Princely India - Maharajas' Express

A fantastic sojourn aboard the Maharajas Express is offered to the guests in the form of the Princely India tour. Just as the name suggests, this particular tour takes guests on a joy ride across some of the very regal destinations of western India besides Agra and Delhi. To know more about the itinerary, read on... Mentioned below in detail is the Princely India tour itinerary that commences from Mumbai and concludes at Delhi.

Day 1 Saturday - Mumbai/ Vadodara

A welcome drink and the crew of the Maharajas' Express wait to welcome you onboard, in the happening city of Mumbai. The same night, the train begins its journey and arrives in Gujarat. The charming city of Vadodara is the first destination that one arrives at.

A special sojourn through the city is scheduled for the following day.
 

Day 2 Sunday - Vadodara

The city of Vadodara has in store, much more than you would have thought of. Grand palaces, exotic temples, museums and even architectural wonders… all these and much more wait to be explored by you! The attractions that you will visit on this day are the archeological sites of the Champaner - Pavagadh Park, Jami Masjid, Kewda Masjid, and Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Lunch will be served at the Jambughoda Palace and high tea at the Laxmi Vilas Palace.

Return to the train for overnight stay and travel to Udaipur.

Day 3 Monday - Udaipur

Udaipur is a travelers' delight owing to the rich heritage and history that it holds in its bosom. The rugged landscape of the Aravali stands in sharp contrast to the rich architectural wonders that are housed in the city. Be it the imposing forts or the grand palaces, the lakeside promenade or even the impeccable peacock patterns on the Havelis; each one of these will try to lure you and captivate your senses forever. The locations you can visit on the 3rd day of the tour include the City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jagdish temple, and the markets of Udaipur that sell jewelry, wooden crafts, and paintings as well.

Lunch will be served for you in the Durbar Hall and dinner aboard the luxury train.

Day 4 Tuesday - Jodhpur

Post a leisurely breakfast and a lavish lunch aboard the train, get ready to explore another jewel of the state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur. The Princely India Tour itinerary is set with a number of elements to capture and present before you the finest picture of this Blue city of India. Embark on a sightseeing trip across the city by paying a quick visit to the Old Clock Tower market and a leisurely trip across the Mehrangarh Fort. While here, do not miss to feast on the exotic delicacies of the place; a barbeque experience at Mehrangarh Fort will surely linger in your hearts for long.

Return to the train by evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 Tuesday - Bikaner

You will arrive in Bikaner on the 5th day of the tour. The mesmerizing city of Bikaner with its historical relics is an important destination in the circuit. The local art and culture of the place are also worth mentioning here. While here, you will get a chance to visit Lalgarh Palace, the Junagarh fort, the Deshnoke temple as well as other wonders made of yellow sandstone. In the evening, surrender yourself to the soulful music and dance performances by the Manganiars, the Kalbeliyas and the Langaas, especially arranged for you. Cocktails and evening barbeque will enhance the pleasures of your Bikaner trip.

Overnight stay aboard the Maharajas Express.

Day 6 Wednesday - Jaipur

Your arrival in Jaipur will be announced with great style and elegance. After all, this city being the capital of the state of Rajasthan demands special mention and attention; not to mention it also gives special attention to its guests too! Your Jaipur sojourn will begin with an exciting Exhibition Elephant Polo match. Post lunch, the most prominent landmarks of the city such as the grand Amer Fort and the markets of the city will keep you busy and contented.

Day 7 Friday - Ranthambore/ Fatehpur Sikri

If you had a great time following the history and heritage of Rajasthan, get set to follow the flora and fauna of the wild. The Ranthambore National Park is one of the most prominent locations where interesting wildlife activities can be captured. Nature, here, is at its prime! Once you have explored the wilderness of the national park, return to the train to proceed towards Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri was once a Mughal capital and still houses a number of significant monumental wonders, dating back to the era. Buland Darwaza and Panch Mahal are a few of the important attractions that you will visit on this day.

Later you will return to the train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8 Saturday - Fatehpur Sikri/ Agra/ Delhi

In the morning of the 8th day of the Princely India sojour, you will get a chance to travel across Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. A lavish champagne breakfast atop the Taj Khema will accentuate the pleasures of your Taj tour. Later, you can return to the train for some leisure moments or visit the local markets for some handicrafts shopping.

Lunch will be served to you onboard the train as you will continue your journey towards Delhi. The lively sojourn across the princely states in India comes to its end with the train halting at the Safdarjung Railway Station by 1530 hrs. Memories and princely experiences will however stay on with you, forever!

The facilities housed within the Maharajas’ Express make the sojourn all the more memorable and fun. Each of the tour type is featured by these services, offering to the guests, standard amenities to watch out for, no matter which trip they may wish to undertake. 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 23 carriages meant for accommodation have been segregated as below:

• » Deluxe Coaches - There are 5 coaches available in this category. 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 coaches. Twin beds and sitting area are available in each of the 6 suites available in this variety
• » Suites - The 2 Suites are fit enough to cater to the king himself! A separate sitting 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 welcomes one 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.

• » Haveli 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
• » The in house 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.

The tariff of the luxury train Maharajas' Express for the Princely India tour has been given below as:

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.

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

*Validity - January 2012 - April 2012  

The above cost does not include 2.575% Govt. Service Tax and is charged extra.  

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

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

Booking policy followed by the Maharajas Express is as:

• » If booking is done prior to 90 days of departure or more, then 25% of the total tariff is to be paid at the time of booking
• » If booking is done less than 59 days of departure or less, then full 100% of the total tariff is to be paid at the time of booking

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