Maharaja Express Route: Complete List of Cities and Stops

 Maharaja Express Route: Complete List of Cities and Stops

India offers many travel experiences, but very few match the standard of the Maharaja Express. Known for its luxury, comfort, and rich cultural immersion, this train is more than just transportation. It is an all-inclusive journey through India’s iconic cities. If you’re planning to book this train or just curious about Maharaja express route, this guide gives a complete list of the cities and stops it covers. You’ll know what to expect and where each route takes you. 

 

Overview of the Maharaja Express Route Options 

The Maharaja Express runs four main journeys, each with its own path, timing, and focus. These are not just train rides but well-planned tours that cover cultural landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and royal cities. 

The four major routes are: 

  • The Indian Panorama 

  • The Indian Splendor 

  • The Heritage of India 

  • Treasures of India 

Each one starts and ends in major metro cities, either Delhi or Mumbai. All include guided tours, luxury accommodation, fine dining, and curated excursions. 

 

The Indian Panorama Route: North India’s Finest 

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days 

Start & End Point: Delhi to Delhi 

Day-Wise City Stops 

Day 1: Delhi (Start) 

Guests board the train in Delhi. After a traditional welcome, the journey begins. 

Day 2: Jaipur 

The train reaches Jaipur in the morning. Guests visit the Amber Fort, followed by lunch at a luxury venue. Optional activities include a spa session or local shopping. 

Day 3: Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri 

The day starts with a jungle safari in Ranthambore National Park. By afternoon, the train reaches Fatehpur Sikri, where guests explore the 16th-century Mughal city. 

Day 4: Agra 

Guests visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. After breakfast, there’s a guided tour of Agra Fort. Later, enjoy lunch at a top hotel. 

Day 5: Orchha – Khajuraho 

In the morning, the train halts at Orchha for a brief sightseeing tour. By afternoon, guests explore the Khajuraho temples, known for their ancient carvings. 

Day 6: Varanasi 

The spiritual capital of India offers a visit to Sarnath and an evening Ganga Aarti. A boat ride on the Ganges is also included. 

Day 7: Lucknow 

Explore the British Residency and Bara Imambara. Enjoy Awadhi cuisine at a heritage hotel. 

Day 8: Delhi (Return) 

The journey ends in Delhi after breakfast on board. 

 

The Indian Splendor Route: Royal Palaces and Wild Landscapes 

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days 

Start & End Point: Delhi to Mumbai 

Day-Wise City Stops 

Day 1: Delhi (Start) 

The trip begins from Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi. 

Day 2: Agra 

Start the day with a visit to the Taj Mahal. The tour continues to Agra Fort. A champagne breakfast follows at a five-star hotel. 

Day 3: Ranthambore – Jaipur 

A morning safari in Ranthambore offers a chance to spot tigers. By afternoon, the train reaches Jaipur, where guests visit the City Palace. 

Day 4: Bikaner 

In Bikaner, guests tour Junagarh Fort and later witness a camel-cart procession. A royal evening follows with traditional music and food. 

Day 5: Jodhpur 

The city offers a tour of Mehrangarh Fort and the local market. Lunch is served at a heritage hotel. 

Day 6: Udaipur 

Explore City Palace and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. The day ends with cultural performances. 

Day 7: Balasinor 

Guests visit the Dinosaur Fossil Park and interact with the local royal family over lunch. 

Day 8: Mumbai (End) 

The train journey ends in Mumbai. 

 

The Heritage of India Route: Mughal Grandeur and Rajput Glory 

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days 

Start & End Point: Mumbai to Delhi 

Day-Wise City Stops 

Day 1: Mumbai (Start) 

The journey begins at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. 

Day 2: Udaipur 

Guests visit the City Palace, enjoy a boat ride, and attend a cultural show in the evening. 

Day 3: Jodhpur 

A guided tour of Mehrangarh Fort is followed by a walk through the old market. 

Day 4: Bikaner 

Visit Junagarh Fort and attend a royal evening at the sand dunes with cultural programs. 

Day 5: Jaipur 

Explore the Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and enjoy elephant activities or a spa session. 

Day 6: Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri 

Go on a tiger safari in Ranthambore and visit the historic town of Fatehpur Sikri in the afternoon. 

Day 7: Agra 

A guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort is part of the day’s plan. Lunch at a top hotel is included. 

Day 8: Delhi (End) 

The train reaches Delhi in the morning. 

 

Treasures of India Route: A Short and Packed Tour 

Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days 

Start & End Point: Delhi to Delhi 

Day-Wise City Stops 

Day 1: Delhi (Start) 

The journey starts from Safdarjung Station. 

Day 2: Agra 

Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Return to the train for lunch and leisure. 

Day 3: Ranthambore – Jaipur 

In the morning, enjoy a tiger safari. In the afternoon, visit Amber Fort and enjoy dinner in Jaipur. 

Day 4: Delhi (End) 

The train returns to Delhi. 

 

Common Destinations Across All Routes 

While each journey is unique, some cities appear in more than one itinerary. These include: 

  • Agra: Always a part of the experience, given the global appeal of the Taj Mahal. 

  • Jaipur: Known for its forts and palaces. 

  • Ranthambore: Offers a thrilling wildlife safari. 

  • Delhi and Mumbai: Serve as the start or end points for all routes. 

 

Regional Spread of the Maharaja Express Train Route 

The Maharaja Express train route covers parts of Northern, Western, and Central India. This includes the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Bihar. Each stop offers a different flavor of India—its architecture, culture, and cuisine. 

In Rajasthan, guests explore royal forts and palaces. Uttar Pradesh adds historical depth with sites like Agra and Varanasi. Madhya Pradesh brings ancient temples and tiger reserves. Maharashtra and Gujarat offer a modern contrast along with heritage sites. 

Because of this variety, the Maharaja Express route is well-suited for travelers looking to see multiple sides of India in one trip. 

 

Experiences at Each Stop 

At every destination, guests enjoy more than just sightseeing. There are guided tours, curated meals, folk performances, and cultural interactions. Each city has a well-structured itinerary, often including: 

  • Historic Monuments: Like Amber Fort, Agra Fort, and Mehrangarh Fort 

  • UNESCO Sites: Such as the Taj Mahal and Khajuraho Temples 

  • Local Markets: For shopping and exploring local crafts 

  • Wildlife Safaris: In Ranthambore and Balasinor 

  • Spiritual Visits: In Varanasi and Sarnath 

These curated experiences add real value to the trip. 

 

Visualizing the Route: Optional Travel Map 

While words can list out the cities, a visual map adds more clarity. Consider referring to the official Maharaja Express website for an up-to-date route map. It shows each journey’s path clearly, helping travelers make better decisions. 

 

Conclusion-Free Guide for Clarity 

This guide skips a formal wrap-up to maintain a factual, to-the-point style. Travelers can now refer to each section and find all cities, stops, and route differences at a glance. It helps them choose the journey that best matches their interests and travel goals. 

Whether you’re looking for royal palaces, spiritual experiences, or wildlife adventures, the Maharaja Express train route offers a curated way to see India.

maharajaexpressindia

Rajiv Wahie is a UK-based travel expert and the founder of Tailormade Journey, a company known for curating premium rail experiences across India. With over 25 years in the travel industry, Rajiv specializes in luxury train tours, including the renowned Deccan Odyssey Train. His deep knowledge of India’s cultural routes and focus on personalized service make every journey unique. Under his guidance, Tailormade Journey has become a trusted name for travelers seeking comfort, style, and authenticity. Rajiv’s dedication to quality and detail ensures every itinerary delivers a smooth and memorable travel experience from start to finish.

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