Travel through Rajasthan on the Maharajas’ Express

What the experience is

The Maharajas’ Express entered service in 2010 and is run by IRCTC, the catering and tourism arm of Indian Railways. It has 23 carriages for 84 passengers in several cabin categories, all with private bathrooms. There are two restaurants, Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, a bar, the Rajah Club, and a lounge car.

The train travels mostly at night. Each morning coaches wait at the station to take passengers to the sights, with guides, and bring them back for lunch or dinner on board. Some meals and receptions are held in palaces along the way.

The itineraries

Four journeys have been on offer in recent seasons. The Heritage of India takes seven days from Mumbai to Delhi through Rajasthan, taking in places such as Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaipur, as well as Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra. The Indian Splendour covers similar ground in the opposite direction. The Indian Panorama is a seven-day circuit from Delhi that adds Orchha, Khajuraho and Varanasi to Jaipur, Ranthambore and Agra. Treasures of India is a four-day journey round Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur. Only some of these are mainly in Rajasthan, so choose by itinerary.

When to go

The train runs seasonally, from about October to April. Departures are on fixed dates, a small number each season, and the schedule is published by the operator.

Good to know

Stops are a few hours long and the timetable is fixed, so the train suits travellers who want to see a great deal in a week without changing hotels more than those who prefer to linger. Routes, dates and cabin availability change from season to season and should be confirmed with the operator.

Why OKYTO recommends it

It solves the main difficulty of travel in northern India, which is the distance between places. Those who want more time can take the four-day journey and then stay on at Six Senses Fort Barwara, beside Ranthambore, or Raffles Udaipur.