The crème de la crème of Maharajas' Express train journeys is our favourite as it touches all the culturally and historically significant places of north…
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Tailor-made Tour 10 days from £5425 per person
Places Visited: Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Keoladeo National Park, Agra
Journey through colourful Rajasthan on India’s original luxury train, the Palace on Wheels. Experience the land from a different perspective whilst travelling in style; be ensconced in gold embossed carriages, waited on by uniformed attendants, surrounded by ornate green and gold ceilings. Browse the library, wine and dine in the restaurant cars which serve Indian and Continental cuisine, rest in a luxury bed chamber…exclusively yours…an unforgettable experience.
Launched in 1982, the Palace on Wheels train has 14 air conditioned coaches, and accommodates up to 104 passengers. There are two dining cars on board, lavishly decorated, serving Rajasthani and Continental cuisine. There is also a bar, on board games, lounge, and shop stocked with local Rajasthani handicrafts.
Holiday Types
Cultural Holidays Wildlife Holidays River Cruising Holidays Luxury Train Holidays Family Holidays Honeymoons Beach Holidays Adventure Holidays
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Delhi
On arrival at New Delhi Airport, you will be met and escorted to your luxurious hotel in the heart of New Delhi. Depending on the international flight chosen, you may have the remainder of the day or night at leisure time to relax and adjust to your new time zone.
Delhi, India’s capital, is a compelling mix of the ancient and modern. It holds the vestiges of at least seven great centres, with crumbling Afghan mausolea adorning traffic roundabouts; millennia-old fort walls stand next to eight-lane expressways; and Sufi shrines the huddle beside concrete flyovers.
More impressive still is the fact that so many cultural transmissions from Delhi’s past eras endure. Five-star hotels host recitals by ghazal singers, sarod players and kathak dancers whose arts have been painstakingly preserved since the days of the Mughals. Echoes of the British Raj abound, too, from the 1930s elegance of the Imperial Hotel to the uniforms of the sentries strutting down Raj Path.
The most evocative place to get one’s bearings has to be the Jama Masjid, the magnificent sandstone and white-marble ‘Friday Mosque’ constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in Old Delhi. Climb one of its minarets for a matchless view over the surrounding roofscape to the ramparts of the Red Fort, where the Mughals held court in a hidden world of cusp-arched pavilions and pillared audience halls. You may want to make the most of the city’s clean, efficient metro to travel across town to the National Museum, with its priceless collection of antiquities, or go onto Delhi’s southern fringes, where the exquisitely carved Qutub Minar has dominated the skyline since 1202 AD.
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Day 2
Delhi
Today will be spent exploring the sights of Delhi before transferring to the station to board the train at 16:00. As you settle in and enjoy a welcome drink in the bar, the Palace on Wheels begins its journey to Jaipur at 18:30.
Check in on The Palace on Wheels comes with a traditional welcome of garlanding, tikka and turban. Perhaps take a photo with the traditionally attired Palace on Wheels staff before being escorted to your cabin by your personal attendant. Once checked in, guests are treated to a ‘Welcome Aboard’ drink in the bar lounge. Settle in and enjoy dinner onboard as the train makes its way out of Delhi.
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Day 3
Jaipur
After receiving a royal elephant welcome at Jaipur Station, your first sighting stops this morning are St. Albert Museum, the City Palace complex and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar. After a brief stop at Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, built for the royal ladies to catch a glimpse of the outside world through delicate screened windows and balconies, you'll reach Amber, 11km outside of the city, to explore the magnificent honey-coloured Fort Palace. Lunch is held in the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant, located in Fort premises. Spend the afternoon exploring Amber Fort before a visit to the vibrant local market on the way back to the train.
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Day 4
Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh
Near the town of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger’s efforts at conservation in the country. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once the private grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. As a result of the stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the prime assets of the Park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are often spotted here in daylight. Enjoy an early morning jungle safari before returning to the train and depart for Chittorgarh at 10:00. This afternoon you will have time to explore the grand Chittorgarh Fort, before an evening Sound & Light show at the Fort. Return to the train for dinner.
