This week's Tuesday’s Travel To Do is seeing India on the Maharajas’ Express. I have been busting with excitement to share this week’s Tuesday’s Travel To Do since Saturday. I found this on a Yahoo article titled Exceptional All-Inclusives and I must say the all-inclusive that caught my eye is EXCEPTIONAL.
After reading the short little paragraph about this I was definitely intrigued. There wasn’t a website listed so I binged it and boy I don’t really know how to say how excited I was about what I found. I will try to explain it in my words, then I will show you what the website says and at the end after looking at the pictures and after reading about it you are going to automatically click on the link to book your next AWESOME vacation.
Yahoo said this:India- Maharajas' Express
You could visit not one but nine amazing places aboard India's Maharajas' Express. This luxury train service charts several courses through the subcontinent that will make the chronically peripatetic positively giddy. Embark on the weeklong Royal India itinerary, for instance, and you'll swoon over the Taj Mahal, stalk tigers in the Ranthambore National Park, and play elephant polo under the stars in Jaipur…and that's just in the first two days. The roomy (if slightly monastic) suites include a writing desk and that rare onboard luxury, a full-size bathroom. Included in the room rate is everything you need to feel utterly regal: meals served on china in the opulent dining car, drinks (including alcohol), daily tours, and porterage. The dusk-till-dawn butler service doesn't hurt, either.
A look at the luxury train-
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| Outside the train before boarding |
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Restaurant onboard the train |
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| Deluxe Bathroom |
Now after I searched for the Maharajas' Express I found out that this is a luxury train that has rooms, full service baths for each room, lounges, bars, and fine restaurants. On top of all that the 2011 schedule offers 3 different routes you can take to fit every traveler’s wants and needs. I personally liked the Royal India tour the best. I had to post the entire intinerary because I can’t do it justice and I want everyone to be just as excited as me LOL, so this is the Royal India intinerary but there is also the Princely India and Classical India. This is a great vacation you get to experience so many parts and great sights of a country and all for a great price but I will get to that later. This to me is an ultimate vacation!
Day 01 / Saturday Board the Maharajas' Express in Delhi – Onto Agra
Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express. This evening, assemble at Safdarjung Station at 1930 hrs and complete your registration and check in formalities for the Maharajas' Express. On arrival, you will be greeted with a welcome drink on board the Maharajas' Express. The Maharajas' Express departs Delhi at approximately 2100 hrs to Agra. (I would come a day before boarding so I could explore Delhi.)
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| Street in New Delhi |
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as you journey through the picturesque countryside, arriving into the ‘City of Mughal Splendour’ Agra. On arrival in Agra, the rest of the morning is at leisure on board. Following lunch, disembark and explore the spectacular monuments of the city. Agra, the jewel of India, is home to one of the world’s great architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental masterpieces and picturesque natural setting, Agra is a legendary city glorified by time. Visit the world famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as the mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India’s most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this poetry in marble. The highlight of the afternoon is high tea atop the Taj Khema. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you admire the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunset. Enjoy some free time shopping for pietra dura marble and fine Mughal Jewellery keeping the traditional Mughal arts alive. Return to the comfort of the train and continue your journey to Ranthambore National Park.
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| Taj Mahal |
On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, early in the morning, get ready for an exciting jeep safari to the 'Ranthambore National Park'. The park encompasses nearly 400 square kilometres of dry, deciduous forest. The park derives its name from the huge 1000 year old Rajput fortress of Ranthambore which sits 215 m high in the forest and is a must visit. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. The Park is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. It is also every bird watcher's paradise. Wildlife cannot be compared to Africa and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger or the shy leopard. Return to the train for a hearty brunch; relax and unwind as your journey continues to Jaipur. Nestled in the rugged Aravali Hills, the picturesque capital city of Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by rugged hills and dotted by magnificent palaces, massive forts and exquisite temples. Following arrival, you have the option of remaining onboard and disembarking later in time to join the enthralling Exhibition Elephant Polo Match with dinner. Or you can begin your exciting tour of the pink city with an opportunity to shop for some of the finest jewellery, textiles and blue pottery for which the city is renowned. Continue on a visit to Amber Fort. Situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, this fort palace is surrounded by fortified battlements overlooking the Moat Lake. A short jeep ride takes you up to the fort where you will enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, with striking views of the gorge. Step back into the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of Victory. Complete the exciting day in the evening with a unique and enthralling experience – an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match. Your arrival at the venue will be accompanied by the royal military band and the beating of ‘Nagadas’ (huge Indian drums). You have the option to watch or participate in an exhibition game. After the match, enjoy dinner over sparkling wine. Following dinner return to the station and board the train for your onward journey.
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| Ranthambore National Park |
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| the city of Jaipur |
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| Amber Fort |
Your journey through the desert continues. As you relish your breakfast on board, enjoy observing the desert - the scattered procepis cineraria trees; the villagers attired in their bright turbans and the occasional herd of camels breaking the monotony of the desert. The medieval city of Bikaner was once a major centre in the cross-desert caravan trade. Popularly known as Camel Country, Bikaner has the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner’s forts, palaces and temples are splendid creations made in red and yellow sandstone and are living reflections of its rich historical and architectural legacy. Late morning arrive into the desert citadel of Bikaner. You have the option of relaxing on board the train. Or you may choose to embark on an optional tour of the city visiting Lalgarh Museum displaying some fascinating exhibits on the royal heritage of Bikaner. Another intriguing optional is a half-day excursion to the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, situated on the outskirts of Bikaner. Popularly known as the “Rat Temple”, the temple complex has hundreds of rats swarming the courtyard, an integral part of the temple rituals and customs as they are considered very sacred. Following your participation in any one of the optional tours, you will return to the train for lunch. Following lunch, you will disembark and proceed on a visit to the Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. While the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat, its real beauty lies inside. Be overwhelmed by the Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal. The Fort Museum is fascinating and adorned with ornate decorative costumes and jewellery. Continue on an experience of a lifetime! Catch a glimpse of rural Rajasthan, as you are escorted through the surrounding village. Experience the royal pageantry as a convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for a Sundowner in the Sand Dunes. Enjoy cocktails, savour traditional mouth watering barbecue delicacies as you enjoy traditional folk artists like the Langaas and Kalbeliyas whose music and dance will mesmerise you. Later return to the comfort of your train and embark on your onward journey to Jodhpur.
