Maharajas’ Express Train: A Royal Journey through India

                             Maharajas’ Express Train: A Royal Journey through India

 The Maharajas' Express is a luxury tourist train owned and operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Often referred to as the "Orient Express of the Orient," it has won the "World's Leading Luxury Train" award multiple times. This train aims to recreate the opulence and elegance of the bygone era of Indian Maharajas, offering a travel experience that combines royal charm with modern amenities.   

Routes

The Maharajas' Express offers four distinct itineraries, each designed to showcase different facets of India's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. The train operates from October to April.  

• The Indian Splendour: This 7-day/6-night journey starts in Delhi and travels through Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, before ending in Mumbai.  
• The Heritage of India: This 7-day/6-night journey begins in Mumbai and covers Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, and Agra, before culminating in Delhi.
• The Indian Panorama: This 7-day/6-night journey starts and ends in Delhi, taking passengers through Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi.  
• Treasures of India: This is the shortest itinerary, a 4-day/3-night round trip from Delhi, covering Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur.  

Experience

The Maharajas' Express is equipped with luxurious cabins, fine-dining restaurants, bars, and lounges. The train has a total capacity of 84 guests. Accommodation is available in 14 guest carriages with 20 Deluxe Cabins, 18 Junior Suites, 4 Suites, and a Presidential Suite. All suites have a full bath. The Presidential suite occupies an entire rail carriage, incorporating a separate sitting-cum-dining room, a master bedroom and bathroom with shower and bathtub, plus a twin bedroom and bathroom with shower. The interiors are designed to reflect the elegance and pageantry of the personal carriages of former Maharajas.  

• Cabins: The cabins are named after precious stones and are equipped with individual climate control, Wi-Fi, LCD televisions, DVD players, and en-suite bathrooms.  
• Dining: The train has two fine-dining restaurants, Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal, offering a range of Indian and international cuisines.  
• Lounge and Bar: The Rajah Club is a dedicated bar carriage. The Safari lounge and bar have a multilingual library. The bar is well-stocked with a wide selection of wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.  
• Other amenities: butler service, a paramedic, and 24/7 security.  

Price

The cost of traveling on the Maharajas' Express depends on the chosen itinerary and the cabin category. ¹ Prices range from approximately INR 3,08,280 to INR 20,90,760. The Presidential Suite is the most luxurious and expensive option. ²  

Gourmet Dining on the Rails

Dining aboard the Maharajas’ Express is an experience in itself. Both restaurants serve a blend of Indian royal cuisine and international gourmet dishes. Chefs prepare meals with fresh local ingredients, offering everything from creamy Mughlai dishes to continental classics. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are all available.

The bar lounge, with its colonial-era charm, offers a relaxing atmosphere to sip on rare single malts, Indian wines, or exotic cocktails while socializing with fellow travelers.