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Great Rail Journeys · Independent Rail Holiday

The Maharajas' Express – Indian Panorama

Luxury train journey through India: Delhi, Jaipur, tigers, Taj Mahal, Varanasi

Illustration of The Maharajas' Express – Indian Panorama

Great Rail Journeys' Maharajas' Express Indian Panorama is an 11-day independent rail holiday combining stays in Delhi with six nights aboard the Maharajas' Express, one of the world's finest luxury trains. The journey spans 10 nights total, departing London and returning there after visiting India's most storied destinations. You begin with three nights in Delhi exploring temples, gardens, and street markets at your own pace. From Day 4 onward, the Maharajas' Express becomes your home, carrying you through the Golden Triangle (Jaipur and Agra), a tiger safari at Ranthambore National Park, the 16th-century desert city of Fatehpur Sikri, ancient temples at Khajuraho, and the spiritual heart of Varanasi on the Ganges river. Each day combines guided excursions, Amber Fort's Hindu and Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal viewed over Champagne breakfast, a classical Indian dance performance in Varanasi, with time to wander. Meals aboard are gourmet; private transfers connect every hotel and attraction. The trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking a world-class luxury train experience, history lovers drawn to medieval forts and temples, and photographers capturing both timeless monuments and living Indian culture.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 9,150 (USD 12,220) covers the package; regional flight upgrades and extensions (Shimla, Goa, Kerala) are available at additional cost
  • This is an independent rail holiday with free time in some cities; it is not a fully escorted tour with daily guides throughout
  • No published single supplement price; confirm costs for solo travellers with Great Rail Journeys before booking
  • Delhi hotel is 'or similar' and choice between 4-star or 5-star; final accommodation depends on your selection

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Flight

    UK to Delhi

    Your journey begins when you fly overnight from London to Delhi. Upgrade to premium or business class for your journey. Regional flights available.

  2. Day 2overnight: Delhi

    Delhi

    On arrival in Delhi you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Choose between our 4* or 5* hotels on a B&B basis. Enjoy your free day in Delhi, the colourful, busy city with great historical importance. Visit a temple, walk through peaceful gardens, check out a tomb or two, and spend some time at the imposing red fort. Try some of the city's best street food and don't miss some of the incredibly colourful markets. Alternatively, choose one of our optional excursions bookable at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Delhi

    Delhi

    Free day in Delhi. Optional excursions available at a supplement including Private Sightseeing Tour of New and Old Delhi, The Great India Wedding Tour, and Of Potlucks and Partition – a Gastronomic Tour.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Maharajas' Express

    The Maharajas' Express

    You'll join the Maharajas' Express in the morning, enjoy a welcome drink and settle into your surroundings. Experience your first lunch onboard and meet your facilitators for a tour brief. At around 1500 hrs you'll leave the train to visit Jaipur's City Palace Galleries including the Textile Museum, Arms Museum and Arts Museum. After your visit, enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace Hotel (built in 1835 AD, residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1925 to 1957). Return to the station by 2030 hours and board the Maharajas' Express for your first night on the train.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Maharajas' Express

    Jaipur

    You'll leave the train after breakfast to visit the Amber Fort, a beautiful mix of Hindu and Mughal architecture made of red sandstone and white marble, constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592. Tour includes the royal apartments, Chamber of Mirrors and Hall of Victory. Enjoy lunch aboard the train. After the tour return to the Maharajas' Express for dinner on-board.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Maharajas' Express

    Tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park

    Safari to Ranthambore National Park, originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas. Expect to see sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, and jackal, and if lucky tiger and leopard. Enjoy breakfast back on the train and continue to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. Return to the train for an 'Indian Evening' followed by dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Maharajas' Express

    The Taj Mahal

    Arrive into Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz. Enjoy a champagne breakfast from atop the Taj Khema with great views of the Taj Mahal. Return to the train for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. Return to the train for dinner as your journey continues to Orchha.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: Maharajas' Express

    Orchha & Khajuraho's Temples

    Following an early breakfast onboard, stop at the village of Orchha to visit the Orchha Fort (built in the 1500s by the Bundela rulers) and take a short Tuk Tuk ride around the village. Return to the train for lunch as your journey continues towards Khajuraho. Visit the temples at Khajuraho (built between 950 and 1050 AD), featuring engravings showing human emotions and relationships, including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Return to the train for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Maharajas' Express

    Varanasi and The Ganges

    Discover Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world with a spiritual legacy of over 3000 years, set on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Enjoy lunch at Hotel Taj Gateway and visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath. Visit a Silk Weaving Centre and enjoy a scenic cruise on the river Ganges. Dinner is held at Brij Rama Palace on the banks of the holy river, with a classical Indian Dance performance followed by a unique vegetarian dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10railovernight: Delhi

    Delhi

    The train makes its way back to Delhi while you enjoy a leisurely breakfast and lunch onboard. After arriving back at Delhi Railway Station, transfer back to your chosen hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  11. Day 11

    Delhi to the UK

    Your journey ends today as you take your transfer back to Delhi airport for your flight back to the UK. Optional extensions available at a supplement (Shimla, Goa, Kerala). Regional flights available.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Board the Maharajas' Express in Delhi and visit Jaipur's City Palace Galleries, then dine at the Rambagh Palace Hotel, built in 1835
  • Day 5Tour the Amber Fort with its Hindu and Mughal architecture of red sandstone and white marble, including the Chamber of Mirrors and Hall of Victory
  • Day 6Safari in Ranthambore National Park, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas, with chances to spot tiger, leopard, and other wildlife
  • Day 7Champagne breakfast with views of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the UNESCO World Heritage mausoleum built by Shah Jahan
  • Day 9River cruise on the sacred Ganges in Varanasi and classical Indian dance performance with vegetarian dinner at Brij Rama Palace

Included

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in the 4-Star Oberoi Maidens (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Deluxe cabin for 6 nights on the Maharajas' Express Train
  • Private transfers throughout
  • Return flights between London and Delhi

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price includes six nights in a Deluxe cabin aboard the Maharajas' Express, plus return flights London to Delhi and private transfers throughout.
What is the Maharajas' Express?
A luxury train running Delhi to Varanasi via Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha, and Khajuraho. Guests stay in Deluxe cabins and most meals are included onboard.
Which hotels are included in Delhi?
Three nights at either the 4-star Oberoi Maidens or an upgrade to a 5-star hotel (The Claridges or The Oberoi, New Delhi) on a Bed and Breakfast basis.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent rail holiday. You have free days in Delhi (Days 2-3) and free time in Agra (Day 7) to explore at your own pace; guided excursions are scheduled on other days.
What meals are included?
Breakfast in Delhi hotels, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner aboard the Maharajas' Express for Days 4 to 9. Day 10 includes breakfast and lunch onboard.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. Days include walking tours of Amber Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, short Tuk Tuk rides around Orchha village, a tiger safari, and a river cruise on the Ganges.

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