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Maharajas' Express - North India’s Most Luxurious Train

10 days from £6,600 for 2023 per person

There is a somewhat nostalgic romance to train travel, as you meander through the countryside, disembarking at different points on the map, and the Maharaja’s Express offers one of the most elegant and luxurious train experiences in India, with comfortable accommodation and facilities, delicious food and impeccable service. This itinerary follows the Classical India journey, which is one of their most popular and interesting routes, with highlights including a visit to the Taj Mahal, the little-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh National Park.

Slowly meandering through the lesser-visited areas of central India, this journey will give you the chance to visit the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, with its exquisite erotic carvings, the bejewelled royal cities of Orchha and Gwalior, the intensely spiritual and holy city of Varanasi, the illustrious Taj Mahal in Agra, the historic and bustling city of Lucknow, and Bandhavgarh National Park, richly populated with a variety of animal, plant and bird life.

This luxury tour is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own ideal tour of India. The Maharaja’s Express also offers different routes and part journeys. For more information please contact one of our consultants.

If you’d like to see similar trips, take a look at our Trains & Boats holiday collection, as well as our Honeymoon and Wildlife itineraries.


Itinerary details

10 days from £6,600 for 2023 per person

  • Day 1 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
    On arrival in Delhi and transfer to The Imperial Hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
  • Day 2 - Maharajas Express - Agra
    Board the Maharaja's Express and enjoy a welcome drink. Visit the Taj Mahal at Sunset.
  • Day 3 - Maharajas Express - Gwalior
    Journey south to Gwalior and visit Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior Fort and Jai Vilas Palace.
  • Day 4 - Maharajas Express - Khajuraho
    Stop at Orchha to visit Jahangiri Mahal and Chaturbhuj temple. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.
  • Day 5 - Maharajas Express - Bandhavgarh National Park
    Continue on your journey to Bandhavgarh National Park. Take a village tour and learn about the 'Forests for Tigers' conservation programme before taking a game drive.
  • Day 6 - Maharajas Express - Varanasi
    Journey on to Varanasi and visit the ruins of Sarnath and the famous Silk Weaving Centre before a cruise on the Ganges to witness Aarti (evening prayer).
  • Day 7 - Maharajas Express - Lucknow
    The train journey ends in Lucknow where you will visit The Residency, Rumi Darwaza and Bada Imambara before enjoying an Indian Evening.
  • Day 8 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
    Arrive into Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
  • Day 9 - The Imperial Hotel - Delhi
    Visit the sights of Old and New Delhi, including Chandi Chowk, Jama Masjid mosque, Humayan's Tomb, India Gate and the Parliament Buildings.
  • Day 10 - In transit.
    Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Client Testimonials

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

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