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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

The Maharaja's Express – Rajasthan to Mumbai

Luxury train journey from Delhi to Mumbai across Rajasthan's palaces and forts

Illustration of The Maharaja's Express – Rajasthan to Mumbai

Great Rail Journeys offers this 12-day independent journey across India's Rajasthan region and financial capital, combining six nights aboard the five-star Maharaja's Express with four nights in handpicked 4- and 5-star hotels in Delhi and Mumbai. The train departs Delhi on Day 4 and arrives in Mumbai on Day 10, stopping at eight destinations including the Taj Mahal in Agra, the tiger reserve at Ranthambore, and palace-filled cities like Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Days are structured around guided sightseeing tours of forts, temples, and cultural landmarks, interspersed with free time and optional paid excursions. Great Rail Journeys includes most meals aboard the train, private transfers throughout, and flights from London; hotels are bed-and-breakfast only, leaving dinners and optional activities to your discretion. This package suits luxury-seeking travellers with an interest in Indian history and architecture who prefer a blend of organised sightseeing and independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 9,385) covers the Maharaja's Express cabin, hotels, flights, transfers, and most meals on a Bed and Breakfast basis, but guests may wish to budget for optional excursions, dinners not included, and gratuities.
  • Days 3 and 11 are largely unguided; you explore Delhi and Mumbai independently, though optional paid tours are available.
  • Hotel choices in Delhi and Mumbai are listed as 4- and 5-star options; your final accommodation depends on your selection and availability.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Flight

    UK to Delhi

    Your epic adventure begins today with your overnight flight from London to Delhi.

  2. Day 2overnight: Delhi

    Arrive Delhi

    On arrival in Delhi you'll be transferred to your hotel. Choose from our handpicked 4* and 5* hotels, on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Delhi

    Exploring Delhi

    Enjoy a free day in Delhi today and get to know the city better. Take a walk around and soak up the atmosphere, see the magnificent Red Fort and visit a temple. Discover Delhi through its food by trying out a few local dishes and visit the vibrant and colourful markets. Optional excursions available at a supplement: Private Sightseeing Tour of New and Old Delhi; The Great India Wedding Tour; Of Potlucks and Partition – a Gastronomic Tour.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Maharaja's Express (onboard)

    The Maharaja's Express and the Taj Mahal

    This morning you'll board the majestic Maharaja's Express for the journey of a lifetime. After enjoying a welcome drink and getting to know your surroundings, you'll depart Delhi for Agra. Brunch is served onboard as you arrive into Agra, the 'City of Mughal Splendour'. Here, you'll visit the world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this unique building is made of white marble with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Following this once-in-a-lifetime visit, you'll return to the Maharajas' Express and spend your first night onboard.

    Meals: Brunch

  5. Day 5railovernight: Maharaja's Express (onboard)

    Tiger spotting

    You'll visit the stunning Agra Fort this morning. You'll return to the train for a relaxed breakfast onboard as you travel on to Ranthambore. Lunch is served onboard before you arrive into Ranthambore for an exciting game drive in the Ranthambore National Park. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. You'll travel in open vehicles. You'll return to the Maharajas' Express for dinner onboard as you travel on to Jaipur.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Maharaja's Express (onboard)

    Jaipur, the pink city

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard before leaving the train for an exciting tour of the pink city, including a visit to Amber Fort. The Amber Fort, set in scenic and rugged hills is a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Experience the Mughal era when you visit the Chamber of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory. You'll then return to the train for a leisurely lunch onboard, after which you can take some free time before you attend an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace Hotel. Return to the station for your overnight stay as the Maharajas' Express continues on to Bikaner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Maharaja's Express (onboard)

    Bikaner, the Desert Citadel

    Breakfast is served onboard this morning, before you arrive in to the desert citadel of Bikaner. You can take some free time to explore the city and then you'll return to the train for lunch. Following lunch, you'll visit the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. After, a convoy of camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for a Sundowner on the Sand Dunes. Enjoy cocktails and traditional barbecue delicacies as you experience traditional folk arts like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas. Return to the train for your overnight stay as you continue on to Jodhpur.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  8. Day 8railovernight: Maharaja's Express (onboard)

