Luxury Maharajas Express Train – The Heritage of India 9 nts / 10 days

OVERVIEW
DESTINATION INFO

This Ten day journey takes you through the famous Rajasthan along with Aurangabad and Rathambore Wildlife Park. This bespoke itinerary ensures that you make yourself familiar with India’s spirituality, wildlife, culture, heritage, monuments, history, hospitality and much more.

Fixed Departure Dates for Maharajas Express The Heritage of India (Arrival date in Mumbai should be as follows)

For 2016 –  21 October, 18  November, 16 December 
For 2017 –  13 January, 10 February, 10 March, 07 April, 06 October, 03 November, 01 December, 29 December
For 2018 – 26 January, 23 February, 23 March

Day 01 (Friday) Arrive Mumbai

Upon arrival in Mumbai International Airport you are met and transferred to your pre booked Hotel
Overnight stay at Hotel in Mumbai

Day 02 (Saturday) Mumbai Board Maharaja Express – The Heritage of India

Assemble at the hotel for a warm traditional welcome and complete your registration and check in formalities. The Maharajas’ Express starts from Mumbai at 1640 hours and will travel through the land of the Marathas. Dinner and overnight stay onboard the train.

Day 03 (Sunday) Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Enjoy a lavish breakfast on board and visit the astonishing rock-cut caves of Ajanta. A protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and listed in the World Heritage list of monuments; the caves of Ajanta were created over a span of some 600 years. The Ajanta Caves are a series of 29 Buddhist cave temples, some of which date from the 2nd century BC. Encompassing both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, the caves preserve some of the best masterpieces of Buddhist art in India.
Return onboard and the train rolls towards Udaipur. Breakfast, lunch & dinner are served on onboard the two skillfully designed restaurants – The Rang Mahal and the Mayur Mahal. Retire to your cabins or have a drink at the Safar bar or the Rajah club.

Day 04 (Monday) Udaipur, Rajasthan

As the sun rises from across the azure lakes, peep outside your window to a vision drenched in romance. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Rajasthan’s lake city – Udaipur, popularly referred to as the jewel of Mewar. After breakfast on board, proceed for a sightseeing excursion to Udaipur, a city where fairy-tale palaces and gardens, temples and narrow lanes create a picture perfect atmosphere.
The day begins with the City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated wall. The Palace is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Later, visit the Crystal Art Gallery with a magnificent and rare collection of Osler’s crystals. For more than hundred years, the crystals remained underground and the gallery was not open to public, due to its beauty and richness. Everything from the dining table, table, and sofa set to washing bowls, perfume bottles and even beds are adorned with precious crystals. The jewel studded carpet, embodying peerless class is the prime attraction of the gallery.
What follows is a visit to the Durbar Hall at the Fateh Prakash Palace, undoubtedly the most lavish Durbar Hall in India – a place where Indian Kings had their formal and informal meetings. Post a sumptuous lunch at the Durbar Hall, the guests have the liberty to indulge in any of the following activities:
->Return to the train to enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
->Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa in a five star hotel.
->Visit the Vintage & Classic Car collection – showcasing the magnificent Rolls-Royce, 1939 Cadillac open convertibles, rare Mercedes models, 1936 Vauxhall and 1937 Opel models.
Later in the afternoon, proceed for a ‘Walking Tour’ through the Old Market of Udaipur, if you feel like. Return to the Maharajas’ Express as it starts rolling towards it next destination – Jodhpur. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Day 05 (Tuesday) Jodhpur, Rajasthan

To let you listen to the tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the dessert, the train enters the fortress city Jodhpur. The guests have the freedom to either stay on get a glimpse of true Rajasthani village life via the Bishoni Village Safari – where you can spot wild life like black bucks, chinkara, blue bulls, desert foxes, and partridges and can also have an opportunity to see the Bishoni families. Peep into their world and see the weavers, potters and block printers at work. If you prefer, you may go for a spa at a five star hotel in Jodhpur.
Post lunch on board, get ready to witness the magnificent forts, palaces and some of the finest architectural wonders of the world in the city of Jodhpur. The excursion starts with a walk through the Old Clock Tower market and proceeds on to the prime attraction in the city – the Mehrangarh Fort. The 5 km long majestic fort on 125 m high hill has some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names within its complex. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces have a fabulous collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, and miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
Enjoy the colorful folk dances of Rajasthan at Hanwant Mahal, where a cocktail dinner is organized. Return to the train as the train rolls towards Bikaner – renowned for the best riding camels in the world.

