4 daysDestinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur – DelhiGems of IndiaStarting From: $3,850*Duration: 3 Nights / 4 DaysDestinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi

Indian Panorama

Starting From: $5,980*Duration: 7 Nights / 8 DaysDestinations Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Lucknow – Delhi

Indian Splendor


Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Destinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur -

Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Balasinor – Mumbai

DEPARTURE DATES FOR SEASON 2016-17 & 2017-18

Months Dates Journey

October, 2016 Sun, 2nd Treasures of India

October, 2016 Sat, 8th The Indian Panorama

October, 2016 Sat, 15th The Indian Splendor

October, 2016 Sat, 22nd The Heritage of India

October, 2016 Sun, 30th Treasures of India

November, 2016 Wed, 2nd Gems of India

November, 2016 Sat, 5th The Indian Panorama

November, 2016 Sat, 12th The Indian Splendor

November, 2016 Sat, 19th The Heritage of India

November, 2016 Sun, 27th Treasures of India

November, 2016 Wed, 30th Gems of India

December, 2016 Sat, 3rd The Indian Panorama

December, 2016 Sat, 10th The Indian Splendor

December, 2016 Sat, 17th The Heritage of India

December, 2016 Sun, 25th Treasures of India

December, 2016 Wed, 28th Gems of India

December, 2016 Sat, 31st The Indian Panorama

January, 2017 Sat, 7th The Indian Splendor

January, 2017 Sat, 14th The Heritage of India

January, 2017 Sun, 22nd Treasures of India

January, 2017 Wed, 25th Gems of India

January, 2017 Sat, 28th The Indian Panorama

February, 2017 Sat, 4th The Indian Splendor

February, 2017 Sat, 11th The Heritage of India

February, 2017 Sun, 19th Treasures of India

February, 2017 Wed, 22nd Gems of India

February, 2017 Sat, 25th The Indian Panorama

March, 2017 Sat, 4th The Indian Splendor

March, 2017 Sat, 11th The Heritage of India

March, 2017 Sun, 19th Treasures of India

March, 2017 Wed, 22nd Gems of India

March, 2017 Sat, 25th The Indian Panorama

April, 2017 Sat, 1st The Indian Splendor

April, 2017 Sat, 8th The Heritage of India

April, 2017 Sun, 16th Treasures of India

History

The luxury train service was started in March 2010. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) and Cox and Kings India Ltd., had signed a joint venture to set up a

company called Royale Indian Rail Tours Ltd. (RIRTL) to oversee the functioning and management of the Maharaja Express. This joint venture was terminated on 12 August 2011 and the train is now being operated exclusively by IRCTC.

COACHESThe Maharajas Express has a total of 14 guest carriages which have got its names after various precious stones such as Moti (Pearl), Heera (diamond), Neelam (Blue Sapphire), Feeroza (Turquoise), Monga (Coral), Pukhraj (Sapphire) and so on. In these carriages are fitted luxury cabins that are segregated in four categories - Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite and Presidential Suite. Out of these, the Presidential Suite, called Navratna spreads itself in an entire carriage is inclusive of two bedrooms, a separate living area, a dining room and a modern private bathroom with a bath tub. These cabins and suites have the capacity of accommodating 88 guests.

The tasteful and royal décor has taken its inspiration from the carriages of the erstwhile royalty of the country which is unmatched for. The cabins are adorned with rich tapestry, linen, upholstery, wall-to-wall carpeting, semi-precious stones and antiques. During your journey, enjoy the beautiful scenery whizzing by from the huge panoramic windows. While having a traditional royal décor, the spacious cabins offer every modern-day facility at par with the International standards. Every cabin is well-appointed with services and amenities like LCD TV, Direct Dial Telephone, choice of twin or king-size bed, Channel music, electronic safety deposit, private bathrooms with plus toiletries, DVD players and much more.

During your stay in these luxury cabins, you can enjoy the impeccable services of the well-mannered, dedicated and courteous staff.

FACILITIESDining Car Lounge

Bar Bedroom Cabins

ITINERARY

Heritage of India Journey(7 Nights / 8 Days)

Mumbai - Ajanta - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi

Day 1 Mumbai

Welcome to a regal journey aboard the Maharajas Express as you embark on Heritage of India tour. In the evening you will check in and enjoy a warm welcome even as you complete your registration formalities. Proceed towards Ajanta, your first destination in the circuit.Dinner and overnight stay onboard the Maharaja train.

Day 2 Ajanta

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Ajanta Caves, the rock-cut caves dating back to 2nd century B.C. and comprising of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sculpted art.Return to the train for a hearty lunch. Evening at leisure Dinner and overnight stay onboard the train.

