The Golden Chariot – The Jewels of South and Maharajas’ Express – The Heritage of India are two of India’s most luxurious train journeys, offering travelers an opulent exploration of the country’s rich heritage. The Golden Chariot – The Jewels of South takes passengers through the cultural and natural wonders of South India, covering destinations like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Kerala’s backwaters. It combines regal hospitality with immersive experiences, showcasing ancient temples, UNESCO sites, and coastal beauty. On the other hand, the Maharajas’ Express – The Heritage of India presents a royal voyage through Rajasthan and Maharashtra, beginning in Mumbai and covering Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, and Agra, before concluding in Delhi. This itinerary highlights majestic forts, palaces, wildlife safaris, and the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal. Both trains redefine luxury travel with lavish cabins, gourmet dining, personalized services, and curated excursions. While the Golden Chariot delves into South India’s temple towns and scenic landscapes, the Maharajas’ Express offers a glimpse into Rajasthan’s regal grandeur and Mughal legacy, ensuring an unforgettable journey for travelers seeking comfort, history, and indulgence.
Bengaluru
Delhi
Today you are met at the Bengaluru Airport by our guest relation executive with your name placard who would assist you to the Car and then transfer you to your pre booked Hotel
Afternoon City tour of Bangalore visiting Vidhan Soudha – the legislative assembly house of Karnataka state is an imposing granite structure that speaks the charisma of neo-Dravidian architecture, Lalbagh Botanical Garden – which has more than 1000 unique flora and we can admire the famous glass house inspired by London’s crystal palace, Nandi or Big Bull Temple – which is famous for huge granite bull statue, carved out of a single piece of rock. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in the 16th century and Bangalore Palace.
Breakfast in the Hotel and Check Out
Our executive will assist and transfer you to Bengaluru Yeshvantpur railway station to board Golden Chariot – The Jewels of South
The luxury journey of The Golden Chariot starts in Bangalore the capital of Karnataka at around 0830 AM AM. After receiving a warm welcome at the Yeshwantpur Railway Station complete the registration and board the train. After the briefing session, have your lunch as the train moves towards Mysore. Reach Mysore at around 02:45 PM and visit the Mysore Palace. After exploration, return to the train and complete dinner as you proceed to Hampi.
Registration and Check in at Yashwantpur Railway Station from 08:30 hrs onwards
Departure from YPR(09:45 hrs).
Lunch onboard as train arrives into Mysore (14:15 hrs).
Proceed to Visit Mysore Palace at 15:00 hrs.
Return to train as train proceeds to Chengalpattu (CGL).
Dinner onboard
Have your breakfast and proceed for excursion to Kanchipuram. After the excursion, have your lunch on Board. Later proceed to visit the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram as the train enters Chengalpattu Railway Station. This UNESCO World Heritage site is named so because the temple overlooks the shore of the Arabian Sea. The temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu was constructed by the Pallavas with great architectural brilliance. In the evening, complete dinner at a beachfront Hotel and return to the Train and you proceed to Thanjavur.
Breakfast onboard as train arrives into Chengalpattu Raiway Station.
Forenoon optional excursion to Kanchipuram.
Lunch onboard.
Visit to Mahabalipuram Monuments.
Dinner at a beachfront hotel.
Return to train and Train proceeds to Thanjavu
Have your breakfast and proceed to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brihadeshvara Temple. This is one of the biggest temples in South India dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the architectural excellence of the Dravidian style and back to the train for lunch. The train proceeds to Chettinad and in the evening, visit the Athnagudi tile factory and Chettinadu mansions. Complete the dinner onboard as the train proceeds to Cochin.
Breakfast onboard.
Deboard at 09:00.
Lunch onboard as train proceeds to Chettinad.
Visit the Athnagudi tile factory and Chettinad mansions.
Return on train for Dinner onboard.
Train proceeds to Cochin.
Have your breakfast on the train and proceed to explore the Mattancherry Palace in Fort Kochi. Then go to witness some traditional dance forms of Kerala at an exclusive venue. Return to the train and have your lunch. In the evening, take an optional excursion to Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. Complete the dinner onboard as the train proceeds to Kumarakom.
Breakfast onboard as train arrives at Cochin Harbour Terminus.
Visit Matancherry Palace in Fort Cochin followed by Dance performances of Kerala.
Return to train for Lunch.
Deboard for optional activities to Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church.
Dinner onboard and train proceeds to Kumarakom.
After having onboard breakfast, proceed for a houseboat cruising on the backwaters. Then, enjoy your lunch at an exclusive venue. In the evening, return to the train and have your dinner
Onboard breakfast.
Houseboat cruise with lunch at an exclusive venue.
Return to the train by evening and Have Dinner and Disembark
Our executive will pick you from the Marari Railway Station and he will assist and transfer you to your pre booked Hotel
Breakfast at the Hotel
Day at Leisure on the Beach
Breakfast in the Hotel and Check Out
Our executive will assist and transfer you to Cochin Airport to board Flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai Airport you are met by our executive and transferred to your pre booked Hotel
Early Breakfast in the Hotel
You will be picked up from the hotel by 0800 Hrs by our executive/Guide and taken to the Gateway of India at Mumbai. From here, cruise by boat to reach the Elephanta Caves. On your arrival at the island you will proceed to the Elephanta Caves, which contain a collection of rock art linked to the sect of Shiva. At Elephanta, Indian art found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly in the huge and high reliefs of the main Cave.
