Glorious Indian Panorama

Experience India’s rich heritage and diverse landscapes aboard the Maharajas’ Express – Indian Panorama. This six-night luxury rail journey combines some of India’s most iconic destinations with carefully planned sightseeing and high levels of comfort throughout.

The tour begins with sightseeing in Delhi before boarding the Maharajas’ Express for a journey through Rajasthan and northern India. Highlights include the historic city of Jaipur, a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and the spiritual city of Varanasi.

To enhance the experience, the itinerary also includes a private railbus journey on the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla Railway through the Himalayan foothills, with an optional extension to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.



On board the Maharajas’ Express, guests enjoy well-appointed cabins, fine dining, attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere while travelling between destinations. Combining cultural experiences, scenic rail journeys and quality accommodation, this tour offers a comfortable and memorable way to explore India.

Thursday 21 January

Depart UK

Depart on board a direct evening flight from London’s Heathrow airport to Delhi. 

Friday 22 January

Arrive Delhi 

Arrive Delhi International Airport, where you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to relax after your journey or enjoy the hotel’s facilities, which may include a swimming pool and spa services.

(B D)

Saturday 23 January

Delhi Sightseeing; Railway Museum

Today takes you on a full-day tour of Delhi, a city shaped and rebuilt over centuries under successive rulers, reflected in its varied historical monuments. Highlights today will include: A cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, exploring narrow lanes, bustling markets, traditional havelis and wholesale trading areas. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the site of his cremation on 31 January 1948, with an eternal flame burning in his memory. Visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a Sikh place of worship open to all faiths, known for its peaceful atmosphere and distinctive gold-domed structure set against white marble.

In New Delhi, drive past India Gate, a 42-metre war memorial honouring 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Residence formerly known as the Viceroy’s House. In the afternoon, you visit the National Railway Museum, focusing on India’s rail heritage since 1977, with indoor galleries and extensive outdoor exhibits of locomotives and carriages. Return to your hotel after the tour where dinner will be served. (B D)

Sunday 24 January

Board the Maharaja Express; Delhi – Jaipur

Early morning transfer from your hotel to Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station to board the Maharajas’ Express. After a welcome and breakfast on board, the train departs for Jaipur at 0900 hrs. Feel free to explore your new palace and get to know the opulent facilities. Relax with a drink at the bar before lunch on board.

Your first day on-board The Maharaja will take you to Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan, where you discover its distinctive pink-hued architecture and rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is known for its planned layout, crafts, gemstones and Rajasthani cuisine. Visit Amber Fort (Amer) built in white marble and red sandstone overlooking Maota Lake, Amer was the erstwhile capital of the Kachwahas Rajputs before they moved to their newly built capital in Jaipur. Construction began in 1592 under Raja Man Singh I and was completed during the reign of Raja Jai Singh. Explore key sections including the Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas, where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. Return to the Maharajas’ Express in the early evening. Dinner is served on board. Overnight on the train in Jaipur. (B L D)

Monday 25 January

Jaipur

Breakfast is served on board before a guided visit tof the City Palace Museum, a palace complex in Jaipur and former seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, head of the Kachwaha Rajput clan. Located in the central-northeast of the city, Jaipur is laid out in a grid pattern and the City Palace comprises a complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. Return to the Maharajas’ Express for lunch on board, followed by leisure time or optional activities.

At 1800 hrs, proceed for a gala dinner at the heritage Taj Rambagh Palace hotel. Later, return to the train as the Maharajas’ Express departs for Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore). (B L D)

Tuesday 26 January

Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri

Arrive early morning at Sawai Madhopur and proceed for a game drive in Ranthambore National Park in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Return to the Maharajas’ Express for a late breakfast on board. The train continues towards Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal city, with lunch being served on board. Early evening return to the comforts of the Maharajas’ Express train for dinner. Retire to your rooms early in preparation for the next day’s activities. (B L D)

Wednesday 27 January

Agra

Arriving in Agra before dawn, you visit one of the world’s greatest monuments to love — the breathtaking Taj Mahal. Enjoy a specially arranged breakfast at the lawns of Taj Khema, overlooking this iconic masterpiece before returning to the train for a leisurely afternoon. Time to be spent at leisure to enjoy lunch and free time relax on-board or you may choose optional activities. Dinner is served on board as the Maharajas’ Express departs for Orchha. (B L D)

Thursday 28 January

Orchha – Khajuraho

Arrive in Orchha and proceed to visit Orchha Fort followed by a village tour by tuk tuks. Return to the Maharajas’ Express for breakfast on board as the train continues to Khajuraho, with lunch served en route. Arrive in Khajuraho by late afternoon to visit the Western Group of Temples. Return to the train in the evening for an “Indian Evening” celebration and dinner on board. Late evening, the Maharajas’ Express departs for Varanasi. (B L D)

Friday 29 January

Varanasi

Enjoy breakfast on board while travelling through the countryside before arrival in Varanasi.

