This article is second of the seven part series – ‘Luxury trains of India’.
Maharajas’ Express – World’s most expensive train is NOT for the rich, but for the uber rich, who want things that are class apart. The kings of medieval or ancient India travelled in beautifully ornate caravans. In Maharajas’ Express, one can travel on wheels through 5 of the most culturally rich routes of India and experience luxury for which even the kings would long for.
In this one kilometer long train, there are five deluxe carriages, six janitor suite carriages, two suite carriages, and one presidential suite exclusively in one carriage.
The two super luxurious dining carriages of Maharajas’ Express are ‘Rang Mahal’ (Palace of colours) and ‘Mayur Mahal’ (Palace of Peacocks). Food served in the train is tastefully prepared by the chef and ranges from gluten free, lactose free, Jain meal, Vegan meal, Kosher meal, Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.
The royal cutlery in each of these carriages is 24 carat Gold plated. The glasses are of hand crafted Swarovski crystal.
Each one of the rooms have walls decorated with royal paintings and hand painted ceiling. While many guests prefer to be in twin bedrooms (surprisingly), there are cozy double bedrooms for honeymooning couples. The washrooms are an experience in itself with shower and even bath tubs.
Journeys of the Maharaja – The Maharajas’ Express runs on different royal heritage routes of India.
- Gems of India (Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi)
The Gems of India traverses through Agra exploring the royal heritage of Taj Mahal. It moves on to Ranthambore to witness the Tigers of Ranthambore national park. This is followed by a tour of the Pink city of India, Jaipur.
- The Indian Panorama (Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Gwalior – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Lucknow – Delhi)
Along with the glittering royalty of Agra and Jaipur, the Indian Panorama also takes you to Fatehpur Sikri which was the ancient capital city of Mughal empire. It then takes you to the city of ancient temples and sensuality, Khajuraho. Next city is Gwalior and a tour of the royal Scindia dynasty followed by Varanasi, the oldest city on this planet with a thousand temples around river Ganga.
- The Indian Splendour (Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Balasinor – Mumbai)
The Indian Splendour takes you through royal bazaars of Rajasthan and city of lakes, Udaipur. Stop over at Jodhpur and Bikaner and experience how the kings of yore lived a luxurious life in the desert as caravans passed by.
- The Heritage of India (Mumbai – Ajanta – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi)
This journey starts from Mumbai and takes you to the mystic caves of Ajanta followed by a tour of Royal Rajasthan starting from Udaipur, often called Venice of the east.
Interesting fact –
Maharajas’ Express is awarded the world’s most luxurious and expensive train for five consecutive years. It is ranked higher than any of the other world’s luxury trains including Venice Simplon-Orient Express and Rovos Rail pride of Africa.
The ticket for Maharajas’ Express starts from USD 3,850 per person for deluxe cabin and goes upto USD 23,700 per person for presidential suite.
Basic Information –
Featured Image: Maharajas’ Express by Simon Pielow, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
So, who’s in to get spoiled by luxury?
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About the author:
Gaurav Bhatnagar is a Software Engineer turned professional Travel Writer, Photographer, and Public Speaker on Responsible Travel @ The Spunky Traveler. Published in National Geographic Traveller, The Hindu, Travel Secrets and Huffington Post. Director at The Folk Tales, a company specializing in Responsible Rural Travel in India