10 Nights - 11 Days
Delhi (2N), Agra (1N), Ranthambore (1N), Jaipur (1N), Bikaner (1N), Jodhpur (1N), Udaipur (1N), Mumbai (2N)
India’s lures visitors with its glorious past and giving you a glimpse of the treasure, the Indian Splendour is a 7-day itinerary aboard the luxury train, Maharajas’ Express. Starting its journey from Delhi, the train travels to the Mughal City-Agra, home of the Taj, proceeding to the wildlife haven of Ranthambore, continuing to ‘Pink City’ Jaipur, ‘Camel city’ Bikaner, ‘Blue city’ Jodhpur, the beautiful city of Udaipur and finally ending its journey in Mumbai. Platinum by Trans India will also arrange insider access tours in Delhi and Mumbai to make it a complete immersive experience.
Adventure
Heritage
Family
Culinary
Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Day 2 In Delhi
Day 3 Delhi – The Maharajas’ Express (Agra)
Day 4 The Maharajas’ Express (Ranthambore)
Day 5 The Maharajas’ Express (Jaipur)
Day 6 The Maharajas’ Express (Bikaner)
Day 7 The Maharajas’ Express (Jodhpur)
Day 8 The Maharajas’ Express (Udaipur)
Day 9 The Maharajas’ Express (Mumbai)
Day 10 In Mumbai
Day 11 Depart Mumbai
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Delhi International Airport
Platinum guests receive a VIP jet-bridge greeting at Delhi International airport. An Airport Representative will meet you at the Aerobridge, and fast track you through immigration and customs. A Platinum by Trans India representative will escort you to the hotel and will arrange for immediate check-in.
Check-in at The Leela Palace Hotel (Royal Club Room – room booked from 1400 hours of this day)
India’s seat of power saw many rulers, like the Lodis, Mughals and the British, all of whom left their legacies in the form of art and architecture throughout the capital. Colourful bazaars and historic landmarks sit side by side with quiet green spaces and charming neighbourhoods in New Delhi.
Overnight at The Leela Palace Hotel (Royal Club Room)
Breakfast at hotel
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including a brief cycle rickshaw ride
Visit the Jama Masjid, built in 1650; one of the largest mosques in India. Special focus during the tour of Old Delhi is Khari Baoli, a street known for Asia’s largest wholesale spice market selling a fragrant variety of spices, nuts, herbs and food products, such as rice and tea.
Afternoon tour of New Delhi visiting Humayun’s Tomb, Gandhi Smriti and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
New Delhi – was planned and built by the British in the 1920’s and is characterised by Sir Edwin Lutyens’ monumental architecture. Driving through the city, with its wide tree lined avenues discover India Gate and the Diplomatic Enclave, the Central Secretariat and the President's House. Visit Humayun's Tomb, aptly called the predecessor of the Taj Mahal because of its ornate Mughal style of architecture, later perfected in the Taj Mahal.
Gandhi Smriti – The residence has been converted into a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, where he used to stay during his visits to Delhi. Gandhiji was assassinated here on his way to offer customary evening prayers.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – is one of the important historical Gurudwara in Delhi and this shrine is the scene of constant devotional music, whose ethereal tones are relayed throughout the entire complex. Get a chance to volunteer at Gurudwara’s community kitchen, the Sikh uplifting concept that translates to ‘share and consume together.’
Overnight at The Leela Palace Hotel (Royal Club Room)
Breakfast at hotel
Morning at leisure
Your luxury train experience begins with a grand welcome at Safdarjung Railway Station, Delhi.
The Suite on The Maharajas' Express is luxury redefined at 220 sq. ft area. All the 04 Suites are double bedded, with ensuite bathroom 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 English speaking guide and luxury car during the off-board journeys.
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 luxury vacation on Indian splendour, on-board the Maharajas' Express will be truly an experience extraordinaire.
Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express.
This morning, assemble at Delhi Safdarjung station at approximately 0700 hours and complete your check in formalities.
The Maharajas’ Express departs Delhi at 0815 hours for Agra. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on-board as you arrive into Agra. Join us for a session on the train for a tour brief and meet your facilitators during this exciting journey.
