Heritage of India- A Pan-India Itinerary by Maharajas’ Express

India’s answer to the Orient Express of the west, Maharajas’ Express has introduced 5 new itineraries for the upcoming run season. Owned and managed by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Maharajas’ Express is one of the most luxuriant and costliest train journeys in the world. Considering the varied demands of the luxury travelers worldwide, two of the train’s itineraries are short trips and the rest three are longer ones spanning over an entire week. While every single journey presents a different India to the guests, the Heritage of India itinerary can be called a stroll through the history lane of the country where ancient, medieval and modern intermingle into one. Beginning the journey from the dream city Mumbai, the train covers multiple destinations like Ajanta Caves, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra and Delhi. Read more about the fascinating destinations covered by the Heritage of India:

Mumbai- The journey would commence from the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai. Often dubbed as the ‘New York of India’, Mumbai certainly has many surprises to be shared with its guests. It is the commercial capital of India and the fourth most populous city in the world. Its rich history, dazzling night life, ever developing corporate world, film industry, feasts and festivals cast magic spell on every traveler who comes to Mumbai. Situated on the west coast of India, Mumbai is basically a group of seven islands.

Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai

Ajanta Caves- On the second day of the journey, the guests would be taken to the ancient caves of Ajanta situated 107 kilometer north of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Discovered by a British Army Office in 1819, these ancient caves date back to around 2nd century BC to 6th century AD. Famous for its murals, the caves are the finest examples of Indian painting style. There are a total of 30 caves in Ajanta out of which 5 are Chaitya Grihas and the remaining ones are monasteries. Most of the rock paintings and engravings in the cave depict the life of Prince Gautama Buddha and his earlier incarnations.

Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad

Udaipur- The early morning sun warmly welcomes the guests to the ‘city of lake’ Udaipur on the wake of 3rd day. Known for its aesthetic beauty and serenity, Udaipur never falls short to wonder the travelers. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh and is the legendary capital of the Mewar region in Rajasthan. The scattering of lakes in the backdrop of Aravali hills give the city a charm that hardly left any heart untouched. City Palace, the signature building of Udaipur exhibits a beautiful fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural style. Two of the must to do things in Udaipur is to visit the City Palace complex to witness the old world legacy and to enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Udaipur Lake

Jodhpur- Often termed as the ‘blue city’ or ‘sun city’ of Rajasthan, the guests would be driven to the terrain of Jodhpur on the 4th day of Heritage of India journey. The city is situated in the harsh landscape of Thar Desert. Jodhpur is one of the popular tourist destinations in India dotted with forts, temples and palaces. Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Jaswant Thada are some of the most prominent tourist places in Jodhpur. Fairs and festivals are the integral part of the city. Marwar Festival, Gangaur, Teej, Nag Panchmi and Mahavir Jayanti are some of the popular festivals of the city.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Bikaner- Continuing the journey through the plains and deserts of Rajasthan, the Maharajas’ Express reaches Bikaner on the 5th day of journey. The timeless beauty of the city lies in its majestic forts and palaces. Once a major center for caravan trade, Bikaner today attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year. Junagarh fort in Bikaner is a statement of vastness in itself and unfolds many chapters of history of Rajasthan before our eyes. This fort houses various palaces that include Phool Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal.

Junagarh fort, Bikaner

Jaipur- After Bikaner, the train would move towards the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II on 18 November, 1727, Jaipur has a legendary past. For people who are willing to witness the royal Indian era, Jaipur is the best place for them. The city and its surrounding areas are dotted with numerous forts and palaces that include Amber Fort, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Central Museum and Albert Hall.

Albert Hall, Jaipur

Sawai Madhopur- For the adventure enthusiasts, the 7th day morning would bring a new surprise as this day morning the guests would be taken to a game safari in Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur. Once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas, it was declared a national park in the year 1973. At present, Ranthambore is one of the best reserves in Asia that offers a safe shelter to tigers. Apart from tigers, this national park also is the dwelling of various other wildlife species that include sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard.

Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur

Fatehpur Sikri- After the morning safari, board the train again to continue the journey to the Fatehpur Sikri. It is the first planned city developed by the Mughals. Though the sand of time has taken away its original charm, the city still revives the Mughal era in India before our eyes. Most of the building in the city are built of red sand stone and displays beautiful Mughal artworks in their inner and outer walls.

Fatehpur Sikri

Agra- On the last day of journey the train would reach Agra, the north-Indian city famous for the World Wonder Taj Mahal. This white marble mausoleum adorned by manicured garden and water fountain is designed as a replica of the heaven’s garden as mentioned in the Islamic scriptures. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalize his love for his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. Apart from Taj, one can also visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb while in Agar.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Delhi- The Maharajas’ Express Heritage of India journey comes to an end as the train reaches country capital Delhi in the later half of 8th day. Being the capital of world’s largest democracy, Delhi exhibits a blend of diverse cultures, traditions and lifestyle. On the one hand the ever active lifestyle of the city bears witness to its modern outlook and on the other the feasts, festivals and fairs show this city’s inclination towards its rich cultural heritage. While in Delhi, you can also explore the local markets apart from visiting the various tourist places like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid etc.

Qutub Minar, Delhi

There’s simply no escaping the influence of the rich cultural heritage of India when you travel through the wonderful Maharajas’ Express. The journey – Heritage of India takes you across some of the most wonderful locations, making it truly mesmerizing and captivating.