The Indian Panorama – Maharajas' Express

MAHARAJAS' EXPRESS · ROYAL, WILD & SPIRITUAL INDIA

The Indian Panorama – Maharajas' Express

Discover India's royal heritage, wildlife, architectural masterpieces and spiritual traditions on a remarkable Maharajas' Express journey from Delhi to Varanasi and back.

7 Days / 6 Nights Price on Request 6 Nights Aboard Maharajas' Express

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Overview

The Indian Panorama is a fascinating 7-day luxury rail journey revealing some of India's most powerful contrasts, from Rajasthan's royal heritage and Ranthambore's wilderness to the Taj Mahal, the temples of Khajuraho and the sacred banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. Beginning in Delhi, travel aboard the Maharajas' Express to Jaipur before entering the wildlife landscapes of Ranthambore. Continue through the Mughal heritage of Fatehpur Sikri and Agra, where the Taj Mahal provides one of the journey's defining moments. The route then ventures beyond the classic Rajasthan circuit to Orchha and Khajuraho, introducing remarkable architecture and centuries of history before reaching Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities and the spiritual heart of the Ganges. Between these extraordinary experiences, return to the comfort of your private cabin, elegant onboard dining and attentive Maharajas' Express hospitality as the train carries you effortlessly towards the next destination. Distant India Journeys can complement The Indian Panorama with private hotels, transfers and sightseeing before boarding in Delhi, as well as personalized extensions after the train journey.

Journey Highlights

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Experience a 7-day / 6-night journey aboard the Maharajas' Express

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Travel from Delhi through Rajasthan, Central India and Varanasi before returning to Delhi

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Discover Jaipur and Rajasthan's magnificent royal heritage

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Experience the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park

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Explore the remarkable Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri

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Stand before the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra

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Discover the historic town of Orchha

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Explore the UNESCO-listed temple heritage of Khajuraho

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Experience the sacred atmosphere of Varanasi on the River Ganges

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Discover India's spiritual traditions through the Varanasi experience

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Travel between extraordinary destinations without repeatedly changing hotels

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Relax in your private cabin as the Maharajas' Express travels onwards

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Enjoy elegant onboard dining and attentive hospitality

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Choose from Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite and Presidential Suite accommodation

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Extend your journey with personalized arrangements by Distant India Journeys

Day by day

Suggested itinerary

Tap a day to preview the pace and experiences. Your final route is always tailored to you.

Day 1

Delhi to Jaipur | Welcome Aboard the Maharajas' Express

Begin your journey at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, where check-in and welcome formalities mark the start of The Indian Panorama.
Step aboard the Maharajas' Express and settle into your private cabin as the train begins its journey towards Rajasthan.
Enjoy the refined onboard atmosphere, attentive hospitality and dining as you travel towards Jaipur.
On arrival in the Pink City, begin discovering the royal heritage and distinctive character that have made Jaipur one of Rajasthan's most celebrated destinations.
Enjoy the scheduled Maharajas' Express experiences before returning to the train for your first night aboard.

Day 2

Ranthambore & Fatehpur Sikri | Wilderness & Mughal Heritage

Begin the day with an excursion into Ranthambore National Park, one of India's best-known wildlife reserves and an important habitat for the Bengal tiger.
Explore its forests, lakes and open landscapes while looking for deer, monkeys, birdlife and other native wildlife, with tiger sightings always dependent on nature and chance.
Return to the Maharajas' Express and continue towards the remarkable Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Walk through this historic imperial complex and discover its monumental gateways, courtyards and beautifully preserved architecture.
Return to the Maharajas' Express as the journey continues towards Agra.

Day 3

Agra | The Taj Mahal & Mughal Grandeur

Wake in Agra, home to one of India's most celebrated architectural masterpieces.
Experience the Taj Mahal, where white marble, exquisite craftsmanship and a remarkable story of Mughal history come together in an unforgettable setting.
Continue discovering Agra through the experiences included in the scheduled Maharajas' Express programme.
Return to the train and enjoy the changing landscapes as your journey begins moving beyond the classic Golden Triangle towards Central India.
Relax aboard the Maharajas' Express as you travel towards Orchha and Khajuraho.

