Royal India Tour-7 Nights/8 days

Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Vadodara - Mumbai

The 8 days of 'Royal India' Journey is sure to leave travellers spell bound. Starting from Delhi to Mumbai, the luxury train voyage through Imperial India make them discover its fascinating heritage and exquisite architecture. Enjoying Champagne and paying tribute to world's greatest monument to love, the legendary Taj Mahal, the journey chases the elusive tiger in Ranthambore National Park backed with royal treatment offered as you participate in exhibition Elephant Polo Match followed by dinner in a unique locale.

The journey also provides travelers a chance to gain close insights on spectacular regal heritage of Rajasthan, a state that is renowned world over for its hilltop forts and palaces. The other attraction of the journey would be discovering Champaner, the medieval capital of Gujarat and exploring the charms of bustling city of Mumbai.

The care taken by us all thoughout the journey and close encounters with the rich heritage and sharing this royally with the fellow travelers leaves them with everlasting memories of the sights and sounds of eclectic people and a mesmerizing mix of cultures.

Day 01 : Saturday
Board the Maharajas' Express in Delhi & Onto Agra
Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express Assembling at Safdarjung Station at 2030 hrs and completing your registration and check-in formalities for Maharajas' Express On arrival, travelers will be greeted with welcome drink on board the Maharajas' Express Departure of the Maharajas' Express from Delhi at approximately 2200 hrs to Agra Dinner at hotel Overnight on the Maharajas' Express



Day 02 : Sunday
Agra
Enjoying leisurely breakfast on board as travelers are taken on a journey through picturesque countryside that leads to arrival into the ‘City of Mughal Splendor’ Agra On arrival in Agra, the rest of morning is at leisure on board or travelers may proceed for shopping for some pietra dura inlay on marble or for exquisite jewelery OR On arrival in Agra, you may choose to participate in one of optional tours thjat includes embarking on a visit to the Itmad-ud-Daulah and Agra Fort OR Enjoy spa facilities at a hotel Following participation in any of optional tours, the travelers return to the train for lunch Post lunch disembark & explore the spectacular monuments of the city Agra, home to one of world’s great architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal. The spectacular monumental masterpieces & picturesque natural setting, indeed makes Agra a legendary city glorified by time Visit world famous Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incomparable marvel is constructed entirely using white marble and is architectural masterpiece that features beautiful inlay work and marble screens The highlighting point of the afternoon is high tea atop Taj Khema, enjoying a glass of champagne as you admire the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunset Enjoy some free time shopping for pietra dura marble & fine Mughal Jewellery keeping traditional Mughal arts alive Return to comfort of the train and continue journey to Ranthambore National Park Breakfast & Lunch on board; High tea at Taj Khema; and Dinner on board Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Day 03 : Monday
Ranthambore & Jaipur
Early morning arrival at Sawai Madhopur, where a exciting safari awaits you at 'Ranthambore National Park.' The park is based on nearly 400 square kilometers of dry, deciduous forest and derives its name from huge 1000 year old Rajput fortress of Ranthambore that sits 215 m high in the forest. Originally a private hunting ground of Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a National Park and is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. It is also a paradise for the bird watchers.

Post breakfast at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, return to train to relax & unwind as the journey continues to Jaipur Enjoy hearty lunch on board Nestled in rugged Aravali Hills, picturesque capital city of Jaipur is indeed a pristine jewel in crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. The city was built by Raja Jai Singh in 18th century, and is surrounded by rugged hills & dotted by magnificent palaces, massive forts and exquisite temples Following arrival begin the exciting tour of pink city with opportunity to shop for some of finest jewellery, textiles and blue pottery the city is renowned for Continue on a visit to Amber Fort that is situated on ridge just outside Jaipur city and surrounded by fortified battlements overlooking Maota Lake A short jeep ride that takes travelers up to the fort makes them enjoy a tour of royal apartments, with striking views of the gorge, the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of Victory. OR Following arrival in Jaipur, travelers may choose to participate in one of optional tours that includes enjoying spa facilities at a palace hotel OR Proceed on private shopping tour OR Enjoy Golfing at Rambagh Golf Club Complete exciting day in the evening with unique & enthralling experience – an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match Your arrival at venue will be accompanied by royal military band and beating of ‘Nagadas’ (huge Indian drums) You may choose to watch or participate in exhibition game Post match enjoy dinner over sparkling wine Following dinner, return to the station and board the train for the onward journey Breakfast at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, Lunch on board; Elephant Polo Dinner with a glass of wine at a private venue Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express

Day 04 : Tuesday
Bikaner
As the journey through desert continues, it brings an opportunity for travelers to relish their breakfast on board, while enjoying close observation of the desert - the scattered procepis cineraria trees; villagers attired in their bright turbans and occasional herd of camels breaking monotony of the desert.

