Fay says, “The route of the Indian Maharaja has been carefully planned for visits to many of India’s iconic sites; combining a magic carpet journey with the opulence of this luxury train is just what one would expect of a Maharani!” 

The luxurious train used for the Indian Maharaja journeys is the same as for the Deccan Odyssey routes.   The Indian Maharaja travels from Mumbai to Delhi, or in reverse.

This seven-night  tour includes several exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra and Northern India, visiting  Mumbai, Aurangabad, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra and Delhi, to name but a few.  The panoramic windows afford a clear view of the majestic scenery, from the comfort of plush interiors that are evocative of a bygone era, but with a modern twist, creating an extraordinary luxury that forms an unforgettable memory.

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Route of the Indian Maharaja, Delhi to Mumbai

Itinerary

The itineraries are the same, with a slight variation in timings depending on which direction one is travelling, Mumbai to Delhi or vice-versa.

Delhi to Mumbai

Wednesday  -  Delhi.

Following a traditional welcome and check-in at Delhi’s Safderjung Station,  board the waiting train to settle into your suite as the train departs.  Dinner is served as we travel through the night to Agra

Thursday  -  Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.

Agra is mostly known for being home to the stunning Taj Mahal, an epitome of love and beauty.  Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  Besides the Taj, you can also visit the Agra Fort, built in the 16^th century  and capital of the mighty Nogul Empire for more than 150 years.

After lunch we travel by coach to the 16^th century Fatehpur Sikri, a city built of red sandstone, that is immaculately preserved within because of being abandoned shortly after completion, due to the paucity of water.  Within the walls one can see various monuments which are architectural wonders from the Mughal times.  Back on the train, we continue overnight to Jaipur

Friday  -  Jaipur

Arriving in this pretty city guests disembark for a sightseeing tour of the 16^th century impregnable  Amber Fort, with its impressive architecture and intricate carvings.  Then there is a photo stop of the breathtaking red and pink sandstone  Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of the Winds with its unique five-storey exterior, akin to the honeycomb of the beehive, and its 953 small windows decorated with intricate latticework unique five-storey exterior, akin to the honeycomb of the beehive, and its 953 small windows decorated with intricate latticework.

This is followed by a visit to the royal observatory of Jantar Mantar, with its collection of architectural astronomical instruments. After lunch at the Taj Jai Mahal Palace hotel, we return to rest in the train prior to returning for a Gala Dinner at  the 18^th century City Palace, painted pink in honour of the visiting British royal family.

Saturday  -  Ranthambhore

There are early morning and post lunch jungle safaris into this National Park and tiger reserve.  After the final safari there is high tea at the former Hunting Lodge of the Maharaja Of Jaipur, before returning to the train for dinner.

Sunday  -  Udaipur

During breakfast the train arrives in stunning Udaipur, often referred to as Venice of the east.  Guests visit the City Palace complex, built in 1559 in a flamboyant style, and considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Nearby is located the Crystal Gallery,with a breathtaking private collection of Maharana Sajjan Singh , highlight being an exquisite jewel studded carpet.  Then we take a boat trip on Lake Pichola, famous for the romantic Lake Palace Hotel.  We return to the train for lunch and dinner, as the train leaves Rajasthan to travel overnight to Maharashtra.

Monday  -  Ellora Caves

Following a leisurely morning, there is a tour to the Ellora Caves.  These comprise of 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, dug side by side and sculpted out of hills between 8^th and 12^th  century,  bringing  the civilization of ancient India to life.  Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.

Tuesday  -  Ajanta Caves

Our morning excursion takes us to the above.  There are 30  caves in Ajanta of which  five are chaitya-grihas and the rest are monasteries.  Discovered in 1819 , they were built from the 2nd century .  Most of the paintings in Ajanta are incredibly  from  the 2nd century.  All paintings show heavy religious influence and centre around Buddha, Bodhisattvas, incidents from the life of Buddha and the Jatakas. The paintings are executed on a ground of mud-plaster in the tempera technique.

The afternoon is spent at leisure, enjoying the rest of the time on the train, which travels to Mumbai overnight.

Wednesday  -  Mumbai

Arrival in Mumbai and the end of a wonderful journey.

Accommodation

Suites:  With 21 carriages taking just 80 passengers in total, the train includes over 30 staff to oversee a comfortable journey.  There is plenty of space with  8 passengers per carriage in Deluxe class.  There are 2 Presidential suite carriages with 2 suites per carriage.  There is one valet per carriage to attend to your needs.

On-board facilities include TV, central CD player, cell/mobile phones, internet access, foreign exchange facilities, laundry service, 24 hour room service and valet attendant, luggage collection facility, vanity packs, newspapers.

Dining Car:  The sumptuously decorated dining cars offer a single-sitting gourmet experience, allowing you to sample Fine Indian and Continental cuisine.  The high level of on-board service is delivered by  the Taj, Oberoi.  Breakfast and dinner are taken on board, with lunch occasionally taken at various destinations, managed by Taj Oberoi and the Royal families.

Lounge and Bar Cars:  These beautifully decorated cars allow one to relax and enjoy the passing scenery, whilst enjoying refreshments and the company of other passengers, or just quietly reading.

Spa Car:  The spa car offers massage therapy, a sauna and a beauty parlour offering various treatments, as well as a small gymnasium (all chargeable).

Conference Car:  For business meetings, the conference car offers private rooms with internet access and secretarial services.  Please contact us if you wish to book the conference car.

Dates and Prices

Mumbai to Delhi

2013  –  February 6, 20.   March 6.   April 3.

Delhi to Mumbai

2013  -  February 13, 27.   April 10.

Prices for double occupancy, per person per night (taxes extra):

Silver Class:            US$ 595   (single occupancy $ 950)

Gold Class:               US$ 695  (single occupancy  $ 1110)

Platinum Class:    US$ 995  (single occupancy  $ 1590)

• Service tax @ 3.09% extra as applicable.
• Option to book minimum two night part journey @ US$ 2600 on Silver plan.
• Silver Class includes: stay in a Deluxe Suite with meals and group excursions
• Gold Class includes stay in Deluxe Suite with meals and private sightseeing tours.
• Platinum Class includes stay in Presidential Suite with meals and private sightseeing tours in chauffeur–driven car.
• 10% of the tariff for the children up to 5 years of age.  Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years of age
  (Proof of age to be provided at time of booking)

General Information

Visas:  Please check whether you need visas and vaccinations.

Dress Code:  Dress is smart casual with comfortable shoes, and  smart evening attire.

Included:   Morning tea, breakfast, lunch & dinner; bottled drinking water; conducted sightseeing tours; entrance fees at monuments & wildlife reserves; cultural programmes.

 Booking & Reservations

All prices are at publicly-quoted rates.

We will be happy to answer any questions and make the booking for you  -  contact us in the UK : +44 (0)1249 890205 or info@luxurytrainclub.com      Please sign up to our newsletter to be kept informed of interesting trains and special offers.

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