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| In Bikaner the Junagarh Fort |
This morning, the Maharajas’ Express, continues her journey into the stronghold of the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as your train passes through some of the dramatic landscapes of the Thar Desert, arriving into the Blue City of Jodhpur. The morning is at leisure on board. You have the option of embarking on a village safari, where you will have the opportunity to visit a weaver’s village, potters village and a Bishnoi village considered to be the oldest living environmentalists in the world. Catch a glimpse of their lifestyles and creative skills passed down through generations remaining within the family and community. Return to the train for lunch. Following lunch on board, disembark and explore the erstwhile capital of Marwar - Jodhpur. Set like a jewel amidst the golden sands and famous for its magnificent forts and palaces from the Rajput era, it is home to some of the finest architectural wonders. Proceed on a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower market experiencing the hustle and bustle of the market as well as get an insight of the daily lifestyle of the local residents as you walk through a section of the blue city, past some of the oldest houses and havelis. Continue to the magnificent Meherangarh Fort. Admire the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches. Tour the palaces and temples built by successive rulers, with priceless jewels and a dazzling collection of arms. The highlight of the day is a Royal Cocktail evening with a wide array of sumptuous Marwar Culinary delights served in the Royal courtyard of Meherangarh Fort as you admire the cityscape from atop.
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| Blue City of Jodhpur |
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| Old Clock Tower and Market |
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| Meherangarh Fort |
This morning you will wake up in the picturesque region of Mewar, one of the most popular and royal states of the Rajputana. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and admire the magnificent landscape of the Aravali Hills arriving into Udaipur- the City of Lakes and Sunrise. Popularly referred to as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. It is an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region. Picturesque havelis, ghats and temples along Lake Pichola and the lively bazaars make Udaipur one of India’s greatest destinations. Disembark the train as you begin your visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. Visit Mor Chowk and see its lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and the spectacular Zenana Mahal. Feel like a king as you experience the hospitality at the Durbar Hall reminiscent of the ancient Mewar glory. Feast your taste buds over a vast spread of International cuisine. Following lunch, you may if you wish, return to the train for a relaxed afternoon on board. Or you have the option of enjoying spa facilities in a palace hotel. Later in the afternoon, proceed for an optional ‘Walking Tour’ through the Old Market of Udaipur. Browse through shops selling exquisitely embroidered and printed fabrics, jewellery, paintings, carved wood artefacts and other local crafts. Return to the luxury of the train and look forward to another exciting journey.
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| Famous peacock mosaics |
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| Udaipur |
Today you arrive into the Royal city of the Gaekwads, Vadodara situated on the famous River Vishwamitri. Enjoy a relaxed morning on board the train, following a leisurely breakfast. Later, following disembarkation, you will be driven in a convoy of cars driving through some of the picturesque countryside to the quaint hamlet of Jambhughoda. On arrival participate in the traditional welcome and fanfare of the feudal lords of Jambhughoda, where you relish their royal cuisine, typical only to their family. You have an opportunity to interact with the family members and catch a glimpse of their royal past. Following a sumptuous lunch, return to Vadodara, enroute enjoy a brief stop at the famous World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient town full of ruins scattered over the foothills of Pavagadh. The Pavagadh hill is one of the oldest rock formations in India. Visit the magnificent Jami Masjid, an architectural marvel built in 1513 with tall minarets and minutely carved gates. For guests who wish to return to the train for a brief rest, may do so and may later join a splendid supper hosted by the Laxmi Vilas Palace. On arrival in the city, proceed on a visit to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. A must for every art lover, it exhibits a royal collection of work by the important 19th century painter Raja Ravi Verma. It also displays 19th and 20th centuries European paintings of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo. Enjoy ‘High Tea and Snacks’ at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1890 is the residence of the Royal family. Witness the grandeur of its ornate Durbar Hall, the Venetian mosaic floor, Belgium stained glass windows and sculptures of bronze and marble by Fellici. Witness a lovely folk dance performance, typical to the Royal House, as you savour some of the special delicacies from the Royal kitchens. Return to the station and board the train for the last leg of your journey. Enjoy an Indian evening on board, raising a toast to a memorable experience.
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| Champaner Pavagah Archaeological Park |
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| Laxmi Vilas Palace |
Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at around 0830 hrs at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus(LTT) in the financial capital city of Mumbai. Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express as your 'Royal India' journey comes to an end. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever! (I would spend the rest of the day here exploring and seeing all there is to see before heading back home.)
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| Mumbai |
Ok so now who isn’t totally sold on this trip?
I just think you get to see and do so much and for 2 people in a deluxe room with food, Indian brands of alcohol, and all that travel and activities it is a GREAT price at $7160.00. I mean at first you think WOW that’s a lot of money but when you factor in all that you get for 2 people I think it’s a pretty good deal. Anyways, sorry for the long post but I just had to get it out so everyone can know how great this trip would be.
Megan -- I AM IN if I can be your second person :) Loving your tuesday travel tips!
ReplyDeletehonestly dreaming of such a trip! what luxury! just loooove it.
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