The medieval city of Bikaner also popularly known as Camel Country, was once a major centre in cross-desert caravan trade. The place has its share of forts, palaces and temples that are indeed splendid creations made using red and yellow sandstone and are living reflections of their rich historical and architectural legacy.

Late morning arrival into desert citadel of Bikaner and relaxing on board OR Travelers may choose to embark on one of optional tours that includes visiting Lalgarh Palace Museum that displays some fascinating exhibits on royal heritage of Bikaner OR Other intriguing option is excursion to Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok that is situated on outskirts of Bikaner. Popularly known as “Rat Temple”, the temple complex has hundreds of rats swarming courtyards, and are an integral part of temple rituals and customs as they are considered very sacred Following your participation in any one of optional tours, you will return to train for lunch Post lunch, you will disembark & proceed on visit to Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh and features exclusive architecture showcase in form of Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal It also has a Museum that showcases fascinating viewing of ornate decorative costumes and jewellery Continuing on an experience of lifetime! catch a glimpse of rural Rajasthan, as you are escorted through surrounding village Experience royal pageantry as convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for Sundowner in the Sand Dunes Enjoy cocktails, savour traditional mouth watering barbecue delicacies as you enjoy traditional folk artists like Langaas and Kalbeliyas whose music and dance activities are sure to mesmerize you Return to comfort of your train and embark on onward journey to Jodhpur Breakfast and Lunch on board; evening barbecue on dunes Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Day 05 : Wednesday
Jodhpur
This morning, the Maharajas’ Express, continues journey into stronghold of Marwar region. While enjoying leisurely breakfast on board, travelers can watch dramatic landscapes of Thar Desert that leads to arrival at Blue City of Jodhpur.

The morning can be spent at leisure on board OR You may participate in one of optional tours that includes going for a village safari, where you will have opportunity of visiting weaver’s village, potters village and Bishnoi village considered to be oldest living environmentalists in the world, catching a glimpse of their lifestyles & creative skills passed down through generations remaining within the family and community OR Enjoy spa facilities at a hotel Post participation in one of optional tours, return to train for lunch Post lunch, disembark & explore erstwhile capital of Marwar - Jodhpur which is set like a jewel amidst golden sands and is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces from Rajput era as well as home to some of finest architectural wonders Proceed on walking tour of Old Clock Tower market that provides an experience of the hustle and bustle of market and at the same time getting an insight of daily lifestyle of local residents as you walk through section of the blue city, that includes some of the oldest houses and havelis Continue the journey to magnificent Meherangarh Fort and admire intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches Tour the palaces & temples built by successive rulers, with priceless jewels and dazzling collection of arms The highlight of day is Royal Cocktail evening with wide array of sumptuous Marwar Culinary delights that is served in Royal courtyard of Meherangarh Fort as you admire cityscape from atop Return to the train and continue journey to picturesque Udaipur Breakfast and Lunch on board; Barbecue at Meherangarh Fort Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express

Day 06 : Thursday
Udaipur
Next morning wake up to the sight and sounds of this picturesque region of Mewar, which is one of most popular & royal states of Rajputana Enjoy leisurely breakfast and admire magnificent landscape of Aravali Hills while arriving at Udaipur - the City of Lakes and Sunrise Popularly referred to as Venice of the East, Udaipur offers enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. An oasis of colour in stark & arid region, it also has picturesque havelis, ghats & temples along Lake Pichola and lively bazaars that make Udaipur one of India’s greatest destinations Disembark train as you begin visit to City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan having scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas Visit Mor Chowk and see lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and spectacular Zenana Mahal Feel like a king as you experience from close quarters the hospitality at Durbar Hall that is reminiscent of ancient Mewar glory Feast your taste buds over vast spread of International cuisine Post lunch return to train for relaxed afternoon on board OR You have option of enjoying spa facilities in palace hotel. Later in afternoon, if you wish you may proceed for ‘Walking Tour’ through Old Market of Udaipur Browse through shops selling exquisitely embroidered and printed fabrics, jewelery, paintings, carved wood artifacts and other local crafts Return to luxury of train and look forward to another exciting day's journey Breakfast on board; Lunch in Durbar Hall; Dinner on board Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Day 07 : Friday
Vadodara
Arrival to Royal city of Gaekwads, Vadodara that is situated on famous River Vishwamitri. While enjoying a relaxed morning on board the train, following a leisurely breakfast OR travelers may proceed for optional Golfing Tour at Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club Later, following disembarkation, you will be driven in a convoy of cars through some of picturesque countryside to quaint hamlet of Jambhughoda Enroute enjoy brief stop at famous World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient town that is full of ruins scattered over foothills of Pavagadh, one of the oldest rock formations in India Visit magnificent Jami Masjid, an architectural marvel built in 1513 with tall minarets and minutely carved gates On arrival at Jambhughoda participate in traditional welcome & fanfare of feudal lords of Jambhughoda, and relish their royal cuisine, typical reserved only to their family Here, you have opportunity to interact with family members and catch glimpse of their royal past After a sumptuous lunch, return to Vadodara On arrival in the city, proceed on visit to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum that exhibits royal collection of work by important 19th century painter Raja Ravi Verma. It also displays 19th and 20th centuries European paintings of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo Enjoy ‘High Tea and Snacks’ at magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace that comes with Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, and was built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1890 Here, witness the grandeur of ornate Durbar Hall, Venetian mosaic floors, Belgium stained glass windows and sculptures of bronze and marble by Fellici Also witness a lovely folk dance performance, typical to Royal House, as you savour some of special delicacies from Royal kitchens Return to station and board train for last leg of your journey Enjoy an Indian evening on board, raising toast to memorable experience Breakfast on board; Lunch at Jambhughoda; High Tea with Snacks at Laxmi Vilas Palace; Dinner on board Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express

