The Heritage of India By Train

Welcome aboard the Maharajas’ Express. This afternoon, we’ll assemble at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower and complete your check-in formalities for the Maharajas’ Express. We’ll then head to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus where you will be greeted with a welcome drink and a police band playing as you board your luxury train bound for Ajanta. Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Today you arrive at the World Heritage site of Ajanta. Enjoy an early breakfast on board – we’ll disembark and drive about 90 minutes to the World Heritage site of the Ajanta Caves, famous for rock cut cave monuments dating back to the 2nd century BC. The Ajanta caves comprise, some 30 in all, were created between 200 BC to 650 AD. These Buddhist temples and monasteries are cut from the living of the Sahyadri hills and are surrounded by lush forest. They were discovered accidentally in 1819 by the British Captain John Smith, while on a hunting expedition. The Ajanta caves demonstrate a unique combination of architecture, sculpture and painting unrivalled in India. The caves are celebrated for their exquisite frescoes and sculptures depicting scenes from life of Buddha. We’ll return to the Jalgaon station and enjoy lunch on board as the Maharajas’ Express chugs away toward its next destination, Udaipur. Enjoy a leisurely evening and dinner – you’ll sleep well aboard on the Maharajas’ Express.

IMPORTANT: The road journey from station to Ajanta Caves will be approximately 60 kms. The sightseeing of Ajanta Caves takes approximately 2 hours and involves climbing high steps. Please also note that it is mandatory to remove shoes in the caves in respect for religious nature of these sacred spaces.

This morning you will wake up in the picturesque region of Mewar, one of the most popular and majestic states of the Rajputana. Through the magnificent landscapes of the Aravali Hills we’ll arrive at Udaipur – the City of Lakes. This morning you’ll begin your visit with a boat ride on Lake Pichola and an exploration of the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, adorned with scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. We’ll visit Mor Chowk and see its lavish mosaics featuring peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and the spectacular Zenana Mahal. Later we’ll take in The Crystal Gallery and the Darbar Hall with an audio guide tour. Feel like a king as you experience the hospitality at the Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace – feast your eyes (and taste buds) over a vast spread of international and Indian cuisine an experience reminiscent of the ancient Mewar glory. Following lunch you’ll return to the train for a relaxed afternoon on board, or alternatively, you have the option of enjoying spa facilities in a five-star hotel or a Light and Sound Show at the City Palace. Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities. Breakfast on board; Lunch in Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace; Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

This morning, the Maharajas’ Express continues her journey into the stronghold of the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as we arrive at the Blue City of Jodhpur. The morning, enjoy leisure time on board or you may wish to embark on a village safari to the Bishnoi Village, an optional activity for which you’ll deboard at Rohet, 40 km before Jodhpur. When the train reaches Jodhpur, you may wish to opt for a spa at a five- star hotel, a private shopping excursion or visit the Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Return to the train for lunch on board. After lunch, we’ll visit the magnificent Meherangarh Fort and admire its intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches. We’ll enjoy a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower Market — along the way getting a glimpse of the daily lifestyle of the local residents and passing some of the city’s oldest houses and havelis. Tonight you’ll enjoy an exclusive cocktail evening with a wide array of sumptuous Marwar culinary delights. Set in the Hanwant Mahal, you’ll admire the cityscape and backdrop formed by the illuminated Umaid Bhawan Palace. Return to the train and continue your journey to picturesque Bikaner. Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities. Breakfast and Lunch on board; Cocktail dinner at Hanwant Mahal. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Your journey through the desert continues… As you relish breakfast on board, enjoy the passing desert scenery, scattered khejri trees, villagers attired in bright turbans and the occasional herd of camels. The medieval city of Bikaner was once a major centre in the cross-desert caravan trade. Popularly known as Camel Country, Bikaner has the finest riding camels in the world. Bikaner’s forts, palaces and temples mark a splendid architectural legacy. We’ll arrive into the desert citadel of Bikaner by late morning — relax on board, or you may choose to embark on an optional tour of the city, visiting the Lalgarh Palace Museum with it’s fascinating exhibits on the royal heritage of Bikaner or, you may choose to visit the famous Deshnok (Rat Temple). Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities. Return to the train for lunch. Following lunch, you’ll set out to explore the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. While the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat, its beauty lies inside. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal. The Fort Museum is fascinating and filled with ornate decorative costumes and jewellery. Continue on an experience of a lifetime! Experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for a Sundowner on the Sand Dunes. Enjoy cocktails and savour traditional barbecued delicacies as you enjoy traditional folk performances like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas music and dance that will mesmerize you. Later, return to the comfort of your train and set off on your onward journey to Jaipur. Breakfast on board; Lunch on board; evening barbecue on dunes. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Today, you will arrive into the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Jaipur is truly a pristine jewel in the crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, Jaipur is renowned for its magnificent palaces, forts and temples. In the early afternoon your exciting tour of the Pink City begins with a visit to the Amber Fort. Situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, this palace fortress is surrounded by fortified battlements overlooking the Maota Lake. A short jeep ride takes you up to the fort where you will enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, with striking views of the gorge. Step back into the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of Victory. Prepare for an exclusive royal experience…. Your arrival at the venue will be accompanied by a band and the beating of ‘Nagadas’ (huge Indian drums). You’ll have an opportunity to indulge with elephants – paint them, feed them or even opt for a ride! Later, we’ll share a lunch over sparkling wine at this remarkable venue. At this point you may choose to return to the Maharajas’ Express, or you might prefer to participate in optional activities such as spa facilities at a five-star hotel, a private shopping tour, golf at Rambagh or make a visit to the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar (Observatory). Tonight, the Maharajas’ Express continues on its journey to Ranthambore. Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities. Breakfast on board; Lunch at an exclusive venue (City Palace or Jai Mahal Palace). Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

We’ll arrive early in Sawai Madhopur – perfect timing for a safari into Ranthambore National Park. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. It is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopards. The experience cannot be compared to those of Africa and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard. This morning’s game drive will be exciting. The safari is carried out in open vehicles and the ride is quite bumpy. One should carry adequate warm clothes for winter months. On our return to the train, enjoy breakfast as you continue your journey to the fabled, deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Don’t miss the changing landscapes as breakfast merges into lunch. On arrival at the quaint station of Fatehpur Sikri, we’ll disembark and set out on a tour of fascinating sights imposing gateways, halls of private and public audience, beautifully sculptured palaces with fountains and pools, all reflecting a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. This deserted, red-sandstone city was built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar to be his capital in the late 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight we’ll enjoy an “Indian Evening” on board as we journey on. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Today, the train continues on her last leg of the journey towards the magical city of Agra. The jewel of India, home to one of the world’s great architectural wonders – the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental masterpieces and picturesque natural setting, Agra is a legendary city glorified by time. Early in the morning we’ll head off to the incomparable Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen, Mumtaz. This stunning edifice is constructed entirely of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece adorned with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India’s most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this “poem” in marble. We’ll conclude our visit here with a champagne breakfast atop the Taj Khema, gazing at the world’s most wonderous of backdrops. Back at the train, enjoy a hearty lunch on board as you continue your journey to Delhi. Bid farewell to the Maharajas’ Express as your “Heritage of India” journey comes to an end with our afternoon arrival into Safdarjung Station. The journey is over, but the memories will last a lifetime. Champagne Breakfast at Taj Khema; Lunch on board.