Princely India by Rail

Royal India by Rail

ROYAL INDIA BY RAIL

8 days / 7 nights

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

Start anticipating your Indian adventure with a short summary of what you can expect each day to bring.

Maharajas Express
Ranthambore National Park
Maharajas Express
Amber Palace, Jaipur
Jodhpur
Maharajas Express
Mumbai

This adventure begins in Delhi and ends in Mumbai.

Day 1: Agra

You will be welcomed on board the Maharajas' Express with a welcoming drink at Delhi's Safardjung Station. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board en route to Agra. On arrival, you will be treated to a tour of the city's spectacular monuments. Visit the magnificent Agra Fort, exploring the House of Commons and the royal pavilions, including the Macchi Bhavan and the Shah Jahani Mahal. Wander through lavishly decorated halls, courtyards and alcove, with tantalising glimpses of the Taj Mahal in the distance. Lunch will be held in colourful tents on the lush green lawns of the Taj Khema overlooking the Taj Mahal. Traditional dancers and musicians will provide entertainment. From here, you will be taken on a visit of the world famous Taj Mahal before enjoying some free time for shopping. Return to the comfort of the train in time for dinner.

Day 2: Ramthambore National Park & Jaipur

On arrival in Sawai Madhopur get ready for an exciting safari to Ramthabore National Park. Return to the train in time for a hearty brunch, and relax and unwind as your journey continues to Jaipur. Indulge in some retail therapy as you visit the city's bustling markets. Take a short jeep ride to the famous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge overlooking Jaipur. Enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, which open onto striking panoramas. Step back into the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors, zenana and the Hall of Victory. Carry on by jeep to the romantic hamlet of Kuka, situated amidst the Aravali hills, for an Exhibition Polo Match, accompanied by a champagne dinner. The guests are welcomes by the royal military band. Choose whether to enjoy the match from the sidelines or to take part yourself! That evening you will return to the station and board the train for your onward journey.

Day 3: Bikaner

Early this morning you will arrive in Bikaner. Following a leisurely breakfast, set out to explore this desert kingdom. Begin by visiting the unassailable fortress of the Junagarh Fort. Be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, the Flower Palace, decorated with paintings and carved marble panels, the Hawa Mahal, the Badal Mahal and the Anup Mahal. The fascinating Fort Museum is adorned with over-the-top costumes and jewellery. Enjoy an extravagant lunch in a majestic palace sprawled like an oasis in the midst of the desert. In the late afternoon you will be taken to a neighbouring village, from where a convoy of decorated camel carts accompanied by musicians will lead you into the sand dunes for an atmospheric sundowner. Rejoin the train and continue your journey.

Day 4: Jodhpur

Disembark in the Blue City of Jodhpur. Enjoy an exciting jeep safari to the rural village of Rohet, where you can witness folk rituals and see village artisans at work. After lunch at the magnificent Rohet Garh hotel, you will tour the extravagant Mehrangarh Fort. Return to the train to continue your journey.

Day 5: Udaipur

Wake up to the magnificent scenery of the Aravali Hills as you arrive in Udaipur. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before exploring the City Palace, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas. Visit Mor Chowk and see its lavish mosaics of peacocks, gaze at the beautiful mirror work at the Moti Mahala and admire the tiled Chini Mahal and spectacular Zenana Mahal. Feast on Rajasthani delicacies for lunch before going on a walking tour through the Old Market, browsing its shops. Return to the luxury of the train for the night.

Day 6: Vadodara

Relish a sumptuous breakfast before enjoy a tour of the city. Begin with a visit to the World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient ruined town. Visit the magnificent Jami Masjid, with its tall minarets and carved gates, followed by the Kewda Masjid and the Nagina Masjid. Travel back more than a century to the ancient Jambughoda Palace for lunch. Return to the city to explore the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, with its royal art collections. Enjoy high tea at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace, with its ornate Durbar Hall, Venetian mosaic hall, Belgian stained glass windows, and bronze and marble sculptures. Return to the station and board the train for the final time.

Day 7: Mumbai

After an early breakfast you will disembark in the city of Mumbai and bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express.