Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Namaste & welcome to incredible Republic of India - one of the friendliest countries on earth, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome.

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture & landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you have left its shores. 

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant city Delhi, one of the world’s greatest megalopolises with its chaotic charm & juxtapositions found on every street, Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colourful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal 3 - Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, discuss the program for the week aboard the luxury ‘hotel on wheels’ & transfer you to the departure point.

Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past & the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land & a window to the kaleidoscope that is India. It is a city that bridges two different worlds.

Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.

Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis & formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues & imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers & many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed & then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers & then as creators.

Delhi is a city built upon cities. There are at least eight historical Delhis, each constructed on, or near, the ruins of its predecessor, leaving a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments, many said to be haunted by djinns (spirits). Love history & you will be left salivating as you trace your way through the eras, clambering across the ruined forts of Tughlaqabad, Siri, Purana Qila & Shajahanabad; exploring the magnificent tombs of eminent historical figures & visiting the still-vibrant temples, mosques & shrines that throng with devotees today, as they have done for hundreds of years.

The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai & Amir Khusro to present day writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

And how can we forget the indomitable Delhi cuisine & street food.

As the capital city of one of the most delicious country's on Earth, Delhi tantalises your taste buds with its thali-like fusion of flavours from every corner of the subcontinent: Breakfast on South Indian idly; lunch on Punjabi kulchas; then, come evening, dine on rich Mughlai curries. But don't forget to leave room for some Dilli-ka-Chaat, Delhi's famously delicious street-food snacks; try sizzling kebabs for starters, then munch on aloo tikki (spiced potato patties) before getting your fingers sticky on jalebi (orange-coloured coils of deep-fried batter dunked in sugar syrup) or savouring some sumptuously creamy cardamon kheer (rice pudding).

Depending on the arrival time, you might have a few hours to spend before your Check-in for the iconic train experience (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

In time, you will be transferred by 08:30 am to Safdarjung Railway Station where you will begin your journey of a lifetime.

Arrive at the Station where you will be accorded a traditional ‘Indian’ welcome.

In India we say “Atthi Devo Bhava” which means “the guest is equivalent to God'. You will be greeted by flower garlanding & a tilak on your forehead. You will receive a traditional Indian welcome with garlanding, turban & tikka and with a refreshing glass of wine.

Flower garlanding is generally offered as a mark of respect & honour to welcome visitors & also or in honour to the Gods &Goddesses. Tilak is a ritual mark put on the forehead as a form of blessing, greeting or auspiciousness. The Tilak is usually made out of a red vermilion paste (kumkum) which is a mixture of turmeric, alum, iodine, camphor, etc.

Subsequent to completing the registration process & Check-in formalities, you will be shown to your delightful cabins.

Welcome aboard the Maharajas’ Express.

The tour of a lifetime starts in the evening with a ceremonial welcome as you board. As you are introduced to your fellow travelers, feel free to relax in your new palace and explore every bit & acquaint yourself with its various facilities. Relax with a drink at the bar over a tete-a-tete with other guests.

The train will depart for Agra.

Relax & recuperate in the plush coupes of the train – in your cabin or the public areas.

.Arrive in Agra by afternoon / evening.

Lunch on board at 01.00 pm.

There are very few cities in the world that can match the history & heritage of Agra.

Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Northern Indian plains. The architectural splendour of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years. In the mid16^th century and earlier 17^th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain. The splendour of Agra remains undiminished, from the massive Agra Fort to the magnificent Taj Mahal. Monuments here depict some of the first examples of extensive marble usage in the architectural styles. Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone & white marble, narrow galleys & quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

Freshen up & immediately after, meet the Tour-guide & embark on a 4 hour sightseeing tour of this indomitable city. 

Proceed to the 16^th century UNESCO Heritage listed Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra with tantalising glimpses of the Taj Mahal in the distance. Wander through lavishly decorated halls, courtyards & alcoves.

This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5 km long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort has imposing gates & walls of red sandstone and a moat. Behind its colossal walls are some of the finest Mughal buildings in India. Construction of the fort commenced during Akbar’s reign & additions continued to be made until the rule of his grandson Shah Jahan. During Akbar’s time, it was primarily a military fort though later the focus shifted & it partially became a palace. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace & Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas & two very beautiful mosques.

Enjoy some free time for shopping, if you want to. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work as well as embroidered fabrics, leather goods, brassware, carpets & jewellery.

