India's Premium Train Journey: Is Maharajas' Express the Nation's Most Elite?
Embarking on an unforgettable adventure, the author recently had the privilege of travelling on the Maharajas' Express, an iconic luxury train in India. The journey began with a grand welcome at Delhi station, complete with gifts, music, and a red carpet.
The Maharajas' Express, with its vintage-style appearance and regal appearance, offers one of the most luxurious and iconic train travel experiences in India. The author's visit was organised by the Incredible India Tourist Board and the Maharajas' Express, making for a seamless and memorable experience.
The Indian Panorama route, taken by the author, is perfect for first-time travellers to India, hitting several famous sites. The itinerary typically spans 4 to 8 days, with popular routes including journeys from Delhi to Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambhore National Park, and other major cultural and wildlife sites.
A sample 4-day itinerary included arrival in Delhi, followed by boarding the train. The journey continued to Agra for guided visits to the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. The next stop was Ranthambhore National Park for tiger safaris, although the author did not spot any tigers, the experience was still memorable. The journey concluded in Jaipur, the Pink City, with visits to the Amber Fort and a special dinner at a palace.
The Maharajas' Express offers a variety of accommodations, from Deluxe cabins to Presidential Suites, each with individual temperature control and panoramic windows. A dedicated butler, such as the author's butler, Dash, was assigned to each carriage to attend to guests' needs.
The food on the Maharajas' Express did not disappoint. Guests enjoy master chef-prepared meals, pairing traditional Indian flavors with international cuisine. The author particularly enjoyed the Indian thalis, which featured local specialties from each region. The Maharajas' Express offers two restaurants for dining, with ever-changing scenery and menus.
Between excursions, the author and their travel companion, xameliax, could generally be found lazing in the Safari Bar with a glass of sparkling wine. Each passenger was given a silk sari to keep as a part of Indian Night, a special event on the train.
The Maharajas' Express offers one of the most luxurious and iconic train travel experiences in India, blending royal opulence, fine dining, and immersive daily excursions into the country's rich heritage. The Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi was a deeply moving and spiritual experience for the author and their travel companion. A champagne breakfast at the Taj Mahal was a highlight of the trip, offering a unique VIP experience.
In summary, the Maharajas' Express is a premier luxury train that offers a comprehensive, all-inclusive travel experience through India's cultural and historic heartlands, with high-end accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and curated excursions to iconic sights and wildlife, ensuring a memorable and indulgent journey.
[1] Incredible India Tourist Board (2022). Maharajas' Express. https://www.incredibleindia.org/tourist-information/maharajas-express [2] Maharajas' Express (2022). The Indian Panorama. https://www.maharajas-express.org/journeys/the-indian-panorama [3] Maharajas' Express (2022). Cabins & Suites. https://www.maharajas-express.org/cabins-suites
- The author's journey on the Maharajas' Express, a luxurious train in India, was meticulously organized by the Incredible India Tourist Board and the Maharajas' Express themselves, ensuring a seamless and memorable travel experience.
- The Indian Panorama route, travelled by the author, is an ideal itinerary for first-time travellers to India, offering visits to famous sites like the Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Ranthambhore National Park, and more.
- Food on the Maharajas' Express is a high point of the travel experience, with master chef-prepared meals blending traditional Indian flavors with international cuisine, and the author particularly enjoyed the Indian thalis featuring local specialties from each region.
- In addition to the luxurious accommodations and gourmet food, the Maharajas' Express also offers curated excursions for a truly immersive cultural experience, such as the Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi and a champagne breakfast at the Taj Mahal.
