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Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

The Maharajas' Express - Rajasthan to Mumbai

Luxury train journey from Delhi through Rajasthan's forts and deserts to Mumbai

Illustration of The Maharajas' Express - Rajasthan to Mumbai

The Maharajas' Express, operated by Vacations By Rail, is an 11-day independent luxury journey across India that combines 6 nights aboard one of the world's most renowned deluxe trains with 4 nights in 5-star hotels in New Delhi and Mumbai. Starting in India's vibrant capital, the itinerary follows a south and westward route through Rajasthan's palaces and deserts, including the Taj Mahal in Agra, Bengal tiger safaris in Ranthambore National Park, the desert citadel of Bikaner with its camel-cart evening in the dunes, and the forts and palaces of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, before ending on the Arabian Sea coast. The trip balances all-aboard days with independent exploration: you travel in a Deluxe cabin with private guides for excursions, meals onboard, and free time to pursue optional activities. It suits luxury travelers, history enthusiasts drawn to India's forts and monuments, and repeat rail travelers seeking one of the world's premier rail experiences.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 10,705 covers the train, hotels, and transfers; flights and travel insurance are not included and must be booked separately.
  • Several optional excursions on Days 2, 5, 7, and 10 are available at supplementary cost beyond the tour price.
  • Hotel accommodations in New Delhi and Mumbai are offered on a bed-and-breakfast basis only; lunches and dinners vary in inclusion depending on the day.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: New Delhi (hotel)

    Arrival in Delhi

    Private transfer on arrival in Delhi to a hand-picked selection of 5-star hotels (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 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 6overnight: train

    Bikaner, the desert citadel

    Breakfast onboard before arrival in Bikaner; free time to explore, then lunch onboard and a visit to Junagarh Fort (built 1593). Evening camel-cart convoy to the sand dunes for cocktails, a traditional barbecue and folk arts performances (Langaas and Kalbeliyas) at sunset.

  7. Day 7overnight: train

    Jodhpur and the Mehrangarh Fort

    Leisurely breakfast onboard, free time or optional tours (Bishnoi villages, five-star hotel spa, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada, or a private car city tour). Lunch onboard, then a visit to Mehrangarh Fort and a tuk-tuk ride through the Old Clock Tower Market. Exclusive cocktail evening with a Marwar meal.

  8. Day 8railovernight: train

    Udaipur's City Palace

    Breakfast onboard while passing the Aravali Hills. In Udaipur, a boat ride on Lake Pichola and a visit to the City Palace (Mor Chowk, Moti Mahal, Chini Mahal, Zenana Mahal). Lunch at the Satkar Hall of the Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, then an 'Indian Evening' onboard for the final night on the train.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Mumbai (hotel)

    Disembarking the Maharajas' Express in Mumbai

    A leisurely breakfast and lunch onboard before disembarking at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai. Transfer to a chosen 5-star hotel (Trident Nariman Point or Taj Mahal Hotel) on a B&B basis.

  10. Day 10overnight: Mumbai (hotel)

    Mumbai by Dawn

    An early Mumbai by Dawn tour visiting Sassoon Docks, wholesale fruit and vegetable vendors, and flower markets. Free time afterward, or optional excursions available at a supplement.

  11. Day 11

    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 and visit the Taj Mahal in Agra the same day before returning to the train for dinner.
  • Day 4Open-top vehicle safari in Ranthambore National Park seeking Bengal tigers and other wildlife.
  • Day 5Jeep excursion to Amber Fort to explore royal apartments, the Chamber of Mirrors, and the Hall of Victory, followed by an exclusive dinner at Rambagh Palace Hotel.
  • Day 6Camel-cart convoy to Bikaner's sand dunes for cocktails, traditional barbecue, and folk arts performances (Langaas and Kalbeliyas) at sunset.
  • Day 8Boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit to Udaipur's City Palace with its Mor Chowk, Moti Mahal, Chini Mahal, and Zenana Mahal.

Included

  • 4 nights' 5-Star hotel accommodation (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. The 11-day package includes 6 nights aboard the Maharajas' Express in a Deluxe cabin, plus 4 nights in 5-star hotels in New Delhi and Mumbai. Flights to and from India are not included.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is independent travel. You follow a planned itinerary with private guides provided for specific excursions. Several days include free time and optional tours available at extra cost.
What major sights are included?
The itinerary includes the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore National Park tiger safaris, Amber Fort, Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Udaipur's City Palace, and Mumbai's Sassoon Docks and markets.
How much walking is involved?
Expect moderate activity: full-day sightseeing tours in Delhi and Mumbai, Jeep excursions to forts, boat rides, tuk-tuk rides through markets, and walking through palace grounds and market areas.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner are included most days on the train. Hotel stays in New Delhi and Mumbai are bed-and-breakfast only. Some meals, such as the exclusive dinner at Rambagh Palace Hotel on Day 5 and the Marwar meal on Day 7, are also included.
Can I extend the trip?
Yes. Optional extensions are available to extend your stay in Mumbai after Day 11.

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