Booking a luxury train tour on the Maharajas’ Express

Fit for royalty and famed for its pure opulence and luxury, the Maharajas’ Express oozes the charm of a bygone era. Travelling on the award-winning train is the experience of a lifetime, upon which passengers can absorb India’s vivid panoramas and rich cultural tapestry in total comfort.

Voted the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train’ at the 2018 World Travel Awards, a vacation on the Maharajas’ Express is a big investment.

You’ll be venturing across many regions, taking in the sights and sounds of cultural jewels such as Mumbai, Delhi and Udaipur, on the move a great deal of the time. This is why it’s important to secure reliable non-standard travel insurance before you set off.

Insurance Choice can help, finding you specialist cover suited to your needs and budget, so you can enjoy every second of your once-in-a-lifetime journey abroad. We’re travel aficionados, so we’ve also created a handy guide to tell you everything you need to know about the iconic Maharajas’ Express.

Take a look!
 

How much does it cost to go on the Maharajas’ Express?

Prices on the Maharajas’ Express vary according to the journey and type of cabin or suite travellers select.

All meals, soft drinks and house brands of Indian beers, wines and spirits are included, as are guided off-board excursions listed within the chosen journey, replete with transport, guide services and entrance fees.

See approximate fares below:

The Indian Splendour

A tour lasting 6 nights and 7 days, stops include: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Mumbai.

Adult/Single Supplement:
Deluxe Cabin – £4613.90/£3479.71
Junior Suite – £7298.91/£6573.65
Luxury suite – £10647.46
Presidential Suite – £18,285.85

The Heritage of India

A tour lasting 6 nights and 7 days, stops include: Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri, Agra and Delhi.

Adult/Single Supplement:
Deluxe Cabin – £4891.66/£3734.33
Junior Suite – £7630.68/£6889.99
Luxury suite – £10647.46
Presidential Suite – £18,285.85
 

The Indian Panorama

A tour lasting 6nights and 7 days, stops include: Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha and Khajuraho, Varanasi and Delhi.

Adult/Single Supplement:
Deluxe Cabin – £4613.90/3479.71
Junior Suite – £7298.91/£6573.65
Luxury suite – £10647.46
Presidential Suite – £18,285.85

Treasures of India

A tour lasting 3 nights and 4 days, stops include: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur and Delhi.

Adult/Single Supplement:
Deluxe Cabin – £2970.49/£2245.23
Junior Suite – £3819.20/£3441.14
Luxury suite – £5863.82
Presidential Suite – £9953.06

How many coaches are there on Maharajas’ Express?

The Maharajas’ Express offers four kinds of accommodation: deluxe cabin, junior suite, luxury suite and presidential suite. These are split between several coaches.

All cabins/suites have wide, panoramic windows, designed to allow guests to drink in the vibrant and diverse beauty of India as they travel from stop to stop.
A high ratio of staff man a 24-hour valet service, and every coach benefits from its own mini-pantry.

The interior décor of each cabin/suite is designed to capture the grandeur of the past, while adding a modern twist. Every cabin/suite has an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, plasma TV and high-end toiletries, among other delights.

The train is fitted with smoke alarms, CCTV cameras, RFID door locks, and offers the services of a paramedic round the clock.

Err on the side of caution, though: give yourself an additional layer of security with reliable non-standard travel insurance.
 

Deluxe cabins

The deluxe cabins can be found spread throughout five coaches, named after precious gems:

• Hakik (agate)
• Firoza (turquoise)
• Katela (amethyst)
• Beruz (aquamarine)
• Pitoniya (bloodstone)

The train has 20 deluxe cabins in total, of which 12 are twins and eight are doubles.

Junior suites

The junior suites can be found spread throughout six coaches, named after precious gems:

• Moti (pearl)
• Panna (emerald)
• Manik (ruby)
• Gomed (hessonite)
• Moonga (coral)
• Pukhraj (yellow sapphire)

The train has 18 junior suites, of which 12 are twins and six are doubles.

Luxury suites

The luxury suites can be found within two coaches, named after precious gems:

• Heera (diamond)
• Neelam (blue sapphire)

The train has four double luxury suites, including opulent extras such as complimentary mini-bars and roomy bathtubs. The fare is inclusive of a luxury car (for use during off-board tours) and an exclusive guide.

Presidential suite

The presidential suite, named Navaratna – meaning nine precious gems – is 448 square feet of pure heaven. Incorporating a living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, guests will also benefit from a round-the-clock personal valet, luxury car and exclusive guide. 

Restaurants and bars

The Maharajas’ Express has two fine dining restaurants. ‘Mayur Mahal’, meaning peacock, India’s national bird, is a sumptuous space decorated in jewel and gold tones. ‘Rang Mahal’, meaning ‘The Palace of Colours’, allows guests to dine beneath a stunning, hand-painted fresco ceiling.

Each restaurant is surprisingly spacious, with a 42-guest capacity, offering a gourmet selection of international and Indian cuisines. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner are available in either restaurant, served on elegant Limoges plates alongside gold and silver-plated cutlery.

The Safari Bar offers an indulgent array of fine wines and spirits. Guests can enjoy a delicious glass of red or intriguing cocktail in a truly grand setting, sipping from hand cut crystal glasses.

The Rajah Club is an en-suite bar, with cosy armchairs and game tables giving it a feel of true exclusivity.
 

Where does Maharajas’ Express go?

The locations travellers visit depend on their choice of package. You’ll be travelling a great deal throughout your trip abroad, so ensure you have peace of mind and get quality non-standard travel insurance.

Potential tour highlights include:

Agra

Set beside the sacred Yamuna River, Agra is home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, completed in 1653.

