This guide outlines each route, the destinations covered, travel flow, and how to match clients with the right journey.
Maharaja Express Route Overview
The Maharaja Express route spans several historic states in India, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Each itinerary has a specific theme and focus, offering travelers access to India's royal heritage, ancient architecture, and well-preserved landmarks.
The train operates four distinct journeys:
- Heritage of India
- Indian Panorama
- Indian Splendour
- Treasures of India
These routes last between 3 and 7 nights. All itineraries begin or end in either Delhi or Mumbai, making travel connections simple.
Travel Season and Duration
The Maharaja Express Train operates between October and April. These months offer cooler weather and better comfort for outdoor visits.
Route durations are as follows:
- Treasures of India: 3 nights / 4 days
- Heritage of India, Indian Panorama, and Indian Splendour: 6 nights / 7 days
Journeys generally begin on weekends. Guests are welcomed in the afternoon. The process includes check-in, welcome drinks, baggage handling, and orientation.
Route-by-Route Breakdown
Each of the four itineraries follows a planned course that includes guided visits and regional activities. Here is a detailed look at each one.
Heritage of India (Mumbai to Delhi)
This is the most detailed journey. It moves from western India toward the north.
Main Stops:
- Ajanta: Rock-cut Buddhist caves with paintings
- Udaipur: City Palace and boat ride on Lake Pichola
- Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort and old city market
- Bikaner: Junagarh Fort and desert-themed activities
- Jaipur: Amber Fort and a royal dining experience
- Ranthambore: Morning wildlife safari
- Agra: The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
This route works well for travelers interested in architecture, history, and regional culture.
Indian Panorama (Round Trip from Delhi)
This circular journey starts and ends in Delhi. It gives a wide look at both spiritual and architectural destinations.
Main Stops:
- Jaipur: Fort visits and traditional performances
- Ranthambore: Safari in a tiger reserve
- Fatehpur Sikri: Historic Mughal site
- Agra: Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Gwalior: Fort and palace visit
- Orchha: Temples and riverfront views
- Khajuraho: Temples with unique carvings
- Varanasi: Ganges rituals and silk weaving
- Lucknow: Food walk and cultural visit
This route gives a mix of spiritual, artistic, and heritage sites.
Indian Splendour (Delhi to Mumbai)
This itinerary is ideal for those heading westward. It includes some of the finest heritage cities in Rajasthan and concludes in Mumbai.
Main Stops:
- Agra: Taj Mahal and Mughal heritage
- Ranthambore: Morning game drive
- Jaipur: City Palace, crafts, and folk art
- Bikaner: Rural desert life and palaces
- Jodhpur: Fort, clock tower, and market streets
- Udaipur: Lakeside views and Mewar history
- Mumbai: Disembarkation point with optional stay
Travelers get a balanced mix of wildlife, city culture, and architecture.
Treasures of India
The shortest of all the routes, this itinerary focuses on the Golden Triangle. It’s suitable for guests with limited time.
Stops Include:
- Delhi: Departure and orientation
- Agra: Taj Mahal and heritage walk
- Ranthambore: Jungle safari
- Jaipur: Fort visit and local crafts
The Maharaja Express route in this case is compact and practical, yet still offers highlights from three states.
Cabin Types and Features
The Maharaja Express Train offers four cabin categories. Each coach is themed around a princely state and reflects matching décor.
- Deluxe Cabin: Queen or twin beds, en-suite bathroom
- Junior Suite: Larger area, added seating space
- Suite: Separate living and sleeping area
- Presidential Suite: Occupies a full carriage
All cabins come with air conditioning, TVs, Wi-Fi access in common areas, an electronic safe, and round-the-clock service.
The layout stays consistent across journeys.
Food and Dining
Two dining cars—Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal—serve all meals. Menus change by region, allowing travelers to taste different regional styles.
Options include Indian, Western, and vegetarian dishes. Special meals like Jain cuisine can be arranged if requested in advance.
Food is plated and served at the table, and the dining areas are styled like luxury restaurants.
Travel Flow and Scheduling
The train covers one or two cities each day. Mornings often begin with sightseeing, followed by meals on board, and optional excursions in the evening.
Detailed schedules are shared with passengers daily. Every guest receives a program guide at the start of the trip. Transport for off-board visits is handled by luxury coaches.
Rest periods are built in, and there’s time to enjoy the lounge or bar car between excursions.
Start and End City Planning
Journeys begin and end in either Delhi or Mumbai. Both cities are linked with major airports and hotel chains.
Many travelers prefer to arrive a day in advance to relax before boarding. Ground transport, hotel stays, and city tours can be arranged pre- or post-journey.
For those combining other India Luxury Tours, onward travel to places like Goa, Kerala, or Himachal Pradesh can be added with ease.
Matching Routes to Guest Interests
Different clients have different needs. Here's a simplified reference:
| Traveler Type | Best Route |
| Culture & History | Heritage of India |
| Short Holiday | Treasures of India |
| Wildlife Interest | Indian Splendour or Panorama |
| Religious Sites | Indian Panorama |
| Rajasthan Lovers | Indian Splendour |
| Longer Stay Seekers | Heritage of India |
Starting city may also help with selection. Mumbai-based travelers may prefer Heritage of India. Delhi-based travelers may choose Treasures or Panorama.
Advisory Points for Tour Planners
A good understanding of the Maharaja Express route helps in building trust with clients. Here are tips to assist with planning:
- Review the guest’s available dates and match them with the right journey
- Share route maps, day-by-day plans, and accommodation details
- Clarify what's included in off-board activities
- Arrange hotel stays and airport pick-ups if needed
- Follow up with FAQs and travel documentation advice
These steps improve the guest experience and reduce questions during travel.