Afternoon proceed on a half day guided tour of the city visiting
GATEWAY OF INDIA – Situated on Apollo Bunder, The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the landing of King George V and Mary in December 1911, Erected in 1924; The Gateway was designed by George Wittet in an Indo Saracenic style with influence from Gujarat. It is built from local sandstone, has a central hall with a low dome and two adjoining side halls also with low domes. The Gateway was the former landing place for passengers entering Mumbai.RAJABAI TOWER, BOMBAY HIGH COURT, MARINE DRIVE – Eulogized by Bollywood, Marine Drive caresses the seashore from Nariman Point to the foot of the Malabar Hill. Passing Chowpatty Beach, Marine Drive is also famous as the Queen’s Necklace. One of the busiest roads in Mumbai, it is also one of the breeziest due to its proximity to the sea, CHOWPATTY BEACH, HANGING GARDEN, MANI BHAVAN, CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI TERMINUS, FORT – The Fort area in Mumbai is choc-a-bloc with old Victorian, Gothic buildings. An important financial and commercial center this area is always full of activity. The BSE or the Bombay Stock Exchange on Dalal Street is also located in this area. THE JEHANGIR ART GALLERY, COLABA and DHOBI GHAT– A unique feature of Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. All for a pittance. The “laundries” are called “Ghats”: row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles. The most famous of these Dhobi Ghats is at Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi Station where almost two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation.
Breakfast in the Hotel and Checkout
Gather at the Hotel Lobby to meet the representative of the Maharajas Express Train
Welcome aboard the Maharajas’ Express.
This morning, assemble at 0830 hours at The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, Mumbai and complete your registration and check in formalities. Join us for a tour brief and meet your facilitators during this exciting journey.
Proceed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus railway station where upon arrival, you will be greeted with a welcome drink and the Local Band playing as you board the Maharajas’ Express.The Maharajas’ Express departs Mumbai at 1050 hours approximately and travels through the land of the Marathas to Udaipur.
Lunch and Dinner on-board.
This morning you will wake up in the picturesque region of Mewar, one of the most popular and royal states of the Rajputana. Admire the magnificent landscape of the Aravali hills over a leisurely breakfast as you arrive into Udaipur – the City of Lakes.
Post breakfast, disembark the train as you begin your excursion with a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Following the boat ride, visit the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. Visit Mor Chowk and see its lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and the spectacular Zenana Mahal. Visit The Crystal Gallery and the Darbar Hall with an audio guide.
Proceed for lunch at the Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace hotel and experience the hospitality reminiscent of the ancient Mewar glory. Feast your taste buds over a spread of International and Indian cuisine.
Return to the train after lunch. Have a relaxed evening on-board or you may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional services.
Maharajas’ Express proceeds overnight to Jodhpur.
Breakfast and Dinner on-board; Lunch at Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace
This morning, the Maharajas’ Express, continues the journey into the stronghold of the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on-board. The morning is at leisure on-board or you may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.
Return to the train for lunch on-board.
After lunch, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Admire the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly carved arches followed by a walking tour of the Colorful Old Clock Tower market. As you reach the market on Tuk Tuks, get a glimpse of the daily lifestyle of the local residents, passing by some of the old houses and havelis.
Enjoy an exclusive cocktail evening with a wide array of sumptuous Marwar Culinary delights served at Khaas Bagh hotel.
Return to the train and continue your journey to desert city of Bikaner.
Breakfast and Lunch on-board; Cocktail dinner at Khaas Bagh, a heritage hotel.
Enjoy your journey through the countryside with breakfast on-board.
Arriving into the desert citadel of Bikaner, relax on-board or you may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional activities.
Following lunch, disembark and proceed to the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. While the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat, its real beauty lies inside. Be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal.
Later experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for a Sundowner on the Sand Dunes. Enjoy cocktails, savour traditional mouth watering barbecue delicacies as you enjoy traditional folk arts like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas.
Return to the comforts of your train by 2030 hours and embark on your onward journey to Jaipur.
Breakfast and Lunch on-board; Evening barbeque on dunes.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on-board.
Following disembarkation and a grand traditional welcome begin your exciting tour of the pink city with a visit to Amber Fort. The Amber Fort, set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura.
A short jeep ride takes you up to the fort where you will enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, with striking views of the gorge. Step back into the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of Victory. Proceed for an exclusive lunch at the Rambagh Palace Hotel. The Palace built in 1835 AD was the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1925 to 1957, when it was converted into a luxury hotel. The palace retains its royal splendour with hand-carved marble latticework and elaborate gardens.
After lunch, return to the train or you may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Dinner onboard and train proceeds to Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore)
Please contact the Guest Relations Executive for the optional services.
