The Heritage of India
Itenerary
Day 1 : Board on train the Maharajas’ Express, Mumbai ( Departure every Saturday )

Afternoon assemble at 1430 hours at Hotel Taj Mahal Palace & Towers for a traditional welcome and complete your registration and check in formalities for the Maharajas' Express. The Maharajas' Express starts from Mumbai at 1640 hours approximately and will travel through the land of the Marathas.  Know more about Mumbai and Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

Day 2 : Ajanta

Reach at Ajanta Caves near Aurangabad. After breakfast onboard, proceed towards Ajanta Caves. (The Ajanta caves consist of 30 Caves including the unfinished ones, which belong from 200 BC to 650 AD. These caves are situated about 104 kms away from Aurangabad. These Buddhist cave temples and monasteries are cut from the rocks and volcanic lava of the Deccan in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri hills and are set in beautiful sylvan surroundings. They were discovered accidentally by a British Captain, John Smith in 1819, on a hunting expedition. The Ajanta caves provide a unique combination of architecture, sculpture and paintings. The caves are mainly known for their exquisite frescoes and sculptures, depicting scenes from the life of Buddha) Return onboard for the Maharajas' hospitality and the train will continue for Udaipur. Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

Day 3 : Udaipur

This morning wake up with a view of the picturesque region of Mewar from your window, admiring the magnificent landscape of the Aravali Hills. Reach Udaipur. After breakfast onboard, proceed towards for Udaipur City Palace. (Udaipur is popularly referred to as the Venice of the East with an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. Udaipur is one of the India's greatest destination with the picturesque Havelis, Ghats and Temples along Lake Pichola and the lively bazaars. Begin your day with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. The building is a unique depiction of the architectural and artistic evolution of Mewar through centuries. The City Palace has always been a self-sufficient developing centre within itself and shall continue to grow into an ideal prototype of a living palace complex) Later visit the Crystal Gallery. (The Udaipur Collection of crystal is one of the largest and most complete collections of Osler cut glass in existence. In both diversity of objects and in the quality and grandeur of the included pieces, it holds a unique place in the decorative art world. Most of this collection was commissioned by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1878, with the larger commissions of the furniture pieces being given to Osler in 1881. The exquisite crystal items in the gallery range from dining table, table, sofa set, washing bowl, goblet, tray, decanter, to perfume bottles, candle stands, crockery and even beds. The highlight of the gallery is a jewel studded carpet, embodying peerless class. Experience the Royal hospitality at Durbar Hall and relish sumptuous lunch over a spread of International cuisine) After lunch, return to the train for a relaxed afternoon on board OR you have the option of enjoying spa facilities in a five star hotelOR visit the Vintage Car collection of the Royal Family OR you can also opt for a private shopping tour. Later in the afternoon, according to preference, proceed for a 'Walking Tour' through the Old Market of Udaipur. Return to the Maharajas' Express and continue journey towards Jodhpur. Breakfast on board; Lunch at Durbar Hall; Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

Day 4 : Jodhpur

This morning, the Maharajas' Express enters the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as your train passes through some of the picturesque landscapes of the Thar Desert, arriving into the Blue City of Jodhpur. Reach Jodhpur. The morning is at leisure on board OR you may participate in an optional village safari, where you will have the opportunity to visit a Bishnoi village, considered to be the oldest living environmentalists in the world. You also have an option of availing spa facilities at a five star hotel. Lunch will be on board. After lunch, disembark to explore the erstwhile capital of Marwar, Jodhpur. (Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces and is home to some of the finest architectural wonders. Proceed on a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower market to experience the hustle and bustle of the market. Continue to the magnificent Meherangarh Fort. The fort with the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches. Mehrangarh Fort inherits priceless jewels and a dazzling collection of arms. Enjoy Royal evening at a Hanwant Mahal with folk dance and music and with cocktail dinner) Return to the train and continue your journey to Bikaner. Breakfast and Lunch on board; Cocktail dinner in the evening at Hanwant Mahal. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

Day 5 : Bikaner

Continue your journey through the desert. Enjoy observing the desert while having breakfast onboard as you enter Bikaner region.(Bikaner was once a major centre in the cross-desert caravan trade. Also known as Camel Country, Bikaner has the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner's Forts, palaces and temples made in red and yellow sandstone and are living reflections of its rich historical and architectural legacy) Late morning, arrive into the desert citadel of Bikaner and relax on board OR you may choose to embark on one of the optional tours. Visit the Lalgarh Palace Museum displaying some fascinating exhibits on the royal heritage of Bikaner OR an excursion to the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok also known as “Rat Temple”. This temple complex has hundreds of rats swarming in the courtyard. You also have the option to visit the Camel Breeding Farm (opens at 1200 hrs). Lunch onboard. After lunch, you will disembark and proceed on a visit to the Junagarh Fort. (An unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. Inside the Fort visit the Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal) Later participate in a camel-cart procession followed by sundowner cocktails, barbecue and folk performance on the sand dunes that will mesmerize you. After a great evening return to the comfort of your train and embark on your onward journey to Jaipur.Breakfast and Lunch on board; Sundowner cocktail and barbecue dinner on sand dunes.Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

