Yulia - Travel Expert
- Immersive itinerary aboard the luxury train Maharajas’ Express in India
- Selection of iconic sites: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi
- High-end comfort and tailor-made service onboard
Explore the North of India aboard the luxurious Maharaja Express. This unique itinerary takes you to the Taj Mahal, to the mysterious city of Varanasi, and to the iconic temples of the lovers in Khajuraho.
DELHI
This flight is not included, but we can arrange it on request.
The nonstop flight Paris – Delhi takes approximately 9 hours. The most comfortable flight times are those of AIR FRANCE. Paris > Delhi: Departure at 10:40, arrival at 22:49.
You will be welcomed upon arrival in Delhi. A transfer to the hotel will be arranged, and you will settle into your rooms.
Your 5-star hotel, the Imperial Palace, is one of the first luxury hotels opened in the Indian capital in 1936. Set behind lovely gardens in a very central district, its décor, between Art Deco and nostalgia, is the perfect introduction to your luxury train journey in India. Gandhi and Nehru were regulars at the establishment.
JAIPUR
JAIPUR
After your breakfast onboard, set off for an excursion to the Amber Fort. Located in picturesque hills, this red sandstone and white marble fort, built in 1592, is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Its imposing exterior hides a refined inner paradise. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace.
A short jeep ride will take you up to the fort, where you can enjoy a visit to the royal apartments, with stunning views over the gorge. Step back in time into the Mirror Room (Sheesh Mahal) and the Hall of Victory to experience the Mughal era.
Return to the train for lunch, or choose from a range of optional activities:
- Relaxation at a 5-star hotel spa
- Explore the city with a private guide and car
You will then enjoy the comfort of the Maharajas Express luxury train. Dinner will be served onboard as your train journey in India continues towards Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore).
FATEHPUR SIKRI
Upon arrival in Sawai Madhopur, get ready for a safari in Ranthambore National Park. Formerly the Maharajas’ private hunting grounds, Ranthambore was declared a national park in 1973. It is renowned for spotting tigers, bears, hyenas, and leopards.
You’ll set out early in the morning for an exciting safari, then head back to the luxury train for your breakfast. Your luxury train will continue its journey to the legendary deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. While enjoying lunch, you’ll admire the changing scenery.
On arrival at Fatehpur Sikri station, you will discover fascinating sites: private and public audience halls, carved palaces with water features reflecting a refined blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar, this red sandstone city—now abandoned—was established as the capital at the end of the 16th century. It is now a famous site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage.
Back on the train, you will enjoy a “Indian evening” onboard, followed by dinner.
AGRA
Early in the morning, your Maharajas Express luxury train will arrive in Agra, the jewel of India. This city is home to one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders: the Taj Mahal. Leaving the train, you’ll head to this famous palace, a major site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage. More than 20,000 Indian artisans were mobilized to create this magnificent white marble palace, built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for Mumtaz, his beloved queen.
You’ll enjoy an original breakfast while admiring the Taj Mahal from the Taj Khema, complete with a glass of champagne.
You’ll return to the train for lunch. The afternoon is free for optional activities:
- Relaxation at a hotel spa
- Visit the Agra Fort
In the evening, your luxury train will make its way to Orchha while you enjoy your dinner.
KHAJURAHO
You will arrive early in the morning at Jhansi station to discover the picturesque Orchha village, known for its rustic style. You’ll visit the Orchha Fort, built in the 1500s and overlooking the Betwa River. A short tuk-tuk ride will let you discover village life in the North of India countryside.
Back on the Maharajas Express luxury train, you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch onboard as the journey continues through spectacular landscapes towards Khajuraho.
Khajuraho is famous for its architecture and delicate sculptures. Built between 950 and 1050, the temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. Very sensual and erotic sculptures depict the full range of human emotions and relationships. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the magnificent Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover splendid examples of Chandela art at its peak, including the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Shiva.
In the evening, you can enjoy optional activities:
- Indian dance show at Kandariya Shilpgram
- Relaxation at a hotel spa
- Sound and light show at the temple
VARANASI
While you take your breakfast, your luxury train in India travels through rich agricultural fields to the sacred city of Varanasi (Benares). One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi (also known as Benares) has been a spiritual site for more than 3,000 years. A pilgrimage destination on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi alone captures the chaos and colours of India: lively bazaars, luminous silks, festivals, temples, mosques, and palaces.
After leaving the train, meet for lunch at the Taj Gateway hotel. After lunch, visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon outlining the principles of Buddhism. Continue with a boat cruise on the Ganges and, along the way, visit a silk weaving centre, where you can buy saris and silk brocades from Varanasi.
Next, enjoy a panoramic cruise on the Ganges and attend a magical “aarti” evening on the ghats of the sacred river. Dinner will be served at Brij Rama Palace, built in 1812 and accessible by boat. Enjoy a classical Indian dance performance – Kathak, followed by a vegetarian dinner.
