Royal India on the Maharajas' Express
Delhi - Agra - Rajasthan - MumbaiFor a country like no other – there is now a train journey like no other!
Sparing no expense in its design and construction, the brand-new Maharaja’s Express (commencing in early 2010) will recreate the grandeur of India’s former princes – complete with every modern amenity and comfort.
This spectacular journey from Delhi to Mumbai through imperial India features 6 nights aboard the brand-new Maharajas' Express. From the luxury of your deluxe ‘hotel on wheels’, gaze in awe at the Taj Mahal and enjoy a jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park. Explore the historic cities, forts and palaces of Rajasthan - Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Udaipur – and visit the cultural centre of Vadodara.
Before the tour, you may join our optional pre-tour to Shimla, the former ‘summer capital’ of the British Raj.
Watch Scott's video taken on a recent inspection trip for a glimpse of what you can expect in November:
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR TO SHIMLA
06 – 11 November 2010 (6 days)
Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India in 1864 shortly after the first Anglo-Gurkha war. Often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’ (a term coined by the British) Shimla is located in the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,128 metres, and experiences mild summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is renowned for its eclectic architectural styles dating from the colonial era.
Shimla is connected to the city of Kalka by one of the longest narrow gauge railway routes still operating in India. The Kalka-Shimla Railway was constructed by the Delhi-Umbala-Kalka Railway Company between 1898 and 1903. In 2008 the Kalka-Shimla Railway was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List of ‘Mountain Railways of India’ (along with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway).
Shimla Railway
ITINERARY
Sat 06 Nov 2010: Australia – Delhi
Depart Australia on Thai Airways (via Bangkok) or Singapore Airlines (via Singapore). Late evening arrival in Delhi and transfer to your hotel.
Sun 07 Nov: Delhi
Morning at leisure.
Following a welcome lunch with Scott McGregor and fellow travellers, depart the hotel for a half-day tour of Old Delhi. (Meals included – B, L)
Mon 08 Nov: Delhi - Shimla
Early morning breakfast and departure from the hotel to New Delhi Railway Station. Depart at 7.45 am on a Shatabdi Express train (Executive Class) for Kalka, arriving at 11.45 am. On arrival at Kalka, transfer to the Kalka – Shimla Railway, departing at 12.10 pm.
On leaving Kalka (656 meters above sea level), the 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge railway enters the foothills and immediately commences its climb to Shimla. An engineering marvel, the railway has a ruling gradient of 1 in 33 or 3%. Throughout its length of 96 km, the line runs in a continuous succession of 919 curves, the sharpest being 48 degrees. There are 864 bridges, all but one of which are viaducts with multi-arched galleries similar to ancient Roman aqueducts. The line has about 107 tunnels, 27 cutovers and 20 intermediate stations.
At 1.30 pm, after a journey of 20 km, disembark at Dharampur (1494m) for lunch. Continue the spectacular journey by road, arriving in the late afternoon at Shimla (2,076m).
Your accommodation for the next three nights will be at the Wildflower Hall, a luxury resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, rebuilt to a new magnificence, Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era. (B,L,D)
Tue 09 Nov: Shimla
Enjoy a morning tour of Shimla. Begin at the Mall Road, the busy commercial and shopping heart of the city. Continue to the Ridge, the hub of many cultural activities in Shimla. Visit Christ Church, the second-oldest church in northern India (1857) and the magnificent Viceregal Lodge (1888) now transformed into the famous Institute of Advanced Studies.
Shimla is surrounded by seven hills and thickly wooded forests. Amongst the various picnic areas and viewing places within a few kilometres of the city are Annandale, Glenn, Prospect Hill and Summer Hill.