Day 06 (Wednesday) Bikaner, Rajasthan

As the train reaches Bikaner, the harbor of the ship of the dessert – the camel, you may relax on board or pick any of these excursions:
Explore the imposing red sand-stone palace – the Lalgarh palace, which stands as a hybrid architecture and mixture of different elements of Rajput, Muslim and European styles. The Rajput exterior of Lalgarh Palace contrasts dramatically with the occidental decor within. Lush green sprawling lawns with dancing peacocks and beautiful bougainvilleas adorn the palace.
Visit the astonishing Karni Mata Mandir or the Rat temple in Deshnoke, 30 km from Bikaner. The temple has thousands of rats that live, and are revered in, the temple. Eating food that has been nibbled on by the rats is considered to be highly auspicious.
Post lunch, which is served onboard Maharajas’ Express, visit the Junagarh fort that dates back to 1588 A.D. built by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, built in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows. Immerse yourself in the true colors of the dessert with a Camel cart procession, which is followed by sundowner cocktails, barbecue and Rajasthani folk performances on the sand dunes. Board the train for dinner and overnight stay. The train proceeds towards to make you witness sheer symphony in pink in Jaipur.

Day 07 (Thursday) Jaipur, Rajasthan

The train reaches Jaipur – the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, sitting on a dry bed lake and surrounded by barren hills, forts and crenellated walls. Post breakfast on board, your trip into this buzzing metropolis starts an exclusive experience – an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match at Jai Singh Palace. Set amidst 18 acres of Mughal Gardens, you get a grand welcome with royal military band and the beating of ‘Nagadas’. The match is followed by Champagne lunch at the hotel.
Following lunch continue on a visit to the Amber Fort -a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens, and temples built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries. Enjoy a royal elephant ride to palace complex, which emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Mootha Lake. Further, the guests may pick from any of the following:
->Take one of the optional tours.
->Have a revitalizing spa at a five star hotel in Jaipur.
->Enjoy Golfing at the Rambagh Golf Club – a 18 hole, 6303 yard, Par 70 layout that is beautifully laid out & centrally located.
->Visit the City Palace – the former royal residence; and Jantar Mantar – a stone observatory.
Dinner and overnight stay on board the royal train.

Day 08 (Friday) Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Rajasthan and Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Even before the sun dawns, you reach Sawai Madhopur, home to the Ranthambore National Park. A thrilling safari takes you close to the abode of the national animal of India – the Tiger. The park is home to other wildlife as well including sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopards. After experiencing the exhilarating expedition, have a lavish breakfast at Vivanta by Taj – Sawai Madhopur Lodge.
During the latter half of the day, the train takes you across the fabled magnificent fortified Mughal city Fatehpur Sikri – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the changing landscape while enjoying a hearty lunch on board. Brace yourself with the Mughal history by visiting this complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, including one of the largest mosques in India – the Jama Masjid. Other prime attractions here include Palace of Jodha Bai, Bibal Bhavan, Karwan Serai & Hiran Minar, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Am.
Return to the train to enjoy the flavours of an ‘India Night’ as the train continues its journey towards Agra.