Breakfast and Dinner on-board. Lunch at Ram Bagh Palace.
On arrival into Sawai Madhopur, early in the morning, get ready for a safari to the Ranthambore National Park. Originally, the private hunting ground of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. It is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. Wildlife cannot be compared to that of Africa and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard.
Proceed for an early morning exciting game drive. The safari is carried out in open vehicles and the ride is quite bumpy and dusty. One must carry adequate warm clothes for winter months.
Return to the train. Enjoy breakfast as you continue your journey to the fabled deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Admire the changing landscape as you savour lunch on-board.
On arrival at the quaint station of Fatehpur Sikri, disembark and proceed on a tour of the fascinating sights comprising of imposing gateways, halls of private and public audience, beautifully sculptured palaces with unique water bodies, reflecting a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. This deserted red sandstone city was built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th century. It is now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then return to the train to enjoy an ‘Indian Evening’ as train proceeds to Agra.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on-board.
Today, the train continues on her last leg of the journey towards the magical city of Agra. The jewel of India, home to one of the world’s great architectural wonders – the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental masterpieces and picturesque natural setting, Agra is a legendary city glorified by time.
Early morning, disembark and proceed to the world famous Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World). Also, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz. This incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India’s most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this poetry in marble.
Return to the train as it proceeds to Delhi. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and lunch on-board. Bid farewell to the Maharajas’ Express as your ‘The Heritage of India’ journey comes to an end at approximately 1440 hours on arrival at Delhi Safdarjung Station.
The royal journey is over, but the memory of which will live on forever!
Breakfast and Lunch on-board.
You are met by our Company Executive at the Safdarjung Railway Station and he will transfer you in a Private Car to your pre booked Hotel
Breakfast in the Hotel
Proceed on a Private Guided full day city tour of New and Old Delhi visiting Qutab Minar – which is the tallest brick minaret in the world, Humayun’s Tomb – This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, India Gate – a war memorial which was built to salute the brave Indian soldiers of the British Army who lost their lives in World War 1, Rastrapati Bhawan or the President’s House and the Parliament Street where you can see various government buildings, Raj Ghat the cremation place of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, the Red Fort (Outside Visit), a perfect example of Mughal architecture built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1639 and 1648, Jama Masjidone of the largest mosques in India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656 at a cost of one million rupees, and was inaugurated by Imam Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari from Bukhara, present-day Uzbekistan and cycle rickshaw ride into the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest market of Asia full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewellery and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets
After the city tour you return back to the hotel and relax.
Breakfast at the Hotel and Check out
Our executive will assist and transfer you to the Delhi International Airport to board Flight for Onward Journey
End of Services
Itinerary, destinations and scheduled departures may change without prior notice.
Please contact your Guest Relations Executive for further details, prices and bookings of optional activities.
The Presidential suite is aptly named Navratana(nine precious gems) and has a living room, 2 bedrooms and washrooms. The guests on-board the Presidential suite has an exclusive 24 hours personal valet to provide with attentive and luxury service. This palace on wheels has been provided with latest international features.
The tariff of presidential suite is inclusive of an exclusive language speaking guide and Luxury car during the off-board journeys.
All the 4 suites are double bedded and have large panoramic windows, so that you can savour every bit of Indian splendour on your rail journey. Each coach of the rail has a mini-pantry and manned by a valet to provide with attentive & prompt service.
The suite rooms are provided with additional features such as complimentary mini-bar and bath tub. The fare for the suite is inclusive of an exclusive language speaking guide and Luxury car during the off-board journeys.
To ensure your safety and well-being, the rail has been provided with CCTV cameras, smoke alarms, RFID door locks and round the clock services of a Paramedic. Your luxury vacation on Indian splendour, on-board the Maharajas’ Express will be truly an experience extraordinaire.
The train has 18 Junior suites of which 12 are twin bedded and 6 double bedded. All the suites have large panoramic windows, so that you can savour every bit of magnificent India on your train journey. All passenger carriages come with airconditioning, the first of its kind in India and have state-of-the-art facilities like Live Television, DVD players, Wi-Fi Internet to name a few to keep you entertained through the royal train journey. Each coach of the train has a mini-pantry and manned by a valet to provide a lavish & personalized service during the tour packages.
To ensure your safety and well-being, the train has been provided with CCTV cameras, smoke alarms, RFID door locks and round the clock services of a Paramedic. Your tour package on-board the Maharajas’ Express will be truly an experience extraordinaire.
The train coaches of Deluxe Cabin are named after the precious gems Hakik(Agate), Firoza(Torquoise), Katela(Amethyst), Beruz(Aquamarine) & Pitoniya(Bloodstone) to indicate the lavishness present in the overall experience provided in the tour Packages of Maharajas’ Express. The train has 20 Deluxe Cabins of which 12 are twin bedded and 8 double bedded.
25 Grangewood, Wexham, Slough, South Bucks – SL3 6LP, United Kingdom
booking@maharajaexpress.co.uk
rajiv@tailormadejourney.com
WhatsApp us