PROGRAM
01
DAY/SAT » MUMBAI – VADODRA
Welcome
aboard the Maharajas' Express at 1400hrs . This afternoon,
assemble at 1400 hours at The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower,
Mumbai and complete your registration and check in formalities
at the hotel for the Maharajas' Express. Following which, you
will proceed to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. On arrival
you will board the Maharajas' Express and will be greeted with
a welcome drink. The Maharajas' Express departs Mumbai late
evening ( 1640 hrs ) and travels from the land of the Marathas
to Gujarat. Dinner and Overnight on board.
02
DAY/SUN » VADODRA – UDAIPUR
Early
this morning, arrive Vadodara. After breakfast, enjoy a tour
of the city's highlights. Vadodara is a graceful city of
palaces, parks, temples and museums. Begin your tour with the
World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park,
an ancient town full of ruins scattered over the foothills of
Pavagadh. The Pavagadh hill is one of the oldest rock
formations in India. Visit the magnificent Jami Masjid, an
architectural marvel built in 1513 with tall minarets and
minutely carved gates. Followed by the Kewda Masjid and the
Nagina Masjid. Enjoy lunch at the ancient Jambughoda Palace
and enjoy the hospitality of the feudal family who own this
vintage estate. Return to the city and proceed on a visit to
the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Enjoy 'high tea' at the
magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. Designed in Indo-Saracenic
style of architecture, the palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao
III in 1890 is the residence of the Royal family. Return to
the station and board the train for your onward journey.
Dinner and Overnight on board.
03
DAY/MON » UDAIPUR – JODHPUR
Arrive
Udaipur. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and get ready to spend
the day exploring one of the most romantic cities in India.
Udaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid
lakes and green hills. It is an oasis of colour in a stark and
arid region. Begin with a visit to the City Palace, the
largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped
arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. Visit Mor Chowk and
see its lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful
mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and the
spectacular Zenana Mahal. Feel like a king as you experience
the hospitality reminiscent of the days of yore and feast your
taste buds over a vast spread of 'Rajasthani' delicacies.
Proceed on a 'Walking Tour' through the Old Market of Udaipur.
Return to the luxury of the train and look forward to another
exciting journey. Dinner and Overnight on board.
04
DAY/TUE » JODHPUR – BIKANER
After
early breakfast, disembark at Jodhpur, also known as the 'Blue
City'. Enjoy an exciting off the beaten track jeep safari
through the arid countryside south of Jodhpur, to the
neighbouring rural village of Rohet - the fortified desert
home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of the
Champawat clan and home of the Bishnoi tribe. The Bishnois are
passionate environmentalists; a community of nature
worshippers in Rajasthan who participate ardently in the
preservation of the black buck, an endangered species. Your
Village Safari takes you into homes of the local villagers
where you will witness traditional folk rituals and see
village artisans at work. Continue for lunch to Rohet Garh,
the ancestral home of the Rathores since 1622 AD. Post lunch,
proceed to the extravagant Mehrangarh Fort. Be amazed by the
intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and
elegantly curved porches. Tour the palaces and temples built
by successive rulers, with priceless jewels and a dazzling
collection of arms. Return to the train and continue your
journey to glorious Bikaner. Dinner and Overnight on board.
Note: The sightseeing might be split into two groups whereby
Group-A will proceed on tour as per the above schedule and
Group-B will undertake the tour in the reverse i.e. visit
Mehrangarh Fort in the morning followed by lunch at Rohet Garh
and Village Safari.
05
DAY/WED »BIKANER – JAIPUR
Following
a leisurely breakfast, set out to explore the desert kingdom
of Bikaner. The medieval city of Bikaner was once a major
centre in the crossdesert caravan trade. Start your tour by
visiting the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in
1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. While the fort is a formidable
structure encircled by a moat, its real beauty lies inside. Be
overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace),
Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal. The Fort Museum is
fascinating and adorned with over the-top costumes and
jewellery. Continue for an extravagant lunch to a majestic
palace sprawled like an oasis in the midst of the desert
region. In the late afternoon get an up close glimpse into
rural India as you are escorted through the surrounding
village. Experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of
decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians takes
you for a Sundowner in the Sand Dunes. Enjoy champagne as
traditional folk artists like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas
mesmerise you with typical Rajasthani folk tunes and dances.
Return to your train and enjoy a sumptuous meal on board.
Dinner and Overnight on board.
06
DAY/THU » JAIPUR – SAWAI MADHOPUR
Today,
you will arrive into the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. The capital
city of Jaipur is truly a pristine jewel in the crown of the
desert state of Rajasthan. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th
century, Jaipur is renowned for its magnificent palaces, forts
and temples. Your tour of Jaipur begins with a visit to Amber
Fort. Situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, this fort
palace is surrounded by fortified battlements overlooking the
Moat Lake. A short jeep ride takes you up to the fort where
you will enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, with striking
views of the gorge. Step back into the Mughal era as you enter
the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of
Victory. Continue by jeep to the romantic hamlet of Kukas for
a unique and enthralling experience – an Exhibition Elephant
Polo Match. Your arrival will be accompanied by the royal
military band and the beating of 'Nagadas' (huge Indian
drums). You have the option to watch or participate in an
exhibition game. After the match, enjoy a champagne lunch.
Following lunch, indulge in some retail therapy as you visit
the bustling markets of Jaipur. You will have the opportunity
to shop for handicrafts, antiques, jewellery, pottery,
carpets, textiles, metalwork and leatherwork. Return to the
comfort of the train and get ready for a thrilling ride into
the wild. Dinner and Overnight on board.
07
DAY/FRI» SAWAI MADHOPUR – AGRA – DELHI
On
arrival in Sawai Madhopur, get ready for a jeep safari to the
Ranthambore National Park. Originally the private hunting
ground of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was declared a National
Park in 1973. It is famous for its open sightings of tigers,
sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear,
hyena, jackal and leopard. Return to the train for a hearty
brunch, following which, you arrive into Agra. Agra, the jewel
of India, is home to one of the world's great architectural
wonders - the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental
masterpieces and picturesque natural setting, Agra is a
legendary city glorified by time. Proceed to the Agra Fort, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in
1565, it overlooks the Taj Mahal and Yamuna River. The maze of
courtyards and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of
the Mughal Empire. Visit the Diwan-e-aam (House of Commons),
and royal pavilions like the Macchi Bhavan and the Shah Jahani
Mahal. Wander through lavishly decorated halls, courtyards and
alcoves glimpsing the Taj Mahal in the distance. Enjoy
shopping at Agra, famous for its marble and soapstone inlay.
Rejoin the train for your final night on board. Dinner and
Overnight on board.
08
DAY/SAT» ARRIVE – DELHI
Rise
early to witness the magic of sunrise at the world famous Taj
Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built by Shah
Jehan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz. This
incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white
marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful
inlay work and marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India's
most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this
poetry in marble. Continue for a romantic Champagne Breakfast
on the lush green lawns of Taj Khema, overlooking the Taj
Mahal. Be welcomed by colorfully attired dancers and musicians
who escort you to the gardens. Following breakfast, return to
the train and continue your journey to Delhi. Bid farewell to
the Maharajas' Express and discover imperial Delhi. Savour
scrumptious delights over dinner, as your 'Princely India'
journey comes to an end. The royal journey is over, but the
memory will live on forever!
|













|