In the evening, join your luxury train, which will head towards Delhi.
DELHI
Enjoy a final breakfast and a relaxed lunch onboard as the luxury train in India arrives in Delhi. You will disembark in the afternoon at Delhi Safdarjung station, where your train journey comes to an end.
A transfer will take you to the Andaz Hotel 5-star hotel near the airport. Enjoy some rest time while waiting for your return flight scheduled to depart around midnight.
DELHI
Your return flight will depart Delhi at midnight. You will arrive in Paris at around 8:00 a.m.
These spacious cabins, with an area of 11m2, are made up of a double bed or two single beds and can accommodate 2 passengers.
Amenities:
- Double bed dimensions: 80 x 33 (In)
- Twin bed dimensions: 80 x 33 (In)
- Desk
- Wardrobe
- Luggage rack under the bed
- Safe
- Television
- Telephone
- Wi-Fi internet
- Air conditioning
- Towels and household linens
- Tea, coffee, mineral water and snacks
- Room service
- Shower cabin
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- Hair dryer
- Toiletries
These spacious cabins with elegant interiors offer luxurious accommodation for guests. Comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and pastel tones shine through with an artistic finesse that has been incorporated into the design of these suites.
Facilities:
- Double bed dimensions: 80 x 33 (In)
- Twin bed dimensions: 80 x 33 (In)
- Desk
- Wardrobe
- Luggage rack under the bed
- Safe
- Television
- Telephone
- Wi-Fi Internet
- Air conditioning
- Towels and home linens
- Tea, coffee, mineral water, and snacks
- Room service
- Shower cabin
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries
Four suites of 20m2, designed with taste and able to accommodate 8 passengers, are works of art in their own right. Rustic furnishings, modern amenities, and elegant, well-chosen décor call to mind the splendour of a bygone princely age. Live like royalty in the picturesque setting of these sumptuous suites, equipped with contemporary conveniences.
Amenities:
- Armchairs with side tables, a writing table and other furnishings in the lounge.
- Complimentary minibar
- Luggage rack under the bed.
- Television
- WiFi
- Telephone
- Bath towels, bed linen, a bathrobe and a pair of slippers.
- Free tea, a light snack, coffee and mineral water, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Room Service
- A hair dryer, a range of toiletries.
- Bath tub and shower cabin with complimentary bath salts.
Unique in the world, this large cabin that spans the entire carriage is the ultimate in luxury and elegance. A separate lounge, a dining area, and a bedroom with spacious bathrooms equipped with bathtubs and showers, along with modern amenities, make this suite a palace on wheels. The presidential suite is fitted with connecting cabins and can accommodate up to 4 guests, offering an unparalleled stay for indulging in the whims of Maharaja-style glamour.
Amenities:
- 2 bedrooms with double bed
- Sofa
- Desk
- Wardrobe
- Luggage storage under the bed
- Safe
- Television
- Telephone
- Wi‑Fi internet
- Air conditioning
- Towels and household linens
- Tea, coffee, bottled water, and snacks
- Room service
- Shower cabin
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries
- 6 nights’ accommodation aboard the luxury Maharajas Express train in a Deluxe cabin
- One night at the The Imperial 5* hotel or similar (Delhi) – Day 1
- One room available at the Andaz Hotel 5* – Last day
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinks on board the train, excluding branded drinks
- Admission to sightseeing sites according to the itinerary
- The guide for the other stages
- Deluxe cabin: English-speaking guide
- Junior Suite and Suite cabin: French-speaking guide and private driver
- International flights (on request)
- Visas (approx. €220)
- Comprehensive travel insurance (€245 pp.)
- Drinks outside the train and meals not mentioned
- Tips
- Optional excursions (To choose and pay for on board the train).
- An additional day in Delhi on arrival or departure
- Overnight at the Imperial hotel + private French-speaking guide: €275 per person
DEPARTS SPRING 2025
15 March – 5 April
4 October – 1 and 29 November – 27 December
- Deluxe Double Cabin (English-speaking group visits): from €9,877 per person
- Junior Suite (private French-speaking visits):from €13,583 per person
Please note: the programme is indicative. Any changes to the itinerary or timings will be communicated to you as soon as they are known. They may change due to strikes, trade fairs, festivals, events or weather conditions, diversions, restricted access, or venue buyouts. These unforeseen factors are beyond our control and cannot be the subject of a request for a refund.
PAYMENT TERMS
- Deposit: 30% of the package + insurance + flights: at the time of booking
- Balance: 70% of the package + visas: 91 days before departure
CANCELLATION TERMS
Issued flights and obtained visas are non-refundable.
For services in India, the following fees will be retained:
- 10%: if the cancellation occurs less than 120 days before departure
- 25%: if the cancellation occurs between 119 and 81 days before departure
- 50%: if the cancellation occurs between 80 and 51 days before departure
- 100%: if the cancellation occurs less than 51 days before departure
