PROGRAM
01
DAY/SUN »DELHI – AGRA
Board
the Maharajas' Express in Delhi. The Maharajas' Express
departs Delhi in the morning and travels to Agra. Enjoy a
leisurely breakfast. After breakfast visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, it
is a maze of courtyards and lavish private chambers which
reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Visit the
Diwan-e-aam (House of Commons) and royal pavilions like the
Shah Jahani Mahal. Wander through lavishly decorated halls,
courtyards and alcoves glimpsing the Taj Mahal in the
distance. Head to the Taj Khema, a tableland overlooking the
Taj Mahal where colourful 'khemas' (decorated tents) are set
up for a romantic Champagne Lunch. Continue on a visit to the
Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built by Shah
Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. This
incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white
marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful
inlay work. Enjoy shopping at Agra, famous for its marble and
soapstone inlay work. Rejoin the train and continue your
eventful journey to princely Gwalior. Dinner and Overnight on
board.
02
DAY/MON » AGRA - GWALIOR
Early
this morning, you will arrive into Gwalior. Following
breakfast, enjoy a visit to Gwalior city. Gwalior's tradition
as a royal capital continued until the formation of present
day India, with the Scindias having their dynastic seat here.
The magnificent mementos of a glorious past have been
preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal which is unique
and timeless. Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Gwalior Fort,
the city's most famous landmark that contains within its wall
several interesting temples and ruined palaces - the
marvellous Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Sas Bahu Ka Mandir
and Suraj Kund. Continue for lunch to the Usha Kiran Palace.
Enter this 120-year-old palace, which has played host to the
King of England and is now a heritage hotel. Following lunch,
explore the Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum. Located in
the new town, the Palace belongs to the Scindia family.
Although the current Maharaja still lives in a portion of the
palace, a large part of it is now a museum. The Scindia Museum
displays royal memorabilia and a remarkable collection of
artefacts from around the world. The crystal staircase, arched
ceiling with stunning gold leaf work, two of the world's
largest chandeliers, each weighing over three tons are
extremely noteworthy items found within the palace. Revisit
the Usha Kiran Palace for Cocktails. Dinner and Overnight on
board.
03
DAY/TUE » GWALIOR – ORCHHA - KHAJURAHO
Enjoy
a leisurely breakfast and get ready to spend the day exploring
the erotic architecture of the temples of Khajuraho. Enroute
you will enjoy a stop at the bejewelled town of Orchha. On
arrival in Orchha, disembark and venture on tour of the quaint
domain of the Bundela Kings. Visit the Jahangiri Mahal which
is an excellent example of the Rajput Bundela architecture.
Marvel the multi layered palace with its 132 chambers. A
striking feature of the palace are the sandstone walls
embellished with lapis lazuli tiles and ornate jail screens.
Catch a glimpse of some rituals being performed as you pass
the beautiful temple of Chaturbhuj which is a unique blend of
fort and temple architecture. Not to be missed are the
beautiful chhatris better known as cenotaphs of the Orchha
rulers lying along the Betwa River. Return to the train and
continue onwards to the temple city of Khajuraho. Admire the
rich landscape as you have lunch on board. Located in Madhya
Pradesh, Khajuraho is renowned for its architecture and
exquisite sculptures. Built between 950 and 1050 AD in a truly
inspired burst of creativity, the temples are superb examples
of Indo-Aryan architecture. Proceed on a tour of the
magnificent temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage
site. Explore the Western group which constitutes some of the
finest examples of Chandela art at its peak. Visit the
Kandariya Mahadev Temple and the Chaunsath Yogini Temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva and the 64 Yoginis respectively.
Continue to the Eastern group of temples. Visit the exquisite
Jain Temples and admire some of the finest sculpture and
carvings. Following lunch, familiarise yourself with the local
culture and the rural lifestyle of the villagers on a guided
Village Walk. Dinner and Overnight on board.
04
DAY/WED » UMARIA – BANDHAVGARH – VARANASI
Very
early this morning, you will arrive into Umaria. Prepare
yourself for an exciting drive to the Bandhavgarh National
Park. With the highest known density of tigers, it was the
former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Rewa. Animals such
as deers, langurs, sloth bears and exotic birds can also be
found here. Watch them in their natural surroundings and we
ensure the thrill more than makes up for the early wake up
call. Following brunch, you will return to Umaria and continue
the journey. Dinner and Overnight on board.
05
DAY/THU » VARANASI
Rise
early and arrive into the legendary city of Varanasi.
Following an early morning tea / coffee, get ready to witness
a spectacular sunrise over the sacred Ganges. One of the
oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi (also known as
Kashi or Benares) has a spiritual legacy of over 3000 years.
Continue for a walk through the twisting alleys absorbing the
hustle and bustle of the Old City. After breakfast, visit the
world famous Varanasi Silk Weaving Centre. Following lunch,
visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his
first sermon expounding the principles of Buddhism. Visit the
ruins, stupa and the Ashoka Pillar, whose four back-to-back
lions have been adopted as India's national emblem. Dinner and
Overnight on board.
06
DAY/FRI » LUCKNOW
Enjoy
traversing through the lush green agricultural belt of Uttar
Pradesh as you relish your breakfast on board. Late morning,
the Maharajas' Express slowly pulls into the fabled 'City of
Nawabs', Lucknow.This morning you will explore the dramatic
ruins of Imperialistic Lucknow as you visit The Residency,
started by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulla and completed by Nawab Sadat
Ali for the British resident in 1800. Unravel the history of
the Mutiny of 1857 at the Residency as you explore her ruins
and visit the main Residency building which houses an
interesting Museum displaying the original model of the
Residency, old lithographs, photographs, paintings, documents
and period-objects.Experience the imperialistic splendour and
mystical elegance of the Nawabs of Awadh as you visit their
architectural wonders like the famous 'Rumi Darwaza", a
beautifully ornamented gateway; the spectacular Bada Imambara
considered to be the largest vaulted apartment in the world
comprising of ornamental gateways,corridors and galleries.
Following lunch, you will return to the train and may join the
Nawabi evening later. For those who wish to explore further,
the bustling markets of this royal city will not
disappoint.This evening you will be transported into the
glorious era of the Nawabs of Avadh as you experience the
traditional hospitality typical to the Royal Houses,
celebrating an 'Indian Evening'. The mesmerising music,
exquisite courtesan dance and the Royal Culinary Delights from
the Nawabi kitchens - all combine to bring alive the elegance
and charm of the Nawabi era.Then return to the train and
continue on your onward journey. Nawabi Evening Dinner at a
Private residence
07
DAY/SAT» ARRIVE DELHI
Early
this morning the train pulls into New Delhi. Following
breakfast on board you will disembark. Bid farewell to the
Maharajas' Express as your 'Classical
India'
journey comes to an end. The royal journey is over, but the
memory of which, will live on forever!
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