Proceed for an excursion to the Sarnath ruins and a Silk Weaving Centre, followed by lunch at the Taj Ganges Hotel. Before sunset, you will embark on private boats on the River Ganges to witness the evening Aarti ceremony.Return to the Maharajas’ Express by 2000 hrs for dinner on board as the train departs for Delhi. (B L D)

Saturday 30 January 

Delhi – Chandigarh

At 0900 hrs, enjoy brunch on board while travelling through the countryside, followed by disembarkation mid-morning and farewell to the Maharajas’ Express. Transfer to Delhi Airport for a short flight of just under one hour to Chandigarh, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (B D)

Sunday 31 January

Chadigarh – Kalka – Shimla

Travel to Kalka to board your exclusive railcar journey aboard the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla Railway. This remarkable mountain railway winds through the spectacular Shivalik Hills, passing over singular, double and triple bridges and through more than 106 tunnels on its scenic ascent to Shimla. A picnic lunch will be provided during your journey to Shimla. Luggage will be transported by road to meet you in Shimla. (B L D)

Monday 1 February 

Shimla

Enjoy a free day in Shimla, once the summer capital of British India. Stroll along the famous Mall Road, visit Christ Church, Scandal Point and the historic Viceregal Lodge, or simply relax and soak up the colonial charm of this beautiful hill station.

(B D)

Tuesday 2 February

Shimla 

Another free day in Shimla to explore any sights you may have missed or simply relax at the hotel and enjoy the indoor swimming pool and facilities. (B D)

Wednesday 3 February

Shimla – Delhi

After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel you transfer to Shimla railway station to board the narrow-gauge regular service to Kalka. Your luggage will be transported by road to meet you in Kalka. You then take the Shatabadi Express travelling in the Executive Class chair car from Kalka to Delhi. Dinner will be served on board. Dinner is served on board before arrival in Delhi for your overnight stay. (B D)

Thursday 4 February

Delhi – UK 

After breakfast you transfer to Delhi International Airport for your return flight to the United Kingdom. (B)

Extension to Darjeeling Himalayan Railways

February 4 to February 10 2027

Thursday 4 February

Delhi – Bagdogra – Kurseong

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi domestic airport for a direct flight to Bagdogra, you then travel to Kurseong, a town amidst tea estates located in the foothills of the Himalayas, check in to your hotel in the renowned tea estate of Makaibari. (B D)

Friday 5 February

Kurseong

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the Makaibari tea estate, learning about tea cultivation and production before sampling some of the region’s finest teas. Later, visit Kurseong station and locomotive sheds of the DHR Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for wonderful photographic opportunities. Return to Kurseong for overnight. (B D)

Saturday 6 February

Toy Train to Darjeeling

This morning you are transfer to Kurseong Station and board the Darjeeling Himalyan Railway diesel service, nicknamed the ‘Toy Train’ for one of the worlds most scenic rail journeys. Travelling through mountain villages and tea gardens, the route includes the celebrated Batasia Loop with magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga. You arrive Darjeeling by lunchtime and transfer to your hotel for overnight accommodation. (B D)

Sunday 7 February
Joy ride to Ghum

Today you experience the ‘Joy Ride’, the Darjeeling Himalyan Railways steam-hauled service from Darjeeling to Ghum, the highest railway station in India.. Visit the railway museum and enjoy spectacular Himalayan panoramas with photograph opportunities when the train pauses at Batasia Loop Before returning to Darjeeling. (B D)

Monday 8 February

Darjeeling
Walk from your hotel to Darjeeling Mall for spectacular views of Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), the world’s third-highest peak, subject to clear weather. Later, enjoy a guided visit to Ghum Monastery, built in 1875 and home to a 15-foot Buddha statue, followed by the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre to see traditional Tibetan handicrafts and textiles. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, featuring memorabilia of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, before walking downhill through the Lloyd Botanical Garden or Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. (B D)

Tuesday 9 February

Return to Delhi and then UK

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy free time in Darjeeling Mall for last-minute shopping and a visit to its charming bookshops before a road transfer (approx. 3 hrs) to Bagdogra Airport for your flight to Delhi, connecting onward to your midnight international flight home. (B)

Wednesday 10 February

Arrive UK

Arrive back at London Heathrow.