Luxury, royalty, and heritage — if you could combine them all into one unforgettable journey, it would look exactly like the Maharajas’ Express. Step aboard the Maharajas’ Express, and it’s not just a train you enter — it’s a world of luxury, history, and grandeur that unfolds as the wheels start rolling. Imagine gliding past the golden deserts of Rajasthan, the serene lakes of Udaipur, and the majestic palaces of Jaipur, all while sipping champagne in a cabin that feels more like a five-star suite than a train.
This is where India’s royal past meets modern comfort. Every corner gleams with elegance, every meal is a culinary masterpiece, and every destination becomes an unforgettable experience. The Maharajas’ Express isn’t about rushing from one place to another — it’s about living the journey, feeling the culture, and letting the country’s history sweep over you like a story coming to life.
From the moment the train whistles at the platform, you’re no longer just a traveler — you’re a guest of royalty, experiencing India in a way few ever do. Whether it’s the tiger safaris at Ranthambore, the sunrise at the Taj Mahal, or the folk performances in Jaipur, every moment is curated to make you feel special, pampered, and part of something timeless.
The Maharajas’ Express is not just a journey — it’s an experience of a lifetime, where comfort, culture, and adventure ride hand in hand.
About the Maharajas’ Express
The Maharajas’ Express, launched by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) in 2010, is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious trains in the world. It has won multiple awards, including the prestigious “World’s Leading Luxury Train” title at the World Travel Awards.
Designed to offer travelers a royal experience on rails, the Maharajas’ Express combines the elegance of India’s princely past with modern luxury and comfort. The train spans 23 carriages and features fully air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, fine-dining restaurants, lounges, and bar cars, along with personalized butler service in every cabin.
Traveling on this train is more than moving from one city to another — it’s a curated journey through India’s rich heritage. Passengers explore majestic forts, opulent palaces, ancient temples, and UNESCO World Heritage sites while enjoying world-class hospitality, gourmet cuisine, and cultural performances onboard.
In short, the Maharajas’ Express is where luxury travel meets Indian heritage, offering an immersive experience that combines comfort, culture, and timeless elegance.
Maharajas’ Express Train Routes
The train offers four exclusive itineraries, each designed to showcase India’s best heritage and cultural landmarks.
Whether you’re looking for a week-long royal exploration or a short luxurious getaway, there’s a route for everyone.
1. The Indian Splendour (7 Nights / 8 Days)
Route: Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai
Highlights:
- Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
- Jungle safari at Ranthambore
- Camel cart ride in Bikaner
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur
- Royal dining at City Palace, Jaipur
Best for: Heritage lovers and first-time travelers to India
2. The Heritage of India (7 Nights / 8 Days)
Route: Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Delhi
Highlights:
- Vintage car ride in Udaipur
- Mehrangarh Fort tour in Jodhpur
- Desert experience in Bikaner
- Wildlife sighting in Ranthambore
- Taj Mahal visit
Best for: Travelers who want to experience Rajasthan’s royal cities
3. The Indian Panorama (7 Nights / 8 Days)
Route: Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Gwalior → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Lucknow → Delhi
Highlights:
- Visit to Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Khajuraho’s UNESCO temples
- Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
- Nawabi dining in Lucknow
Best for: Spiritual and cultural explorers
4. Treasures of India (3 Nights / 4 Days)
Route: Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi
Highlights:
- Quick royal experience
- Perfect weekend journey
- Taj Mahal, Tiger safari, and Amber Fort
Best for: Short luxury vacations
Maharajas’ Express Ticket Prices (2025 Updated)
The Maharajas’ Express is designed for those who believe travel should be an experience, not just a journey.
