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Starting From
Relish royalty, spirituality and wilderness. Embark on an unforgettable escapade that starts off with the capital city of Delhi. Make your way through the sacred city of Varanasi and cruise on the River Ganges to observe ancient spiritual rites. Witness the immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the sensuous moods of the temples of Khajuraho, the elegance and imperial splendour in Lucknow and the wilderness of the Ranthambhore National Park.
Itinerary
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Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express. This morning, assemble at Delhi Safdarjung station at approximately 0730 hours and complete your registration and check-in formalities, as you enjoy sipping into your welcome drink enjoying the live instrumental music. The train shall proceed to Jaipur at 0830 hrs Enjoy a leisurely lunch on board. Deboard at 1500 hrs to visit the City Palace galleries including the Textile Museum, Arms Museum and Arts Museum. Admire the famous Sterling Silver Vessels entered in the Guinness Book of World Records. The vessels are said to be made from 14000 silver coins without any joint and were used by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to carry the water of the Ganges to drink on his trip to England in 1901 to attend King Edward VII’s coronation. After your visit to the City Palace, proceed for an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace Hotel. The Palace built in 1835 AD was the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1925 to 1957 when it was converted into a luxury hotel. The palace retains its royal splendour, hand-carved marble latticework, and elaborate gardens. Afterwards, return to the station by 2030 hrs at Maharajas’ Express.
After onboard breakfast deboard at around 0830 hrs to visit 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 sandstone 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 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. Return to the train for lunch or you may choose from a range of optional activities like Spa facilities at a hotel or explore the city with your private car and guide. Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities. Return to the comforts of Maharajas’ Express. Dinner will be served on board. Maharajas’ Express leaves for Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore).
Upon arrival into Sawai Madhopur, early in the morning, get ready for a 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. Wildlife cannot be compared to that of Africa and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard. Proceed for an early morning exciting game drive. The safari is carried out in open vehicles and the ride is quite bumpy and dusty. One must carry adequate warm clothes for winter months. Return to the train. Enjoy breakfast as you continue your journey to the fabled deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Admire the changing landscape as you savour lunch. On arrival at the quaint station of Fatehpur Sikri, disembark at 1530 hours and 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. This deserted red sandstone city was built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th century. It is now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the train. Enjoy an “Indian Evening” onboard followed by dinner.
Early morning, arrive into Agra - the jewel of India, home to one of the world’s great architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental masterpieces and picturesque natural setting, Agra is a legendary city glorified by time. Early morning, disembark and proceed to the world-famous Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz. 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. Later enjoy a Champagne breakfast gazing at the Taj Mahal, from atop the Taj Khema. Following breakfast, return to the train for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure or you may choose optional activities – Spa at a hotel or visit to Agra Fort. Return to the train for dinner as the train proceeds to Orchha.
After early breakfast, disembark at Jhansi Railway Station at 07:15 hrs to visit the quaint village of Orchha known for its rustic lifestyle. Visit the Orchha Fort, built over several years in the 1500s by the Bundela rulers overlooking the Betwa river. A short Tuk Tuk ride will take you to experience village life in the hinterland. Return to the train. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on board as the train continues its journey through some of the most dramatic and picturesque environs towards Khajuraho. On arrival proceed on a tour of the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Western group which constitutes some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening you may enjoy Optional Activities - Dances of India Show at Kandariya Shilpgram or you may enjoy Spa facilities at a Hotel or Sound and Light Show at the temple complex.
Today as you enjoy breakfast on board, your journey continues through rich agricultural fields, arriving into the holy city of Varanasi. Following disembarkation, proceed for lunch at Hotel Taj Gateway. After lunch, visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon expounding the principles of Buddhism. Proceed for a boat cruise on the Ganges, en-route visit a Silk Weaving Centre, where you may even shop for some world-famous Banarasi silk saris and brocades. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the river Ganges and witness a magical evening aarti at the ghats of the holy Ganges. Proceed for dinner at Brij Rama Palace situated on the banks of the holy river. The Brijrama Palace, built in the year 1812 is accessible only by boat. Enjoy classical Indian Dance performance – Kathak followed by an exclusive vegetarian dinner. Rejoin the train as it proceeds to Delhi. Breakfast on board, Lunch at Taj Gateway Hotel and Dinner at Brijrama Palace.
Inclusion
06 nights twin accommodation
All meals
Conducted sightseeing
Entrance fees and monument charges
Wildlife safari at Ranthambhore
High tea and boat ride at Varanasi
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