Return to Maharajas' Express.by 07.00 pm.

Dinner will be served at 09.30 pm on board in its two restaurants as Maharajas’ Express pulls out into the night ... for a week-long experience through fascinating Rajasthan.

Wake up early this morning to enjoy the raison d’etre for an India visit for most people.

 "A tear drop on the face of eternity" is how Nobel Laureate & renowned Indian thinker, Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal.

Proceed with the Tour-guide to visit the Taj Mahal at sun-rise, part of the journey would be on gaily decorated Horse Carts.

Taj Mahal. Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder. A visit is a sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told. The Mausoleum stands in a formally laid-out walled garden entered through a pavilion on the main axis. The tomb, raised on a terrace and first seen reflected in the central canal, is entirely sheathed in marble, but the mosque and counter-mosque on the transverse axis are built in red sandstone. The four minarets, set symmetrically about the tomb, "The interior of the building is dimly lit through pierced marble lattices and contains a virtuoso display of carved marble. Externally the building gains an ethereal quality from its marble facings, which respond with extraordinary subtlety to changing light and weather."

The immense mausoleum of white marble was built in Agra between 1631 & 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India & one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. A staggering total of 20,000 workers contributed their skills, in the construction of this unique mausoleum. Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal’ beauty has to be seen to be believed.

Drive to a hotel to enjoy a sumptuous for Breakfast. 

Continue on to the Station to re-board & depart.

One can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Maharajas’ Express arrives late afternoon in Sawai Madhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I.

Lunch on board.

Get ready for an exciting jeep safari to the Ranthambhore National Park & Tiger Reserve encompassing nearly 400 square kilometres of dry, deciduous forest located at the junction of the Aravali and the Vindhyas. It is a unique juxtaposition of natural & historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid & denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 km from Sawai Madhopur, known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments & costumes.

The Park derives its name from the huge 1000 year old Rajput fortress of Ranthambore located atop a 215 m high hill in the forest and is of great historical importance, with its cenotaphs, tombs, stepped well, summer palace etc,, all merged harmoniously into the sprawling forest. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. The Park is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. It is also home to more than 300 species of birds.

Return to Maharajas' Express.by evening & depart.

Enjoy a relaxed dinner & unwind as your journey continues towards Jaipur.

Reach Jaipur by early morning.

No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan. By far the most colourful region in India, Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and waves of sand dunes & serene lakes.

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses & regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India.

Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed. The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughals thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink colour in honour of a State Visit by Prince Albert

Ambling camels & brightly dressed locals reflect Jaipur’s desert heritage, while the swarming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Being every shopper's paradise, Jaipur is the perfect place to shop for handicrafts, antiques, jewellery, pottery, carpets, textiles, metalwork & leatherwork.

Breakfast on board.

Immediately after, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a 4 hour excursion to Amber Fort.

Proceed for an excursion to Amber Fort, located on a hillock in Amer, a town with an area of 4 square kilometres on the outskirts of Jaipur.

Ascent to the Fort will be atop an elephant, as the royals used to do in the older days. Amber Fort Palace, a classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.

Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal & Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

This magnificent fort is largely made up of a royal palace, built from pale yellow & pink sandstone & white marble and divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. Whether you walk or ride an elephant, you will enter Amber Fort through Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), which leads to the Jaleb Chowk (main courtyard), where returning armies would display their war booty to the populace - women could view this area from the veiled windows of the palace.

From Jaleb Chowk, an imposing stairway leads up to the main palace, but first it’s worth taking the steps just to the right, which lead to the small Siladevi Temple, with its gorgeous silver doors featuring repoussé (raised relief) work. Heading back to the main stairway will take you up to the second courtyard and the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), which has a double row of columns, each topped by a capital in the shape of an elephant, and latticed galleries above.

The maharaja’s apartments are located around the third courtyard - you enter through the fabulous Ganesh Pol, decorated with beautiful frescoed arches. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is noted for its inlaid panels and multi-mirrored ceiling. Carved marble relief panels around the hall are fascinatingly delicate and quirky, depicting cartoonlike insects & sinuous flowers.

Opposite the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure), with an ivory-inlaid sandalwood door & a channel that once carried cooling water right through the room. From the Jai Mandir, you can enjoy fine views from the palace ramparts over picturesque Maota Lake below.

