Travel Like a Maharaja

Heralded as one of the world’s most luxurious trains, India's Maharajas’ Express is a symbol of opulence on wheels, capturing the grandeur of a bygone era, blending heritage aesthetics with the latest technological advancements - Wi-Fi, intercom, flat screen plasma televisions and individual climate control in each cabin - as you travel through some of India’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

The Maharajas Express made its maiden voyage on 17th October 2012, stopping at Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in a tour of India’s  ‘Golden Triangle’. Other unmissable itineraries soon followed, including the one we have chosen for our new Indian adventure, 'The Splendours of India' which travels over six days from Delhi to Mumbai.

The Cabins

Many of the Maharajahs of ancient India were fascinated by trains. The Maharajah of Gwalior, for example, had a silver model train that would chug around its track as visiting dignitaries dined in his banqueting hall, while another king commissioned a special jewelled throne for his personal (full sized) carriage. The cabins on the Maharajas Express  reflect this history. Decorated with intricate, bejewelled tapestries, mirror-work wall hangings, portraits of former kings and furnished with antiques, they resemble the private carriages that used to carry the Rajahs.

The 14 guest carriages fall into four categories – Deluxe, Presidential Suite, Junior Suite and Suite - each named after precious stones.
•    The Presidential Suite Navratna (or ‘nine gems’) has two bedrooms, an ensuite bathroom and a   private dining room.
•    The four Suites have a double bed, an ensuite bathroom with a toilet and a bath and a shower cubicle
•    There are 12x Junior Suites with twin beds and six with double beds. All have their own shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet.
•    There are 12x Deluxe cabins with twin beds and eight with double beds. All have their own shower cubicle and wash basin.

Dining Aboard

There are two dining cars, one at either end of the train, each offering a different aesthetic experience. 
Mayur Mahal – or ‘peacock palace’ – is named after the magnificent golden peacock that decorates the doorway, while Rang Mahal, ('palace of colours'), boasts a vivid fresco painting on the ceiling and multicoloured decorations. In both the restaurants the chairs are arranged in twos or fours on either side of the panoramic window, allowing diners to enjoy the scenery and enabling the waiters to move around easily.

The food is prepared on the trains with fresh, new ingredients brought onto the train at every destination so diners can enjoy an authentic taste of each region they travel through. (International dishes are also available and you can ask for a less spicy version of the Indian dishes.) Dishes are served on Limoges porcelain and there in an extensive wine list.

Space to Relax and Mingle

Safari Bar 

Styled like a vintage hunting lodge, the Safari Bar features wood-panelled walls, plush leather seating and wildlife-inspired décor. It’s an ideal retreat after a day of sightseeing, offering a wide range of fine wines, spirits, premium beers and signature cocktails.

Rajah Club 

The Rajah Club is a regal lounge adorned with Indian-inspired design, luxurious fabrics and palace-style décor. With its cosy seating and quiet atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax with a book or enjoy gentle conversation over a cup of gourmet tea or coffee.

A journey on the Maharaja Express turns travel into a memorable, immersive experience filled with elegance and charm.