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Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

The Maharajas' Express - Indian Panorama

Ten-day luxury train journey through India's Golden Triangle and beyond

Illustration of The Maharajas' Express - Indian Panorama

The Maharajas' Express - Indian Panorama is a 10-day luxury rail package operated by Vacations By Rail that pairs Delhi with six nights aboard the Maharajas' Express. You begin with three nights at a 5-star hotel (Claridges or Oberoi) in Delhi, touring New and Old Delhi's Mughal monuments and riding a rickshaw through the city. On day three, you board the train for a journey through India's cultural heartland. The itinerary visits the Amber Fort in Jaipur with its Chamber of Mirrors, includes a morning safari in Ranthambore National Park searching for Bengal tigers, and takes you to Agra for a Champagne breakfast overlooking the Taj Mahal. You continue to the temple complexes of Khajuraho and the holy city of Varanasi, where you cruise the Ganges and attend a classical Indian dance performance at dinner. The trip ends with a final night in Delhi before your departure. This is an independent journey, meaning you follow a curated itinerary with private guides for each excursion rather than traveling in a group, making it ideal for travelers seeking luxury and personalized exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of $10,395 per person covers the rail journey, hotels, and private transfers, but international flights to and from Delhi are not included and must be booked separately.
  • The final hotel in Delhi (Claridges or Oberoi) depends on availability and your choice; confirm which property is offered when you book.
  • Day 2 includes optional paid excursions (The Great India Wedding Tour or a gastronomic tour) beyond the main itinerary.

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, 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 first lunch onboard. Visit Jaipur's City Palace Galleries (Textile, Arms and Arts Museums), then an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace Hotel before the first night on the train.

  4. Day 4railovernight: train

    Jaipur's Amber Fort

    Leave the train after breakfast to visit the Amber Fort, including the royal apartments, Chamber of Mirrors and Hall of Victory. Return to the train for lunch, with dinner served as the train proceeds toward Ranthambore.

  5. Day 5overnight: train

    Tiger-spotting in Ranthambore National Park

    A morning safari in Ranthambore National Park seeking Bengal tigers and other wildlife, then a relaxed breakfast onboard while continuing to the deserted Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour after lunch, followed by an 'Indian Evening' onboard before dinner.

  6. Day 6railovernight: train

    Marveling at the Taj Mahal

    Arrive in Agra to visit the Taj Mahal after breakfast, including a Champagne breakfast atop the Taj Khema with views of the monument. Return to the train for lunch and an afternoon at leisure before dinner, as the journey continues to Orchha.

  7. Day 7overnight: train

    The Temples of Khajuraho (and Orchha)

    Visit the Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho in the Chhatarpur district, including the Chandela Temple and the 13th-century Mahadev Temple, with dinner back onboard. The page's account for this day also describes a tuk tuk ride around Orchha (visiting Orchha Fort) after an early onboard breakfast, with lunch onboard as the journey continues to Khajuraho.

  8. Day 8overnight: train

    Varanasi and the Ganges

    Explore the holy city of Varanasi, with lunch at Hotel Taj Gateway, a visit to the ancient Buddhist ruins of Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa), a Silk Weaving Center, and a scenic cruise on the River Ganges. Dinner at Brij Rama Palace with a classical Indian dance performance and a vegetarian menu.

  9. Day 9railovernight: New Delhi (hotel)

    Return to Delhi

    A relaxed morning onboard after breakfast, then lunch as the Maharajas' Express rolls back into Delhi. Disembark and transfer to the hotel for the night.

  10. Day 10

    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 3Board the Maharajas' Express in Jaipur and dine at the Rambagh Palace Hotel before spending your first night aboard the train.
  • Day 5Safari for Bengal tigers in Ranthambore National Park, then tour the deserted Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri.
  • Day 6Enjoy a Champagne breakfast atop the Taj Khema with views of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
  • Day 8Cruise the River Ganges in Varanasi and dine at Brij Rama Palace with a classical Indian dance performance.

Included

  • 3 nights' 5-Star hotel accommodation in the Claridges, New Delhi (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Deluxe cabin for 6 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

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. Six nights in a Deluxe cabin aboard the Maharajas' Express are included, plus three nights in a 5-star hotel in Delhi (Claridges or Oberoi). Private transfers and guided excursions are included. Flights are not.
Is this escorted or independent?
Independent. Vacations By Rail provides a well-planned itinerary and private guides for excursions, but you travel on your own schedule rather than as part of a group.
Which train is this?
The Maharajas' Express, a luxury train that departs Delhi and travels to Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi before returning to Delhi.
What is the total cost?
The package starts at $10,395 USD per person. This covers accommodation, the train, transfers, and guided excursions. Optional day trips, travel insurance, and flights are extra.
How much walking is involved?
Private guided tours of forts, temples, and city sites involve walking at a moderate pace. Ranthambore tiger safari is by vehicle, and Varanasi includes a boat cruise on the Ganges.
What meals are included?
The package includes breakfast at your Delhi hotel and all meals aboard the Maharajas' Express. Several dinners include special venues (Rambagh Palace, Brij Rama Palace) or experiences (Indian evening performances, vegetarian menus).

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