Table of content for Maharajas Express Heritage of India Tour itinerary

Welcome to the Day 3 of your journey and we hope you are enjoying your ride. On the third day of your Maharajas Express Heritage of India Tour, you will wake up in the most colorful states in India – Rajasthan. Behold the golden landscape of Mewar region spool by through the panoramic windows of Maharajas Express even as the train nears its next destination Udaipur.

Famous for its placid lakes, Udaipur used to be the capital of Mewar during Rajputana sovereignty in the region. Scenic Lake Pichola is home to the breathtaking Lake Palace which is a major attraction and now a heritage palace hotel. The hotel featured extensively in the James Bond movie Octopussy.

Taj Lake Palace floating over Lake Pichola in Udaipur
The magnificent Taj Lake Palace hemmed in by the emerald waters of Lake Pichola is the most iconic images of Udaipur in Rajasthan

The city of Udaipur was founded by Rana Udai Singh in 1559.The popular legend says that while hunting in the foothills of Aravali range, Udai Singh came upon a hermit who asked him to make a palace on the spot assuring him that it would be well protected. In 1568, when Mughal emperor Akbar attacked the fort of Chittaur, Rana Udai Singh moved his residence to his new capital, which became the city of Udaipur.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board Maharajas Express and get ready for your city excursion. Disembark the train to explore the bounties of Udaipur, a fascinating city sprinkled with lakes and hemmed in by the Aravali hills. The first place you will visit during your city voyage is the City Palace.

The beautiful palatial structure is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. Immerse yourself in the history of Udaipur as you tread the steps once treaded by mighty Maharanas and gallant Rajputs. The City Palace complex has number of big and small palaces, temples and gardens. Mor Chowk (a peacock square whose walls are adorned with vivid blue mosaics of peacocks), Moti Mahal (with beautiful mirror work), and Chini Mahal (covered with ornamental tiles) is a sight to behold.

A visit to Darbar Hall is also on the cards as part of your excursion. Darbar is repository of the opulence, idiosyncracies and art of the Maharanas of Mewar. Various artifacts adorn the walls which include Mewari paintings, Rajputana artilleries and spectacular chandeliers.

Dine in the Gallery Restaurant of the Fateh Prakash Palace renowned for its display of invaluable hand-painted Flora Danica dinner service. An array of lip-smacking international cuisine is served for your platters in the regal ambience of this restaurant.

Gallery Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace
Gallery Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace

Following lunch return to the comforts of your cabin on board Maharajas Express. Optionally, you may also opt for a rejuvenating spa session of a palace hotel. In the late afternoon, you may embark for a walking tour to the market of Udaipur. Shops here sell various items which include jewelries, wooden crafts, paintings and other artifacts. This will be the final activity if you so choose and later dinner will be served on board the train.

Maharajas Express train exteriors
Maharajas Express train exteriors

Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the suave restaurants on board the train even as the day draws to end along with the third day of Maharajas Express Princely India Tour itinerary. The train will roll on to its next destination which happens to be Jodhpur famous for its sand dunes and fort.

Sleep in the comfort of your cabin and rewind yourself for ‘tomorrow is another day’ of journey. Keep watching this space for the next installment of the Maharajas Express Heritage of India journey.

Contributed by Nikhil Chandra