Great Indian Train Journey on the Maharajas' Express: Delhi to Varanasi - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi, Explore the Capital

Welcome to the bustling capital of India, Delhi! 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 Delhi's Hidden Gems

Spend the day discovering some of Delhi's hidden gems, starting your tour at Purana Qila, one of the oldest forts in the city with roots in the 16th century. As you enter through the grand gateways, you'll be captivated by the massive stone walls and imposing bastions that have withstood the test of time. Step inside to discover the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, with its blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, and the Sher Mandal, a two-story octagonal tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding gardens. 

Your next stop is Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, a historic complex renowned for its ancient fortifications, palatial ruins, and the iconic Ashokan pillar, which stands proudly atop a pyramid-shaped structure. Continue to Safdarjung's Tomb, a majestic mausoleum built in the 18th century for the prime minister of the Mughal Empire. End the tour with a stroll around Lodi Gardens, an urban oasis dotted with well-preserved tombs and structures from the Lodi and Sayyid dynasties. After admiring the garden and its architectural gems, transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 3: Train to Jaipur, Visit the Amber Palace Fort 

Bid farewell to Delhi today as you make your way to Delhi Safdarjung, the railway station where you'll start your seven-day journey aboard the luxurious Maharajas' Express. Adorned with plush furnishings, rich tapestries, and elegant decor, traveling on this antique-style train will make you feel like royalty. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the lavish dining car, then complete a tour briefing to learn about this week's itinerary. Spend the rest of the trip in the observation car for a look at the countryside as you travel to Jaipur, known as the "Pink City" for its distinctive terracotta-colored buildings.

After lunch on board, you'll pull into the city around 2:30 pm. Disembark and head to 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 as the "Mirror Palace" for its walls and ceilings adorned with thousands of tiny mirrors and colorful glass. After exploring the fort, continue to the Hotel Rambagh Palace to indulge in an array of traditional Rajasthani dishes prepared with the finest ingredients. 

Day 4: Train to Ranthambore, Morning Game Drive, Explore Fatehpur Sikri

As you slept in your plush cabin, the train pulled into Ranthambore, home to the Ranthambore National Park, one of India's premier wildlife sanctuaries. The park is renowned for its large population of Bengal tigers, so you'll set off on a game drive at 6:30 am to try 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 eyes peeled. After three hours in the park, return to the train for breakfast.

While you eat, your train journey continues to Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal Empire. Enjoy lunch on board, then disembark to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through the towering Buland Darwaza, the highest gateway in the world, you'll be greeted by an array of red sandstone buildings. Follow your guide to some of the site's highlights, like the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, or the Panch Mahal, a five-story palace, before returning to the train for dinner.

Day 5: Train to Agra, Visit the Taj Mahal, Breakfast at Taj Khema

Today, you'll wake up early in Agra in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Your first stop of the day is 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, head to the nearby Taj Khema, a restaurant overlooking the monument, for breakfast. Choose from an array of traditional Indian dishes or continental favorites to enjoy while you watch the morning light illuminate the mausoleum's marble facade. After breakfast, return to the train, where you can relax and enjoy the amenities.

Day 6: Train to Orchha Fort & the Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Around 6:40 am, you'll pull into the charming town of Orchha, nestled on the banks of the Betwa River. Disembark and head to Orchha Fort, a 16th-century complex featuring intricate carvings, elegant domes, and grand palaces. Make your way to the top of the Jahangir Mahal, a palace built to honor the visit of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, for panoramic views of the complex and winding river. Then, explore the town in style on a tuk-tuk, giving you the chance to interact with the locals, witness their day-to-day lives, and learn about their customs.

Return to the train for breakfast and proceed to the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a collection of Hindu and Jain temples in Chhatarpur. Have lunch on board, then set off to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the complex to admire the different temples adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings. Don't miss the Kandariya Mahadeva, a masterpiece of medieval Indian architecture with its towering spire and elaborate friezes. As the day draws to a close, return to the comforts of the Maharajas' Express and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Day 7: Train to Varanasi, Visit Sarnath, Boat Tour on the Ganges River

Enjoy beautiful countryside views while you eat your breakfast on board this morning. At 11:30, you'll arrive in Varanasi, an ancient city on the banks of the Ganges River. Disembark and head to the Taj Ganges Hotel for lunch in the elegant restaurant. With a full stomach, transfer to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon. Wander through the ruins to see the remains of ancient monasteries, pillars, and stupas. Then, learn about the intricate art of silk weaving and the traditional techniques passed down through generations at a silk weaving center. 

As the day transitions into the evening, prepare for a mesmerizing boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Witness the spectacle of the Ganga Aarti, a captivating ritual of worship and devotion. As the light of the setting sun bathes the river in a golden glow, watch as priests perform a choreographed ceremony accompanied by hymns, chants, and hundreds of oil lamps, creating an atmosphere of spiritual reverence. After the soul-stirring experience, return to the train to unwind and enjoy dinner.

Day 8: Train to Delhi, Explore at Your Own Pace

Your luxurious train journey across northern India draws to a close this morning. Have your final breakfast on board, then you'll pull into Delhi around 12:20. Disembark and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. You could 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.

Next, discover the adjacent Mehrauli Archaeological Park, home to ancient monuments, tombs, and mosques dating back to different periods of Delhi's history. Wander through the park to see highlights like the 13th-century tomb of Sultan Balban and the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, displaying Mughal-era architecture. In the evening, head to the Lodhi Art District, India's first open-air public art gallery. Admire the artwork, which ranges from abstract designs to socially poignant themes. Then, find a restaurant to enjoy your final dinner in India. 

Day 9: Depart Delhi

Your nine-day Indian adventure comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, you can explore more of the capital on your own. Visit the 17th-century Red Fort to explore the complex of palaces, gardens, and pavilions. Then, head to the Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques. Finally, visit Chandni Chowk Market to shop for last-minute souvenirs and indulge in local delights like jalebis, deep-fried batter soaked in sugar syrup. When it's time, meet your driver and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!