Long before Indian royalty developed a passion for motor cars, they were captivated by an earlier marvel—the steam engine, crafted by Sir James Watt. Beyond being a mode of transportation for kings and queens, it became a source of endless fascination and enjoyment, appearing in their lives in many different forms.
Many Maharajas in India, who ruled over various princely states, had a penchant for creating their own railway lines. Some even went as far as constructing miles of narrow-gauge tracks so their heirs could enjoy the thrill of personal toy trains. Take the Maharaja of Vadodara, for instance—he built a fully functional toy train for his son. Meanwhile, the Maharaja of Gwalior commissioned a silver model train that circled his grand banqueting table, which he used to impress British dignitaries and officers of the East India Company.
One of these legendary trains still carries the charm of the personal carriages once used by Indian Maharajas. Known as The Maharajas’ Express, this train has often been likened to the legendary Orient Express of the West, blending the luxury of a bygone era with modern comfort.
Inside The Maharajas’ Express
The Maharajas’ Express features 14 carriages, each named after a precious stone, such as Moti (Pearl), Heera (Diamond), Neelam (Blue Sapphire), Feroza (Turquoise), Monga (Coral), and Pukhraj (Sapphire), among others. These carriages house luxurious cabins, divided into four categories—Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite, and Presidential Suite—each offering its own level of comfort and range of amenities.
The most lavish of them all, the Presidential Suite, named Navratna, occupies an entire carriage. It features two bedrooms, a spacious living area, a dining room, and a modern private bathroom with a bathtub. Together, these cabins and suites can accommodate up to 88 guests—40 in the Deluxe Cabin, 36 in the Junior Suite, 8 in the Suite, and 4 in the Presidential Suite.
The train’s design and décor draw heavily from the carriages used by India’s former royalty. The cabins are adorned with fine linens, wall-to-wall carpeting, semi-precious stones, and antiques.
Fine Dining Experience
Dining on The Maharajas’ Express is about more than just the cuisine. The train has two dining venues, Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, serving a mix of Indian and international cuisines in exquisitely decorated settings. For those looking to unwind with a drink, The Rajah Club and The Safari Bar offer a selection of fine spirits in luxurious surroundings.
Bespoke Journeys
The Maharajas’ Express operates from October to April, offering four distinct journeys: The Indian Panorama, The Indian Splendour, The Heritage of India, and Treasures of India.
- The Indian Panorama route travels through Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi.
- The Indian Splendour journey includes stops in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Mumbai.
- The Heritage of India route begins in Mumbai and covers Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, and Agra.
- The Treasures of India route spans Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur, offering a shorter duration of 4 days and 3 nights, while the other three journeys last 7 days and 6 nights each.
Ticket prices start at INR 3 lakh ($3,670) and can go up to INR 20 lakh ($24,890) per person, depending on the journey and accommodations chosen.
Accolades
Awards in the travel and hospitality sector are closely linked, and The Maharajas’ Express has certainly garnered its fair share of accolades over the years—a testament to its reputation in the world of luxury travel.
It won the World Travel Awards’ “World’s Leading Luxury Train” title seven consecutive times, from 2012 to 2018. The train was also recognized with the Seven Stars’ “Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award” in 2015 and 2016. At the CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards, it was named “Best Luxury Train” in both 2010 and 2015. More recently, it received the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Travel Award in 2022.
A Journey Through Time
Train journeys in India stretch over thousands of kilometers, offering a window to verdant scenery, from lush landscapes to historic sites. While the idea of luxury and trains might seem an unlikely pair, The Maharajas’ Express continues to redefine the concept, blending timeless elegance with modern indulgence.
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