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Experience My India

The Maharajas' Express

Luxury TrainsMaharajas' Express

The Maharajas' Express is India's flagship luxury train, with scheduled seasonal departures usually linking Delhi with Rajasthan, Agra and, on some routes, Varanasi or Mumbai, in cabins from Deluxe to Presidential Suite. It runs a winter-to-spring season; routes and dates vary by year and are checked against the current published calendar. Berths are booked through the operator, not at a flat fare, so every enquiry is a live availability check.

Reviewed by Experience My India Editorial Team · Updated 13 Sept 2026

Government-approved operatorApproved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

  • RouteMaharajas' Express
  • Best seasonWinter-into-spring season, broad
  • IncludedHotels, sightseeing and meals
  • Free cancellationFree cancellation up to 24 hours before the start
  • We check live cabin availability before you commit
  • Reply within four hours, 9am–9pm ISTA named specialist, the same person from first reply to departure.
  • No payment to start planningYou receive a written quote first; nothing is charged to start planning.

Itinerary

  1. Match your dates to a departure

    Step 1

    • We check the current season's published calendar against your travel window and cabin preference.

  2. Board and settle in

    Step 2

    • Boarding is typically in Delhi; cabins, dining car and lounge are ready from departure.

  3. Off-train excursions

    Step 3

    • At each stop, guided excursions to forts, palaces or monuments are built into the schedule and included in the fare.

  4. Onward travel

    Step 4

    • We arrange your transfer and any pre- or post-train nights in Delhi or your final stop.
The iconic Taj Mahal stands majestically with its reflection in a serene pond, surrounded by lush gardensStep 1 · Match your dates to a departure
The iconic Taj Mahal stands majestically with its reflection in a serene pond, surrounded by lush gardens

For reference only. The final plan is confirmed in your written quote.

Highlights

  • Travellers who want the single most recognised name in Indian rail luxury, and who are comfortable planning around fixed departure dates rather than a custom schedule.
  • Onboard, it carries dining cars, a lounge and bar car, and cabins from Deluxe up to a Presidential Suite, with off-train excursions built into each stop.
  • Off-train excursions involve walking at forts and palaces; comfortable footwear is worth packing regardless of cabin class.
  • Popular departures, especially in peak winter months, sell out well ahead — we recommend enquiring as soon as your dates firm up.

Full description

The Maharajas' Express is positioned as India's most premium luxury train, running a small number of fixed seasonal routes each year that typically combine Delhi with Rajasthan's cities and Agra, and on some itineraries extend to Varanasi or Mumbai. Onboard, it carries dining cars, a lounge and bar car, and cabins from Deluxe up to a Presidential Suite, with off-train excursions built into each stop.

It runs to a published departure calendar rather than on demand, so booking is really about matching your dates to an available departure and cabin class.

Includes

  • Cabin accommodation
  • All meals and onboard beverages
  • Guided off-train excursions
  • Butler service in higher cabin classes

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Gratuities
  • Any nights before or after the train journey unless separately arranged

Price

Experience My India quotes this trip in INR after confirming your dates, hotel category and group size. The written quote names every hotel and inclusion, and nothing is charged until you approve it.

Important information

Maharajas' Express

Know before you go

  • Cabin classes range from Deluxe to Presidential Suite, with correspondingly different space and service — decide your priority before checking availability.
  • Off-train excursions involve walking at forts and palaces; comfortable footwear is worth packing regardless of cabin class.
  • Popular departures, especially in peak winter months, sell out well ahead — we recommend enquiring as soon as your dates firm up.

Duration and season

Routes typically run three to seven nights depending on the specific itinerary chosen that season. Departures run in a winter-into-spring season, broadly October to April; the published calendar and exact routes vary year to year.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start

  • Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • No payment is taken until you approve the itinerary.

Who it suits

  • Travellers who want the single most recognised name in Indian rail luxury, and who are comfortable planning around fixed departure dates rather than a custom schedule. It suits couples, small groups and travellers combining it with a wider India trip either side of the train journey.

How booking works

  1. Send an enquiry

    Dates, who is travelling and how you like to travel. Two fields to start.

  2. We check availability

    Hotels, guides and permits for your dates, with honest alternatives if something is full.

  3. Price and hotels named

    Every hotel and inclusion is named before you pay anything.

  4. Written quote in INR

    One document, no hidden lines, valid for the dates it quotes.

  5. You approve

    Change anything you like. Nothing is charged until you say yes.

  6. A named specialist runs it

    The same person from first reply to departure, Mon–Sun, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM IST.

Your trip designer

Gurudutt Kaushal

Founder, Experience My India · IIT Jodhpur

Gurudutt Kaushal founded Experience My India and set the two rules every trip here runs on: hotels and guides are named before you pay, and a human replies within four hours. Your itinerary is designed by one of the 35+ destination specialists on his team and checked against our vetting standard.

About GuruduttMeet our founderHow we vet

Trust and protection

  • Ministry of Tourism approved

    Approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

  • Registered business

    GSTIN 09BZFPM8067A1Z9

  • 4.3 / 5 on Tripadvisor

    Independent guest reviews

  • No payment to start

    A written quote first; charged in INR only after you approve.

Why book with Experience My India

  • Government-approved operator

    Approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

  • 500+ vetted local guides

    35+ destination specialists plan every trip by hand.

  • Human help, every day

    Mon–Sun, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM IST · +91 73022 65809

  • No payment until you approve

    You receive a written quote first; nothing is charged to start planning.

How we vet every guide, stay and routeIndia e-Visa: who needs one and how to applyHave a specialist design this trip

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Maharajas' Express go?

Routes vary by season but typically combine Delhi with Rajasthan's cities and Agra, with some itineraries extending to Varanasi or Mumbai — we confirm the current season's exact routes on enquiry.

How much does a berth cost?

Fares are set by the operator and vary by cabin class, route and season; we do not publish a figure and confirm the current rate sheet once we know your dates and cabin preference.

Is this the most luxurious of India's trains?

It is generally regarded as the most premium and internationally marketed of India's four luxury trains, though all four sit at the luxury tier.

How do I book?

Tell us your travel window and cabin preference; we check live availability against the operator's calendar and handle the booking.

Does it suit families with children?

It is better suited to couples and adult travellers; some departures have age restrictions on younger children — we confirm current policy for your chosen route.

Request a quote

Tell us your travel dates and cabin preference and we will check live availability on the current season's calendar.

Ask on WhatsApp
  • We check live cabin availability before you commit
  • Reply within four hours, 9am–9pm IST
  • No payment to start planning

Customer reviews

No reviews for this experience yet — we publish guest reviews after each trip.

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Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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