The zenana (secluded women’s quarters) surrounds the fourth courtyard. The rooms were designed so that the maharaja could embark on his nocturnal visits to his wives’ & concubines’ respective chambers without the others knowing, as the chambers are independent but open onto a common corridor.

Return to the Station for lunch & a brief rest.

Later, continue the sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace - a delightful blend of Mughal & traditional Rajasthani architecture. Conceived & designed by Maharaja Jai Singh, the Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. One of the most important architectural landmarks in Jaipur, the palace complex has numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways & temples. The palace houses Sawai Jai Singh's seven-storey facade Chandra Mahal ("moon palace"), solid marble Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-e-Aam & Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience). Chandra Mahal is still the residence of the present royal family. It also houses Shri Govind Dev Temple & the City Palace Museum.

You will pass by Hawa Mahal. Arguably Jaipur's most acclaimed landmark, the tapering Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds" was built in 1799 to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch street processions while remaining in a strict state of purdah. Its five-storey facade, decked with no less than 593 finely screened windows & balconies, makes the building seem far larger than it really is; in fact it is little more than one room thick in most parts.

Visit Jantar Mantar, the royal astronomical observatory built in stone by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1716 to measure movement of the stars and planets, time, altitude and other astronomical events. End the Tour with a brief visit to Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli and the local Bazaar.

After the sightseeing concludes, proceed to a hotel for a sumptuous dinner.

Return to the Train & depart for the next stop.

Reach Bikaner in the morning.

Bikaner is a vibrant, dust-swirling desert town with a fabulous Fort & an energising outpost feel. Bikaner was once submerged into the wastelands of western Rajasthan, before being founded by Rathore king Rao Bikaji, who established his kingdom here in 1488. Since then this place has developed & found its place not just in the pages of history but also among the most important desert cities of Rajasthan.

During the medieval era, Bikaner also remained an important cultural as well as a major centre in the cross-desert caravan trade. The imposing forts & palaces, beautiful & richly sculptured temples of red & yellow sand stones and its traditional bazaars display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization.

The old city has a 7 km long walled fortification that dates back to the 18^th century. The whole city is painted in slightly dark shades of pink. Even the fort and the palaces reflect this shade of pink sandstone. Popularly known as the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world.

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast on board.

Morning at leisure to enjoy the amenities on the train or for independent exploration or Optional activities (please contact the Guest Relation Executive on the Train, for suggestions & to arrange). Perhaps, you may want to visit the famous Lalgarh Palace or the Deshnok ‘rat’ Temple or just walk around the small town.

Lunch on board at 01.00 pm.

Meet the Tour-guide at 02.00 pm & set out to explore this desert kingdom.

Your excursion starts with a visit to the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat. But the real beauty of this fort lies inside.

Be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), which is decorated with paintings & carved marble panels, the Hawa Mahal, the Badal Mahal & the Anup Mahal. The Fort Museum is fascinating and adorned with over-the-top costumes & jewellery.

Later at 04.00 pm, embark upon an experience of a lifetime!

Get an up close glimpse into rural India as you are escorted through a neighbouring village. Experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians will lead you into the Sand dunes for an atmospheric Sundowner.

Arrive at the Dunes by 05.40 pm & enjoy a leisurely dinner.

Return to the comfort of the Maharajas' Express by 08.15 pm.

Settle into your Cabin as the Train continues on towards Jodhpur.

Arrive in Jodhpur, early in the morning.

This imperial city of Jodhpur, located at the edge of the Thar Desert, echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert.

The second largest city of Rajasthan, it was the capital of the Marwar state, founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs after whom the city was rechristened from Mewar to Jodhpur. It was once a major trade center and is known for its forts, palaces & temples displaying a glorious history & architectural brilliance. The buildings of the city are dipped in blue hues, making it seem to reflect the endless sky & giving Jodhpur a kind of uniformity. The blue color marked the residential spaces of the Brahmins, which was started to be followed by the non-Brahmins too. The city is also known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year & is also referred to as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around Mehrangarh Fort, representing the rich royal traditions & culture in the sandy deserts.

Mighty Mehrangarh, the muscular Fort that towers over the Blue City of Jodhpur, is a magnificent spectacle & an architectural masterpiece. Around Mehrangarh’s base, the old city, a jumble of Brahmin-blue cubes, is encompassed by a 16^th century 10 km long high wall, with 8 gates & innumerable bastions, built about a century after the city was founded. From the Fort, you can clearly see where the old city ends & the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets & of great interest to wander around.

