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Indian Panorama

Relish royalty, spirituality and wilderness as you explore the hidden treasures of India! 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 splendor in Lucknow and the wilderness of the Ranthambore National Park.

A train that never falls short of providing you a royal experience, Maharajas’ Express features four cabin configuration – Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite and Presidential Suite. Every cabin has large panoramic windows, just so that you can savor every bit of magnificent India. All passenger carriages come with individual temperature controls, the first of its kind in India and have state-of-the-art facilities – Live Televisions, DVD players, Wifi Internet to name a few to keep you entertained through the royal journey. Maharajas’ Express has CCTV cameras, smoke alarms, mini pantries, with a 24-hrs valet service and round the clock services of a Paramedic; the journey on-board is truly an experience extraordinaire!

  • Elephant Polo match at Jaipur.
  • Champagne breakfast, overlooking the legendary Taj Mahal.
  • An exciting game drive at Ranthambore.
  • Feast over a lavish spread of delicacies from the Royal kitchens of Gwalior and Lucknow.
  • Explore the quaint environs of Orchha and Khajurahos’ marvelous temples.
  • Drench yourself in the mystique of Varanasi – the oldest living city in the world.
Day 1
Arrive Delhi

Welcome to India! You will be met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. Rest of the day is free for independent activities.

Day 2
Delhi (B)

Enjoy breakfast at you hotel before you are taken on a full day city tour of Old and New Delhi! The highlight of your day will be a Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi. As you embark on your journey through this land you will experiences the sites and sounds of what is India. Your guide will be at your service to bring you face-to-face with the many faces of this vast land.

In Old Delhi you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan’s symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948. Tour Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come sliver in the morning as the trading day starts.

New Delhi is where you will visit two monuments from Delhi’s past: Qutub Minar and Humanyun’s tomb. Qutub Minar is the historical construction of a landmark in 1199. Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. Humayun’s tomb was built by emperor Humayun’s wife and took eight years to complete. It is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The emperor’s wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built in the center of a well-planned garden. It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.

Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, President House, and Parliament House. The India Gate is an archway in the middle of a crossroad is almost similar to its french counterpart war memorial. It commemorates 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the North-western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The President House is the palatial building build on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, and is now the official residence of the First Citizen. The Parliament House is the symbol of India democracy.

Day 3
Delhi/Jaipur (B/D)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the railway station to begin your Luxury Train journey. After a traditional welcome and completion of your registration formalities, proceed to board the train from Delhi to Jaipur and enjoy on dinner on board as your begin this wonderful journey.

Day 4
Jaipur (B/L/D)

After breakfast on board the Luxury Train, explore the wonderful city of Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City.”

As you drive through the old part of town in Jaipur you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jaipur is one of the main centers for shopping in India; especially with regard to textiles, jewelry, stones, carpets, etc.

Proceed to visit the Amber Fort. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure, feel the history and visualize the pomp and garner of a kingdom never conquered.

Continue onto an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match and lunch at City Palace/Jai Mahal Palace. In the afternoon you can enjoy optional activities- Spa Treatment/Shopping/Golf/ visit to City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Thereafter, return to your Luxury Train to enjoy dinner on board.

Day 5
Ranthambore (BR/D)

Arrive at Ranthambore where you will proceed on a Jungle safari.

Ranthambore Park is famous for tigers and due to conservation efforts, the tiger population has stabilized if not increased here. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, at their normal pursuits (hunting and taking care of their young ones). Ranthambore is one of the best places to see these majestic predators.

Return to your Luxury Train and enjoy brunch on board as you enter into Fatehpur Sikri. As you enter Sikri from the Agra Gate, Diwan-I-Aam (the hall of public audience) appears first. It is a huge rectangular walled-in courtyard where petitions are heard, proclamations made, ambassadors received and entertainment programs held. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ‘ruins’ are still in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.

Return to your Luxury Train to enjoy dinner on board.

Day 6
Agra (B/L/D)

Arrive into Agra in the early morning and disembark the train for a morning visit to Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen.

Enjoy a Champagne breakfast at Taj Khema before you return to the train or proceed onto optional activities. Thereafter, enjoy lunch on board your Luxury Train as you continue to Gwalior.

Visit the magnificent Gwalior Fort, Sas Bahu Temple and the Jain Cave sculptures, or proceed for optional activities. Before returning to your Luxury Train for dinner on board, visit the opulent Jai Vilas Palace Museum followed with Hi-tea in the palace compounds.

Day 7
Orchha/Khajuraho (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast on board as you head to visit Orchha. Proceed to the bejeweled Jahangiri Mahal, which is probably the most striking palace in Orchha with its elegant hanging balconies, countless windows with stone pierced screens and a beautiful gateway decorated with turquoise tiles.

Return to your Luxury Train for lunch on board and continue towards Khajuraho to visit the western group of temples. Western is the largest and best known. All but three temples are constructed with hard river sandstone dug from the east bank of the Ken River. These temple are erected on high masonry platforms on an east-west axis leaving none of them enclosed. It is their detailed sculpture which gives Khajuraho its appeal and importance.

Return to your Luxury Train for dinner on board or proceed on optional activities before dinner.

Day 8
Varanasi (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast on board as you arrive into Varanasi, the holy city of India and also known as Kashi and Benaras. Proceed to visit Sarnath, the hallowed spot where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment, revealing his doctrine of the Eight Fold Path and enshrining the principles of his teachings into laws. The ruined Dharmrajika stupa and the great Dhamekh stupa mark the spot where the Buddha set in motion the Wheel of Law.

Stop for lunch at the Gateway Hotel Ganges before an afternoon visit to Varanasi Silk Weaving Center and then a scenic cruise on the sacred Ganges. Witness the magical evening Aarti on the ghats of the Ganges.

Return to your Luxury Train for dinner on board.

Day 9
Lucknow (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast on your Luxury Train as you reach Lucknow where you will tour the Residency, Rumi Darwaza and the spectacular Bada Imambara. Thereafter, return to your Luxury Train for lunch on board

Experience the elegance and charm of the traditional hospitality during the “Indian Evening” with an exclusive dinner at Jahagirabad Palace and relish Awadhi cuisine from the Royal Kitchen.

Return to your Luxury Train for overnight journey back to Delhi.

Day 10
Delhi (B)

After breakfast, disembark in Delhi and bid farewell to the Luxury Train. You will be met once again by our representative and transferred to your hotel where the rest of your day will be free at your leisure.

Day 11
Depart Delhi (B)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being met by our representative and transferred to the airport for your departure flight to your final destination.

  • Meet and greet on arrival at Airport.
  • Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner).
  • Entrance fees where applicable.
  • Tours as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Professional English-speaking guide/driver guide.
  • Transfers
  • Travel Protection is offered on all packages at an additional cost.