Day 3 Udaipur

Post breakfast; embark on a sightseeing tour to the City Palace complex and Crystal gallery. Indulge in a Royal Lunch at either Satkar Mahal or Fatehprakash Palace/Jag Mandir Post lunch, return to the train or embark on a walking tour across Old Bazaar, go for a spa session at leading hotel in the city, or attend the light and sound show (if the time allows)Dinner and overnight stay on-board the train.

Day 4 Jodhpur

On the 4th day of the tour itinerary, you will arrive in the sun city of Rajasthan - Jodhpur. Morning at leisure or optionally you may embark on a tour to Bishnoi Village or a spa session at leading hotel in the city. Lunch will be served on board.Following lunch, you may choose to rejuvenate yourself with spa facilities at a 5 star hotel, visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada or else go for a private shopping tour. In the evening today, an exclusive Royal Cocktail evening is arranged for you with cultural performance (puppet show) at Hanwant Mahal which will be concluded with a show of fireworks. Later, return to train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 Bikaner

On arrival in the city, you can take an optional tour to either Deshnok temples or Lalgarh Palace Museum In the afternoon, you will head to the Junagarh Fort. Return to the train for lunch.Post lunch, take a ride on a camel cart nearby Sam sand dunes with a stop over at Gajner Palace for tea. Later in the evening,

enjoy a sand dune excursion followed by cultural performances by the Kalbeliya and Langa artists accompanied with sundowner cocktails. Overnight stay aboard the train.

Day 6 Jaipur

Post-breakfast; explore the unassailable Amber Fort Later, proceed to City Palace/Jai Mahal Palace for an exclusive Elephant Activity where guests may choose to indulge to paint them, feed them or take a joy ride followed by lunch.Post lunch, visit the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar). Optionally, you may also choose activities such as Spa facilities at a Palace hotel, visit to Amer Fort, private shopping tour or a golf session at Rambagh Golf club. Later, return to train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7 Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore National Park) - Agra

Post breakfast, enjoy an early morning jeep safari through the Ranthambore National Park. Post safari, savor on the lunch aboard the Maharajas' Express while you will travel down to Fatehpur Sikri, your next destination. On reaching the city, you can visit the local attractions housed here such as Buland Darwaza and Panch Mahal. Fatehpur Sikri is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site.In the evening, return to the train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 Agra - Delhi

Early morning on the last day of the sojourn, you will travel to Agra, home to the grand structure Taj Mahal. Pride of India, Taj Mahal is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, you can take delight in a lavish breakfast accompanied by Champagne at Taj Khema. While you treat yourself to a grand lunch aboard the Maharajas' Express, the train will traverse back to Delhi to mark the end of the voyage aboard this India luxury train. The Heritage of India sojourn comes to an end.

Indian Panorama Journey

(7 Nights / 8 Days)Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Lucknow – Delhi

Day 1 Delhi - Jaipur

Arrive at the Safdarjung Railway Station to commence the Indian Panorama tour aboard the Maharajas Train. Soon after the boarding formalities are over, you will be given a traditional Indian welcome and ushered to your cabins. Very soon the train will chug its way out of the station and towards Jaipur.

Day 2 Jaipur

Arrive in the city of Kachwaha kings, Jaipur, the pink city. Post breakfast on board, proceed towards Amber Fort.Later, proceed to City Palace/Jai Mahal Palace for an exclusive Elephant Activity where guests may choose to indulge to paint them, feed them or take a joy ride followed by lunch. Post lunch, visit the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar). Optionally, you may also choose activities such as Spa facilities at a Palace hotel, visit to City Palace, private shopping tour or a golf session at Rambagh Golf club.Post lunch, you can take an optional tour for shopping or local sightseeing to the City Palace complex and Jantar Mantar or choose to play golf or indulge in a rejuvenating spa session. Dinner and overnight stay aboard the train.

Day 3 Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri

The train will arrive in Sawai Madhopur in the morning. You will be served your breakfast on board the train before proceeding for a game safari in Ranthambore National ParkPost safari trip, enjoy lip-smacking cuisines in the lunch while the train enters into the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival in

the city, disembark the train and explore the length and breadth of Sikri Fort. Return to the train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 Agra - Gwalior

Early morning on the 4th day, disembark the train and visit Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Champanage breakfast atop the Taj Khema with sunset views to feast on will add a delightful moment to the journey for you. Post breakfast in Agra, the train will roll on to Gwalior. Lunch will be served on board the train. Post-lunch you can visit the Gwalior Fort, Saas Bahu Temple or Jain Cave Sculpture. Optionally you may choose to rejuvenate yourself with spa service in a palace hotel. Enjoy a high-tea organized for you within the premises of the Jai Vilas Palace before returning to the train for overnight stay and dinner.