Day 09 (Saturday) Agra, Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi

On the last day of what can be termed as a truly magical tour, you arrive into Agra city. The city homes the most extravagant monument ever built for love – Taj Mahal. This poignant mausoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory if his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the emperor heartbroken. The construction of the Taj began in that year and continued till 1653. Over 20,000 workers from India and Central Asia are believed to have created this marvel. No wonder, the result is so breath taking and awe-inspiring
The Taj Mahal stands on a raised marble platform, north of the ornamental gardens. Purely decorated white minarets grace each corner of the platform. Twin red sandstone buildings frame the Taj; the western one is a mosque, the identical eastern one is purely for symmetry. The central Taj structure has four small domes. The tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are in a basement room.
The visit to this amazingly beautiful monument is followed by Champagne breakfast at Hotel Taj Khema, which overlooks Taj Mahal. Return to the train and enjoy your lunch on board in any of the exquisite restaurants – The Mayur Mahal or the Rang Mahal.Soon, your journey into the lap of Indian heritage would conclude as you train reaches the Safdarjung Station in New Delhi. Later you are pick up from Railway Station and transferred to your pre booked Hotel
Overnight stay at Hotel in Delhi

Day 10 (Sunday) Leave Delhi

Today you are transferred to Delhi International Airport to board flight for your Onward Journey.

Fixed Departure Dates for Maharajas Express The Heritage of India (Arrival date in Mumbai should be as follows)

For 2016 –  21 October, 18  November, 16 December 
For 2017 –  13 January, 10 February, 10 March, 07 April, 06 October, 03 November, 01 December, 29 December
For 2018 – 26 January, 23 February, 23 March

For the price of the Tour kindly fill out the Price Request Form and submit it to us.

Our Expert Team will get back to you within 12 – 24 Hours with the complete day to day detailed itinerary, tour price, tour Inclusions and a full accommodation list.

Alternatively, you may call us on 01753 577330 and we would be happy to assist you with any further enquiries you may have.

Our holiday itineraries are planned with utmost care. In case you wish to modify any part of the Itinerary, our experts will help you to meet your requirements.

Tailormade Journey is a Specialist for Private Individual Holidays. All our Holidays are Fully Protected Under ATOL 9967.

All the tours are tailored as per our clients requirements and you may choose your own date of departure from the United Kingdom, your own choice of hotels and your own duration of travel.

Kindly Fill the Price Request Form and do mention all your requirements e.g type of hotels ( 3 , 4 , 5 Star ) , Departure Airport , etc in the Comment Box in the form and Submit.

Please do not forget to give us your correct e-mail address and your contact telephone number.

The Leela Palace New Delhi

The Leela Palace New Delhi is a blend of Lutyen's architecture and the royal Indian culture. A pampering spa, 4 dining options and free parking are available. Elegantly decorated, air-conditioned rooms feature a high-definition flat-screen TV with a DVD player, floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden furnishings. A 2nd flat-screen TV in the bathroom is a mirror when turned off. The Leela Palace New Delhi is less than 10 minutes' drive from the India Gate. Indira Gandhi International Airport is 15 km while the Domestic airport is 13 km. The exclusive spa by ESPA offers an Ayurveda inspired day spa menu created for both women and men while rooftop temperature-controlled swimming pool offers the panoramic views of the city's skyline. Guests can also approach the 24-hour front desk to rent a computer or a car. Housed in a modern glass structure, The Qube offers an international and Indian buffet with open kitchens. Other dining options include Le Cirque and MEGU from New York, the award winning restaurants. Indian food is served at Jamavar . Drinks can be enjoyed at the hotel's 2 bars. Hotel offers 254 Rooms

The Lalit – New Delhi

Set in a grand building in bustling Connaught Place, The LALIT New Delhi welcomes guests with its full spa and outdoor pool. It offers an extensive range of 7 dining options, including some 24-hour ones. The Lalit is a 10-minute drive from New Delhi Railway Station, while Indira Gandhi International Airport is 24 km away. Spacious, soundproofed rooms offer subtle touches of Indian culture. Generously furnished with a flat-screen TV and DVD player, some rooms offer an iPod dock. An electric kettle and a minibar are provided in each room. Iron and ironing board can be requested. Guests can experience Ayurvedic and natural therapies at Rejuve spa, or opt for a work out in the fitness centre. Other facilities include a business centre, free private parking and The LaLit Galleria, which features a variety of shops. Dining options include Baluchi Indian restaurant and Woks Chinese restaurant. 24/7 Restaurant and Bar are open all day everyday for dining convenience. The hotel also has a 24-hour pastry shop for sweet cravings. Hotel offers 461 Rooms categorized under Deluxe Rooms , Premier Rooms , Executive Club, Suites

