Maharajas Express / The Indian Panorama

After onboard breakfast de-board at around 08:30 hrs to visit the Amber Fort. The Amber Fort, set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. A short jeep ride takes you up to the fort where you will enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, with striking views of the gorge. Step back into the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of Victory. Return to the train for lunch or you may choose from a range of optional activities like Spa facilities at a hotel or explore the city with your private car and guide. Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities. Return to the comforts of Maharajas’ Express. Dinner will be served on board. Maharajas’ Express leaves for Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore). Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Board. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Upon arrival into Sawai Madhopur, early in the morning, get ready for a safari to the Ranthambore National Park. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. It is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. Wildlife 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 and dusty. One must carry adequate warm clothes for winter months. Return to the train. Enjoy breakfast as you continue your journey to the fabled deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Admire the changing landscape as you savour lunch. On arrival at the quaint station of Fatehpur Sikri, disembark at 1530 hours and proceed on a tour of the fascinating sights comprising of imposing gateways, Halls of Private and Public audience, beautifully sculptured palaces with unique water bodies, reflecting a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. This deserted red sandstone city was built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th century. It is now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the train. Enjoy an “Indian Evening” onboard followed by dinner. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Early morning arrival into Agra - the jewel of India, home to one of the world’s great architectural wonders – the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental masterpieces and picturesque natural setting, Agra is a legendary city glorified by time. Early morning, disembark and proceed to the world-famous Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favorite queen Mumtaz. This incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India’s most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this poetry in marble. Later enjoy a Champagne breakfast gazing at the Taj Mahal, from atop the Taj Khema. Following breakfast, return to the train for lunch. Afternoon is at leisure or you may choose optional activities – Spa at a hotel or visit to Agra Fort. Return to the train for dinner as the train proceeds to Orchha. Spend time taking part in some optional recreational activities. Champagne Breakfast at Taj Khema; Lunch and Dinner on board. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

After early breakfast, disembark at Jhansi Railway Station at 07:15 hrs to visit the quaint village of Orchha known for its rustic lifestyle. Visit the Orchha Fort, built over several years in the 1500s by the Bundela rulers overlooking the Betwa river. A short Tuk Tuk ride will take you to experience village life in the hinterland. Return to the train. Enjoy a relaxed lunch onboard as the train continues its journey through some of the most dramatic and picturesque environs towards Khajuraho. Khajuraho is renowned for its architecture and exquisite sculptures. Built between 950 and 1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity, the temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. The highly sensual engravings depict the whole range of human emotions and relationships. On arrival proceed on a tour of the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Western group which constitutes some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening you may enjoy Optional Activities - Dances of India Show at Kandariya Shilpgram or you may enjoy Spa facilities at a Hotel or Sound and Light Show at the temple complex. Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the Optional Activities.Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Board. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Today as you enjoy breakfast onboard, your journey continues through rich agricultural fields, arriving into the holy city of Varanasi. One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi (also known as Kashi or Benaras) has a spiritual legacy of over 3000 years. A place of pilgrimage, this holy city is set on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Varanasi epitomizes the chaos and color of India. Lively bazaars, exquisite and bright silks, festivals, temples, mosques and palaces – all can be found here. Following disembarkation, proceed for lunch at Hotel Taj Gateway. After lunch, visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon expounding the principles of Buddhism. Proceed for a boat cruise on the Ganges, en-route visit a Silk Weaving Centre, where you may even shop for some world famous Banarasi silk saris and brocades. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the river Ganges and witness a magical evening aarti at the ghats of the holy Ganges. Proceed for dinner at Brij Rama Palace situated on the banks of the holy river. The Brijrama Palace, built in the year 1812 is accessible only by boat. Enjoy classical Indian Dance performance – Kathak followed by an exclusive vegetarian dinner.Rejoin the train as it proceeds to Delhi. Breakfast onboard, Lunch at Taj Gateway Hotel and Dinner at Brijrama Palace. Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and lunch onboard as the train arrives into Delhi. Disembark at around 15:00 hrs at Delhi Safdurjung Railway Station. Breakfast and Lunch on board. Disembark.