The Blue City really is blue! Inside, is a tangle of winding, glittering, medieval streets, which never seem to lead where you expect them to, scented by incense, roses & sewers, with shops & bazaars selling everything from trumpets & temple decorations to snuff & saris.

Eight gates lead out from the walled city to modern Jodhpur that stretches well beyond the city walls, but it is the immediacy & buzz of the enclosed old Blue City & the larger-than-life fort that capture travellers’ imaginations and this crowded, hectic zone is Jodhpur’s main tourist area.

It is one of the more interesting cities in India & those baggy-tight trousers favoured by horse riders world-wide, came to be known as jodhpurs, from this locale (designed for the royals initially before reaching the world).

Breakfast on board at 07.30 am.

Balance of the morning is at leisure for independent exploration or Optional activities (please contact the Guest Relation Executive on the Train, for suggestions & to arrange). Perhaps, you may want to visit the Bishnoi village or rejuvenate as you enjoy the Spa facilities at a luxury hotel. Perhaps, visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum or else go for a private shopping tour.

Lunch on board at 12.30 pm.

At 02.00 pm, set out to explore this majestic kingdom.

Drive to the extravagant Mehrangarh Fort & be amazed by the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels & elegantly curved porches. Tour the palaces & temples built by successive rulers, with priceless jewels & a dazzling collection of arms.

Mehrangarh Fort - unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the most stunning forts of Rajasthan. It is situated on a 150 m high hill, which can be traversed by driving on a 5 km long winding road & crossing seven mighty gates on the way. The fort commemorates the victorious battles of Jodhpur over other empires & states, especially Bikaner & Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh, but some additions like the Fatehpol, were made by successive rulers too.

The main attractions of the fort are its lavish palaces, huge courtyards, galleries & temples. A must visit are the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Umed Vilas, Sheesh Mahal & Chamunda Devi Temple. There is also a museum displaying the rich artifacts of the royal era including palanquins, elephant howdahs & exquisite silver work.

Next stop will be at Cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Thada which was built in 1899 by Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is decorated with latticework on translucent sheets of marble & carved wooden doors. There are three other cenotaphs & a royal crematorium situated within the marble edifice. From the fort, you will get a marvelous view of the marble structure & its lush gardens. You will also find some age-old portraits of the Rathore kings displayed here

Later, enjoy a guided ‘walking’ Tour of the city.

Proceed to the old town where you walk through the market getting a feel of the town & also pass by the famous Clock Tower - a creation in white marble & the timely treasure of Jodhpur. It was built by Shri Sardar Singh Ji, after whom the nearby market is named. The vibrant Sardar Bazaar has narrow pathways aligned with small shops selling everything from vegetables to handicrafts.

Later, around 05.15 pm, proceed for an exclusive Royal Cocktail evening, arranged for you with cultural performance (puppet show) to be concluded with a show of fireworks.

Hanwant Mahal was the ‘hunting’ Palace of the Raja.

Returning from the jungle, the Raja would head down to Hanwant Mahal with his friends to relax, have a meal / drink and reflect on his experience. The Mahal is set up over 3 floors and dinner can be served in the garden area or on the 2^nd floor, from where, sitting on your couches, you would get a spectacular view of the Umaid Bhawan Palace. The place is beautifully setup giving you a feel of being amidst the royal family & you certainly are treated like you belong to one.

Return to the Train at 08.15 pm & continue your journey towards glorious Udaipur.

Wake to the magnificent scenery of the Aravali Hills as you arrive in Udaipur, early in the morning.

The royal state of Rajasthan encapsulates Indian culture and heritage within its periphery. One cannot get a glimpse of true India without visiting the state and the cities of Rajasthan. A similar grandeur is represented by Udaipur, one of the main cities of Rajasthan which is known for its lakes & palaces that reverberate its eminent historical glory.

Udaipur was an important capital for the Mewar rulers. When Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Chittorgarh, Maharaja Udai Singh II fled to Udaipur to form his new capital in 1568 AD. It is believed that the place was discovered by him many years before the conquest of Chittorgarh. Legend has it that once the king came for hunting in the forests surrounding the Pichola Lake when a sage suggested him to build his new capital at the same site to build his fortune. It was well protected by Aravallis, and forest cover, so the Maharaja agreed & built a shrine at the spot called Dhuni Mata, to mark the area where he later built his palace.