You’ll visit Agra Fort, a grand marble and sandstone fortress, the construction of which started in 1565, directed by Emperor Akbar. Visitors can stroll through the many courtyards of this breath-taking Mughal fort, taking in a fascinating breadth of history.

Initially built for military purposes, the fort later became Shah Jahan’s palace. Take a look at the Khas Mahal, a stunning marble pavilion and pool, and Nagina Masjid, a white marble mosque.

History buffs will love Fatehpur Sikri, an ancient fortress city, the Mughal empire’s capital until 1585. Three red sandstone palaces and an exquisite mosque stand as stunning relics of the past.

Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur reflects the drama and playfulness of the region.

The city is a thrilling blend of past and present, with bright and chaotic streets – tourists are often targeted for theft, another reason to secure quality non-standard travel insurance.

Soak up the royal heritage of Rajasthan as you wonder towards City Palace, a historic complex of palace buildings, gardens and courtyards housing an amazing array of antique weapons and royal costumes.

The star attraction is Amber Fort, a majestic palace complex constructed from pink and yellow sandstone. The former residence of Rajput rulers, the site has World Heritage status – there’s plenty to see.

Bikaner

An atmospheric desert town, Bikaner is a culturally rich gem.

Visitors can tour Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh between 1589 and 1593, and take in the wonder of sights such as the Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace), painted with exquisite gold and red lightning and blue clouds. The intricate carvings on the stone walls of Ganga Durbar Hall are another must-see.

Enjoy refreshing cocktails amidst sand dunes and consider embarking on a camel ride across the desert expanse. Other attractions include Bhandasar Temple, a beautiful Jain temple where elegant carvings and paintings abound.

Udaipur

The romantic lakeside setting and magical palaces of Udaipur make it an ideal stop on your luxury journey abroad. Visitors can take a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, taking in the stunning reflections of the Aravalli Range, which stretches off into the distance.

City Palace, the largest in Rajasthan, is an imposing site, founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1599. Walk through the three-arched Tripolia Gate into Manek Chowk, a vast courtyard, and you’ll see historic tiger and leopard catching cages – empty of course!

Tourists can enjoy rooms adorned with extravagant mirrors and paintings, as well as scenic gardens such as the Baadi Mahal, which boasts great views across Udaipur.

Crystal Gallery is another worthwhile stop, exhibiting rare crystal ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877 – the collection contains opulent crystal beds, sofas, chairs and tables.

Jodhpur

A vision in vivid blue, Jodhpur is a colourful highlight on any adventure abroad.

Still maintained by the Jodhpur royal clan, Mehrangarh Fort is an architectural triumph. Sitting imposingly on a mound of rock overlooking the city, it features battlements towering as high as 36 metres and is steeped in history.

Admire fine carvings, historic manuscripts and paintings as you wander through the museum, and take in panoramic sights from the ramparts, adorned with awe-inspiring antique artillery.

At the base of Mehrangarh lies the old city, full of labyrinthine medieval streets, gorgeous blue buildings and bustling bazaars. Head to Ghanta Gar, a famous Jodhpur landmark, and enjoy the vibrant buzz of Clock Tower market, where spices, hand-embroidered fabrics, teas and antiques are on offer.

If you’re looking for a little peace, visit Bishnoi Village, famed for its great natural beauty and immersive traditional culture. Take a camel safari and stop off at sites such as Guda Bishnoi Lake for a touch of bird spotting.

How can I book Maharajas’ Express ticket?
You can book with various online travel partners, so it’s best to shop around and find the best deal. You could also see if any local travel providers offer holidays on the Maharajas’ Express, if you’d prefer to book in person.

Is a trip on the Maharajas’ Express worth it?

A vacation on the Maharajas’ Express doesn’t come cheap, so it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons before you commit.

Pros

• The award-winning train provides tourists with a luxurious, laidback means of travelling across India, relatively headache-free. You’ll spend far less time planning and worrying about transport, as most of your off-board trips will be arranged for you.
• Travelling around India without guidance could feel daunting to some, especially those exploring solo. The Maharajas’ Express offers a 24-hour valet service, and is run by highly experienced, fastidious staff. Travellers should enjoy a comforting sense of security while spending nights on the opulent train.
• You’ll likely be travelling with a set group, so it’s easy to meet interesting people and forge friendships throughout your tour abroad – the setup on the Maharajas’ Express cultivates a nice sense of community, should you wish to socialise with other guests.

Cons

• You’ll have less freedom travelling with the Maharajas’ Express, as your schedule and plans will be restricted by the train timetable. Should you visit a place and want to stay, exploring further and perhaps venturing off the beaten track, you may end up missing your train.
• You’ll have less privacy than you would renting alternative accommodation such as a villa or private apartment. You’ll be in relatively close quarters with other guests, and if you want to enjoy meals in the on-board restaurants, you’ll likely bump into familiar faces.
• A vacation aboard the Maharajas’ Express is costly, so if something goes awry, or you need to cancel, the financial loss could be steep – this is why non-standard travel insurance is essential.

Broadening your horizons

Travelling on the Maharajas’ Express is an incomparable experience, enabling guests to absorb the magic of a bygone era amidst luxurious surroundings. You’ll be able to explore a diverse array of breath-taking Indian regions, watching vivid landscapes roll by, hopping on and off the train for exciting excursions.

Of course, a varied tour such as this comes with risks attached. Tourists are often targeted by thieves, and you can never rule out the chance of cancellations or baggage loss. If you’re travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, you’ll want peace of mind you’re protected with reliable cover.

Insurance Choice can help. We’ll find you specialist non-standard travel insurance tailored to you, the individual, and your holiday of a lifetime.

The world’s your playground once you’re covered, so get a quote today.