Great Indian Train Journey on the Maharajas' Express: Delhi to Jaipur - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi, Explore the Capital at Leisure

Welcome to Delhi, India's vibrant capital city. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. Today is free to spend as you wish, so you could stay in the hotel to relax and fight off jet lag or venture out to explore a bit on your own. A good place to start is the National Museum, where you can learn about India's rich history and cultural heritage. Peruse the vast collection of artifacts spanning over 5,000 years, from ancient sculptures and manuscripts to intricate paintings and textiles. 

Continue to the Lotus Temple, known for its distinctive lotus flower-inspired architecture. The temple welcomes visitors of all faiths to meditate, reflect, or simply admire its tranquil surroundings, and anyone can find solace within the serene interior. In the evening, head to the nearby neighborhood of Kalkaji to grab some street food or sit down at an Indian restaurant. Indulge in local delights like butter chicken or biryani, a fragrant rice dish cooked with marinated meat, before returning to your hotel. 

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Old & New Delhi

After an early breakfast, join your guide on a tour of Delhi, starting with a drive past the impressive Red Fort to get to Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. Admire the red sandstone and marble facade of one of the largest mosques in India before jumping in a rickshaw to ride through the Chandni Chowk Market. As you navigate the narrow lanes and vibrant bazaars, you'll learn about the history of the city and market while indulging in local delights.

Day 3: Train to Agra, Visit the Taj Mahal

Get ready for an early wake-up call as you have a 6:00 am train to Agra, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, to catch. Board the luxurious Maharajas' Express, adorned with plush furnishings, rich tapestries, and elegant decor, and start your journey. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the lavish dining car, then head to the observation car with panoramic windows for a look at the countryside. As you pull into Agra, you'll sit down for a delicious lunch to prepare for your visit to the Taj Mahal, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Once you step through the imposing entry gate, you'll be greeted by the grand monument with its iconic white marble domes and minarets soaring into the sky. Enter the mausoleum to see the cenotaphs of the emperor and his wife adorned with precious gemstones that shimmer in the natural light filtering in. Then, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens to admire the Taj Mahal from every angle. When you're done exploring, return to the Maharajas' Express to enjoy dinner and settle into your cabin's plush bed for the night.

Day 4: Explore Agra Fort, Train to Ranthambore, Afternoon Game Drive 

Start your day at 6:30 am with a visit to Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone and white marble fortress built on the banks of the Yamuna River by Emperor Akbar of the Mughal Empire. Step through the towering gates to discover the complex of palaces, mosques, and audience halls. Highlights include the Jahangiri Mahal, a palace renowned for its intricate stone carvings and latticework, and the Diwan-i-Khas, where Emperor Shah Jahan once held private audiences. After exploring the complex, return to the train and start the journey southwest to Ranthambore, home of the Ranthambore National Park.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board while you traverse the rustic landscapes of rural India. When you arrive around 2:30 pm, transfer to the national park for a game drive. The park is renowned for its large population of Bengal tigers, meaning you should be able to get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Traverse the park's diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open grasslands and tranquil lakes, in search of wildlife. You may also spot leopards, sloth bears, deer, and plenty of birds, so keep your cameras ready. After three hours in the park, return to the train for dinner.

Day 5: Train to Jaipur, Visit the Amber Palace Fort 

As you slept, the train pulled into Jaipur, known as the "Pink City" for its distinctive terracotta-colored buildings. After breakfast on board, you'll transfer to the Amber Palace Fort, renowned for its blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. Enter through the Sun Gate and look up at the facade's marble carvings, latticework, and frescoes. Wander through the complex to see highlights like Sheesh Mahal, known better as the "Mirror Palace" because its walls and ceilings are adorned with thousands of tiny mirrors and colorful glass. 

After exploring the fort, return to the train to enjoy lunch and relax until this evening's dinner. When it's time, transfer to the Hotel Rambagh Palace, which was once the residence of Jaipur's Maharajah, so you can expect a feast fit for kings and queens. Indulge in an array of traditional Rajasthani dishes and international cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients. Listen to live classical music as you savor each bite before returning to the train to start the journey back to Delhi.

Day 6: Train to Delhi, Guided Heritage Walk Through Lodhi Garden

Enjoy your final breakfast on board and watch as you pull into Delhi around 10:00 am. Head to your hotel to check in and freshen up, then join your guide on a heritage walk through Lodhi Garden. This sprawling park, spread over 90 acres (36 ha), is home to the tombs of past Sayyid and Lodhi rulers, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. As you walk down the tree-lined paths, your guide will share stories about the architectural marvels you encounter, like Bara Gumbad, a historic structure consisting of a large domed mausoleum, a mosque, and an adjoining three-arched entrance hall. 

After a short stroll, stop for a cup of chai in a local teashop overlooking the gardens, giving you one last look at the manicured lawns, colorful flowers, and tranquil lake. If time allows, you can explore the nearby Lodhi Colony, a picturesque neighborhood home to the Lodhi Art District, India's first open-air public art gallery. Admire the artwork, ranging from abstract designs to socially poignant themes. Then, find a restaurant to enjoy your final dinner in India. 

Day 7: Depart Delhi

After just one week of exploring northern India, your adventure is coming to an end today. If you have time before your flight, you can explore more of the capital on your own. Visit Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, soaring 239 feet high (73 m). Built in the 13th century, the minaret features intricately carved sandstone panels, verses from the Quran in ornate calligraphy, and a spiraling staircase leading to the top, offering panoramic views of Delhi's skyline. When it's time, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel in time for your flight home. Safe travels!