Discover some of India’s hidden treasures aboard one of the most magnificent trains in the world- the Maharajas Express. Departing Delhi, and calling at Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi along the way, to name but three spectacular stop offs, this journey of distinction defines luxurious rail travel, and makes for the experience of a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day One
Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station in the evening for welcome and check in. Dinner will be served on board prior to departure, with the train pulling out and embarking on the first leg of the journey towards Jaipur that night.

Day Two
Wake for a morning breakfast on board before arrival in Jaipur. Next there will be an opportunity to visit the famed Amber Fort, a real historic masterpiece, before a midday exhibition of Elephant Polo, followed by a lavish lunch at a private venue accompanied by fine wines.

As the afternoon unfolds, you can take an optional shopping tour, or sightseeing in and around the City Palace complex and Observatory at Jantar Mantar. Alternatively, opt for a game of golf, or an indulgent session in the spa of a deluxe hotel, followed by dinner and overnight on the train as the journey continues towards Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore).

Day Three
Wake for an early breakfast followed by a game drive through Ranthambore National Park. Return to the Maharajas Express mid-morning, departing shortly thereafter, leaving time for a relaxed brunch as you watch the passing countryside out of the window en route to Fatehpur Sikri. Arriving mid-afternoon, you will have opportunity to explore this fabled deserted Mughal city, before boarding the train in the evening for a late dinner on board.

Day Four
Arriving into Agra in the early morning, a visit to the Taj Mahal follows. One of the world’s great testaments to love, a champagne breakfast will then be served at Taj Khema. Returning to the train mid-morning, the Maharajas Express will depart shortly thereafter, bound for Gwalior, with lunch en route. Pulling in to the station mid-afternoon, here you will see the impressive Gwalior Fort, Saas Bahu Temple, and Jain Cave sculptures, or alternatively take advantage of the spa facilities at Hotel Usha Kiran Palace.

As evening falls, it’s time to see the Jai Vilas Palace Museum, with its stunning exhibitions, before taking high tea. Finally, return to the luxury of the Maharajas Express as the train embarks for Orchha.

Day Five
An early morning breakfast will be served on board, before disembarking at Jhansi to see the Orchha Fort Complex. Return to the Maharajas Express mid-morning for departure to Khajuraho, with lunch served on board. Arriving late afternoon will still allow ample time to soak up the atmosphere of the famous temples, before evening descends giving you three options.

Either attend the Dances of India Show, indulge in a spa session, or experience the Light and Sound Show in the temple complex. Dinner is then served on board before a late-night departure on to Varanasi.

Day Six
Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast before the Express pulls into Varanasi midday. From the station, you will be taken to the Silk Weaving Centre to learn more about this ancient craft, followed by lunch at Taj Gateway. After dining, visit the Sarnath ruins and museum, then take a boat ride on the world-famous River Ganges to witness evening aarti. Boarding the train late evening, dinner will be served on board before a night-time departure towards Lucknow.

Day Seven
Rise early for breakfast, with the Maharajas Express arriving into Utretia Station mid-morning. A visit to Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and The Residency Follows mid-morning, before passengers have the pleasure of attending lunch at the residence of Raja of Jehangirabad.

Rejoin the Maharajas Express late afternoon, allowing some time to relax and enjoy the scenery, before an Indian Evening on board, complete with dinner and entertainment, with departure for Delhi commencing in the early nighttime.

Day Eight
Breakfast will be served on board early-morning before arriving into Dehli a little later, where your time on the Maharajas Express comes to an end, and a new adventure begins.