For those seeking an unforgettable rail experience through the heart of India, the Maharajas Express luxury tourist train offers an epic journey from the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai to the bustling capital of New Delhi. This world-renowned train takes passengers on a regal adventure, retracing historic routes while providing modern amenities and comforts fit for royalty.
The Journey Begins in Mumbai
The 7-night/8-day Mumbai to New Delhi itinerary (Maharaja train schedule) commences at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite Victorian Gothic architecture. As passengers board the decadently decorated Maharajas' Express, they are immediately transported to a bygone era of imperial rail travel.
The train departs Mumbai in the early evening, allowing guests time to settle into their well-appointed cabins and prepare for the cross-country voyage ahead. The experienced staff see to every need, serving guests multi-course meals prepared by expert chefs in two delightful restaurant cars.
On to the Royal City of Vadodara
After leaving Mumbai, the Maharajas' Express heads north towards its first destination – the royal city of Vadodara (formerly known as Baroda). Guests disembark the following morning to tour the extraordinary Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 16th century. The tour provides insight into the ancient regional capital's mosques, temples, forts and residential areas.
Later that evening, passengers reboard and the train continues its passage through the night towards the sacred city of Khajuraho.
The Magnificent Temples of Khajuraho
On the third day, the Maharajas' Express pulls into Khajuraho, renowned across the globe for its intricately designed and explicitly carved medieval temples dedicated to Hindu deities. A guided tour allows guests to marvel at the Chandella dynasty's sculptural wonders, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for their architectural splendor.
That evening, the train continues eastward towards Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India.
The Spiritual Center of Varanasi
The Maharajas' Express arrives in the ancient city of Varanasi the following day. Rising before dawn, passengers witness the soul-stirring sacred rituals and aarti ceremonies performed by Hindu devotees along the banks of the holy River Ganges. A walking tour then reveals the magic of the city's thousands of temples and shrines.
After this profound spiritual experience, guests reboard and the train heads towards the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri.
The Deserted Red Stone City
On day five, the journey pauses at the breathtaking Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified city constructed in the late 16th century by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site deserted just years after its construction, passengers roam through ornate palaces, imperial quarters, and ingenious wind-catcher water cooling systems while their imaginations are fired by the stories of this planned City of Victory.
The train continues on towards Agra that evening to prepare for the morning's explorations.
The Eternal Taj Mahal
No visit to this region would be complete without witnessing the immortal poetry in marble that is the Taj Mahal in Agra. Rising with the sun once more, guests visit this crowning masterpiece of Mughal architecture at dawn when it is less crowded. The tour provides ample time to admire the mausoleum's incomparable beauty and symmetry from every angle.
After this crowning experience, the Maharajas' Express weighs anchor for its final destination – the political heart of modern India, New Delhi.
The Imperial Capital of New Delhi
Arriving in New Delhi on the seventh day, passengers explore the icons of this expansive metropolitan area, from the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, to the colonial-era Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential residence. A highlight is an opportunity to discover Asia's largest spice market, the Khari Baoli bazaar, through an exhilarating cycle-rickshaw ride.
The following morning, after a sumptuous farewell breakfast, it's time to disembark the resplendent Maharajas' Express after this all-encompassing journey across north-central India.
With its expert tour guides, all-inclusive amenities, and a well-planned itinerary covering some of India's most legendary sites, the Maharajas' Express provides a window into the royal heritage of the region, unlike any other luxury rail experience. From beginning to end, passengers are treated as modern-day maharajas and maharanis experiencing India's grand and glorious past.
