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Day 1: Arrive at Delhi and you are greeted at the airport by an Easy Tours Travel Facilitator and ushered to a chauffeur driven vehicle. Your arrival and departure airport/railway station transfers, planning and greeting services, and more, are all complimentary when you book your luxury train experience with Easy Tours.
We recommend arrive a day earlier as this allows you to recuperate from jetlag, and serves as insurance against international flight delays and cancellations.The cost of a pre-night and/or post night hotel stay can be included, as can additional sightseeing in Delhi or other destinations on the Indian Subcontinent.
Maharajas’ Express journeys currently commence on Saturday evenings, so we assume an arrival on that day, unless you are opting for arriving a day earlier.
Your chauffeur driven vehicle will be available to you until about 8:45 PM, when you are escorted to the train and welcomed for check in formalities.
The following description is furnished by the train operator, the IRCTC, a part of the Indian Government. IRCTC reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary as needed.
The train sedately chugs out at 10 PM for Agra. Sumptuous dinner is served on board in the royal dining cars at 9:30 PM.
Day 2 (Sunday): Agra. Arrive at Agra - the Jewel of India. Early this morning, disembark to visit the world famous Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the mausoleum for his favorite queen Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens.
Later, enjoy Champagne breakfast at Taj Khema, a tableland overlooking the magnificent Taj!
Following breakfast, return to the train. Or you may choose to take an optional tour to the Itmad-ud-Daula or Spa at a five star hotel or Private Shopping Tour.
After a leisurely lunch onboard visit the Agra Fort or you may choose from one of the optional activities like spa facilities at a five star hotel or a private shopping tour or visit Fatehpur Sikri or Mohabbat the Taj show. Return to the comfort of the train and continue your journey to Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore). Breakfast at Taj Khema, Lunch and Dinner on board.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.
Day 3 (Monday): Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) - Jaipur. On arrival into Sawai Madhopur, early in the morning, get ready for an exciting safari to the 'Ranthambore National Park'. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. The Park is famous for its open sightings of Tigers, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Jackal and Leopard. The safari cannot be compared to that of Africa and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard.
Proceed for an early morning exciting game drive. The safari is carried out in open vehicles and the ride is quite bumpy. One must carry adequate warm clothes for winter months. Return to the train for a relaxed breakfast. Unwind over lunch as your journey continues to Jaipur.
Jaipur, the capital and the largest city of Rajasthan was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber in the 18th century. It is renowned for its magnificent palaces, forts and temples, jewellery and blue pottery.
After lunch disembark to visit the Jantar Mantar (Observatory). The Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments, built in 138 CE by the Rajput ruler Sawai Jai Singh. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has the world’s largest stone sundial.
You may choose to participate in one of the optional tours. Enjoy spa facilities at a five star hotel or proceed on a private shopping tour or visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.
Proceed for an exclusive royal experience. Your arrival at the venue will be accompanied by the band and the beating of ‘Nagadas’ (huge Indian drums). You shall also have an opportunity to indulge with the elephants – paint them, feed them or opt for a joy ride. Later, enjoy Cocktail dinner over sparkling wine at the venue.
Following dinner, return to the station and board the train for your onward journey to Bikaner. Breakfast, lunch on board and Dinner at an exclusive venue (City Palace or Jai Mahal Palace).
Day 4 (Tuesday): Bikaner. Enjoy your journey through the country side with breakfast on board. Late morning at around 10 AM, arrive into the desert citadel of Bikaner and relax on board or you may choose to embark on one of the optional tours. Visit the Lalgarh Palace Museum displaying some fascinating exhibits on the royal heritage of Bikaner or another intriguing optional is an excursion to the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, popularly known as the “Rat Temple”. The temple complex has hundreds of rats swarming the courtyard, an integral part of the temple rituals and customs as they are considered very sacred.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities. Following your participation in any one of the optional tours, return to the train for lunch.
Following lunch, disembark and proceed on a visit to the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. While the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat, its real beauty lies inside. Be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal.
Later experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for a Sundowner in the Sand Dunes. Enjoy cocktails, savour traditional mouth watering barbecue delicacies as you enjoy traditional folk arts like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas whose music and dance will mesmerize you.
Later return to the comfort of your train by 9:15 PM and embark on your onward journey to Jodhpur. Breakfast, Lunch on board and evening barbeque on dunes.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Jodhpur. This morning, the Maharajas’ Express, continues her journey into the stronghold of the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board. The morning is at leisure on board or you may participate in one of the optional tours. Embark on a village safari to the Bishnoi village or enjoy spa facilities at a 5 star hotel or Private Shopping Tour or Visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.
Return to the train for lunch on-board. Post lunch visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Admire the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches followed by a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower Market. As you reach the Market on Tuk Tuks, get a glimpse of the daily lifestyle of the local residents, passing some of the oldest houses and Havelis.
Enjoy an exclusive Cocktail evening with a wide array of sumptuous Marwar Culinary delights served at the Hanwant Mahal as you admire the cityscape with the illuminated Umaid Bhawan Palace forming the backdrop. Return to the train and continue your journey to picturesque Udaipur. Breakfast, Lunch on board and Cocktail dinner at Hanwant Mahal.
Day 6 (Thursday): Udaipur. This morning you will wake up in the picturesque region of Mewar, one of the most popular and royal states of the Rajputana. Admire the magnificent landscape of the Aravali Hills arriving into Udaipur - the City of Lakes.
Disembark the train at 10 AM as you begin your visit with a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Following the boat ride visit the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. Visit Mor Chowk and see its lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and the spectacular Zenana Mahal where-after visit The Crystal Gallery and the Darbar Hall with an audio guide. Feel like a king as you experience the hospitality at the Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace reminiscent of the ancient Mewar glory. Feast your taste buds over a vast spread of Indian cuisine.
Following lunch return to the train for a relaxed afternoon on board. Or you have the option of enjoying spa facilities at a five star hotel.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.
Maharajas’ Express proceeds for Balasinor at 8 PM. Breakfast on board, Lunch at Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace and Dinner on board.
Day 7 (Friday): Balasinor. Today you arrive into the princely state of the Babi dynasty. Enjoy an early morning breakfast at 6:30 AM on board as you arrive into the Sevalia Station. Disembark at 8:15 AM and drive down to Balasinor. Visit the Dinosaur Fossil Park where the fossilized dinosaur remains of at least 13 species and eggs have earned Balasinor the name of India’s Jurassic Park, followed by a village walking tour. Later proceed for the ‘Garden Palace’ for a warm welcome by the royal family.
Following a sumptuous lunch hosted by the royal family return to the comfort of the Maharajas’ Express for the last leg of your journey. Enjoy an ‘Indian Evening’ on board, raising a toast to a memorable experience. Breakfast on board, Lunch at ‘Garden Palace and Dinner on board.
Day 8 (Saturday): Mumbai. The train arrives at Lokmanya Tilak Railway Station at 8:15 AM and guests are served breakfast at 6:30 AM. It is time to check out and staff bid a fond farewell to guests.
You are greeted at the Railway Station by an Easy Tours Facilitator and then you are at leisure with your chauffeur driven vehicle until 6 PM or earlier, depending on the time of your international flight. At 6 PM or earlier you are driven to Mumbai airport and assisted in boarding your international flight. As on arrival, additional sightseeing, tours, and hotel nights can be arranged upon request.
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