Day 5 Khajuraho

While the train will traverse to the next destination; you will be served your breakfast on board the Maharajas' Express. Lunch will be served aboard the luxury train. Upon arrival, proceed to visit the Western Group of Monuments in Khajuraho. Later you may go for a spa session at a luxury hotel attend the son et lumiere at Khajuraho Temple Complex or return to the comfort of Maharajas' Express Dinner will be served on board The next destination you will head to is Varanasi.

Day 6 Varanasi

In the morning you will arrive in Varanasi, a holy Indian city known for its Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Upon arrival, proceed to Silk Weaving Center. After visit and insights into silk weaving, proveed to Vivsnta by Taj for a sumptuous lunch. Post lunch, you will visit Sarnath renowned for its Buddhist heritage followed by boat ride in Ganges to witness the evening arti.

Images of the evening 'Aarti' on the banks of the river will capture your senses. Return to the train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7 Lucknow

On the 7th day of the sojourn, you will arrive in the city of the Nawabs - Lucknow. Breakfast will be served on board Begin your sojourn across the city by visiting the Rumi Darwaza and the Bada Imambara. Later, indulge in a cocktail lunch at Taj hotel. Return to the comfort of the train after lunch. Enjoy an exclusive "Indian Evening" arranged to give you a peek into the vibrant culture of India. Have dinner on board. The train will leave for Delhi tonight.

Day 8 Disembark in Delhi

On the 8th day of the Indian Panorama itinerary aboard Maharajas Express, you will return to Delhi marking the end of the luxury rail tour. Post breakfast you will be given a traditional farewell for your onward journey.

Treasures of India Journey

(3 Nights / 4 Days)Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur – Delhi

Day 1 Delhi- Agra

Assemble at Safdarjung Railway Station to begin your Treasures of India tour aboard Maharajas' Express train. Soon after a traditional Indian welcome, complete your registration formalities and get ushered to your cabins. Savor your delicious brunch onboard. Arrival in the city of love, Agra. A visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World (Taj Mahal) becomes the star attraction of the day.Get back to enjoy the comfort of Maharajas' Express or go for Mohabbat The Taj Show (optional). Dinner and overnight stay on board the train.

Day 2 Agra- Ranthambore

Disembark to visit the Agra Fort or visit Itmad-Ud-Daula (optional). Get back to your world of lavishness- Maharajas’ Express for breakfast. Leave for Sawai Madhopur as you enjoy lunch onboard. Enjoy a thrilling drive to the well-known Ranthambore National Park. Return to Maharajas' Express. Treat your taste buds with lip-smacking dinner as you leave for Jaipur.

Day 3 Jaipur

Arrive in Jaipur and have breakfast on board Proceed to visit Amer Fort, visit the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar). Optionally, you may also choose activities such as Spa facilities at a Palace hotel, visit to Amer Fort, private shopping tour or a golf session at Rambagh Golf club. Post lunch you have an option of visiting the local bazaars of Jaipur or indulging in a rejuvenating spa session at a palace hotel or local sightseeing tour of the City Palace complex which houses the royal family of Jaipur and an exquisite museum, royal observatory Jantar Mantar. Do not miss to enjoy the Exhibition Elephant Polo Match Dinner and overnight stay aboard Maharajas' Express.

Day 4 Delhi

Today you will bid adieu to the Treasure of India tour on board Maharajas' Express train. Post breakfast, disembark the train to proceed on your onwards journey.

Gems of India Journey(3 Nights / 4 Days)Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur – Delhi

Day 1 Delhi to Agra

Arrive at the Safdarjung Railway Station to begin your Gems of India tour aboard Maharajas' Express train. Soon after a

traditional Indian welcome, you will complete your boarding formalities and ushered to your cabins Enjoy your feast while the train chug its way towards Agra.

Day 2 Agra (sightseeing)

Early morning on the 2nd day, disembark the train and visit Taj Mahal, the tour de force of Agra and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A delectable brunch accompanied by Champanage atop Taj Khema overlooking the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal will mark the high point of the day. Later, return to the train for lunch.Post lunch, disembark the train and proceed on your sightseeing tour to Agra Fort. Following the Agra Fort exploration, you can either opt for a shopping tour or local sightseeing tour to Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb and Fatehpur Sikri or enjoy a spa session at a palace hotel. Late, return to the train for dinner and overnight stay. The train will head towards its next destination, Ranthambore.