The Metropolitan – New Delhi

The Metropolitan Hotel New Delhi is 5-minute drive from Connaught Place, It features an outdoor pool and 3 dining options. Situated in New Delhi’s city centre, it also offers a fitness centre and spa. The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa is 1 km from New Delhi Railway Station, 500 m from Airport Express Metro Station (Shivaji Stadium) and 15 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport. Stylish air-conditioned rooms feature Indian motifs. Equipped with an iron and a flat-screen TV with cable channels, they also come with a minibar. Private bathrooms feature bath and shower facilities and a hairdryer. Guests can check e-mails at the business centre or relax at the full-service NeoVeda Spa, which offers massage services and a steam room. There is also a shop selling a range of items including hand-woven scarves, an assortment of teas and aromatherapy oils. Sakura Restaurant serves Japanese dishes, while Chutney Bar + Tandoor Restaurant offers Indian delights. The pool-side Zing Restaurant offers international fare and is open round-the-clock. In-room dining is possible.  Hotel has 178 Rooms Divided in the Category of Deluxe , Club and Executive Suites.

The Suryaa – New Delhi

The Suryaa New Delhi is located in the New Friends Colony, about 22 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport. It offers an outdoor pool. Rooms at New Delhi Suryaa feature modern décor and flat-screen satellite TVs. Tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar can be found in all rooms. Ample work space and private bathrooms are included. The New Delhi Spa features spa bath tubs, a sauna and relaxing massage services. Guests can exercise at the fully equipped fitness centre. The Suryaa also provides a beauty salon and florist. Dining options at Suryaa include fine Indian dining as well as 24-hour international cuisine. There is also a rooftop Chinese restaurant and a pastry shop. Drinks can be enjoyed at the Lounge Bar. The Suryaa New Delhi is 14 km from Delhi's Domestic Airport. Hotel has 244 Rooms.

Ramada Plaza Palm Grove Mumbai

Ramada Plaza Palm Grove offers 5-star luxury on Juhu Beach. Providing free parking and buffet breakfast, it has a fitness centre and hot tub. Boasting views from oversized windows, rooms at Palm Grove Ramada have a flat-screen TV, safe and seating area. Private bathrooms come with separate shower and bath areas. Guests can relax at the hotel’s steam rooms or enjoy soothing massages. Other facilities include a book and handicraft store, beauty salon and internet cafe. European, Italian and Indian cuisines are served at the Tangerine Cafe. Asian dishes are available at the Oriental Bowl Restaurant. The Shooters Bar offers drinks and snacks. Ramada Plaza Palm Grove is 5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The popular Pali Hill is located within 4 km from the hotel. Hotel offers 115 Rooms

The Oberoi Mumbai

The Oberoi offers luxury and convenience with its 24-hour spa, fitness and concierge service. It also features 5 food and beverage options offering a variety of cuisines. Free WiFi is available for 30 minutes. The Oberoi Mumbai's elegant rooms feature wooden floors, large windows offering beautiful views and en suite bathroom separated by a glass panel with electronic blinds. Rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, tea/coffee maker and iPod docking station. Free local newspapers are available. Guests can relax with a swim at the outdoor heated pool or enjoy shopping at the high-end shopping arcade. The Oberoi Spa offers a variety of treatments and therapies. Guest services include 24-hour laundry service and babysitting. European, Asian and Indian specialities are featured on the menu at Fenix, alongside traditional Japanese delicacies. Vetro serves Italian dishes, while Indian cuisine can be savoured at Ziya. The Eau Bar overlooks the Arabian sea and features a live Jazz band. The Champagne Lounge serves an extensive selection of Champagne and teas. Situated at Nariman Point at the end of Marine Drive, The Oberoi Mumbai is a 45-minute drive from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. A 20-minute drive leads to the railway station. Hotel Offers 287 Rooms

