The Indian Panorama - Maharajas' Express

A tastefully crafted itinerary to offer you a peek into the vast Indian panorama, the Indian Panorama tour aboard Maharajas Express lets you explore some of the most regal and culturally rich destinations in India. Besides these significant cultural site epitomizing the high point of Indian cultural synthesis, there is the call of the wild at Ranthambore National Park and a royal evening in the ‘city of Nawabs’ Lucknow. Also included in the itinerary are destinations like Gwalior and Agra beside Delhi which serves as both the beginning and the culmination of the Indian Panorama tour itinerary.

Day 1 Saturday: Delhi- Jaipur

Begin your tour from Delhi, the capital city of the country and once-important seat of Mughal India. It has been a potpourri of different cultures, religions and also ethnicity. Quickly the train will take you out of the city and into the heart of another historical city, Jaipur.

Dinner will be served aboard the luxury train.

Day 2 Sunday: Jaipur

Today a trip to Amber Fort is on the cards post breakfast. Amber Fort is one of the most resplendent fortresses in Rajasthan with fortifies walls and battlement. It is used to be the erstwhile abode of the maharajas of Jaipur before the capital was shifted to City Palace, Jaipur. The tour will be followed by an exhibition Elephant Polo match and a sumptuous lunch at an exclusive venue.

Later you have option of visiting City Palace and Jantar Manta or golf/shopping or a rejuvenating spa session at a Palace hotel.

Later return to the train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 Monday: Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri

A game drive into Ranthambore National Park marks the beginning of today’s adventure. This tiger reserve in India offers the highest probability of spotting the elusive cats in their natural habitat. Return to the train for lunch. The train will roll on to Fatehpur Sikri where you’ll be taken to the tour of the famous ghost town and World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri.

Return to the comforts of Maharajas Express for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 Tuesday: Agra - Gwalior

Embark on an early morning visit to Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the magnum opus of Mughal Architecture. An unforgettable breakfast session with champagne at the Taj Khema overlooking Taj Mahal constitute the highlight of the day.

Continue on to Gwalior on board Maharajas Express.

The excitement of the Indian Panorama tour heightens with the train arriving in the city of Gwalior. You will also get a chance to explore the classic collection of arts and artifacts housed within the Jai Vilas Palace Museum besides the Durbar Hall.

Enjoy lunch in the historical Usha Kiran Palace and a Hi-Tea in the Palace Compounds before returning to the train for overnight stay.

Day 5 Wednesday: Orcha - Khajuraho

Today brings you to the next destination, Khajuraho, en-route visiting the sleepy little town of Orcha sprinkled with monuments. Orcha on the other hand offers glimpses of the rich repertoire of arts and crafts of the Bundela kings. Visit the Jahangir Mahal, Chaturbhuj temple and the Orcha cenotaphs while here.

Khajuraho is mostly visited for the exotic sculptures and figurines that adorn the walls of the temples here. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho attracts the leisure tourists, the spiritual tourists as well as tourists on an architectural tour, all on the same magnitude. A walking tour is the best option to explore the place and marvel at the creative and artistic genius of the artists who created these marvels.

Day 6 Thursday: Varanasi

The most holy city, sacred to Hindus and non Hindus alike, Varanasi is situated on the banks of the river Ganga. Sadhus taking a dip in the holy water of the river and devotees making beeline to enter into the temples are a few of the commonest sights that one comes across while here.

The itinerary of the Indian Panorama tour also accommodates the sister town of Sarnath that is most famous for the Buddhist connection. Visit the Stupas and the meditating sites of the Buddha and relive an experience like never before. A trip to Silk Weaving Center is also on the cards today.

Day 7 Friday: Lucknow

Explore the city of the Nawabs on the 6th day of the journey. A historical trail across the Residency, the Rumi Darwaza, and the Bada Imambara will capture wonderful memories for you to carry back home. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and a 'Nawabi' evening at a private venue located in the heart of Lucknow. Later you’ll be served delectable “Awadhi Cuisine” from the Royal Kitchen. 

