Winning the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” award for seven years in a row from 2012 to 2018, the Maharajas’ Express redefines rail travel, as seen in its motto, ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which literally translated means ‘Guest is equivalent to God’.
This luxury train, designed to recreate the magnificent carriages that the Maharajas travelled in during the days of the Raj, offers four itineraries that take in some of India’s most vibrant destinations giving a true flavour the landscapes, culture, and history of this colourful country. From resplendent palaces and the iconic Taj Mahal to sailing along the River Ganges and tiger safaris in Ranthambore National Park, the Royal Maharajas’ Express will help you discover India like no other journey. You’ll travel in complete comfort in spacious cabins, with your own butler to see to your every need and dine on Indian delicacies in elegant surroundings.
With crimson carriages emblazoned with a glorious motif of prowling tigers and golden letters, the Maharajas’ Express is sumptuously decorated with décor comprised of intricately designed walls and mosaic, fresco-decorated ceilings.
Mimicking the service that used to be given to royalty on their personal trains, the Maharajas’ Express makes certain that it is on the same level. To begin your journey, you’ll be welcomed in classic Indian Maharaja style at the station. Then at the finale of your the journey, you’ll experience a farewell event at the Safari Bar. The women are offered bright and silky saris while the men are presented with kurtas to dress in while dining on sumptuous cuisine in a night filled with laughter, food and entertainment.
A Junior Suite features an en suite shower and WC, as well as a table with a chair, wardrobe with electronic safe and a TV – that is, if you can bear to tear yourself away from the superb scenery visible from your large windows.
In a Suite you’ll find the above plus an en suite bath tub, mini bar and sitting area with sofa and chairs. A suite also features large panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the incredible scenery of India from the comfort of your room.
The Deluxe Cabin has won accolades at an international level for its services and facilities, offering a high-end feel with its lavish wood-panelled interiors. With its writing ledge and stool, you’ll want to send home a few postcards to friends and loved ones.
Embodying the grandeur and opulence worthy of any head of state is the aptly named Presidential Suite. Taking up a full carriage, it features two bedrooms, including a Master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom that has both a shower and a bath tub. There’s even a living room that accommodates a plush sofa.
Yes, all four itineraries vary between one- and six-night durations, so you will enjoy a comfortable and cosy night’s stay on board the train.
There is a choice of four cabin types: Junior Suite, Suite, Deluxe Cabin and Presidential Suite.
All passenger cabins come with air conditioning, LCD televisions, DVD players, direct dial telephone, internet and electronic safe deposit box.
High speed Internet access is available on board. Please contact the train manager for details. The internet reception can vary while the train is moving but improves when the train is stationary or near large cities.
There are two restaurants on board, alongside a lounge carriage kitted out in plush deep-green leather chairs where you can admire the passing scenery through the large windows in sublime comfort. There’s also the Safari Bar carriage that offers a selection of Indian and global drinks and board games provided on request.
The Maharajas’ Express accepts credit cards, MasterCard, Visa and Amex on board. A surcharge is applicable on all payments made using credit / debit cards.
All meals, soft drinks and house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits are included. With fresh food and spices, the Maharajas’ Express is a gastronomic tour of India, all from the comfort of your plush seat. However, if you want to experience the world during your journey, the kitchen also prepares dishes such as pan-seared sole with a lemon velouté, spaghetti arrabiata or creamy beef stroganoff.
During the day it is advised to wear smart casual when on board the train. During off-train excursions, comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended. If your day is out in Ranthambore National Park for your tiger game drive, they recommend to wear subdued colours. As the day turns to night, you’ll be expected to wear your formal wear for dinner.
Passengers should be in possession of valid travel documents and a valid visa granted by Indian Missions abroad for entering India. Those arriving in India without visas bearing the correct validity dates and number of entries into India are subject to deportation. For Foreign nationals holding Tourist Visas with a stay stipulation of 180 days / 90 days and with a multiple entry facility; there should be a gap of at least 2 months between two visits to the country on this visa. In case there is a requirement to visit the country within two months, permission should be sought from the Head of Mission concerned indicating the specific reasons for another visit within a short period.
There is limited storage space inside your cabin. We recommend that each guest travels with luggage as per international airline – rules for first / business class passengers. It is also advisable to carry soft-topped luggage as it is easier to store. Luggage storage is provided under the bed and in the Cabin Cupboards. The size available under the twin bed is 915 mm x 690 mm x 330 mm height and under the double bed is 1370 mm x 940 mm x 330 mm height. It is advisable to lock your luggage.
In case of any special dietary requirement or allergies, guests should mention the same at the time of booking and to the chef/train manager on board and the chef shall endeavour to accommodate these as far as possible. Please note a few excursions like Jungle Safaris are conducted in open vehicles like jeeps or canters. Such rides may get dusty due to the terrain and guests with dust related allergies are advised to carry their prescribed medication / inhalers on the journey.
There is a dedicated team of butlers on board to attend to your every need. Each carriage is manned by a single butler who is on call 24 hours a day.
Unfortunately, due to the dimensions of the carriages and design of the train, it is not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. It is also recommended that guests with limited mobility should be accompanied by an able-bodied passenger.
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