Trident Bandra Kurla Mumbai

Trident Bandra Kurla provides an outdoor swimming pool and full spa services. Concierge services and room service are available 24 hours. Stylish with accents of red, the air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, DVD Player and iPod connections. A well-stocked minibar and a personal safe are also included. En suite bathrooms come with either a shower or a bathtub. Trident Bandra Kurla is located in North Mumbai, a 15-minute drive from the domestic airport. It is a 20-minute drive from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and a 40-minute drive from Western Railway Terminus. Botticino restaurant serves fine wine and Italian dishes, while 022 restaurant offers an interactive sushi bar, as well as Western and Asian food. Other dining options include regional Indian food at Maya restaurant and salads at Trident Patisserie & Delicatessen. At Trident Spa & Fitness Centre, guests can look forward to relaxing massage treatments or a good workout at the gym. Hotel offers 436 Rooms

Taj Mahal Palace , Mumbai

Standing majestically opposite the Gateway of India, this iconic 5-star hotel features a landscaped pool, fitness facilities and a first-rate spa. The hotel provides 11 dining options. Hotel offers 560 Rooms. The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is 2 km from Mumbai’s city centre and 32 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Free parking is available. Featuring a private balcony, elegant rooms are tastefully furnished with fine linen and classic wood furnishings. They offer the comfort of a flat-screen TV, sofa and luxurious bathrooms that feature a bathtub. Enjoy the use of steam rooms and sauna facilities after an energizing workout at the well-equipped gym. Attentive staff at Taj Mahal Palace offer childcare, tour and concierge services. Hearty meals featuring Indian specialities are availabe at Masala Kraft. Other dining highlights include Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant, Mediterranean fare at Souk and Wasabi Japanese restaurant.

Maharajas Express – Maharajas Express

The Metropolitan, the smart and swanky hotel, welcomes you to a fresh atmosphere with vivid, minimalist, urban, stylish designs, and let you slip into smoothest place with warm and thoughtful service.

The Metropolitan, a fine blend of style and substance, is a member of Great Hotels of The World, Luxury Collection, an international hotel marketing brand. The Metropolitan has been carefully selected for its dedication to the highest standards of luxury, unique sophistication, attention to details and innovative corporate comforts. The Metropolitan features splendid guest rooms and suites with host of innovative features. The Metropolitan offers renowned restaurants to captivate guests with eclectic and distinctive dining options at the ritzy restaurants and bar. To the global gourmet, the award winning Sakura, India's first Japanese restaurant and an all time favourite with expats and high-fliers, continues to delight guests with its authentic fare from the land of the rising sun. Chutney, Bar + Tandoor is a modern Indian eatery, offering diners an indigenous fusion of pan–Indian cuisine. To entice the taste buds of Indian cuisine aficionados, the menu offers classical dishes from across the subcontinent. A perfect combination of Kebabs and curries coupled with exotic concoctions of cocktails, mocktails, fine liqueurs and vintage wines make it an ideal place for chilling out after hours.

Zing, the all-day world cuisine restaurant features an international platter set to tantalize the taste buds where every sumptuous dish carries that distinct, indefinable "zing" that is sure to keep diners coming back for more! Swathed in bright colours, the restaurant is appealing, welcoming, and warm as the large French windows overlook the verdant landscaped lawns and swimming pool courtyard ‘Garden of Joy’ which also doubles-up as an alfresco dining and entertainment area.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Zing GourMET Shop puts forward a wide range of mouth-watering delicacies. The aroma of freshly cooked pies, cakes and savories will have the guests come back for more.

Guests can enter the world of health, well being and fitness at NeoVeda Spa, based on the concept of new ayurveda showcasing the modern translation of ancient Indian knowledge of life and well-being. This epitome of luxury encapsulates the time-honoured powers of ayurveda with a modern influence to heal and restore, relax and invigorate. Serene surrounding of plush 7000 sq. ft. area is a lavish spa retreat for inner being. The hotel is home to Craft House, a luxury lifestyle store that interprets Indian culture and craftsmanship with a vibrant sophistication and dynamism of the 21st century, utilizing the best of materials from luxurious silk to the finest pashmina and precious metals and stones, to create a range of contemporary products that are hand crafted by Indian artisans and craftsmen to let you explore.


Maharajas Express The Heritage of India – TJ – IN TR 11