Day 08 : Saturday
Disembark in Mumbai
After an early morning breakfast you will disembark at around 0830 hours at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in the financial capital city of Mumbai Bidding farewell to the Maharajas' Express as the ‘Royal India’ journey comes to an end, we ensure that the memories gathered of the exquisite places visited are indeed more than visible on the minds of the fellow travelers and will live on with them forever!

Breakfast on Maharajas' Express
Note: -
All ‘Options’ / ‘Optional Tours’ are on chargeable basis and are subject to availability. Details and pricing will be made available on board during the journey.

What your journey price includes:
Accommodation in double/twin bedded cabins with en suite bathrooms, soft beverages, all meals, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits, butler service, guided off train excursions as illustrated in journeys inclusive of entrance fees, transport and services of guides, still camera fee, complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water on board, porterage at stations

What your journey price does not include:
Any optional tours as mentioned in itinerary, taxes, insurance, telephone calls, gratuities, laundry, alcoholic beverages (apart from house brands of wines, spirits, beer served in restaurants and bar), video, film and professional still camera fees and arrival and departure transfers. International and domestic air tickets, pre and post tour accommodation and any tour extensions are also not included (unless specifically mentioned as part of journey)

Surcharges & Signature Journeys
The prices shown are based on known costs & exchange rates at time of being published and & due to adverse fluctuation in currency exchange rates, affecting cost structures of your journey, the train company reserves the right to impose a surcharge or revise the tour cost. Also there will be extra surcharge during Xmas & New Year Period & for Signature Journeys.

Itinerary Changes
The itineraries on certain departures will run in reverse direction. There may also be a slight amendment in activities and sequence of destinations visited. The right to vary, amend, alter or withdraw any particular itinerary, departure or excursion rests entirely with the company. Services however, will remain unchanged.

Train Schedules and Flexibility
Please note that our train operates within constraints of the Indian Railways Network and timing agreed upon by them We require you to abide by timings suggested by your guides, escorts, etc. enabling us to adhere to schedules Certain departures would be operating in reverse with minor changes in timings and flow of destinations.

Description of Services In Website
The information provided in this website is based on brochures available with Marketing Office of RIRTL,& subject to change The Train Management reserve the absolute right to alter, amend, change or modify tour package & itineraries (including but not limited to cancellation and or substitution of guest speakers & signature departures). The Train Manager or Management of Maharaja Express Train Company bears the onus to inform you of any such last minute changes on the tour.

Force Majeure & Maharaja Express
There may be some last minute changes necessary in published tour program,due to factors beyond train company's control such as 'force majeure' events, strikes, fairs, festivals, sport events, weather conditions, traffic problems, overbooking of hotels / flights, cancellation / re-routing of flights or railway, closure of / restricted entry at a place of sightseeing. , actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife, actual or threatened terrorist activity, industrial or nuclear disaster, fire and all similar events outside the control of the party concerned The term 'force majeure' also means any event which we / the supplier of service(s) in question / the Third Party Supplier could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid We cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our agreement with you is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of, 'force majeure'.

Conditions of Travel
You will have to strictly follow the tour program There would be no refund if you fail to join the group at the commencement of the tour, or join the group later or leave the group before culmination of the tour for any reasons whatsoever You are responsible to register with representative of Company at appointed date, place and time and you would be treated as a no-show if you fail to do so Under no circumstances would any refund be given for any unutilized services You shall not behave in a manner which may cause distress or annoyance to other co-travellers or which may create risk of danger or damage to property of Company, co-travellers or others In this event, you may be asked to leave the tour immediately The Company shall be under no liability to any such person.

Minimum Passenger Requirement
All journeys undertaken require minimum number of passengers to operate. Should the same be not accomplished, we offer travellers alternate departure dates or alternate journey or a refund. In unlikely eventuality of this occurring, 30 days of advance intimation can be given.