Return to the hotel for lunch. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the many sporting and relaxation activities available at the hotel. (B,L,D)
Wed 10 Nov: Shimla
A further day to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this former hill station. Enjoy gentle ‘heritage trails’ around the city or more strenuous walks in the nearby forests. You may also like to visit the Shimla State Museum and Library, famous for is collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, coins and photographs. (B,D)
Thu 11 Nov: Shimla – Delhi
Morning transfer from the hotel to Shimla Airport for a midday flight (1 hr 20 min) to Delhi where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Evening at leisure. (B)
Shimla Ridge
YOUR HOTELS*****
Delhi – Shangri-La
Shimla – Wildflower Hotel
ROYAL INDIA ON THE MAHARAJAS' EXPRESS
11 - 22 November 2010 (12 days)
ITINERARY
Thu 11 Nov 2010: Australia – Delhi
Depart SYD/MEL/BNE/ADL on Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) or PER on Thai Airways (via Bangkok). Late evening arrival in Delhi and transfer to your hotel.
Fri 12 Nov: Delhi
Following a welcome breakfast with Scott McGregor and fellow travellers, depart the hotel for a half-day tour of Old Delhi. Begin with a visit to the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘father of the nation’. Continue past the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the city’s principal mosque. Also see the India Gate and Parliament House. Afternoon at leisure. (Meals included – B, D)
Sat 13 Nov: Delhi
This morning explore New Delhi, built as the ‘Imperial Capital’ of British India in the 1920s and 1930s with imposing public buildings set along broad tree-lined avenues. See the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India and erstwhile residence of the British Viceroy and two monuments from Delhi's past - Qutub Minar, the soaring Tower of Victory, and Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of a Mughal garden tomb.
After lunch, visit the National Rail Museum. Sprawling over 11 acres, this fascinating museum preserves India’s long and rich rail history which dates back to 1853 when the country’s first broad gauge railway ran from Bombay to Thane. (B,L)
Sun 14 Nov: Board Maharajas' Express - Agra
Early morning transfer from the hotel to Safardjung Railway station to board the Maharajas’ Express. Enjoy breakfast on board as you depart Delhi for Agra, home to one of the world’s great architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal.
On arrival in Agra, first visit the Agra Fort.. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, it overlooks the Taj Mahal and Yamuna River. The maze of courtyards and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
After lunch visit the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as the mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. This architectural masterpiece is constructed entirely out of white marble with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and ended by 1653. Approximately 20,000 of India’s most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this poetry in marble.
Return to the comfort of the train and dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Mon 15 Nov: Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) - Jaipur
On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, disembark for a jeep safari to the 'Ranthambore National Park', 400 square kilometres of dry, deciduous forest. The park derives its name from the huge 1000 year old Rajput fortress of Ranthambore which sits 215 m high in the 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 a bird watcher's paradise.
Return to the train for brunch as your journey continues to the picturesque city of Jaipur, the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the desert state of Rajasthan. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by rugged hills and dotted by magnificent palaces, massive forts and exquisite temples. Visit the fabulous 'Amber Fort', a hilltop castle surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooking the Moat Lake. Step back into the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), Zenana (women’s quarters) and the Hall of Victory.
Continue to the romantic hamlet of Kukas situated amidst the Aravali hills for an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match. In the land of the Maharajas, the game of Elephant Polo was one of the ultimate royal experiences. As in yesteryears, the arrival of the guests is accompanied by the royal military band and the beating of ‘Nagadas’ (huge Indian drums). Horses and camels add to the royal welcome, before the start of the game. You will have the option to watch or alternatively participate in an exhibition game. After the match, enjoy a sumptuous dinner before reboarding the train for your onward journey. (B,L,D)
Tue 16 Nov: Bikaner
Early morning arrival into Bikaner. In the north of Rajasthan, the medieval city of Bikaner was once a major centre in the cross-desert caravan trade and is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner’s forts, palaces and temples are splendid creations made in red and yellow sandstone and are living reflections of its rich historical and architectural legacy.
Your excursion begins by visiting 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. Inside be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), which is decorated with paintings and carved marble panels, the Hawa Mahal, the Badal Mahal and the Anup Mahal.
After lunch in a majestic palace in the midst of the desert you are escorted through the surrounding village. Experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for a Sundowner in the Sand Dunes.
