Maharajas’ Express – Heritage of India
Day 01: Saturday Afternoon: Mumbai Depart :
Self Report by 1400 hours in lobby of The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai where registration and check in formalities are completed for Maharajas’ Express Train Tour Following this, travelers are transferred to Chhatrapati Shivaji Rail Terminus A welcome drink on arrival while you board the Maharajas’ Express & depart from Mumbai at 1640 hours Your travel begins from the land of Marathas. Dinner on board Overnight on Maharajas’ Express
Day 02 : Sunday: Ajanta Caves
Morning excursion to World Heritage site of Ajanta Caves from Jalgaon Railway Station. These Buddhist cave temples date were sculpted out of hill sides between 2nd century BC to 7th Century AD & famous for colorful frescoes executed On a ground of mud plaster in the tempera technique, showing incidents from life of Lord Buddha & the Jatakas. Later return to the train & depart. Lunch & dinner on board.
Day 03 : Monday: Udaipur
Wake up in picturesque region of Mewar, which is the most popular & royal states of Rajputana Enjoy leisurely breakfast and admire magnificent landscape of Aravali Hills while arriving into Udaipur - the City of Lakes and Sunrise Popularly referred to as Venice of the East, Udaipur is enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills and gives a feeling of an oasis of colour in stark and arid region Here, travelers can see picturesque havelis, ghats and temples along Lake Pichola and lively bazaars that make Udaipur one of India’s greatest destinations Disembark train as the journey begins with the visit to the City Palace (the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas) Visit to Mor Chowk and see lavish mosaics of peacocks Visit to Moti Mahal that has beautiful mirror work Visit to Chini Mahal that is covered in ornamental tiles Visit to spectacular Zenana Mahal Feel like a king as you experience hospitality at Durbar Hall which is reminiscent of ancient Mewar glory Feast your taste buds over vast spread of International cuisine Following lunch, return to train for relaxed afternoon on board
Afternoon Optional tours in Udaipur
Relax on board OR optional walking tour through the colourful and vibrant Old Market or visit the Vintage car collection of the royal family or enjoy an enthralling Sound and Light show in the Palace.
Day 04 : Tuesday: Jodhpur
This morning, Maharajas’ Express, continues her journey from pristine environs of Mewar region into stronghold of Marwar region Enjoy leisure breakfast and lunch on board as train passes through some of dramatic landscapes of Thar Desert, arriving into Blue City of Jodhpur Following lunch, disembark & explore erstwhile capital of Marwar - Jodhpur which is set like jewel amidst golden sands and is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces from Rajput era A home to some of finest architectural wonders, here you can proceed on a walking tour of Old Clock Tower market ehile experiencing hustle and bustle of market as well as get insight of daily lifestyle of local residents as you walk through section of blue city (Past some of the oldest houses and havelis) Continue the journey to magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and admire the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches Tour palaces and temples built by successive rulers, with priceless jewels and dazzling collection of arms Highlight of the day is Royal Cocktail evening with wide array of sumptuous Marwar culinary delights that are served in Royal courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort as you admire cityscape from atop Return to train and continue journey to glorious Bikaner Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
Optional Morning Tour in Jodhpur :
Morning Relax on board or Opt for Jeep Safari excursion to a nearby located Bishnoi village-traditional eco farmers.
Day 05 : Wednesday: Bikaner
The journey through desert continues and travelers can relish their breakfast on board, while enjoying the desert - the scattered procepis cineraria trees and view of villagers attired in their bright turbans with occasional herd of camels breaking monotony of desert Medieval city of Bikaner was once major centre in cross-desert caravan trade and was popularly known as Camel Country. With Bikaner having best riding camels in the world, it has is share of forts, palaces and temples that are indeed splendid creations made in red and yellow sandstone and act as living reflection of its rich historical and architectural legacy Late morning arrival into desert citadel of Bikaner Following lunch, disembark and proceed on visit to Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh The fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and features Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal The Fort Museum is fascinating & adorned with ornate decorative costumes and jewelery Continue on experience of a lifetime while catching a glimpse of rural Rajasthan, as you are escorted through surrounding village Experience royal pageantry as convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians take travelers for Sundowner in the Sand Dunes Enjoy cocktails, savour traditional mouth watering barbecue delicacies as you enjoy traditional folk artists like Langaas and Kalbeliyas whose music and dance mesmerise the guests Later return to comfort of your train and embark on onward journey to Jaipur Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express
Morning optional tour in Bikaner
Relax on board OR you may choose to embark on optional tour of Deshnok (Rat Temple) or Lalgarh Palace Museum or Camel breeding Farm or Shop for Kundan Jewellery.
Day 06 : Thursday: Jaipur
Arrival at ‘Pink City’ Jaipur. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, the city is truly a pristine jewel in crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. The place is renowned for its magnificent palaces, forts and temples. The exciting tour of pink city begins with unique & enthralling experience – an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match The arrival at the venue will be accompanied by royal military band and beating of ‘Nagadas’ (huge Indian drums) You can either choose to watch or participate in exhibition game After the match, enjoy Cocktail lunch over sparkling wine Following lunch continue the visit is planned to Amber Fort which is situated on ridge just outside Jaipur city. Surrounded by fortified battlements overlooking Maota Lake, the tour includes royal apartments, with striking views of gorge, Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of Victory.
Afternoon optional tour in Jaipur
On completing tour of Amber you will have opportunity to shop for some of finest jewelery, textiles and blue pottery the city is renowned for The other option besides this is participation in one of optional tours like enjoying spa facilities at palace hotel or proceed on private shopping tour or enjoy Golfing at Rambagh Golf Club
Day 07: Friday Morning: Ranthambore
Early morning arrival in Sawai Madhopur Railway station , where a safari tour is awaiting at Ranthambore National Park. Originally private hunting ground of Maharajas, Ranthambore is a National Park famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. Post breakfast at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, return to train and continue journey to fabled deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri that gives travellers the opportunity to admire changing landscape while you savour a hearty lunch
Day 07: Friday Afternoon: Fatehpur Sikri
On arrival at Bharatpur railway station, a tour awaits for Fatehpur Sikri,that offers fascinating sights comprising of imposing gateways, Halls of Private and Public audience and beautifully sculptured palaces with unique water bodies that reflect perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles Post visit return to the train to enjoy an ‘Indian night’
Day 08 : Saturday Morning: Agra
The train continues on its last leg of journey towards magical city of Agra, which is also home to one of the world’s great architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal. Featuring spectacular monumental masterpieces & picturesque natural setting, Agra is indeed a legendary city glorified by time. Early morning arrival that is followed by tour to world famous Taj Mahal which is an incomparable marvel constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece featuring beautiful inlay work and marble screens Enjoy Champagne breakfast gazing at Taj Mahal, from atop Taj Khema Following breakfast, return to train Enjoy a hearty lunch on board as the journey continues to Delhi
Day 08 : Saturday Afternoon: New Delhi Check-out
Bid farewell to Maharajas’ Express as your ‘Heritage of India ’ journey comes to an end at approximately 1530 hours on arrival into Safdarjung Station. Though the royal journey is over, but memories gained would indeed live on forever!