Witnessing Varanasi’s spirituality 
on an evening Ganges cruise
Enjoying the Palki ceremony 
at Amritsar’s Golden Temple
Spotting wildlife on safari in 
Ranthambore National Park
Experience India in refined style aboard the luxurious Maharajas’ 
Express, combining exceptional comfort with an unforgettable 
exploration of ancient cities, sacred temples, palaces and wildlife.
Days 1 & 2. Arrival in Delhi
Your holiday begins with a flight from 
London to Delhi. Landing on Day 2, we 
check in to our five-star hotel.
Days 3 & 4. Exploring colonial Shimla
Rising early, we ride the Shatabdi 
Express to Kalka. Here, we join the 
UNESCO-listed ‘toy train’ to Shimla, 
formerly the summer capital of 
the British Raj. On Day 4, author 
Raaja Bhasin provides insights into 
his hometown before we visit the 
Viceregal Lodge and walk through the 
colonial streets of Shimla, visiting the 
Gaiety Theatre and Scandal Point.
Days 5-7. Golden Amritsar 
Descending the hills, we travel by train 
from Ambala to Amritsar. On Day 6, 
we travel to the border of Pakistan to 
observe the elaborate Wagah border 
ceremony. This evening, we visit the 
Golden Temple to experience the Palki 
ceremony. On Day 7, we explore the 
alleys of Old Amritsar enroute to the 
Golden Temple, viewing this iconic site 
in daylight. Later, we return to Delhi. 
The Maharajas’ Express, 
Golden Temple & Shimla
16
“The whole trip was 
mind-blowing and I’ll 
never forget the tigers.”
Brian, 2024
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 8. Touring bustling Delhi
Joined by a local guide, our sightseeing 
tour begins in New Delhi, with a visit 
to the Gandhi Smriti Museum, learning 
about the life of Mahatma Gandhi. 
Later, our focus shifts to Old Delhi 
as we enjoy a rickshaw ride through 
Chandni Chowk bazaar before a seven-
course dinner at an ornate mansion.
Day 9. Maharajas’ Express to Jaipur 
Enjoy the red carpet treatment as 
we begin our sensational journey in 
deluxe cabins on one of the world’s 
most opulent trains. Exploring Jaipur 
this afternoon, we visit the 17th-
century City Palace and Palace of the 
Winds, before an exclusive dinner at 
the five-star Rambagh Palace hotel.
Day 10. The timeless Amber Fort  
Breakfast is served in the dining car 
before we explore Jaipur’s incredible 
Amber Fort. In this UNESCO-listed 
palace of red sandstone and white 
marble, we view the ornate rooms, 
Hall of Mirrors and gardens, before 
returning to the Maharajas’ Express. 
Days 11 & 12. Tigers & Taj Mahal
We are joined by a naturalist as we set 
out in open-topped safari vehicles to 
seek the Bengal tiger in Ranthambore 
National Park. This afternoon, we 
arrive at the now-deserted former 
Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri for 
a tour. Day 12 begins with a morning 
visit to the Taj Mahal, as we gaze in 
awe as the sun casts its glow on the 
world’s most beautiful building.
Day 13. Orchha & Khajuraho
After touring Orchha’s Rama temple 
by tuk tuk, we continue to view the 
striking Hindu and Jain monuments of
Khajuraho and exquisite temple art.
Day 14. Sacred Varanasi
In holy Varanasi, known as the cradle
of humankind, we visit the revered
Buddhist site of Sarnath. Later, we
view an aarti ceremony from a boat 
as priests honour the sacred Ganges. 
Days 15 & 16. Homeward bound
Disembarking in Delhi, there’s a day at 
leisure before we fly home on Day 16.
THE MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS, GOLDEN TEMPLE & SHIMLA
India
DELHI
SHIMLA
Agra
Ranthambore
Varanasi
Khajuraho
Orchha
Jaipur
AMRITSAR
Chandigarh
1
6
+2 +1
2
2
1
by Coach
Nights by Rail
by Rail
Nights in Hotel
1
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