Rejoin the train and continue your journey to Jodhpur. (B.L.D)
Wed 17 Nov: Jodhpur
After an early breakfast, disembark at Jodhpur, also known as the 'Blue City'. The erstwhile ancient capital of Marwar, Jodhpur, is situated on the edge of the Thar Desert and is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces reflecting the architectural splendours of the Rajput era, including the Mehrangarh Fort; Jaswant Thada and the charming Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Enjoy an off the beaten track jeep safari through the arid countryside south of Jodhpur, to the neighbouring rural village of Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of the Champawat clan and home of the Bishnoi tribe. The Bishnois are passionate environmentalists; a community of nature worshippers in Rajasthan who participate ardently in the preservation of the Black Buck, an endangered species. Your Village Safari takes you into homes of the local villagers where you will witness traditional folk rituals and see village artisans at work.
Following lunch at Rohet Garh, the ancestral home of the Rathores since 1622 AD and now a leading Heritage Hotel, proceed to the extravagant Mehrangarh Fort which features intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches.
Return to the train and continue your journey to glorious Udaipur. (B.L.D)
Note: The sightseeing might be split into two groups whereby Group-A will proceed on tour as per the above schedule and Group-B will undertake the tour in the reverse i.e. visit Mehrangarh Fort in the morning followed by lunch at Rohet Garh and Village Safari.
Thu 18 Nov: Udaipur
Wake to the magnificent scenery of the Aravali Hills as you arrive into Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in India. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. It is an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region.
Begin with a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. Visit Mor Chowk and see its lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and the spectacular Zenana Mahal.
Following lunch, proceed on a ‘Walking Tour’ through the Old Market of Udaipur. Browse through the shops selling exquisitely embroidered and printed fabrics, jewellery, paintings and carved wood artefacts and other local crafts. Return to the luxury of the train. (B,L,D)
Fri 19 Nov: Vadodara
Early this morning, you will arrive into Vadodara, a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples and museums and considered by many as the de facto cultural capital of Gujarat.
Begin with a visit to the World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient town full of ruins scattered over the foothills of Pavagadh. Visit the magnificent Jami Masjid, an architectural marvel built in 1513 with tall minarets and minutely carved gates, followed by the Kewda Masjid and the Nagina Masjid.
After lunch at the historic Jambughoda Palace, visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum which houses a royal collection of works by the important 19th century painter Raja Ravi Verma and European ‘old masters’.
Enjoy 'high tea' at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in the sumptuous Indo-Saracenic style of architecture for Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1890, before your last night aboard the Maharajas’ Express. (B,L,D)
Sat 20 Nov: Disembark in Mumbai
Early morning arrival and disembarkation in Mumbai, the bustling financial, entertainment and film industry capital of India. Home to almost fifteen million people , umbai is an extraordinary melting pot of ethnic backgrounds, rich and poor.
Proceed on a tour to Elephanta Island, an hour’s ferry ride from Mumbai. Known as the 'City of Caves', Elephanta Island is renowned for its collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave.
Return to Mumbai in the afternoon and check-in to your hotel. Evening at leisure. (B,L)
Sun 21 Nov: Mumbai
To conclude your railway adventure, today you will travel out of Mumbai to Matheran, the former ‘hill station’ for Bombay (now Mumbai). At an elevation of around 800m Matheran is one of the four ‘hill stations’ in India reached by a so-called ‘toy railway’. Opened in 1907, the 20-km railway has a gauge of two feet with a ruling gradient of 1 in 20. The track zigzags up the mountain, treating travellers to a breathtaking view. Matheran is further unique in that, within the resort, the only modes of transport are on horseback, by man-pulled rickshaw or on foot.
Return to Mumbai for a special farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Mon 22 Nov: Depart Mumbai
Day at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure on either Thai Airways (via Bangkok) or Singapore Airlines (via Singapore). Overnight in flight. (B)
Tue 23 Nov: Arrive Australia
Early morning arrival in Australia.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION*****
Delhi – Shangri-La
Maharajas' Express – Deluxe Cabin
Mumbai – Four Seasons
NB Hotels of a similar standard may be utilised.
Click here for more information about the Maharajas' Express
