Which Maharajas’ Express Route is the Best for You?
India receives around 10 million foreign tourists annually. As one of the oldest countries and civilizations in the world, it has a lot to offer its guests. Being one of the most diverse countries, the variety of this land is unmatched. From unique monuments to unique weather and landscape, this country often overwhelms its guests with the decision of which places to explore.
The Maharajas’ Express has been taking care of these guests, taking them to the best pieces of human history, some of the most extraordinary sites, and monuments without compromising the comfort of its guests. These trains run on four different routes that connect different towns of the five northern and western-north states of India. The Maharajas’ Express route is predetermined and well-curated to meet the tastes of different personalities. Some are preferred by history geeks. Some are preferred by nature lovers, while others are the top choice for a romantic ride or a fun break with family.
From the majestic glow of the white marble of the Taj Mahal to Udaipur’s moonlit lake palaces, the Maharajas’ Express unlocks the grandest treasure hidden from the rest of the world. The four distinct Maharajas’ Express routes – each one of them is a master piece in its own right- deliver the utmost comfort and luxury of a 5-star hotel on moving wheels. So, how do you pick your perfect journey?
Maharajas’ Express route comparison:
Factor | Treasures | Heritage | Panorama | Splendour |
Duration | 4D/3N | 7D/6N | 7D/6N | 7D/6N |
Best for | First-timer | Heritage lover | Culture + wildlife | Honeymooners |
Iconic stop | Taj Mahal | Udaipur’s palaces | Varanasi Ghats | Udaipur cruise |
Route Highlights | Budget-friendly | Elephant procession | Ranthambore safari | Private champagne dinners |
Deep analysis of the Maharajas’ Express routes:
Treasure of India:
The Treasure of India Journey is a shorter trip among the Maharajas’ Express routes, with 4 days/ 3 nights. It covers the basis of the Golden Triangle of India. The destinations covered by this route are Delhi – Agra –Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi. The 4-day Treasure of India tour is exclusively designed for those who have limited time or are first-timers. The highlight of this journey is the majestic Taj Mahal at Agra, a tiger safari at Ranthambore, an elephant ride, and palace hopping in Jaipur.
This journey makes a round trip that begins and ends in Delhi. This trip starts by visiting the timeless beauty and symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, and then it will take you on an adventurous ride of a jungle safari at Ranthambore National Park.
The next tour stop is the vibrant city of color and palaces, Jaipur. Jaipur is famous for its traditions and culture. The forts and palaces showcase the preserved glory of the bygone era. One of the key benefits of this route is the presidential suite. Being the shorter journey, the Presidential suite of the Treasure of India is surprisingly affordable.
Heritage of India:
Heritage of India Journey is a 7-day/ 6-night journey that begins from the northwestern state of Maharashtra and ends in Delhi. The destinations covered by this train are – Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi.
The heritage of India starts in Mumbai, and the first stop on this journey is the royal state of Rajasthan. This train stops at all three major stops of Rajasthan, namely Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. Firstly, this train stops in the city of lakes, Udaipur, for you to enjoy the beautiful forts and lakes. The blue city, Jodhpur, is the next stop. Further, the train moves towards the next destination, the desert of Bikaner, where camels and cultural performances of local artists at sunset are waiting for you.
The next stop of this Maharajas’ Express route is Jaipur, where you will visit the Amber Fort on an elephant and other famous sites, including the City Palace and Hawa Mahal. In the last stage of this journey, you will experience the jungle safari in Ranthambore before visiting the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, and the journey will be concluded in Delhi.
Indian Panorama:
Indian Panorama Journey is also a 7-day/ 6-night journey. This journey meets the requirements of every type of tourist, from history lovers to natural, wildlife, and spiritual seekers. The destinations covered are Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi.
This journey of the Maharajas’ Express route touches all kinds of destinations, which makes it suitable for all types of travelers. Beginning the journey in Delhi, the first stop is the pink city, Jaipur. After exploring the forts, palaces, and Jantar Mantar, the next stop is a jungle safari of Ranthambore National Park.
Then, this luxury train enters the state of Uttar Pradesh, where you will first visit the Taj Mahal and the historical city of Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, and after visiting Orchha and the temples of Khajuraho, return to UP to explore the sacred city of Varanasi. After witnessing the beauty of Varanasi, the journey concluded in Delhi.
Indian Splendour:
Indian Splendour Journey is the last on the list of Maharajas’ Express routes, and is also a 6-night/ 7-day long journey that covers cities like Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner –Jodhpur – Udaipur- Mumbai. This is the only journey of the Maharajas’ Express that ends in Mumbai.
This is one of the longer journeys of the Maharajas’ Express that has something for each type of traveler. From the architectural brilliance of the Taj Mahal to the adventurous wilderness of Ranthambore National Park, this journey ticks the to-do list of each tourist. The breathtaking forts, palaces, hills, and lakes of Udaipur and Jaipur add an extra flavor to this journey. This ride is filled with adventure, excitement, culture, the bounty of nature, and the luxury comfort of the Maharajas’ Express.
The journey starts from Delhi to Agra, where you experience the mesmerizing beauty of the Taj. This luxury train takes you to the wilderness of Ranthambore, where you may spot tigers in their natural habitat during the jungle safari before exploring the forts and palaces of Jaiapur, the deserts of Bikaner, and the lush green and lakes of Udaipur and Jodhpur. Then, this journey concluded in Mumbai.
Insider’s Guide: Booking Your Maharajas’ Express Journey
To get the best experience and a seamless, smooth ride, guests are requested to book their trip 6 to 12 months before their journey during the peak season (October – March). During the peak season, it is tough to get the desirable cabins due to the limited number of seats. Limited cabins are occasionally available 2 to 3 months prior, but at a higher price than the usual.
Cabin Selection Strategy
Cabin type | Best for | Pro tips |
Presidential suite | Milestone, honeymoons | private butler & complimentary spa treatment |
Junior suite | A couple wanting space | Opt for cabins on the sunrise side (odd numbers) |
Deluxe cabin | Solo travelers | Single supplement is often waived in the low season |