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Orient Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

The Heritage of India (Maharajas' Express)

Seven-day luxury train journey across India from Mumbai to Delhi.

Illustration of The Heritage of India (Maharajas' Express)

Orient Rail Journeys operates The Heritage of India, a seven-day, six-night escorted journey aboard the Maharajas' Express, one of the world's premier luxury trains. The itinerary departs Mumbai and concludes in Delhi, traveling through eight major destinations across India's cultural heartland. Days are structured around guided tours at each stop: a boat ride and palace visits in Udaipur, a walking tour of Jodhpur's Old Clock Tower market and Mehrangarh Fort, a themed dinner with folk dances in the Bikaner sand dunes, Amber Fort and palace lunch in Jaipur, and an early-morning game drive in Ranthambore National Park. The final day includes a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal before disembarking in Delhi. All nights except the final one are spent aboard the train, with champagne breakfasts, gourmet dinners, and palace lunches served throughout. This tour suits luxury travellers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking the comfort and convenience of a fully escorted rail experience without changing hotels.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator does not publish prices in this evidence; confirm current rates and availability with Orient Rail Journeys before booking.
  • Day 6 overnight switches from the train to a hotel in Agra; all other nights are aboard the Maharajas' Express.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Maharajas' Express (on board)

    Mumbai

    Welcome and registration at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai (08:30), followed by transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to board the Maharajas' Express, which departs for Udaipur at 10:50. Lunch (13:00) and dinner (19:00) served on board.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Maharajas' Express (on board)

    Udaipur

    Breakfast on board (08:00), then a boat ride on Lake Pichola followed by visits to the City Palace and the Crystal Gallery at Taj Fateh Prakash Palace. Lunch at Satkar Hall, Fatehprakash Palace, with an optional spa session afterwards. Dinner on board (19:30) as the train proceeds to Jodhpur (21:25).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Maharajas' Express (on board)

    Jodhpur

    Breakfast on board (07:00). Arrival at Jodhpur (10:30) for a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower market and a Mehrangarh Fort visit, with a Tuk Tuk ride. Lunch on board; exclusive cocktail dinner at Khaas Bagh or Hanwant Mahal (17:30) before the train proceeds to Bikaner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Maharajas' Express (on board)

    Bikaner

    Breakfast on board, arriving Bikaner around 09:00. Lunch on board, then a visit to Junagarh Fort followed by a themed dinner with cocktails, barbeque and folk dances in the sand dunes (17:30). Train proceeds to Jaipur.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Maharajas' Express (on board)

    Jaipur

    Breakfast on board, then a visit to Amber Fort. Lunch at Rambagh Palace, with the afternoon free for an optional spa session, local city tour or shopping. Dinner on board (19:30) as the train proceeds to Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Agra

    Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri

    Early-morning game drive at Ranthambore National Park (06:30), then breakfast on board as the train proceeds to Fatehpur Sikri. Lunch on board; local city tour of Fatehpur Sikri including Buland Darwaza. Dinner on board (19:30) as the train arrives into Agra.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7rail

    Agra - Delhi (Disembark)

    Morning visit to the Taj Mahal (06:30), then breakfast on board. Lunch on board as the train proceeds to Delhi. Disembark at 14:40, ending the journey.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Boat ride on Lake Pichola followed by a visit to the City Palace and Crystal Gallery at Taj Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur.
  • Day 3Walking tour of Jodhpur's Old Clock Tower market and Mehrangarh Fort, then a Tuk Tuk ride through the city.
  • Day 4Themed dinner with cocktails, barbeque, and folk dances in the sand dunes near Bikaner.
  • Day 5Visit to Amber Fort in Jaipur and lunch at the historic Rambagh Palace.
  • Day 6Early-morning game drive at Ranthambore National Park to spot tigers and wildlife.

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel and accommodation included?
Yes. Six nights are spent aboard the Maharajas' Express; Day 6 includes one night in Agra. All meals, guided tours, and sightseeing are included. Optional spa sessions are available at extra cost.
Which trains are used?
The Maharajas' Express, one of India's luxury train services, operates the entire seven-day journey from Mumbai to Delhi.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes, Orient Rail Journeys provides full escorted service with guided sightseeing at each destination, meals, and all transport.
What wildlife or nature experiences are included?
An early-morning game drive at Ranthambore National Park on Day 6 is included, where tigers and other wildlife may be observed.
How much walking is involved?
Days include walking tours of Jodhpur's markets and forts, visits to palaces and architectural sites, and city tours. An early-morning game drive requires an early start but limited walking.
What is not included?
Optional extras such as spa sessions (available in Udaipur and Jaipur), local city tours, and shopping are not included in the base price.

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