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8 Days/ 7 Nights - call Lisa now on 01543 258631 Maharaja's Express main menu Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur -Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Vadodara MumbaiThe Maharajas Express offers another journey which is the Royal India operating as the Princely India journey in the reverse with minor changes in the flow of activities. Embark on an extraordinary voyage through imperial India discovering its fascinating heritage and exquisite architecture. Enjoy Champagne as you admire the legendary Taj Mahal. Chase the elusive tiger in Ranthambore National Park. Feel like royalty as you participate in an exhibition Elephant Polo Match followed by dinner in a unique locale. Soak up the spectacular regal heritage of Rajasthan, with its landscape of hilltop forts and palaces. Discover Champaner, the medieval capital of Gujarat. Explore the charms of the bustling city of Mumbai. This extraordinary journey will leave you with everlasting memories of an ancient land inhabited by an eclectic people, epitomizing a mesmerizing and unique mix of cultures. Day 1 - Saturday -
Board the Maharajas Express in Delhi
onto Agra Day 2 - Sunday
- Agra - Sawai
Madhopur (Ranthambore) Following lunch, disembark and explore the spectacular monuments of the city. Agra, the jewel of India, is home to one of the worldÕs great architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental masterpieces and picturesque natural setting, Agra is a legendary city glorified by time. Visit the world famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jehan as the mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. A
UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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 IndiaÕs most revered craftsmen were
recruited to give shape to this poetry in marble. Day 3 - Monday -
Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) - Jaipur Return to the train for a hearty brunch; relax and unwind as your journey continues to Jaipur. Nestled in the rugged Aravali Hills, the picturesque capital city of Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by rugged hills and dotted by magnificent palaces, massive forts and exquisite temples. Following arrival, you have the option of remaining
onboard and disembarking later in time to join the enthralling Exhibition
Elephant Polo Match with dinner. Or you can begin your exciting tour of the pink
city with an opportunity to shop for some of the finest jewellery, textiles and
blue pottery for which the city is renowned. Continue on a visit to Amber Fort.
Situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, this fort palace is surrounded by
fortified battlements overlooking the Moat Lake. 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. Complete the exciting day in
the evening with a unique and enthralling experience - an
Exhibition Elephant Polo Match. Your arrival at the venue will be accompanied by
the royal military band and the beating of Nagadas (huge Indian drums). You have
the option to watch or participate in an exhibition game. After the match, enjoy
dinner over sparkling wine. Day 4 - Tuesday The medieval city of Bikaner was once a major centre in the cross-desert caravan trade. Popularly known as Camel Country, Bikaner has the best riding camels in the world. Bikaners forts, palaces and temples are splendid creations made in red and yellow sandstone and are living reflections of its rich historical and architectural legacy. Late morning arrive into the desert citadel of Bikaner. You have the option of relaxing on board the train. Or you may choose to embark on an optional tour of the city visiting Lalgarh Museum displaying some fascinating exhibits on the royal heritage of Bikaner. Another intriguing optional is a half-day excursion to the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, situated on the outskirts of Bikaner. Popularly known as the Rat Temple, the temple complex has hundreds of rats swarming the courtyard, an integral part of the temple rituals and customs as they are considered very sacred. Following your participation in any one of the optional tours, you will return to the train for lunch. Following lunch, you will disembark and proceed on a visit 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. The Fort Museum is fascinating and adorned with ornate decorative costumes and jewellery. Continue on an experience of a lifetime! Catch a
glimpse of rural Rajasthan, as you are escorted through the surrounding village.
Experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of decorated canopied camel carts
accompanied by musicians takes you for a Sundowner in the Sand Dunes. Enjoy
cocktails, savour traditional mouth watering barbecue delicacies as you enjoy
traditional folk artists like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas whose music and dance
will mesmerise you. Day 5
- Wednesday - Jodhpur
The morning is at leisure on board. You have the option of embarking on a village safari, where you will have the opportunity to visit a weaver's village, potters village and a Bishnoi village considered to be the oldest living environmentalists in the world. Catch a glimpse of their lifestyles and creative skills passed down through generations remaining within the family and community. Return to the train for lunch. Following lunch on board, disembark and explore the erstwhile capital of Marwar - Jodhpur. Set like a jewel amidst the golden sands and famous for its magnificent forts and palaces from the Rajput era, it is home to some of the finest architectural wonders. Proceed on a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower
market experiencing the hustle and bustle of the market as well as get an
insight of the daily lifestyle of the local residents as you walk through a
section of the blue city, past some of the oldest houses and havelis. Continue
to the magnificent Meherangarh Fort. Admire the intricate latticed windows,
elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches. Tour the palaces and
temples built by successive rulers, with priceless jewels and a dazzling
collection of arms. The highlight of the day is a Royal Cocktail evening with a
wide array of sumptuous Marwar Culinary delights served in the Royal courtyard
of Meherangarh Fort as you admire the cityscape from atop. Day 6 - Thursday - Udaipur Popularly referred to as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. It is an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region. Picturesque havelis, ghats and temples along Lake Pichola and the lively bazaars make Udaipur one of India's greatest destinations. Disembark the train as you begin your visit to 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. Feel like a king as you experience the hospitality at the Durbar Hall reminiscent of the ancient Mewar glory. Feast your taste buds over a vast spread of International cuisine. Following lunch, you may if you wish, return to the
train for a relaxed afternoon on board. Or you have the option of enjoying spa
facilities in a palace hotel. Later in the afternoon, proceed for an optional
Walking Tour through the Old Market of Udaipur. Browse through shops selling
exquisitely embroidered and printed fabrics, jewellery, paintings, carved wood
artefacts and other local crafts. Day 7 - Friday - Vadodara Later, following disembarkation, you will be driven in a convoy of cars driving through some of the picturesque countryside to the quaint hamlet of Jambhughoda. On arrival participate in the traditional welcome and fanfare of the feudal lords of Jambhughoda, where you relish their royal cuisine, typical only to their family. You have an opportunity to interact with the family members and catch a glimpse of their royal past. Following a sumptuous lunch, return to Vadodara, enroute enjoy a brief stop at the famous World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient town full of ruins scattered over the foothills of Pavagadh. The Pavagadh hill is one of the oldest rock formations in India. Visit the magnificent Jami Masjid, an architectural marvel built in 1513 with tall minarets and minutely carved gates. For guests who wish to return to the train for a brief rest, may do so and may later join a splendid supper hosted by the Laxmi Vilas Palace. On arrival in the city, proceed on a visit to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. A must for every art lover, it exhibits a royal collection of work by the important 19th century painter Raja Ravi Verma. It also displays 19th and 20th centuries European paintings of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo. Enjoy High Tea and Snacks at the magnificent Laxmi
Vilas Palace. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the palace built
by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1890 is the residence of the Royal family. Witness
the grandeur of its ornate Durbar Hall, the Venetian mosaic floor, Belgium
stained glass windows and sculptures of bronze and marble by Fellici. Witness a
lovely folk dance performance, typical to the Royal House, as you savour some of
the special delicacies from the Royal kitchens. Day 8 - Sunday -
Disembark in Mumbai How to book...
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