Step back in time aboard the Maharajas’ Express, with its ancient scenery, contemplate India’s most beautiful landscapes and experience an unforgettable adventure. Renowned for its maximum comfort and hospitality, you will travel in a royal way!

The ultimate in luxury travel in India, the Maharajas’ Express crisscrosses this vast territory with 4 tours. In a short time, you will reach several destinations between Delhi and Mumbai. India is full of incredible cultural and natural treasures. Who doesn’t know the Taj Mahal? One of the most beautiful wonders of the world. For cat lovers, the Maharajas’ Express will take you to the Ranthambore National Park. You will discover these wonders on board a train that is itself one! The traditional Indian style decoration is perfectly combined with modern facilities. With its state-of-the-art facilities and comfort, it has been awarded the title of “World’s Best Luxury Train” at the World Travel Awards, since 2012.

Traveling on board the Maharajas’ Express is a responsible way to travel. Indeed, a train trip is 1500 times less polluting than a plane trip. All you have to do is choose among the 4 tours. Of course, the visit of the Taj Mahal is in the program of the 4 circuits. To help you, here are 4 superb visits that the Maharajas’ Express offers.

Jaipur, a must-see stop on the Maharajas’ Express

The 4 tours of the Maharajas Express will take you to Jaipur. Known as the pink city, its city center was painted pink to symbolize hospitality. This idea is that of Maharaja Ram Singh who wished to receive the Prince of Wales. Since his arrival in 1876, the city has kept this color. On land, you will visit the impressive Amber Fort. This huge building dominates the landscape from its hill. For centuries, it was the residence of the maharajas.

Inside its walls, it protects a refined architectural complex composed of palaces, a temple and a garden. Its different buildings are separated by 4 enclosures. By crossing them from the first to the last, you will enter in the intimacy of the Maharajas. The main entrance, Suraj Pole, the Sun Gate, opens onto a large esplanade where the soldiers used to gather. Raised on a platform of red sandstone columns, Diwan-i-Aam, the hall of public hearings is impressive. The last compounds house the private palaces of the Maharaja. Here, the buildings are dedicated to tranquility and pleasure. The Palace of mirrors, Sheesh Mahal, is so called because it is decorated with mosaics of mirrors on the walls and ceilings. It is a real work of goldsmith.

To the south of the wall is the main palace. In the heart of the courtyard, a columned pavilion housed the Maharaja’s favorites. The royal wives were recluse in the last enclosure. On the upper floor of the palace was the Maharajas’ place of relaxation. From there, you will have a superb view of the square, the garden and the valley.

Ranthambore National Park

Once a hunting reserve of the Maharajas, this park has become a sanctuary for wildlife in India. From the beginning, it has been part of Project Tiger to ensure the protection of Bengal tigers. Made up of a diversity of natural landscapes, the reserve is home to other vulnerable species like lippu bears and sambars. Of its 1,334 square kilometers, only 400 square kilometers are open for safari. At the heart of the park is a fort dating from the 17th century. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Ranthambore fort has played a major role in the history of Rajasthan. From its heights, you can contemplate the view and watch the birds. The natural park is home to hundreds of species of birds but the peacock is king.

The deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur-Sikri, the ancient Mughal capital, was built by Emperor Akbar. Located on a rocky plateau, it overlooked the city intended for the people. Its construction, it owes it to the realization of a prophecy. The Emperor who wanted an heir went to Sikri to receive the blessing of a Sufi saint. He told him that he would have a son, and it was the case, he had three. To pay homage to him, the Emperor installed the capital in Fatehpur Sikri.

Abandoned since 1585, the red sandstone city has perfectly preserved the Indian architecture of the 16th century. Inside its walls, the palaces mix Islamic and Hindu style. Each of the palaces had a distinct function. As in the Amber Fort, you will find a palace intended for public audiences. And also more private buildings dedicated to relaxation like the Panch Mahal, the ‘Five level Palace’. Each floor is lined with columns between which Jali were held. Through these claustras, women enjoyed the view while preserving their privacy. At the top of the rocky ridge is located one of the largest mosques in India. It is a high place of pilgrimage.

The ruins of Sarnath

Destroyed by the Muslim invasions, the buildings of Sarnath testify to the coming of Buddha. It is the place of his first sermon. The ancient Buddhist city became one of the four holy places of Buddhism. With the disappearance of Buddhism, Sarnath had fallen into oblivion until excavations revealed it. In the 19th century, several monasteries and stupas were discovered. The following century, the main sanctuary and one of the pillars of Ashoka were found. The latter is exposed in the archaeological museum. The capital of the lions which surmounted the pillar became the national emblem of India.