As you reach the ‘City of Mughal Splendour’, visit the world famous Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan 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.
Return to the Maharajas’ Express or you may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Overnight at The Maharajas’ Express (Suite)
Early this morning, disembark to visit the exquisite Agra Fort. Later, enjoy relaxed breakfast on-board as you travel to your next destination Ranthambore. Lunch shall be served on-board.
Arrive into Ranthambore and proceed for a game drive in the Ranthambore National Park. Originally, the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. The park is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. The safari cannot be compared to that of Africa and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard.
Return to the Maharajas’ Express. Dinner on-board as the Maharajas’ Express proceed for Jaipur.
Overnight at The Maharajas’ Express (Suite)
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. Return to the train for a leisurely lunch on-board.
Post lunch, relax onboard or may choose to participate in the optional activities.
Later in evening, proceed for an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace Hotel. The Rambagh 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 splendor with hand-carved marble latticework and elaborate gardens.
Afterwards, return to the station by 2100 hours. The Maharajas’ Express proceeds for Bikaner.
Overnight at The Maharajas’ Express (Suite)
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.
After your optional tours, return to the train for lunch.
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 2015 hours and embark on your onward journey to Jodhpur.
Breakfast and Lunch on-board. Evening barbeque dinner on dunes.
Overnight at The Maharajas’ Express (Suite)
This morning, the Maharajas’ Express, continues her 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.
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 picturesque Udaipur.
Breakfast and Lunch on-board. Cocktail dinner at Khaas Bagh, a heritage hotel.
Overnight at The Maharajas’ Express (Suite)
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.
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.
Post excursion, 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.
Enjoy an ‘Indian evening’ on-board, raising a toast to a memorable experience as train proceeds for Mumbai.
Breakfast on-board. Lunch in Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace. Dinner on-board
Overnight at The Maharajas’ Express (Suite)
Enjoy relaxed morning on-board, you will disembark at around 1635 hrs at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the financial capital city of Mumbai. Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express as your ‘The Indian Splendour’ journey comes to an end. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever!
Check-in at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (Palace Wing – Luxury Grande Sea View Room)
Enjoy sunset view from your hotel overlooking Gateway of India and Arabian Sea - we would suggest to partake on Hi-tea experience in the legendary Sea Lounge restaurant at your hotel.
Overnight at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (Palace Wing – Luxury Grande Sea View Room)
0930 hours: Transfer to CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) for a walking tour with an expert guide for approximately 02 hours
Walking tour through the Art Precinct of Mumbai’s British Heritage District, will introduce you to the vibrant world of contemporary Indian painting and sculpture. The Kala Ghoda (Black Horse) crescent has a distinct visual identity because it houses a fine collection of heritage structures in Victorian Neo-Gothic, Indo Saracenic, Renaissance Revival and Edwardian Neo Classical styles.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai
A half day sightseeing tour of Mumbai includes The Gateway of India - a grand ceremonial arch built to commemorate the visit of King George IV; Mani Bhavan - where the father of our Nation resided for 15 years; the Marine drive; the Prince of Wales museum - considered one of the best museums in the country; the Hanging gardens & Victoria Railway Station.
OR
Afternoon proceed for our specially curated market tour of Mumbai
Mumbai's heart lies not in its monuments but in its bazaars. You'll be expertly guided through the vibrant but chaotic bazaars of Kalbadevi and Bhuleshwar, where it's otherwise easy to get lost. The area is a fascinating mix of shops, stalls, noise and activity, as well as mosques, temples, and tranquility. The tour includes Crawford Market (fruit and veg market), Mangaldas Market (cotton/silk market), Zaveri Bazaar (gold market), and Mumbadevi temple (Hindu temple).
Overnight at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (Palace Wing – Luxury Grande Sea View Room)
Breakfast at hotel followed by transfer to Mumbai International Airport for your flight home
Platinum guests receive a VIP departure assistance at Mumbai International airport with a friendly meet and greet host who provides luggage assistance, expedited security check and immigration.