Day 4

Orchha & Khajuraho | Forgotten Kingdoms & Temple Art

Arrive in Central India and discover Orchha, a historic riverside town where palaces, temples and cenotaphs recall the legacy of the Bundela rulers.
Continue towards Khajuraho, internationally celebrated for its extraordinary group of medieval temples and intricate stone sculpture.
Explore selected temples and discover the remarkable artistic achievement and symbolism for which Khajuraho is renowned.
Experience the cultural programme included in your confirmed Maharajas' Express journey before returning to the train.
Continue overnight towards Varanasi, where the character of the journey changes from royal and architectural India to its spiritual heart.

Day 5

Varanasi | Sacred Ganges & India's Spiritual Heart

Arrive in Varanasi, one of India's most ancient and spiritually significant cities, where life has unfolded along the banks of the Ganges for centuries.
Discover different layers of the city through the experiences included in the Maharajas' Express programme, combining spirituality, history, traditional crafts and local culture.
Visit Sarnath, associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha, and experience another important dimension of India's religious heritage.
Explore Varanasi's renowned weaving traditions before turning towards the sacred river.
As evening approaches, experience the extraordinary atmosphere of the ghats and the ceremonial Ganga Aarti, an unforgettable expression of faith on the banks of the Ganges.
Return to the Maharajas' Express after a day that provides one of the journey's most distinctive and memorable experiences.

Day 6

Varanasi to Delhi | A Day Aboard the Maharajas' Express

Leave Varanasi behind as the Maharajas' Express begins its journey back towards Delhi.
Enjoy a more relaxed day aboard after the rich sequence of experiences across Rajasthan, Agra, Central India and Varanasi.
Take time to enjoy your private cabin, the train's elegant public spaces and attentive onboard hospitality while India's landscapes pass beyond your window.
Enjoy meals aboard and reflect on a journey that has brought together royal cities, wildlife, Mughal architecture, ancient temples and sacred traditions.
Spend your final night aboard the Maharajas' Express as the train continues towards Delhi.

Day 7

Delhi | Journey's End

Enjoy your final morning aboard the Maharajas' Express as the train approaches India's capital.
Take breakfast aboard and enjoy the remaining hours of your luxury rail experience.
Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, where it is time to disembark and bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express.
A Distant India Journeys representative can receive you on arrival and coordinate your private transfer to your hotel, airport or onward destination according to your personalized travel arrangements.
Your Indian Panorama journey concludes, bringing together some of India's most remarkable royal, natural, architectural and spiritual experiences.

Before you travel

Good To Know

The Indian Panorama operates on selected scheduled departure dates
The journey is 7 Days / 6 Nights beginning and ending in Delhi
Advance reservation is strongly recommended due to limited cabin availability
Cabin categories include Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite and Presidential Suite
Wildlife sightings at Ranthambore are entirely natural and sightings of tigers or any particular species cannot be guaranteed
The sequence of excursions, venues and timings may change for operational reasons
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for heritage sites and destination excursions
Appropriate respectful clothing is recommended when visiting religious and spiritual sites in Varanasi
Final joining instructions and train timings will be reconfirmed before travel
Distant India Journeys can arrange accommodation, private transfers and sightseeing in Delhi before and after the train journey
Train fares, departure dates, itineraries and applicable conditions remain subject to the operator's terms at the time of confirmation

Let’s Personalize This Journey

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Quick facts

Duration 7 Days / 6 Nights

Starting price Price on Request

Best time to visit Oct - Mar

Support On-ground team

Inclusions

✓ Accommodation aboard the Maharajas' Express in the selected cabin category
✓ Meals and selected beverages as included under the confirmed Maharajas' Express programme
✓ Scheduled off-train sightseeing and excursions as specified in the confirmed journey
✓ Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing where included by the train operator
✓ Transportation for scheduled off-train excursions as per the official programme
✓ Services of guides and tour personnel during scheduled excursions as provided
✓ Ranthambore wildlife experience as specified in the confirmed programme
✓ Scheduled cultural and destination experiences included by the train operator
✓ Onboard hospitality and services as provided by Maharajas' Express
✓ Pre and post train assistance by Distant India Journeys where included in your personalized arrangements

Exclusions

– International and domestic flights unless specifically included
– India visa fees and personal travel insurance
– Pre and post train hotel accommodation unless specifically included
– Private airport and hotel transfers unless specifically included
– Optional excursions and experiences outside the confirmed train programme
– Premium beverages and personal purchases not included by the train operator
– Spa, laundry and other personal expenses
– Tips and gratuities
– Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions

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