Maharajas’ Express Review: Is The Maharajas’ Express Worth It?

Have you ever thought – what if your hotel moved across palaces, deserts, and heritage sites and took you to the destinations? How convenient will it be? No hustle. No traffic. No chaos. It is just pure luxury and a comfortable ride to the tourist hubs of India. Well, the Maharajas’ Express, the leading luxury train in India, is your answer to the above question. Maharajas Express is a newly added luxury train to the long list of luxury trains that run on Indian tracks. It is one of the most hyped luxury trains in India. So, let’s do a Maharajas’ Express review to see what it’s about, i.e., hyped by many. 

It was introduced by IRCTC in 2010. It is considered to be the best luxury train in India. The interior of this train is immaculate and reflects the royal past of the Maharajas. It is believed that the Maharajas’ Express serves the best food on the rail among other luxury trains.

The real question arises – is it worth spending over 4-20 lakh on this rail journey? In this article, we will do a quick Maharajas’ Express review and try to break down every aspect and compare it with others, which will make it easier for you to reach your answer.

What is the Maharajas’ Express?

The Maharajas’ Express is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. This train was introduced in 2010, but over a time span of 15 years, it has established itself among luxurious trains in the world. In terms of services and facilities, it competes with renowned luxury trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The Maharajas Express is operated by Indian Railways and IRCTC. It covers the heritage sites and cities of northwest and central India. There are seven routes that cover 12 destinations, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Agra.

The train has 23 cabins, 14 guest cabins, 2 restaurant cabins, and 2 bars, and the train can host up to 88 guests on a single ride. The Maharajas’ Express is the epitome of royal service and treatment in India. Maharajas’ Express reviews have always been amazing from its guests. It has exceeded the expectations of its guests. It has won many awards and accolades over the years, such as the Seven-Star Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.

Price Breakdown – How Much Does It Cost?

The pricing includes the following:

• Food: The Maharajas’ Express offers delicious food. In fact, the food served onboard is one of the key highlights of the journey. The Food is prepared by experienced chefs who have worked in renowned premium hotels like the Taj. The menus are varied and will not disappoint. From traditional Indian thalis to delicate Western dishes, it is impossible to go hungry aboard the Maharajas.

• • Sightseeing tours: The Maharajas’ Express is not only a mode of transportation; it is responsible for smooth sightseeing tours across your journey. It takes you to unique destinations and ensures you get the best experience. The train offers an experienced, knowledgeable, and English-speaking guide. So, you will get the insights and history of the place. 
  • The Maharajas’ Express offers 5-star hotel facilities and an experience that goes beyond. The staff onboard gives you first-class treatment from the moment you board. A warm welcome awaits with music, a flower garland, dancers, and staff lined up, ready to take you aboard. Every room has its own 24×7 butler who’s there to assist you with everything. He is responsible for taking care of every need and is trained to handle even the smallest inconvenience..
• Transfer & Entrance fees: Maharajas’ Express has everything covered for your off-board excursions as well. You will get air-conditioned vehicles from the stations to the designated locations of the sites. You don’t have to worry about the entrance process or entrance fees. The management ensures that your outdoor excursions are filled with luxury comfort, which is promised with proper relaxation and small breaks to recharge yourself for the journey ahead.

What the Experience Is Really Like

The Onboard Experience:

• Personal butler: Each room of the Maharajas’ Express has a butler who will accompany the guests throughout the journey to ensure they are comfortable and happy. They also sleep at one end of the same cabin. So, they will attend to you whenever you need them. Your butler will give you a wake-up call, bring your tea or coffee each morning, mail your postcard, and ensure you know when and where you are supposed to be.

• Suites with en-suite bathroom: One common thing among the Maharajas Express reviews is its en-suite bathrooms. Each suite of the Maharajas’ Express has an en-suite bathroom with all the amenities and bathrobes. It often surprises its guests with the spacious bathroom. Many seasoned tourists have admitted that the Maharajas Express has the most spacious bathrooms among other luxury trains they have traveled.
• Other facilities include gourmet Indian and Continental Meals, a bar, an observation lounge, and a spa.

Off-Train Excursions:

• Off-train excursions of the Maharajas’ Express include activities that excite their guests, such as private place tours and elephant rides in Rajasthan and temple rides in Khajuraho and Varanasi.
• Colorful and joyous performances and welcome ceremonies during the boarding of the train. Local guides and Vip access to sites for comfortable rides and insightful journeys.

Service & Exclusivity:

• Maharajas’ Express offers exclusive services like attentive staff who are committed 24/7 to your service. The train has a small group of guests, 80 passengers maximum.
• The welcome ceremony at the boarding station allows its guests to be immersed in Indian culture, and a themed dinner to taste the exquisite taste of Indian food and flavors.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?

The Maharajas’ Express journey is suitable for tourists who are looking to explore India without compromising their comfort and really want to live like royalty. It is a mobile luxury palace that takes you to the royal bygone eras of the maharajas. It is not just a train ride, but a luxury palace on wheels + guided cultural immersion. This train ride is worth it for people who are ready to pay a hefty price to value the comfort, heritage, and exclusivity. It is not worth it for backpackers and low-budget tourists. You should book your ticket to the Maharajas’ Express to explore a comfortable and luxurious ride to India.