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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

The Maharaja Express - Golden Triangle & Tigers

Luxury train journey through India's Golden Triangle with tiger safari

Illustration of The Maharaja Express - Golden Triangle & Tigers

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day independent journey from London that combines the luxury of the Maharajas' Express with India's most celebrated destinations. You fly to Delhi, spend two free days exploring the city before boarding the opulent train on Day 4. The Maharajas' Express carries you in a Deluxe Cabin from Delhi through Agra, where you visit the Taj Mahal, to Ranthambore for a game drive through the national park to spot tigers and other wildlife. You continue by train to Jaipur for a tour of Amber Fort and its historic chambers, before returning to Delhi for a final free day. The itinerary balances included guided experiences with unstructured time; you choose between optional sightseeing tours or wandering markets, temples, and monuments at your own pace. All meals aboard the train are included, along with private transfers and flights from London.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of £6,405 covers the package; confirm final pricing and any additional costs for optional excursions before booking
  • Days 2, 3, and 7 are free days in Delhi with no guided activities included; you arrange your own sightseeing or pay for optional tours

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Flight

    UK to India

    Your journey begins today with your overnight flight out from London to Delhi.

  2. Day 2overnight: Delhi

    Arrive Delhi

    On arrival in Delhi, you'll be transferred to your chosen hotel. Choose between our handpicked 5* hotels on a B&B basis. You'll arrive at your hotel to relax and get comfortable.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Delhi

    Delhi

    Enjoy a free day in Delhi today and get to know the city better. Take a wander around the colourful markets and try out some of the delectable street food. Visit a temple, or some of the other historically important and awe inspiring buildings and monuments, like the incredible Red Fort. Or, take it easy and watch this busy city bustle by around you. Alternatively, choose one of our optional excursions.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Maharajas' Express (Agra)

    The Maharaja's Express & the Taj Mahal

    This morning you'll join the opulent Maharajas' Express for a very special journey. It's an early start onboard the train, where live instrumental music will play as you familiarise yourself with your surroundings and you depart from Delhi heading for Agra. Enjoy brunch on board as you arrive in to Agra and get to know your fellow passengers. As you reach the 'City of Mughal Splendour', you'll visit the world famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After this incredible excursion you'll return back to the Maharajas' Express for dinner onboard and overnight in Agra, in your luxurious cabin.

    Meals: Brunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Maharajas' Express (Ranthambore)

    Tiger spotting in Ranthambore

    You'll visit the historic Agra Fort this morning, before breakfast, and then it's back to the train to enjoy a relaxed breakfast onboard as you travel to your next destination, Ranthambore. Lunch is also served onboard before you arrive in to Ranthambore and take an exciting game drive in the Ranthambore National Park. The park is known for its sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard, although the tiger and the shy leopard can be difficult to spot. Be aware that the safari uses open vehicles and the ride is bumpy and dusty. Following this you'll return to the Maharajas' Express for dinner and overnight onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Maharajas' Express (en route to Delhi)

    Jaipur

    Following breakfast onboard this morning, you'll take an exciting tour of the pink city with a visit to Amber Fort. The Amber Fort, a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, was constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592. A short jeep ride takes you to the fort where you'll take a tour of the royal apartments. Step back into the Mughal era in the Chamber of Mirrors, and the Hall of Victory. Lunch is served back onboard the train, after which you can choose from a spa at a five star hotel or a visit of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Or you can explore the city in a private car with a guide. Later, enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace Hotel, built in 1835 AD. It was the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1925 to 1957. Return to the station later for your journey on to Delhi.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Delhi

    Delhi

    Take your time over your last delicate breakfast onboard as the train arrives in to Delhi this morning. You can make the most of a free day in Delhi today, after being transferred to your hotel to relax. Sample some of Delhi's vibrant cuisine, drink tea and watch the city go by, or shop for last minute souvenirs.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8

    Delhi to the UK

    Your epic journey comes to a close today as you are transferred from your hotel to Delhi airport, for your flight back to London. If you're not quite ready to leave, you can choose to extend your stay on one of our optional extensions.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Board the Maharajas' Express in Delhi with live instrumental music and depart for Agra, arriving at the Taj Mahal
  • Day 5Game drive through Ranthambore National Park to spot tigers, sambar, and other wildlife
  • Day 6Jeep ride to Amber Fort, a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture built in 1592, and tour the Chamber of Mirrors and Hall of Victory

Included

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in 4-star Oberoi Maidens (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Deluxe cabin for 3 nights on the Maharajas' Express Train
  • Private transfers throughout
  • Return flights between London and Delhi

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Maharajas' Express in a Deluxe Cabin for three nights (Delhi to Agra to Ranthambore to Jaipur to Delhi). Hotel stays in Delhi account for the other four nights.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Great Rail Journeys operates this as an Independent tour. You have private transfers and included excursions (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Ranthambore game drive), but Days 2, 3, and 7 in Delhi are free to explore on your own.
What meals are included?
Breakfast daily at the hotel; on the train, brunch, lunch, and dinner are served each day. Other meals in Delhi are at your own cost.
Are flights included?
Yes, return flights from London to Delhi are included in the package price.
What is the physical activity level?
Level 2. You will walk around cities, climb stairs, handle luggage, take a game drive in Ranthambore, and ride a jeep to Amber Fort.
What is not included?
Travel and cancellation insurance are not included. Optional extensions to Shimla or Goa, private sightseeing tours, and meals in Delhi are extra.

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