1. Maharajas' Express: The Pinnacle of Royal Rail Travel
Operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the Maharajas' Express is widely recognized as the world's most opulent luxury tourist train, having won the prestigious 'World's Leading Luxury Train' title at the World Travel Awards seven consecutive times. Recreating the extraordinary lifestyle of India's erstwhile Maharajas, Nawabs, and British Viceroys, the train accommodates a maximum of only 88 privileged guests across 23 majestic carriages measuring nearly half a kilometre in length.
Every carriage is outfitted with state-of-the-art pneumatic suspension systems, individual climate control, Wi-Fi connectivity, electronic safe boxes, RFID door locks, and dedicated 24/7 personal Valet (Butler) service. Off-train excursions feature private red-carpet royal welcomes with ceremonial trumpets, royal elephants, and private palace dining.
Official itineraries, deck plans, and guaranteed departures are hosted on the-maharajas.com and irctc.co.in. Bookings include all off-train guided excursions in executive air-conditioned coaches, monument entrance fees, royal palace meals, and complimentary house wines and spirits.
2. Flagship Itineraries: Heritage of India vs Treasures of India
The train operates four signature circuits departing from New Delhi or Mumbai:
- The Heritage of India (7 Nights / 8 Days - Mumbai to Delhi): The most comprehensive royal circuit. Originating at Mumbai CSMT, the train travels through Udaipur (private boat cruise on Lake Pichola, lunch at City Palace), Jodhpur (Mehrangarh Fort private champagne walking tour), Bikaner (Junagarh Fort, sundowners on Thar desert dunes), Jaipur (Amber Fort elephant greeting, City Palace dinner), Ranthambore (morning tiger safari), and Agra (sunrise at the Taj Mahal, lunch at ITC Mughal) before terminating at Delhi Safdarjung.
- The Indian Splendour (7 Nights / 8 Days - Delhi to Mumbai): Covers Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Mumbai.
- The Indian Panorama (7 Nights / 8 Days - Delhi to Delhi): Connects the Golden Triangle with the sacred heritage of Varanasi (private boat ride along Ganga ghats) and the erotic temples of Khajuraho.
- Treasures of India (3 Nights / 4 Days - Delhi to Delhi): An intensive 4-day express tour covering the classic Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and Jaipur.
3. Itemized Cabin Tariffs: Deluxe Cabin to Presidential Suite
Tariffs are quoted in USD and INR per passenger / per cabin for the 7N/8D flagship itineraries, including 18% GST.
| Cabin Category | Cabin Area | Tariff per Person (Twin Share) | Total Cabin Cost (7N/8D) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin | 112 sq. ft. | $7,840 / ~₹6,50,000 | $15,680 / ~₹13,00,000 | Twin/Double bed, en-suite shower, butler |
| Junior Suite | 150 sq. ft. | $10,500 / ~₹8,70,000 | $21,000 / ~₹17,40,000 | Writing desk, panoramic windows, butler |
| Suite | 220 sq. ft. | $15,300 / ~₹12,70,000 | $30,600 / ~₹25,40,000 | Living room area, private guide & vehicle |
| Presidential Suite ('Navratna') | 448 sq. ft. | $25,800 / ~₹21,40,000 | $51,600 / ~₹42,80,000 | Entire carriage, 2 bedrooms, private bathtub, chauffeur car |
The Presidential Suite 'Navratna' is the only luxury train suite in the world occupying an entire dedicated railway carriage. It features two full bedrooms with king-size beds, two luxurious en-suite bathrooms with full-size deep soaking bathtubs, a separate living room, and a dedicated executive chauffeur car for all off-train excursions.
4. Onboard Gastronomy: Mayur Mahal, Rang Mahal & Safari Bar
Gastronomy aboard the Maharajas' Express is orchestrated by master royal chefs serving multi-course gourmet menus on bespoke Limoges gold-rimmed porcelain with 24-carat gold-plated cutlery and hand-cut crystal glassware:
- Mayur Mahal: A 42-seat fine dining salon inspired by the magnificent peacock motif of Rajput palaces, adorned with amber mirrors and velvet banquettes.
- Rang Mahal: Decorated with hand-painted fresco ceilings reminiscent of Jaipur's Sheesh Mahal, serving classical royal Rajasthani, Awadhi, Mughlai, and contemporary French cuisine.
- The Safari Bar & Rajah Club: Two plush observation bar lounges offering complimentary premium single malts, French cognacs, vintage wines, and artisanal cocktails, accompanied by a curated library and board games.
5. Booking Protocols, Dress Codes & Baggage Allowance
Due to worldwide demand from luxury travelers, departures between October and March sell out 8 to 12 months in advance. A 25% deposit is required at booking, with the remaining balance due 60 days before departure.
Each Deluxe Cabin can comfortably store two medium soft-shell suitcases beneath the beds. Excess hard-shell luggage is stored in the train's luggage van. The evening dress code across dining cars and palace banquets is Smart Casual to Formal (jackets/blazers for gentlemen, evening wear or elegant ethnic attire for ladies). Shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers are strictly prohibited in dining saloons during dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting price for Maharajas' Express?
Tariffs start at approximately $7,840 (₹6,50,000) per person on twin-sharing for the 7-night / 8-day itinerary in a Deluxe Cabin, reaching $25,800+ (₹21,40,000+) for the Presidential Suite.
Are meals and alcohol included in the Maharajas' Express tariff?
Yes. All gourmet meals, soft beverages, and house brands of beer, wine, and spirits in the restaurants and bar lounges are fully included in the ticket fare.
What makes the Presidential Suite 'Navratna' unique?
Navratna is the only suite in the luxury rail world that spans an entire railway coach (448 sq ft), featuring two bedrooms, private living room, full-size bathtubs, and a dedicated private car for excursions.
From which railway station does Maharajas' Express depart in Delhi?
Maharajas' Express departs from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, dedicated exclusively to luxury tourist trains, providing peaceful red-carpet boarding.
What is the cancellation policy for Maharajas' Express?
Cancellations made more than 60 days prior to departure incur a 25% package deduction; cancellations between 59 and 30 days forfeit 50%; and cancellations within 29 days are non-refundable.