Maharaja’s Express: Rajasthan & The North

When you arrive in Delhi you’ll be met by your private Yonder driver who will accommodate your every whim. Check in at The Imperial, Delhi’s great colonial era hotel, and relax after your long haul flight. Once you’ve recuperated, you’ll venture forth with your guide into Old Delhi by rickshaw to discover the sights, sounds and smells of the mesmerising maze of alleyways. You’ll then swap from peddle power to your air conditioned car to experience Delhi’s other major attractions including Humayun’s tomb, Raj Ghat (or Gandhi’s eternal flame) and India Gate along with the presidential and secretariat buildings.

As dawn breaks, we find ourselves on the move again. The destination? The spiritual heart of Punjab, Amritsar. Upon arrival, the city greets us with a warm hug of hospitality, its unique blend of spiritual sanctity and cultural vibrancy immediately palpable. Once again you’re met by your private driver for the brief journey to your hotel, Ranjit’s Svaasa. The day ends with anticipation – for tomorrow, we will explore the soul of this resilient city.

We say our goodbyes to the spiritual charm of Amritsar and journey onward to the architectural wonder that is Chandigarh, a marvel of urban planning and modern architecture, set amidst the backdrop of the Shivalik hills. The serene gardens, broad avenues, and the orderly layout offer a different perspective on the vibrant chaos that characterises most Indian cities.

Today, we trade the clamour of the city for the music of the mountains. First a journey aboard the intercity train to Chandigarh, followed by a quaint Toy Train journey to Shimla. As the train huffs and puffs its way up the mountains, the symphony of the railway lines, the whistle of the locomotive and the rustle of the deodar trees interweave into a soundtrack of nostalgia. On arrival, Shimla greets us with cool mountain air, a welcome respite from the plains. Your private driver will meet you at the station and spirit you to your hotel for the night, the resplendent WildFlower Hall. The next morning you’ll take a guided tour of Shimla and, on your second day, enjoy a much needed free day to relax, unwind and take stock of your journey so far.

Leaving Shimla you’ll head back to Delhi by train via Chandigarh. You’ll spend another night in our favourite Delhi hotel, The Imperial, before waking early the following morning to join the world famous Maharajas Express, one of the greatest rail journeys on earth. Once aboard, you’ll embark on a journey to Agra, dining on a gourmet breakfast en route, prepared by top chefs with local delicacies. As the train reaches Agra, a city rich with Mughal history, an onboard briefing will prepare you for the adventures ahead. Come afternoon, you’ll disembark for a guided tour of the pristine white beauty of the Taj Mahal, before returning to your cabin for dinner and a relaxed evening on board.

Awaking amidst Mughal grandeur, you’ll set foot in the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, basking in its red sandstone magnificence. Your return to the train will be marked by a hearty breakfast, after which the lush wilderness of Ranthambore will beckon. As you lunch, the train will snake its way through pastoral lands. Later in the day, an exhilarating safari will offer a chance to spot the elusive tiger. After dinner retire to the comfort of your cabin and drift off to sleep to the gentle sway of the train as it steams towards your next destination, the fabled pink city of Jaipur.

Post a sumptuous breakfast, the majestic Amber Fort awaits. You’ll navigate its sprawling courtyards and grand halls, later indulging in some local shopping or perhaps an elephant ride. Lunch aboard will be a feast of Rajasthani delicacies. The evening will unravel in the grandeur of the Rambagh Palace, with a meal that promises royal culinary delights. As stars sprinkle the desert sky, your journey will set towards the rustic charm of Bikaner.

As dawn breaks the train pulls into Bikaner. After breakfast, you’ll be immersed in the mediaeval allure of the Junagarh Fort. As the sun lowers, the golden Sand Dunes will host you with a captivating evening of traditional music, dance, and a spread of local cuisines under the open sky. As night falls the train steams towards the royal city of Jodhpur.

As dawn breaks the train pulls into Jodhpur, with the day’s first hues painting its iconic blue facades. Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning at your own pace, soaking in the ambiance of the train. Come afternoon, the grandeur of the Mehrangarh Fort awaits. This imposing structure, with walls that have witnessed centuries, offers panoramic views that truly define the city’s landscape. The adventure doesn’t end there; a spirited Tuk Tuk ride will usher you into the heart of the Old Clock Tower market, where the very soul of Jodhpur thrives amidst vibrant stalls and age-old trade stories. As twilight sets in, the historic Khaas Bagh unfolds as the backdrop for your evening. With its rich history, it’s the perfect locale for an exclusive cocktail dinner that promises to be as memorable as the setting itself. Sated and enchanted, you’ll retreat to the plush confines of the Maharajas’ Express. And as the clock strikes nine, the journey continues, rolling gently into the night towards the serene lakes of Udaipur.

Enjoy breakfast as the train arrives into Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Disembark for a boat trip on the ethereal Lake Pichola before visiting the City Palace and the Crystal Gallery. By afternoon, you’ll head to Satkar Hall for lunch before returning to the comfort of the train for a chance to relax and unwind. However, the night is still young. Come evening, the train transforms, celebrating the diverse rhythms and tastes of India. A feast for the senses, from music to food, will ensue. And as the melodies fade and conversations wind down, the train will make its nocturnal journey towards the pulsating heart of India, Mumbai.