The romantic city still manages to capture the 'old world charm' famous for its lakes & palaces which in centuries past served as the homes of royalty.  The elevated hills & the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the city. But the city has many more attractions. Lake Palace of Udaipur has been accredited for being one of the most romantic places all across the globe. The massive forts of Udaipur, grab the interest of people with their sheer structure & architecture. The beautiful temples create a sense of aestheticism with their spiritual ecstasy. The city also boasts of various museums, palaces, gardens, monuments & colorful festivals and is famous as a centre of art & crafts, especially for the miniature paintings & puppetry. It was a backdrop for numerous movies including the James Bond flick "Octopussy". Udaipur is referred to as the "Venice of the East".

The main attraction is the beautiful Lake Palace, which seems to be an artist's dream. Lakes such as Udai Sagar, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar & Pichola add to the scenic attraction of the place making it seems like a beautiful painting amidst the Aravallis. Picturesque havelis, ghats and temples along Lake Pichola and the lively bazaars make Udaipur one of India’s greatest destinations.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board at 08.00 am & get ready to spend the day exploring one of the most romantic cities in India.

Proceed to the Pier to board one of the solar powered Boats for a relaxing ride.

The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic view of the lake and the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake. Beginning with the monumental lakeside façade of the City Palace, the boat moves through the picturesque ghats with their distinctive steps, still used by the locals. The lake-side is lined with the havelis of the nobles, most prominent being the Bagore ki Haveli. The Gangaur Ghat with the triple-arched Tripolia stands as a magnificent piece of architecture at the end of Bagore ki Haveli.

The most resplendent sights on the boat ride are the island palaces. The 17^th century Jagmandir Island Palace is one of the oldest & most grandiose palaces that is legendary as a place of refuge to Prince Khurram (later known as Emperor Shahjahan - the creator of Taj Mahal). The other island palace of Jag Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel is an 18^th century creation of Rana Jagat Singh II.

Beyond the lakeside history & the beautiful island palaces, the boat ride provides a fantastic view of the distant monsoon palace perched on the hills. Sajjangarh was the palace built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the late 19^th century to enjoy the beautiful monsoon season of the lake city of Udaipur.

Disembark & explore the back alleys while heading to see the City Palace complex - located in the middle of Lake Pichola is the largest one in Rajasthan.

The towering edifice showcases a brilliant piece of architectural design and location which leaves visitors awestruck. Though its construction was commenced by Maharaja Udai Singh II, each successive ruler added a unique mark to enhance its elegance, maintaining the structure's integrity. The palace is gifted with terraces, cupolas, balconies & a splendid view of the lake.

From here, move to check out the whimsical side of Udaipur royalty at the Fateh Prakash Palace next door - the fabulous crystal collection of Maharana Sajjan Singh

In 1877, the raja ordered a lavish collection of crystal items from F & C Osler & Co in England. The Maharana died before it arrived & all the items stayed forgotten, still packed up in boxes for 110 years. The extraordinary, extravagant collection includes crystal chairs, sofas, tables & even beds. Later, his heirs, the present Maharaja, set it up on display for tourism purposes in the grand Durbar Hall.

Lunch will be at 01.45 pm at Satkar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace, where you just enjoyed the Crystal Collection.

Feel like a king as you experience the hospitality reminiscent of the days of yore & feast your taste buds over a vast spread of ‘Rajasthani’ delicacies, during lunch.

Later, proceed on a ‘Walking Tour’ through the Old Market of Udaipur.

Browse through the shops selling exquisitely embroidered & printed fabrics, jewellery, paintings and carved wood artefacts & other local crafts.

Return to Maharajas’ Express by 04.00 pm.

Enroute, you will visit a School of Miniature Painting, a famous art form of Udaipur.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy some of facilities on board as the train departs early evening.

Dinner at 08.00 pm as the train leaves Rajasthan & enters the state of Maharashtra.

Train arrives at Mumbai Kurla Lok Nayak Tilak Terminus Railway Station in the morning.

Partake breakfast at 07.00 am.

Get ready to disembark at 08.30 am & bid farewell to the unforgettable experience aboard Maharajas’ Express. The senior train officials will say adieu with a traditional ceremony.

On arrival, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will provide the transfer to Terminal 1 - Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. We strongly recommend that you stay an extra night at least & discover this wonderful city ‘that never sleeps’.

If you are leaving in the evening, you can spend the balance of the day exploring independently or catching up on your shopping before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.  B    

***        End of Services      ***