Below are the approximate fares (per person, per journey) in both USD and INR.
| Cabin Type | Short Route (3–4 Days) | Long Route (7–8 Days) |
| Deluxe Cabin | USD 3,500 – 4,000 / ₹2.9 – 3.4 lakh | USD 7,000 – 8,000 / ₹5.8 – 6.6 lakh |
| Junior Suite | USD 5,500 – 6,000 / ₹4.6 – 5.0 lakh | USD 10,000 – 11,000 / ₹8.3 – 9.1 lakh |
| Suite | USD 8,000 – 9,000 / ₹6.6 – 7.5 lakh | USD 13,000 – 14,000 / ₹10.8 – 11.6 lakh |
| Presidential Suite | USD 14,000 – 15,000 / ₹11.6 – 12.5 lakh | USD 22,000 – 23,000 / ₹18.3 – 19.1 lakh |
Includes: Accommodation, fine dining, guided excursions, entrance fees, onboard entertainment, and luxury amenities.
Excludes: Airfare, travel insurance, and personal expenses.
(Note: Prices may vary slightly depending on season and exchange rates.)
Life Onboard – What to Expect
The Maharajas’ Express is designed to make you forget you’re on a train. Everything here screams luxury — but with the warmth of Indian hospitality.
- Cabins: 23 carriages with fully air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and butler service.
- Dining Cars: Two restaurants — Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal — serving Indian, Continental, and Asian cuisine on fine bone china.
- Bars: Safari Bar and Rajah Club Lounge for cocktails, mocktails, and quiet conversations.
- Observation Lounge: A cozy area with panoramic windows to enjoy scenic views as you pass through India’s diverse landscapes.
Evenings are often filled with folk dances, cultural performances, or quiet dinners under soft lighting — it’s not travel, it’s an experience.
Maharajas’ Express Reviews – What Travelers Say
Most travelers describe the Maharajas’ Express as “once in a lifetime.”
Here’s what stands out in real reviews:
- Hospitality: “The butlers were so attentive, we felt like royalty every second.”
- Food: “Michelin-star level dining on rails!”
- Experience: “Every stop felt perfectly planned. You see India’s soul without ever feeling rushed.”
- Downside: “It’s pricey, but totally worth it for the comfort and exclusivity.”
Overall rating: ⭐ 4.9 / 5 (based on multiple international travel platforms)
Best Time to Travel
The Maharajas’ Express operates mainly between October and April, when India’s weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Avoid the monsoon (June–September), as some outdoor excursions might get affected.
Why You Should Take This Journey
If you’ve ever wanted to see India like a king once did, this is your moment.
You’ll wake up to the deserts of Rajasthan one day, and sip coffee overlooking the ghats of Varanasi the next.
It’s perfect for:
- Luxury travelers
- Honeymoon couples
- Heritage enthusiasts
- Foreign tourists looking for a complete Indian experience
Also Read: Top 7 Hidden Villages of North-East India You Must Visit
Final Words
The Maharajas’ Express is more than a train — it’s a time machine that takes you into India’s royal past, wrapped in modern luxury.
Every sunrise, every destination, and every meal on this journey tells a story — one that blends history, comfort, and emotion in a way few travel experiences can match.
So, if you ever want to see India not as a tourist, but as royalty — this is your golden ticket.
Step aboard, sit back, and let the Maharajas’ Express take you on the most luxurious journey of your life.
FAQs – Maharajas’ Express
Q1. What is the Maharajas’ Express?
A luxury train in India offering royal-style travel with top-notch comfort, dining, and cultural experiences.
Q2. Who operates the Maharajas’ Express?
It is operated by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation).
Q3. Which routes does the Maharajas’ Express cover?
Popular routes include The Indian Splendour, Heritage of India, Indian Panorama, and Treasures of India, covering cities like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Varanasi.
Q4. What is the ticket price?
Depends on the route and cabin type; starts around USD 3,500 (~₹2.9 lakh) for short trips and can go up to USD 22,000–23,000 (~₹18–19 lakh) for the Presidential Suite on long journeys.
Q5. What types of cabins are available?
Four types: Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite, and Presidential Suite, all with private bathrooms and butler service.
