The Maharajas Express (07 nights/ 08 days) Travel Package India

This afternoon, assemble at 1430 hrs at the The Taj Mahal Hotel Palace & Tower, Mumbai and complete your registration and check in formalities for the Maharajas' Express followed by tea. After tea you will proceed to the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus. On arrival you will board the Maharajas' Express and will be greeted with a welcome drink. The train departs Mumbai at 1640hrs (approx) and travels from the land of the Marathas to Gujarat. Enjoy the dinner on board and travel overnight towards Vadodara.

Breakfast on board and thereafter you will be driven through the picturesque countryside to the quaint hamlet of Jambhughoda. On arrival participate in the traditional welcome and fanfare of the feudal lords of Jambhughoda, where you relish their royal cuisine, typical only to their family. You have an opportunity to interact with the family members and catch a glimpse of their royal past. Following a sumptuous lunch, return to Vadodara, enroute enjoy a brief stop at the famous World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient town full of ruins scattered over the foothills of Pavagadh. The Pavagadh hill is one of the oldest rock formations in India.  The heritage site is studded with forts and bastions starting from the hills of Pavagadh and extending into the city of Champaner, some of the oldest temples here date back to the 10th and 11th century.

For guests who wish to return after lunch to the train for a brief rest may do so and may later join a splendid supper hosted by the Laxmi Vilas Palace.

On arrival in the city, proceed on a visit to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. A must for every art lover, it exhibits a royal collection of work by the important 19th century painter Raja Ravi Varma. It also displays 19th and 20th centuries European paintings of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo.

Enjoy 'Supper' at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1890 is the residence of the Royal family. Witness the grandeur of its ornate Durbar Hall, the Venetian mosaic floor, Belgium stained glass windows and sculptures of bronze and marble by Fellici. Witness a lovely folk dance performance, typical to the Royal House as you savour a wide array of delicacies from the Royal kitchens.

Return to the station and board the train for your onward journey. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

This morning you will wake up in the picturesque region of Mewar, one of the most popular and royal states of the Rajputana. Breakfast on board and start your day with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It was built over a period of nearly 400 years being contributed by several kings of the dynasty, Starting by the Maharana Udai Singh as the capital of the Sisodia Rajput clan in 1559. Mor Chowk with lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and the spectacular Zenana Mahal are not to be missed while at City Palace.Feel like a king as you experience the hospitality at the Durbar Hall reminiscent of the ancient Mewar glory.

Following lunch, you may if you wish, return to the train for a relaxed afternoon on board. Or you have the option of enjoying spa facilities in a palace hotel. Later in the afternoon, proceed for an optional 'Walking Tour' through the Old Market of Udaipur. Browse through shops selling exquisitely embroidered and printed fabrics, jewellery, paintings, carved wood artefacts and other local crafts. Later in the evening return to the train, dinner onboard. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

The Maharajas' Express, continues the journey from the pristine environs of Mewar region into the stronghold of the Marwar region. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board as your train passes through some of the dramatic landscapes of the Thar Desert before reaching Jodhpur. After lunch, disembark and explore the erstwhile capital of Marwar founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan. Proceed on a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower market experiencing the hustle and bustle of the market as well as get an insight of the daily lifestyle of the local residents as you walk through a section of the blue city, past some of the oldest houses and havelis. Continue to the magnificent Meherangarh Fort, the foundation for which was laid on May 12, 1459. Tour the palaces and temples built by successive rulers, with priceless jewels and a dazzling collection of arms. The highlight of the day is a Royal Cocktail evening with a wide array of sumptuous Marwar culinary delights served in the royal courtyard of Meherangarh Fort as you admire the cityscape from atop. Return to the train and continue your journey to glorious Bikaner. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

As you relish your breakfast on board enjoy observing the scattered Prosopis cineraria trees; the villagers attired in their bright turbans and the occasional herd of camels breaking the monotony of the desert. Late morning arrive into the desert citadel of Bikaner founded in 1488 a.d. by Rao Bika Ji. You have the option of relaxing on board the train or you may choose to embark on an optional tour of the city visiting Lalgarh Museum displaying some fascinating exhibits on the royal heritage of Bikaner.

Another intriguing option is a half-day excursion to the Karni Mata Temple situated on the outskirts of Bikaner. Popularly known as the “Rat Temple”, the temple complex has hundreds of rats swarming the courtyard, which are an integral part of the temple and are considered very sacred. Following your participation in any one of the optional tours, you will return to the train for lunch.

Post lunch proceed on a visit to the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. Be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal. Catch a glimpse of rural Rajasthan, as you are escorted through the surrounding village. Experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for a sundowner in the Sand Dunes. Enjoy cocktails, savour traditional mouth watering barbecue delicacies as you enjoy traditional folk artists like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas whose music and dance will mesmerise you. Later return to the comfort of your train and embark on your onward journey to Jaipur. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

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. Your arrival at the venue will be accompanied by the royal military band and the beating of 'Nagadas' (huge Indian drums). You have the option to watch or participate in the exhibition game. After the match, enjoy a cocktail lunch over sparkling wine. Following lunch you have the option of returning to the train or you may continue on a visit to the Amber Fort. Amer originally was the capital of the state before Jaipur, It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. A short jeep ride takes you up to the fort where you will enjoy a tour of the royal apartments with striking views of the gorge. Step back into the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of Victory. On completing the tour of Amer you will have the opportunity to shop for some of the finest jewellery, textiles and blue pottery for which the city is renowned. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, early in the morning get ready for a jeep safari to the Ranthambore National Park. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. It is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard.

Return to the train for brunch and continue your journey to the fabled deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. Proceed on a tour of the fascinating sights comprising of imposing gateways, halls of private and public audience, beautifully sculptured palaces with unique water bodies, reflecting a perfect blend of hindu and muslim architectural styles. Then return to the train to enjoy an 'Indian night' dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express.

The jewel of India, home to one of the world's great architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal, Agra is a legendary city glorified by time. Early morning, disembark and proceed to the world famous Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal (1628-1658). This incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India's most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this poetry in marble. Then enjoy a Champagne breakfast gazing at the Taj Mahal from atop the Taj Khema Hotel. Following breakfast, you have the option of returning to the train or can enjoy shopping for some pietra dura inlay on marble or for exquisite jewellery. Enjoy a hearty lunch on board as you continue your journey to Delhi. Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express as your 'Princely India' journey comes to an end at approx 1530 hrs when the train arrives at Safdarjung Station.

The royal journey is over, but the memory of which will live on forever!