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Day 5
Udaipur
Arrive into Udaipur this morning. After onboard breakfast proceed to visit the 17th Century built City Palace complex with eleven constituent Mahals, balconies, towers and cupolas. Also visit Crystal Gallery - housing the personal collection of H.H. of Udaipur. Later enjoy a boat ride around the world famous "Lake Palace Hotel" atop a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola. Lunch is held at the majestic Fatehprakash Palace Hotel. This afternoon there is time for shopping before a visit to the Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari.
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Day 6
Jaisalmer
In the heart of the Thar desert lies the desert citadel of Jaisalmer, known locally as the 'Sonar Kila' or golden fort. This 12th century enclosure built on a ridge of yellow sandstone encompasses Jain and Hindu temples alike with beautiful images of deities in red and black stone as well as white marble. Your half day tour will include a walk through the fort to see the palace museum, the temples and a visit to desert havelis (mansions) which showcase the famous art of the stone carvers of this region. Of these the Patwon ki Haveli is the largest and most elaborate of the havelis of Jaisalmer. Proceed for lunch to a 5-Star Hotel & later return to train for a brief rest and tea. At 4:30PM you will depart for the Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert for a sunset camel ride. Later enjoy a cultural Program & Dinner at a 5-Star Hotel.
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Day 7
Jodhpur
On this morning’s tour of Jodhpur you will drive through the old city's maze of streets and lanes through gates, bastions and towers towards the majestic hill top Mehrangarh Fort that contains one of Rajasthan's best museums. Browse through a fine collection of Rajput miniature paintings, armoury and costume and stop for a commanding view of this blue hued city from one of the ramparts of the fort. A quick stop at the Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph of the royal family, and a visit to the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace completes your half day tour of this imperial city that echoes with tales of its glorious past. You will have lunch at a city hotel before returning to the train.
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Day 8
Bharatpur, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Agra
Early morning excursion to this delightful bird sanctuary which is home to over 230 bird species, including the rare Siberian Crane. Return to the train and depart for Agra at 08:45. Your sightseeing tour of Agra Visit starts with the impressive Diwan-e-Am & Diwan-e-Khas inside the forbidding red sandstone battlements of Agra Fort. Enjoy lunch at ITC Mughal Hotel before visitng one of the world's great monuments, the Taj Mahal. Built in memorial of Mumtaz Mahal, Mughal emperor Shah Jehan's beloved wife, this mausoleum, built entirely of white marble is decorated with elaborate geometric forms and inlay work that showcases plants, flower and fruit motifs. Return to the train and depart for Delhi at 23:00.
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Day 9
Delhi
Arrive Delhi Safderjung Railway Station at 05:30. Check-out starts at 7 a.m. after an early breakfast. You will be met by a TransIndus representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay in Delhi.
Spend the day relaxing at your hotel or embark on a sightseeing tour of Delhi.
One of the most popular excursions among TransIndus guests visiting Delhi these days are heritage walks around central Delhi. Run by the Salaam Baalak Trust, the walks are guided by former street children who, apart from showing visitors around the historic sights and backstreets, also give a vivid account of what life is like for disadvantaged youngsters in the area. Income from the scheme helps the NGO fund its shelter and outreach problem, and provides a living wage and much needed boost to the self-esteem of the enthusiastic young guides.
Accommodation Options
Day 10
Delhi, UK
Return flight to the UK.
Accommodation Options
Tailor-made Tour 10 days from £5425 per person
What's included
✓ 7 nights luxury accommodation aboard The Palace on Wheels
✓ 2 nights’ luxury accommodation in Delhi
✓ All internal transportation and transfers
✓ English-speaking guides
✓ Full board a la carte service on board the train. Bed & Breakfast in Delhi.
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary
✓ International Flights: We will be happy to organise international flights departing Heathrow, in economy or business class at a supplementary cost. Flight duration 8 hours.
Places and Experiences in this tour
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