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There is a particular kind of traveller who boards the Maharajas' Express already at ease. They know which itinerary they chose and why. They know what to expect when the train moves overnight and what awaits them in the morning. They have packed correctly, sorted their visa, and flagged their dietary preferences weeks ago. And because of all of that, they are free to simply enjoy one of the finest travel experiences in the world from the very first moment.
Apr 13, 2026
The Maharajas' Express operates four itineraries, each covering a genuinely different part of India. The Treasures of India runs three nights from Delhi, covering Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur. It is the shortest and most focused, and the natural starting point for first-time visitors with limited time.
The Heritage of India and the Indian Splendour cover the same destinations over seven nights but travel in opposite directions. The Heritage of India runs from Mumbai to Delhi. Indian Splendour does the reverse. If your onward travel is from Delhi, Heritage of India is the practical choice. If you are flying out of Mumbai, Indian Splendour makes more sense. It is a small detail that well-prepared travellers are always glad they considered.
The Indian Panorama is a seven-night circuit beginning and ending in Delhi, adding Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi to the Rajasthan highlights. It is the itinerary for those who want the sacred Ganges and the medieval fort town of Orchha alongside the more familiar sights.
One practical note: The Maharajas’ Express runs on fixed departures between September and April, with limited cabins available on each journey. Checking the schedule before booking international flights is strongly recommended.
Most travellers assume the cabin choice is about size and budget. It is actually about something more significant: the quality of every excursion you take off the train.
Deluxe Cabin and Junior Suite guests travel by coach with a shared guide. The experience is well-managed, and the guide is knowledgeable, but it moves at the group's pace. Suite guests travel in a private Mercedes E Class, Audi A6, or BMW 5 Series with a dedicated guide assigned exclusively to them. They ask what they want to ask and spend time where they want to spend it.
Presidential Suite guests travel in a Mercedes S Class or equivalent, in the most expansive accommodation on the train at 448 square feet, sleeping up to four guests. For families or groups, the Presidential Suite offers a 50% reduction in tariff for the third and fourth guest, with a further reduction for a child travelling with two adults. When divided across four guests, it represents exceptional value for the level of privacy it provides.
One thing worth knowing early: double-bed cabins are available across all categories, but the numbers are small. There are only 8 double Deluxe Cabins, 6 double Junior Suites, and 4 double Suites on the entire train. These are the first to go when bookings open, often months before departure. Guests who prefer a double bed should make that a priority at the time of enquiry, not an afterthought.
One honest note that experienced travellers consistently mention: cabins are compact by Western hotel standards. This is the nature of train travel, and the design makes excellent use of the space.
The Maharajas' Express is genuinely all-inclusive in a way that few luxury experiences anywhere can match. All meals, all soft beverages, and house brands of Indian wines, beer, and spirits are included throughout. Guests frequently expect to pay for drinks and are pleasantly surprised to find they do not.
Every guided excursion is included. Entrance fees, still camera fees, guide services, and all transportation are covered. Porterage at every station means luggage is never the guest's concern. A 24-hour butler is assigned to each carriage. A paramedic is on board throughout. A tour director manages the logistics of the entire journey.
What is not included: international and domestic flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and gratuities.
Guests who book through Luxe Train Journeys receive a complimentary pre- and post-journey service that covers everything from the moment the flight lands to the moment the train departs. One night at a five-star deluxe hotel in Delhi or Mumbai, airport pick-up and drop-off, a guided sightseeing tour of the arrival city, and the railway station transfer are all arranged and confirmed in advance. A bottle of champagne awaits in the cabin on arrival. A travel gift voucher of USD 100 per person and a certificate of travel on the Maharajas' Express are included. Every transfer throughout is conducted in air-conditioned luxury vehicles. This is how the journey is meant to begin, with every necessity covered from landing to departure and nothing left for the guest to arrange independently. For those who want everything under one roof, international and domestic flight bookings can also be arranged through the same team.
India does not issue visas on arrival for most nationalities. Apply through the official e-visa portal well in advance and carry a printed copy alongside your passport.
Travel insurance is a mandatory condition of booking, not a recommendation. Coverage must include injury, illness, cancellation, and loss of personal effects. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be disclosed at the time of booking.
For packing, smart casual works well for evenings on board. December and January in northern India bring genuine cold, particularly at night. Heavy woollens are not optional. For wildlife excursions, natural and subdued colours are recommended.
The train does not wait. Departures are fixed. Arriving at the station with time to spare is simply good planning.
December and January departures fill earliest. Booking six to twelve months in advance is standard advice for a reason. Fares for the Treasures of India begin at approximately USD 5,300 per person in a Deluxe Cabin. Seven-night itinerary fares begin at approximately USD 8,400, with Suite fares from USD 15,600. Payment is 25% at booking and the balance 60 days before departure.
The Maharajas' Express handles everything from the moment guests step onto the platform. But the preparation that makes the journey exceptional happens before any of that. The right itinerary was chosen thoughtfully. The cabin was selected with the excursion experience in mind. The visa was sorted early. The packing was done with the climate in mind.
Guests who arrive prepared do not spend the first day adjusting. They spend it experiencing. And that difference is the difference between a good journey and an extraordinary one.
The traveller who arrives prepared is the one who enjoys every moment. We are here to make sure that it's you. Get in touch , and we will take care of every detail from here.
