Gems of India
A journey through India made much more memorable with the Maharajas’ Express. A train almost half a mile long redefines luxury and comfort. It recreates the lifestyle of a princely era.
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!
- Champagne breakfast overlooking Taj Mahal.
- An exciting Game drive at Ranthambore.
- Elephant Polo match at Jaipur.
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 in the morning. Then greet the morning on your first day in what is the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy. As you embark on your journey through this land you will experience the sits 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/Agra (B/D)
After breakfast you will be transferred to the railway station to begin your Luxury Train journey. Board the Luxury Train at Delhi and proceed to Agra after a traditional welcome and completion of your registration formalities. Enjoy dinner on board the Luxury Train.
Day 4
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 eturn to the train or proceed onto optional activities. Thereafter, enjoy lunch on board your Luxury Train.
In the afternoon, visit the Agra fort or proceed onto optional activities. The Agra Fort is the most important fort in India. It contained the largest state treasury and mint and was also visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.
Return to the Luxury Train where you will leave for Ranthambore as you relish your dinner on board.
Day 5
Ranthambore/Jaipur (B/L/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 for lunch aboard as you enter the Pink City – Jaipur.
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.
Vist the Amber Fort or proceed onto optional activities. Then enjoy an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match followed by Dinner at City Palace / Jai Mahal Palace. Return to your Luxury Train as it journeys towards Delhi.
Day 6
Delhi (B)
Breakfast on board as you arrive into Delhi. Bid farewell to the Maharajas’ Express. You will be met once again by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to tour around Delhi.
Day 7
Depart Delhi (B)
In the morning enjoy breakfast before our representative transfers you 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.
Maharajas’ Express
Luxury Train
Le Meridien Delhi
Delhi