    Mehrangarh Fort

    This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard before your free time either on the train relaxing or on one of the optional tours to the Bishnoi villages, spa facilities at a 5 star hotel, to Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada, or to explore the city in your private car with guide. Return to the train for lunch onboard, before visiting the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, followed by a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower Market. As you reach the Market on Tuk Tuks, you'll pass some of the old houses and havelis. Lastly, enjoy an exclusive cocktail evening with a special Marwar meal served at an exclusive venue. Return to the train for your overnight stay while you continue your journey to Udaipur.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Maharaja's Express (onboard)

    Udaipur

    You'll wake in the pretty region of Mewar, one of the most popular royal states of the Rajputana. Watch the landscape of the Aravali Hills pass by while you enjoy breakfast as you arrive in to Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Your visit begins with a boat ride on Lake Pichola, followed by a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. You'll then visit Mor Chowk with its lavish mosaics of peacocks, Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work, Chini Mahal, and the spectacular Zenana Mahal. You'll experience the Indian cuisine at the Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace. Following this lavish lunch you'll return to the train for a relaxed afternoon onboard as you journey on to Mumbai. Enjoy an 'Indian Evening' onboard, and relax for your overnight stay.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  10. Day 10railovernight: Mumbai

    Arrival in Mumbai

    Enjoy your last relaxed morning onboard the Maharaja's Express, with a leisurely breakfast and lunch, before it's time to disembark at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in the financial capital city of Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, you'll be transferred to the hotel of your choice. Choose from our 4* and 5* hotels, on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  11. Day 11overnight: Mumbai

    Exploring Mumbai

    Enjoy some free time in Mumbai today, and delve deeper into this cosmopolitan city. Formerly Bombay, Mumbai is the business centre of India, but it's also where India's Bollywood films are made and where art galleries and museums can be found. It's a sprawling city, but you can catch the essence of Mumbai by strolling its streets, watching the locals go by, and gazing at the incredibly varied architecture. Optional excursions available at a supplement: Mumbai by Dawn; Day with the Dabbawallas with Lunch; A Colonial Walk.

    Meals: Breakfast

  12. Day 12

    Mumbai to the UK

    Your adventure comes to an end today when you are transferred from your hotel in Mumbai to the airport, to catch your daytime flight back to London. Optional extensions available.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Board the Maharaja's Express in Delhi and travel to Agra, visiting the Taj Mahal.
  • Day 5Game drive in Ranthambore National Park, famous for open sightings of tigers.
  • Day 6Tour Amber Fort in Jaipur, blending Hindu and Mughal architecture in the Aravali Hills.
  • Day 7Camel cart journey to the sand dunes near Bikaner, accompanied by musicians and sundowner cocktails.
  • Day 9Boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit to City Palace in Udaipur.

Included

  • 4 nights hotel accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis
  • Deluxe cabin for 6 nights on the Maharajas' Express Train
  • Private transfers throughout
  • Return flights between London and Delhi, and Mumbai and London

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes 6 nights aboard the Maharaja's Express in a Deluxe cabin, plus return flights between London and Delhi/Mumbai.
Which train is used?
The Maharaja's Express, a luxury sleeper train travelling from Delhi to Mumbai via Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
This is an independent tour. You have free days in Delhi (Day 3) and Mumbai (Day 11) to explore at your own pace, and optional guided excursions are available for a supplement.
What meals are included?
Great Rail Journeys includes breakfast at all hotels, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner aboard the train on Days 4-9. Hotel stays are on a Bed and Breakfast basis.
How much walking is involved?
Days include walking tours of cities, fort exploration, a boat ride on Lake Pichola, and a game drive in Ranthambore National Park. No strenuous hiking is described.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. Optional excursions, meals not listed in the itinerary, and personal expenses are also not covered.

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