Day 3 Ranthambore- Jaipur

After breakfast, enjoy a thrilling game safari in Ranthambore National Park in the morning. Return to the train for lunch and depart for Jaipur.

On reaching Jaipur, disembark the train for sightseeing tour in Jaipur. Visit the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar). Optionally, you may also choose activities such as Spa facilities at a Palace hotel, visit to Amer Fort, private shopping tour or a golf session at Rambagh Golf club. Proceed to City Palace/Jai Mahal Palace for an exclusive Elephant Activity where guests may choose to indulge to paint them, feed them or take a joy ride followed by dinner. Enjoy a royal feast scheduled at an exclusive venue post Exhibition Polo Match. Return to the train for overnight stay

Day 4 Delhi

Bid farewell to the majestic Gems of India tour aboard Maharajas' Express on the 4th day of your luxury train tour

Indian Splendor Journey(7 Nights / 8 Days)Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Balasinor – Mumbai

Day 1 Boarding at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi

Arrive at railway station for your check in formalities which will commence at 20:30 IST. A royal welcome in traditional Indian style will greet you at the station, Sip on your welcome drink even as formalities are completed The train will depart for Agra at 2200 hours Relax and recuperate in the plush coupes of the train after a delectable dining in restaurants of the train

Day 2 Agra

Arrive in Agra early in the morning and pay an early morning visit to Taj Mahal, a jewel of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An endearing breakfast session with champagne at the Taj Khema overlooking Taj Mahal constitute the highlight of the day. Afterwards you have option of a shopping tour in Agra or local sightseeing tours to Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb and Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Post lunch, you will be visiting Agra Fort or may choose optional activities such as private shopping or spa in a luxury hotel. Return to the comfort of train or optionally you may choose to watch 'Mohabbat the Taj' show before returning for dinner on board and overnight stay as the train leaves for Ranthambore National Park, the next destination of the Indian Splendor itinerary aboard Maharajas Express.Day 3 Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore National Park) - Jaipur

Post breakfast on board the train, embark on a thrilling game safari to Ranthambore National Park in the morning. Departure for Jaipur. Lunch will be served on board The activity planned in Jaipur today is a visit to the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar). Optionally, you may also choose activities such as Spa facilities at

a Palace hotel, visit to Amer Fort, private shopping tour or a golf session at Rambagh Golf club. Later, proceed to City Palace/Jai Mahal Palace for an exclusive Elephant Activity where guests may choose to indulge to paint them, feed them or take a joy ride followed by dinner. Return to train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 Bikaner

Early morning on the 4th day, you will arrive in the deserted kingdom of Bikaner. Afterwards you can take an optional tour to either Lalgarh Palace or Deshnok Temple. In the afternoon, a tour to the majestic Junagarh Fort. After lunch, partake in a camel cart procession around the undulating sand dunes. Later in the evening, enjoy the folk dance performance by Kalbeliyas and Langaas over sundowner cocktails and barbecue dinner amidst Sam sand dunes. Dinner and overnight stay aboard the train.

Day 5 Jodhpur

After an unhurried breakfast, go on a jeep safari to Bishnoi's abode Rohet for a cultural experience. Rohet is a haven for Black Buck Antelope. Lunch on board. Post-lunch expedition to Mehrangarh Fort and Old Clock Tower Market. Optionally, you may also choose to rejuvenate yourself with spa facilities at a 5 star hotel, visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada or else go for a private shopping tour. In the evening today, an exclusive Royal Cocktail evening is arranged for you with cultural performance (puppet show) at Hanwant Mahal which will be concluded with a show of fireworks. Post dinner, return to the train for overnight stay.

Day 6 Udaipur

On the 6th day of the sojourn, you will arrive in the city of lakes - Udaipur. After a leisurely breakfast, embark on local sightseeing tour to City Palace and Crystal Gallery. After a sumptuous lunch, Later, return to the train or embark on a walking tour across Old Bazaar, go for a spa session at leading hotel in the city, or attend

the light and sound show (if the time allows. Dinner and overnight stay onboard the train.

Day 7 Balasinor

On the 7th day of the tour itinerary, you will arrive in Balasinor, home to India's Jurassic park. After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing excursion to the Dinosaur Fossil Park followed by a visit to the local village. Rendezvous with the royal family of Balasinor over a royal lunch. Return to the luxury and pampering of Maharajas Express train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 MumbaiToday your opulent ride on board one of the most luxurious trains in the world comes to an end. Bid adieu to the Indian Splendor itinerary onboard the Maharajas Express on the eighth day of your luxury train tour.