All You Want to Know
About Maharajas' Express

The Maharajas' Express is India's grandest luxury train, operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). It travels across northern and central India, taking guests through Rajasthan's royal cities — including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaipur — as well as iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, the wildlife-rich Ranthambore National Park, the ancient temples of Khajuraho, and the holy ghats of Varanasi.

There are four itineraries to choose from. Heritage of India (7 days, Mumbai to Delhi) traverses Rajasthan's royal heartland before a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal. Treasures of India (4 days, Delhi round-trip) covers the Golden Triangle — Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur. Indian Panorama (7 days, Delhi round-trip) adds Orchha, Khajuraho and Varanasi to the mix. Indian Splendour (7 days, Delhi to Mumbai) follows the reverse arc through the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's desert cities and the lake city of Udaipur. Journeys range from 4 to 7 days in duration.

Pricing for the Maharajas' Express varies by cabin category, chosen itinerary, season and party size, and is available on request. There are four cabin grades — Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite and Presidential Suite — each at a different price point. Contact Palace Trains for a personalised quote: toll-free 1-800-724-5120, international/WhatsApp +1-786-408-0610, or travel@palacetours.com.

The train offers four accommodation categories. The Deluxe Cabin (112 sq ft) features twin or double beds with an en-suite bathroom. The Junior Suite (150 sq ft) adds a writing table. The Suite (220 sq ft) provides a double bed, separate living area and a bathroom with a bathtub, plus a private vehicle for all shore excursions. The Presidential Suite (448 sq ft) — the largest on the train — offers two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a private living and dining area, also with dedicated private vehicles ashore. All cabins include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi (subject to network availability), daily linen changes, bathrobes, slippers, a personal safe and complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water and snacks around the clock.

The Maharajas' Express operates on an all-inclusive basis, covering accommodation in your chosen cabin, all dining in the two restaurant cars (and select meals hosted in palaces and exclusive venues), guided excursions at each destination, a 24-hour valet, and complimentary drinks in the lounge and bar cars. Suite and Presidential Suite guests also receive private vehicles for all shore excursions. Exact inclusions can vary by itinerary and departure, so we recommend confirming the full list with Palace Trains when you book.

The Maharajas' Express runs during India's cooler, more comfortable travel season. There are currently 27 upcoming departures, with the first departing in late September 2026 and the season extending through to the end of March 2027 — covering the months of September, October, November, December, January, February and March. To see the full departure calendar or to check availability for a specific date, please visit the train's page on our website or contact Palace Trains directly.

The Maharajas' Express is operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), India's government-backed rail hospitality authority. What sets it apart is the combination of extraordinary scale — carrying up to 88 guests in four cabin grades up to 448 sq ft — with an intimacy achieved through 24-hour personalised valet service, all-inclusive dining across two palatial restaurant cars, and curated excursions that grant access to royal palaces, private luncheons and exclusive venues that independent travellers rarely experience.

You can enquire about availability and request a quote by contacting Palace Trains directly: call toll-free 1-800-724-5120 (US), +1-786-408-0610 (international or WhatsApp), or email travel@palacetours.com. You can also view the full departure schedule on the Maharajas' Express page of our website. We recommend booking well in advance, as departures during peak season fill quickly.

Yes — a visit to the Taj Mahal at Agra is a highlight of all four itineraries. Guests typically arrive at dawn for the most magical light, and a lavish champagne breakfast is served at Taj Khema, overlooking the monument. On some journeys, an evening champagne reception with views of the Taj is also included the night before.

The train features 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. Beyond the restaurant cars, the lounge cars offer complimentary drinks and curated reading, the Maharaja's Club lounge houses a gift shop, and the Bar Car — styled as a royal safari — stocks an extensive selection of fine wines and spirits. Select meals are hosted in palaces and exclusive venues ashore, adding a unique dimension to the dining experience.