Day 6 : Jaipur

Arrive into the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. (Jaipur was built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, Jaipur is renowned for its magnificent palaces, forts and temples) Start your exciting tour of the pink city with a unique and enthralling experience - an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match and experience a Royal welcome at A Jai Mahal Palace hotel. You may choose to watch or participate in the exhibition game. Arrival at the venue to be accompanied by the royal military band and the beating of ‘Nagadas'. Guests may choose to watch elephant polo or participate in the exhibition game. The match is followed by Champagne lunch at a Jai Mahal Palace hotel. After lunch continue on a visit to the Amber Fort. (The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. On completing the tour of Amber you will have the opportunity to shop for some of the finest jewellery, textiles and blue pottery for which the city is renowned) OR After lunch you may choose to participate in one of the optional tours. Enjoy spa facilities at a five star hotel OR proceed on a private shopping tour OR enjoy Golfing at the Rambagh Golf Club OR visit to City Palace and Jantar Mantar (The Observatory). Breakfast on board, Elephant Polo with Champagne Lunch at A Jai Mahal Palace hotel, Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

Day 7 : Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri

On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, early in the morning, get ready for a safari to the Ranthambore National Park. (Ranthambore, the private hunting ground of the Mahrajas, was declared a National Park in 1973. You may have the chance to see the wildlife that includes tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. The safari cannot be compared to that of Africa and you would indeed be fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard). After breakfast at Vivanta Taj, Sawai Madhopur, return to the train and continue your journey to the fabled deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Admire the changing landscape as you savour a hearty lunch onboard. (Arrive into Fatehpur Sikri, it was the first planned city of the Mughals. The sloping levels of the city were connected into terraces which were utilised for various complexes such as Jami Masjid, Buland-Darwazah and tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti; Khass Mahal, Shahi-Bazar, Mina-Bazar, the Panch-Mahal, Khwabgah, Diwan-i-Khass, Anup-Talao, Chaupar and Diwan-i-Am. The efficient system of drainage and water-supply adopted here suggests an extremely intelligent town-planning by the Mughal emperor. All these palaces were built of red sandstone in the trabeate beam-and-post order, and composed of pillars, ornamental arches, brackets-and-chhajjas, jharokhas, chhatris, chhaparkhats, chaukhandis and so on. Domes have been used sparingly. Sometimes corbelled pendentives have been employed in the transition phase. It is now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site) Later return to the train to enjoy an 'Indian night'! Breakfast at Vivanta By Taj, Sawai Madhopur; Lunch and Dinner on board.Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

Day 8 : Agra - New Delhi

Arrive into the city of The Taj Mahal (The monument of Love). (Besides being famous for the one of the seven wonders of the world, Agra is also known for its fabulous handicrafts, made of marble and softstone inlay work. The Mughals were great patrons of arts and crafts. Empress Nur Jahan took personal interest and was an accomplished artist herself in Zari embroidery work) Early morning, disembark and proceed to the world famous Taj Mahal. (A UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took the efforts of approx 20,000 craftsmen for 22 years and the passion of Shah Jahan to create this white marble masterpiece. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in fond memories of her beloved Queen Mumtaj Mahal). The visit is followed by Champagne breakfast atop Taj Khema gazing at the magnificient Taj Mahal.  Following breakfast, return to the train. Enjoy the lunch on board as you continue the last lap of this wonderful journey to Delhi. Champagne Breakfast at Taj Khema; Lunch on board. Arrive at approximately 1530 hours into Safdarjung Station, New Delhi . Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express as your journey comes to an end.

Published cost on Per person basis
Cost in USD
Deluxe Cabin
Junior Suite
Suite
Maharaja Suite
Adult on Twin Sharing
6840
9890
13800
23700
Single Cabin Supplement
5160
8910
13800
23700
Highlights of the Tours

* Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Ajanta Cave Monuments.

* Indulge in a Royal lunch at Durbar Hall, Udaipur

* Enjoy Cocktail Dinner with Marwar Culinary Delights at Hanwant Mahal, Jodhpur

* Camel procession followed by Sundowner Cocktails at the Sand Dunes in Bikaner. Witness and Exhibition of Elephant Polo Match in Jaipur followed by Champagne Lunch at Jai Mahal Palace.

* An exciting Game Drive at Ranthambore National Park.

* Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at Agra and enjoy Champagne breakfast at Taj Khema

Inclusions :

Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with en suite bathrooms

All meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits

Butler service

Guided off train excursions as illustrated in the journeys inclusive of entrance fees, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide

Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board

Porterage at stations

Exclusions :

Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary.

Taxes, Insurance, Gratuities.

Tips, Telephone calls, laundry, alcoholic beverages (apart from the house brands of wines, spirits, beer served in the restaurants and bar)

Video, film and professional still camera fees.

Arrival and departure transfers.

International and domestic air tickets.

Pre and post tour accommodation and any tour extensions are not included unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys.

 

Departure Dates
Month
Departure Dates
April, 2014
05
October, 2014
18
November, 2014
15
December, 2014
13
January, 2015
10
February, 2015
07
March, 2015
07
April, 2015
04
October, 2015
24
November, 2015
21
December, 2015
19
January, 2016
16
February, 2016
13
March, 2016
12
April, 2016
09
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