Description
Purporting to be the most luxurious train in India, the Maharajas’ Express has been designed to satisfy the romantic intrigue that is associated with train travel in the subcontinent. It has been created for those who appreciate the finer things in life such as luxurious cabins, good food, excellent excursions with quality guides, and the overall ambience of opulence and sophistication. What train travel in India provides is the chance to traverse huge distances overnight and see something new each day, ideal for those with a long wish list, but time at a premium.
The Maharajas’ Express offers four itineraries; the first (Princely India) lasts 8 days and begins in Mumbai before heading through Gujarat, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park, Agra and Delhi. The second (Royal India) lasts 8 days and does this itinerary in reverse. The third (Classical India), lasts 7 days, and ventures out east from Delhi and covers Agra, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, Varanasi and Lucknow before returning to Delhi. The fourth, the Royal Sojourn, takes 8 days and combines Delhi, Jaipur, Kota, Ranthambore, Agra and Delhi.
As you board the train, you will notice their desire to make you feel rather regal and quite special, as you board along a red carpet and are served by elegant turban-clad staff who are there to look after your every whim and desire.
The cabins have been laden with all kinds of gadgetry and modern amenities, with en-suite facilities and hot power showers. There are four categories of rooms from the standard Deluxe Cabins, to the rather grand Presidential Suite, which has two bedrooms, a sitting room and even a bathtub.
The train has 2 dining restaurants that can each seat 42 passengers, and dinner is taken at leisure between 7pm and 9pm. All meals and drinks onboard are complimentary (house wines, spirits, beers and fresh juices), meaning that when you are on the train, there are few things you actually need to fork out for. All the sightseeing and excursions are also included in the cost.
Guide price
£4,762 Per person
£4,762 price per person based on a 7 night journey on the Maharajas' Express, a night before in The Oberoi New Delhi and a night afterwards in Mumbai at The Oberoi Mumbai. Flights with Kingfisher Airways, including transfers and taxes.
Accommodation
The Maharajas' Express offers 20 Deluxe Cabins (in 4 Carriages); 18 Junior Suites (in 6 Carriages); 4 Suites (in 2 Carriages) and 1 Presidential Suite (in its own Carriage). Amenities onboard the train include LCD TVs, internet, direct dial phones, climate control, panoramic windows and en-suite bathrooms.
Childcare
Children are welcome but there are no specific facilities. Some discounts are offered for children aged 11 or under.
Facilities
The Maharajas' Express offers guests 2 restaurants serving a variety of sumptuous cuisines , a bar / lounge and boutique carriage.
Activities
The train stops at India's most famous destinations each with their own unique offering of cultural experiences; stunning archaeological, religious and historical sites, museums to discover more about India's fascinating history and of course, its delicious cuisine. The Maharajas' Express also has arrangements with Taj and Leela Hotels for guests to enjoy spa treatments (there is a charge for this).
Services
Services include Wifi internet and laundry and dry cleaning which is available at some locations.
When to travel
Due to temperatures and precipitation, Delhi can be an extreme place to visit during certain months of the year. The hottest months of the year are May and June, during which time the average temperature is 39. The coldest months are from December until February, during which time the average low temperatures are in the 20's. The monsoon season is from the end of May through to July, during this time the humidity is very high, and rainstorms are frequent. It is not advised to visit during these months.
The most comfortable climate in Delhi is found during the months leading into summer (February into April), and again trailing the monsoon season (October and November).
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
India
Journeys through Northern India between Delhi and Mumbai, visiting some of the country’s most iconic sights.
How to get there
9-hour direct flight to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport or 9-hour flight to Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport.
