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Maharajas' Express

India's grandest royal rail journey through palaces, forts and the Taj Mahal

About the Train

India needs no introduction — its shimmering lake cities, rose-pink palaces, ancient forts and the incomparable Taj Mahal are known the world over. Yet to experience them from the gilded carriages of the Maharajas' Express is to travel in an entirely different dimension of luxury.

Designed to evoke the elegance and pageantry of the personal carriages of erstwhile Maharajas, the train's interiors are steeped in nostalgia while delivering every modern comfort. Pneumatic and hydraulic suspension systems ensure a remarkably smooth ride for up to 88 passengers, while panoramic windows frame India's spectacular landscapes as they unfold outside.

Four cabin categories — Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite and Presidential Suite — are served by a 24-hour valet, who can deliver drinks to your door, turn down your bed or arrange any personal request. Two restaurant cars, a pair of lounges and a well-stocked bar car complete an onboard world that is as much a destination as the places it visits.

Gallery

Accommodation

The Maharajas' Express carries two restaurant cars — Peacock and Haveli — each seating 42 guests and serving authentic Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine, with full provision for dietary requirements including vegan, Jain, kosher and gluten-free menus. Most breakfasts are taken on board; select lunches and dinners are hosted in palaces and exclusive venues ashore.

Two lounge cars offer complimentary drinks, curated reading material and sweeping views, while the Maharaja's Club lounge houses a gift shop. The Bar Car — styled as an enchantingly decadent royal safari — stocks an extensive selection of fine wines and spirits.

  • Deluxe Cabin (112 sq ft): Twin or double beds with en-suite bathroom.
  • Junior Suite (150 sq ft): Twin or double beds, writing table and en-suite bathroom.
  • Suite (220 sq ft): Double bed, separate living area, bathroom with bathtub. Private vehicles for all shore excursions.
  • Presidential Suite (448 sq ft): Two double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with bathtub), living and dining area. Private vehicles for all shore excursions.

All cabins include folding writing table, personal safe, wardrobe, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi (subject to network availability), daily linen changes, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, and complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water and light snacks around the clock.

Itineraries

Choose the journey that calls to you. Each itinerary may be reserved through our concierge.

Heritage of India
6 nights · 7 days · Mumbai → Delhi
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Seven days through Rajasthan's royal heartland — Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaipur — culminating in a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal before arriving in Delhi.

Day 1 — Mumbai

Check-in from 10:30 hrs. Following a traditional welcome and boarding ceremony, dinner is served as the train departs for Udaipur.

Day 2 — Udaipur

The shimmering lake city reveals the grand City Palace complex (built 1559), a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Lunch is hosted at the Fatehprakash Palace, home to a legendary crystal gallery. Guests may explore the colourful Old Market, view the Royal family's vintage car collection, or enjoy a Son et Lumière show at the Palace.

Day 3 — Jodhpur

A walking tour of the Old Clock Tower Market is followed by a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, a 16th-century palace perched 400 feet above the plain, celebrated for its intricate sandstone filigree. Dinner on board.

Day 4 — Bikaner

Optional excursions include the Deshnok temples, the Lalgarh Palace Museum, a camel-breeding farm and shopping for Kundan jewellery, before a visit to the fortress of Junagarh. The evening brings camel cart rides, a sand-dune sundowner and barbecue dinner.

Day 5 — Jaipur

Sightseeing leads to an elephant polo match and champagne lunch, followed by the Amber Fort. Guests may then choose shopping, golf, spa, or a visit to the pink City Palace.

Day 6 — Ranthambore to Fatehpur Sikri

An early morning wildlife safari through Ranthambore National Park is followed by breakfast on board and a visit to the majestic deserted 16th-century royal court at Fatehpur Sikri, including the Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques.

Day 7 — Agra to Delhi

At dawn, visit the Taj Mahal; a lavish champagne breakfast is served at Taj Khema overlooking the monument. A final luncheon is enjoyed as the train returns to Delhi.

Detailed itinerary & questions →

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Treasures of India
3 nights · 4 days · Delhi → Delhi
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A four-day Golden Triangle journey from Delhi through the Mughal grandeur of Agra, a tiger safari at Ranthambore and the palaces and bazaars of Jaipur.

Day 1 — Delhi

Following a traditional Indian welcome, brunch is served as the train travels to Agra. Guests explore the Agra Fort; as evening descends, champagne is served at Taj Khema overlooking the Taj Mahal. Dinner on board.

Day 2 — Agra

An early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, followed by luncheon on board en route to Ranthambore, where an afternoon safari ventures into the national park. Dinner on board as the train travels overnight to Jaipur.

Day 3 — Jaipur

Morning sightseeing takes in the Amber Fort and an elephant polo match, followed by lunch in an exclusive venue. Guests may then shop the local bazaars, play golf, enjoy a spa, or visit the City Palace and the royal observatory Jantar Mantar. Dinner and overnight journey to Delhi.

Day 4 — Delhi

A farewell breakfast before disembarkation.

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Indian Panorama
6 nights · 7 days · Delhi → Delhi
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A week-long circular journey from Delhi through Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj Mahal, Orchha, Khajuraho and the holy ghats of Varanasi.

Day 1 — Delhi

After a traditional welcome, guests enjoy brunch as the train travels to Jaipur. Dinner is hosted at an exclusive venue in the city.

Day 2 — Jaipur

Morning sightseeing covers the Amber Fort and an elephant polo match, with lunch in an exclusive venue. Afternoon options include shopping, golf, spa, the City Palace, or the mid-sixteenth-century observatory Jantar Mantar. Dinner on board en route to Ranthambore.

Day 3 — Ranthambore to Fatehpur Sikri

A morning safari through Ranthambore National Park is followed by lunch on board and a visit to the fascinating deserted 16th-century royal court at Fatehpur Sikri. Dinner on board as the train travels to Agra.