Day 8 Saturday - Delhi

On the 8th day of the Indian Panorama itinerary, Maharajas Express will complete a full circle and arrive back in Delhi. Bid adieu to the sojourn after breakfast, in the capital city, and get set to keep alive these fond memories forever.

The facilities housed within the Maharajas’ Express make the Indian Panorama tour itinerary all the more memorable and fun. Each of the tour type aboard this Indian luxury train feature state of the art ameities and impeccable service. Some of the facilities and services worth mentioning here are:

• » Individual temperature control
• » LCD TV
• » DVD players
• » Direct dial telephones
• » In house movie viewing facility
• » Butlers
• » Medical assistance
• » Electronic safe deposit box

Accommodation
Accommodation options in the Maharajas’ Express comprise of a selection of choices that you may opt from. The 14 guest carriages meant for accommodation have been segregated as below:

• » Deluxe Coaches - There are 5 carriages with a total of 20 deluxe cabins available in this category which could accommodate upto 40 passengers. Twin beds, colorful furnishings, and a comfortable ambiance wait to greet guests into these cabins.
• » Junior Suites - The Junior Suites are an upgraded version of the deluxe cabins. Twin beds and sitting area are available in each of the 18 suites available in this category.
• » Suites - 4 Suites are fit enough to cater to the kings! A separate seating area, a double bed, and attendants to serve you round the clock; these and several other features wait to make you comfortable here.
• » Presidential Suites - This suite spanning over an entire carriage welcomes you to ultimate luxury and sophistication! The sitting area of the suite exudes magnificence and style just like the bedroom. A blend of contemporary and modern designing styles has been displayed in the furniture and in the overall décor of this suite. Opt to stay in the Presidential Suite to understand the lifestyle of Indian royalty!
• » Attached bathrooms

Dining
There are two fine dining options housed within the Maharajas’ Express with each offering a delectable range of cuisines to savor on. The authentic décor of the restaurants truly complement the tastefully prepared food. A whole host of beverages served in the restaurants complete your dining experiences here.

• » Rang Mahal Restaurant - adorned like a grand Indian mansion, Indian delicacies are tastefully prepared and served in this restaurant
• » Peacock restaurant - watch out for the peacock motifs in the décor throughout this eatery
• » Safari Bar serves a range of exotic drinks. The wood decorated interiors and the theme lighting will make your evenings special, after a tiring day of sightseeing.

Mentioned below is the scheduled departures of Maharajas Express the Indian Panorama tour itinerary.  

Schedule for the season between October 2012 to April 2013:

Schedule for the season between October 2013 to March 2014:

The tariff of the luxury train Maharajas’ Express for the Indian Panorama tour itinerary has been mentioned below for your kind perusal:

Tariff for the season between October 2012 to April 2013:

Tariff for the season between October 2013 to April 2014:

The tariff of the Maharajas’ Express includes accommodation, meals, beverages (light drinks, tea, coffee, and mineral water), Indian wines (in house brands), butler service, and porter-age at stations, guided tours and entrance fees at monuments. The tariff however does not include taxes, insurances, alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, laundry, and fees of video and professional cameras.

*Service tax at 3.09% to be paid extra.

*The above cost is a per person per Journey Cost.  

*Validity - October 2012 - April 2014 

*Children below 5 years of age can travel for free.

*Prices are subject to change incase of any amendment in the routing or any other hikes such as fuel, taxes etc.  

The cancellation policy that is followed by the train is as:

• » If cancelled 90 days prior to departure date, then 25% of the published tour cost is deducted
• » If cancelled 89-60 days prior to departure date, then 50% of the published tour cost is deducted
• » If cancelled 59-0 days prior to departure date, then 100% of the published tour cost is deducted
• » If you fail to show up on the departure date, then 100% of the published tour cost is deducted