The Maharaja Journey
Fulfil this once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard The Maharajas' Express, the luxury train of your dreams. With five different routes on offer, ranging from three to seven nights long, this is definitely one of the most luxurious ways to see a large portion of an even larger country. Our focus is the seven night Indian Panorama Route, which within our tour features one night either side at The Oberoi in New Delhi.
From setting off in New Delhi the train will make its way to Jaipur, arriving the next day. You will take in the pink city, visiting the Amber Fort, and also have the chance to watch an elephant polo match. The next morning brings an early start, but it is more than worth it to experience the Ranthambore National Park. Once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, it is now open to the public and most famous for its large population of tigers – it is also home to an array of monkey species, jackals, various birds and much more. From Ranthambore, while enjoying lunch and the scenery of India, the train will whisk you to UNESCO World Heritage Site Fatehpur Skiri – a vast, deep red sandstone city stretched over three kilometres, and founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar.
Overnight the train will take you to Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be treated to a luxurious champagne breakfast at the Taj Khema, overlooking the Taj Mahal and its sumptuous gardens. Post-breakfast the train will journey to Gwalior, arriving just in time for lunch at the Usha Kiran Palace hotel. Sites such as the Gwalior Fort, which dates back to the 8th century, and the Jai Vilas Palace, which was built in a semi-European style in order to welcome King Edward VII, are part of the tour in the afternoon, before enjoying a specially-organised high tea within the grounds of the Jai Vilas Palace.
On from Gwalior the train will take you to Khajuraho, via Orchha where you can view the renowned Bundela architecture. Possibly the least-known stop on the journey, Orchha is decorated with vivid 17th century murals which hark back to its time as a fort palace. At Khajuraho you will have the chance to view the eastern and western group of temples which are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before boarding the train again for dinner and your journey to your next stop: Varanasi.
Set on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, and one of Hinduism’s Seven Holy Cities. An assault on the senses, Varanasi is one of the most vibrant and bustling places you will visit on your tour. Your first stop will be Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma – a key concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism that does not have a direct translation to English, but roughly means the right way of living, or the path of righteousness. From here you will visit the Varanasi silk weaving centre; the dominant manufacturing industry in the city. You’ll then be treated to a sunset cruise along the Ganges, the perfect time to take in all the sights and sounds of this incredible city.
The next day brings you to the final stop on the tour: Lucknow, also known as the city of the Nawabs. You will visit some of the main sites, such as the Rumi Darwaza – also known as the Turkish Gate – and the Bada Imambara, a large 200 year old complex built by one of the Nawabs of the city for the purpose of mourning. After taking in these wonderful sites you have the option of exploring the bustling bazaars of Lucknow, before returning to the train to relax before dinner back in the city.
After your last stop in Lucknow, you will be returned to New Delhi with all the sites, sounds and colours of your journey on The Maharajas’ Express fresh in your mind for your journey home.
If this sounds like your perfect adventure please don't hesitate to contact one of our experts, or call 020 7843 3531.