Day 4 — Agra

An early morning visit to the Taj Mahal and a champagne breakfast at Taj Khema. Luncheon on board, then a visit to the Agra Fort. Dinner on board as the train travels to Orchha.

Day 5 — Orchha to Khajuraho

A stop at Orchha to visit the Jahangiri Mahal, then lunch on board as the train continues to Khajuraho and its celebrated temples. Dinner on board.

Day 6 — Varanasi

A full day in India's holiest city, with visits to silk workshops and a tranquil river cruise on the Ganges. Dinner on board.

Day 7 — Delhi

A sumptuous farewell breakfast before arriving in Delhi.

Detailed itinerary & questions →

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Indian Splendour
6 nights · 7 days · Delhi → Mumbai
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Seven days from Delhi to Mumbai via the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner's desert palaces, Jodhpur's mighty fort and the lake city of Udaipur.

Day 1 — Delhi

After a traditional welcome, brunch is served as the train travels to Agra. Guests visit the Agra Fort before returning on board for dinner.

Day 2 — Agra / Ranthambore

An early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, then a champagne breakfast at Taj Khema. Luncheon on board en route to Ranthambore for an exciting afternoon safari.

Day 3 — Jaipur

After breakfast, sightseeing takes in the Amber Fort with its impressive architecture and intricate carvings. Luncheon on board as the train travels to Bikaner.

Day 4 — Bikaner

Explore the imposing palaces and richly sculpted sandstone temples of this desert city, founded in 1488. A visit to the fort of Junagarh is followed by a camel cart procession, folk dance performances, sundowner cocktails and barbecue dinner among the sand dunes. Overnight travel to Jodhpur.

Day 5 — Jodhpur

During a relaxed breakfast the beautiful blue city of Jodhpur comes into view. A walking tour visits the Old Clock Tower Market and the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort. Dinner at an exclusive venue.

Day 6 — Udaipur

Arrival in the romantic lake city, with a visit to the City Palace complex followed by a traditional lunch at the Fateh Prakash Palace and its legendary crystal gallery. Afternoon options include the vibrant Old Market or the Royal family's vintage car collection.

Day 7 — Mumbai

Arrival in Mumbai followed by departure after breakfast.

Detailed itinerary & questions →

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Departure Dates

DateDirection / RouteFromStatus
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi from $3,700 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 4 Oct 2026 Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 11 Oct 2026 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 18 Oct 2026 Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Delhi from $6,200 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 25 Oct 2026 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi from $3,700 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 1 Nov 2026 Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 8 Nov 2026 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 15 Nov 2026 Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Delhi from $6,200 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 22 Nov 2026 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi from $3,700 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 29 Nov 2026 Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 6 Dec 2026 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 13 Dec 2026 Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Delhi from $6,200 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 20 Dec 2026 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi from $3,700 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 27 Dec 2026 Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 3 Jan 2027 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 10 Jan 2027 Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Delhi from $6,200 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 17 Jan 2027 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi from $3,700 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 24 Jan 2027 Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 31 Jan 2027 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 7 Feb 2027 Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Delhi from $6,200 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 14 Feb 2027 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi from $3,700 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 21 Feb 2027 Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 28 Feb 2027 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 7 Mar 2027 Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Delhi from $6,200 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 14 Mar 2027 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi from $3,700 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 21 Mar 2027 Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →
Sun, 28 Mar 2027 Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai from $5,900 per person (Deluxe cabin, twin sharing) Available Reserve →

Cabins & Prices

Cabin / SuiteBasisPrice
Deluxe Cabinper cabin, twin sharingUSD
Junior Suiteper cabin, twin sharingUSD
Suiteper cabin, twin sharingUSD
Presidential Suiteper cabin, twin sharingUSD

Prices are indicative and subject to change and availability. Contact us for the latest rates and offers.

Destinations on This Journey

In-depth guides to the places you'll visit — what to see and where to eat at each stop.

Questions About the Maharajas' Express

What exactly is the Maharajas' Express, and why is it considered India's flagship luxury train?+
The Maharajas' Express is India's most decorated luxury train, built to recreate the pageantry of the private carriages once used by the country's Maharajas. It carries up to 88 guests in four cabin categories, with two restaurant cars, twin lounges and a bar car styled like a royal safari retreat. What sets it apart is the sheer reach of its itineraries — sweeping across Rajasthan's desert palaces, Ranthambore's tiger reserve and Agra's Mughal monuments in one unbroken journey by rail.

More in the journal →

Which of the four itineraries — Heritage of India, Treasures of India, Indian Panorama or Indian Splendour — should I choose?+
Heritage of India (6 nights, Mumbai to Delhi) and Indian Splendour (6 nights, Delhi to Mumbai) are the grand cross-country journeys for travellers with time to spare, tracing a similar arc in opposite directions. Indian Panorama (6 nights, Delhi round-trip) covers much of the same ground as a loop that returns you to your starting point. Treasures of India is the compact 3-night option — ideal if you want a taste of the Golden Triangle without committing a full week. Tell us your available dates and interests and we'll match you to the right one; call Palace Trains toll-free at 1-800-724-5120 or email travel@palacetours.com.

More in the journal →

How far in advance should I book, and how do I check which dates are available?+
Because the Maharajas' Express carries a maximum of 88 guests across a limited number of departures each season, popular itineraries and suite categories — especially the Presidential Suite — can sell out months ahead. We recommend booking as soon as your travel dates firm up. Call Palace Trains toll-free at 1-800-724-5120 or email travel@palacetours.com and we'll confirm live availability and pricing for your preferred itinerary.

More in the journal →

Read the full Maharajas' Express Journal — 23 questions answered →

From the Journal