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Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

The Maharajas' Express - Golden Triangle & Tigers

Seven-day luxury train journey through India's Golden Triangle and tiger reserves

Illustration of The Maharajas' Express - Golden Triangle & Tigers

The Maharajas' Express, operated by Vacations By Rail, is a 7-day independent luxury rail vacation that carries you through India's historic Golden Triangle and into tiger country. The journey begins with three nights in New Delhi at either the Claridges or Oberoi hotel, where you take a private sightseeing tour of the old and new city, visiting the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque and Humayun's Tomb. On Day 3, you board the Maharajas' Express in Deluxe cabin accommodations and travel to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The train then carries you to Ranthambore National Park for a guided open-top vehicle safari seeking Bengal tigers and other wildlife, and onward to Jaipur, where a private Jeep excursion takes you to the 16th-century Amber Fort to explore the royal apartments and Chamber of Mirrors. You have the freedom of independent travel following a structured itinerary while private guides lead your excursions. This trip suits luxury travelers, history enthusiasts, and photographers drawn to India's monuments and wildlife.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights are not included in the from-price; rail fare is included.
  • The final hotel in New Delhi is either the Claridges or Oberoi depending on your selection and availability.
  • Day 5 optional excursions (spa, City Palace, Pink City car tour) incur additional charges beyond the package price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: New Delhi (hotel)

    Arrival in Delhi

    Private transfer on arrival in Delhi to your selected 5-star hotel (Claridges or Oberoi) on a B&B basis.

  2. Day 2overnight: New Delhi (hotel)

    Exploring Delhi

    A full-day private sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi with a private guide, including the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque, a rickshaw ride, Humayun's Tomb and the Sunder Nursery. Optional excursions available at a supplement.

  3. Day 3railovernight: train

    Boarding the Maharajas' Express

    Board the Maharajas' Express with a welcome drink and brunch onboard. Arrive in Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, then return to the train for the first dinner onboard.

  4. Day 4overnight: train

    Tiger-spotting in Ranthambore National Park

    Visit Agra Fort, then breakfast and lunch onboard while traveling to Ranthambore for a guided open-top vehicle safari seeking Bengal tigers and other wildlife. Dinner onboard.

  5. Day 5railovernight: train

    Jaipur's Amber Fort

    Leave the train after breakfast to visit the Amber Fort by Jeep, including the royal apartments, Chamber of Mirrors and Hall of Victory. Lunch onboard, then optional excursions, followed by an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace Hotel.

  6. Day 6railovernight: New Delhi (hotel)

    Return to Delhi

    A relaxed morning onboard after breakfast as the train returns to Delhi. Disembark and transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

  7. Day 7

    Homeward bound

    Private transfer to the airport for the flight home. Optional extensions available to extend the stay.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A full-day private sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi includes a rickshaw ride through the old city and visits to the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque and Humayun's Tomb.
  • Day 3Board the Maharajas' Express and travel to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal on your first day aboard the train.
  • Day 4A guided open-top vehicle safari in Ranthambore National Park seeks out Bengal tigers and other wildlife as the train travels through India.
  • Day 5Leave the train after breakfast to visit Amber Fort by Jeep, exploring the royal apartments, Chamber of Mirrors, and Hall of Victory before an exclusive dinner at Rambagh Palace Hotel.

Included

  • 3 nights' 5-Star hotel accommodation in the Claridges, New Delhi (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Deluxe cabin for 3 nights on the Maharajas' Express
  • Private transfers throughout

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes 3 nights in a Deluxe cabin aboard the Maharajas' Express, traveling from New Delhi to Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur.
What is included in the price?
Three nights' accommodation at the Claridges or Oberoi in New Delhi (bed and breakfast), three nights in a Deluxe cabin on the Maharajas' Express, private transfers throughout, and private guides for excursions to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, and Ranthambore National Park.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is independent: you travel on your own following a planned itinerary, with private guides provided for excursions.
Are flights included?
No. The from-price of USD 7,185 covers the rail journey, hotels, and excursions, but not international or domestic flights.
How much walking is involved?
A full-day private sightseeing tour of Delhi on Day 2 includes walking through Old and New Delhi, a rickshaw ride, and monument visits. Day 4 involves a Jeep safari in Ranthambore. Day 5 includes a Jeep excursion into the hills to Amber Fort.
Can I extend the trip?
Yes. Optional extensions are available to extend your stay after Day 7; contact Vacations By Rail for details.

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