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Orient Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

The Indian Panorama (Maharajas' Express)

Seven-day luxury train journey across India from Delhi to Varanasi

Illustration of The Indian Panorama (Maharajas' Express)

The Indian Panorama, operated by Orient Rail Journeys, is a seven-day luxury train journey across India aboard the Maharajas' Express. The tour departs Delhi on Day 1 and travels through eight major destinations before returning to Delhi on Day 7, spending six nights mostly aboard the train. Each day combines rail travel with guided excursions: a safari at Ranthambore National Park, the Taj Mahal at sunrise with champagne breakfast, the temples of Khajuraho, and the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the River Ganges in Varanasi. The train stops in Jaipur, Agra, and other centers of Mughal and Indian history. All meals are included, along with guided city tours at each destination. This tour suits luxury-focused travellers, couples seeking a curated experience, history enthusiasts, and those who prefer guided comfort over independent exploration. The pace is relaxed, with multiple nights at the same location and ample time for optional activities such as spa sessions and monument visits.

What to know before you look closer

  • No current departure dates are published in the operator's materials; contact Orient Rail Journeys directly to confirm availability and pricing

Day by day

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

    Delhi

    Check-in at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station (07:30), followed by a welcome ceremony. Breakfast on board (09:00) as the train departs for Jaipur. Tour briefing (12:00) and lunch (13:00) on board, then an afternoon visit to Amber Fort. Dinner at Rambagh Palace Hotel; overnight on the train at Jaipur.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

    Jaipur

    Breakfast on board (08:00), then a visit to the City Palace Galleries. Lunch on board; afternoon free for optional activities. Dinner at Hotel Rambagh Palace (18:00). Train departs for Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur) at 23:00.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: 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; visit to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Dinner on board (19:30) as the train arrives into Agra.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

    Agra

    Morning visit to the Taj Mahal (06:30), followed by a champagne breakfast at Taj Khema (09:00). Lunch on board; afternoon free for an optional spa session, Agra Fort visit, Itmad-ud-Daula, or the Mohabbat-The Taj Show. Dinner on board (19:30) as the train proceeds to Orchha.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

    Orchha & Khajuraho

    Road trip to visit Orchha Fort, villages and a Tuk Tuk ride, then breakfast on board as the train proceeds to Khajuraho. Lunch on board; visit to the Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho. Evening free for an optional spa session or the temple light and sound show. Dinner on board as the train proceeds to Varanasi.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Maharajas' Express (on board)

    Varanasi

    Breakfast on board, arriving Varanasi at 11:35 for a city tour and lunch at Hotel Taj Ganges. Visit to the Sarnath ruins and the Silk Weaving Centre, followed by a boat ride on the River Ganges to watch the Ganga Aarti ceremony (16:30). Dinner on board as the train proceeds to Delhi.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7

    Delhi (Disembark)

    Breakfast on board (09:00). Disembark at 12:30, ending the journey.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Maharajas' Express at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station at 07:30 with a welcome ceremony, then visit Amber Fort from Jaipur
  • Day 3Early-morning game drive at Ranthambore National Park at 06:30, followed by a visit to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri
  • Day 4Morning visit to the Taj Mahal at 06:30, then champagne breakfast at Taj Khema
  • Day 5Tuk-tuk ride through villages at Orchha and visits to the Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho
  • Day 6Boat ride on the River Ganges to watch the Ganga Aarti ceremony at 16:30 in Varanasi

Questions travellers ask

Is all rail travel included?
Yes. The entire journey is aboard the Maharajas' Express, and rail travel is included in the package
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Orient Rail Journeys operates this as an escorted tour with guided city tours, monument visits, and organized activities at each stop
What meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included daily. Breakfast on Day 1 is on the train; Day 4 includes a champagne breakfast at Taj Khema; Day 6 includes lunch at Hotel Taj Ganges
How many nights are on the train?
Five nights are spent aboard the Maharajas' Express. Day 3 night is spent in Agra
What is included in the tour?
All rail travel, all meals, guided city tours, Amber Fort visit, game drive at Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Orchha villages and fort, Khajuraho temples, Sarnath ruins, Ganga Aarti ceremony, and Silk Weaving Centre visit. Spa sessions, Agra Fort, and light and sound shows are optional
How much walking is involved?
Daily city tours and monument visits involve city walking. An early-morning game drive, tuk-tuk ride, and boat ride are also part of the itinerary; optional spa sessions are available in Agra and Khajuraho

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