Rajasthan & the Maharajas’ Express

Having arrived in Delhi, our stylish Club Room at the Taj Palace sits in contrast to the bustling streets just beyond its walls. The divergence of culture is evident as we explore modern cafes and ancient architecture in New Delhi, as well as its older counterpart. Afterward, we come together for a sumptuous Welcome Dinner at Orient Express within our hotel.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace welcomes us to Jodhpur. After settling in to our opulent accommodation, we take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area at leisure. The Blue City of Jodhpur is a true architectural treasure; rising from the rocky hilltop, Mehrangarh Fort casts its gaze upon the city. We also pay visit to Jaswant Thada memorial, before perusing the local markets. Our journey continues to Udaipur. An assortment of architectural styles is revealed as we explore the City Palace, before Ranakpur presents an opportunity to witness some of India’s exquisite Jain temple architecture.

Udaipur’s wonders continue to unfold. We spend a morning discovering Jagdish Temple, the Garden of Maidens and the City Palace. Aboard a small boat, we sail along Lake Pichola under the low afternoon sun. Onwards to Jaipur, we find our residence at Rambagh Palace within the Pink City. This splendid hotel provides the perfect setting for dinner. The towering facade of the Palace of the Winds, the Amber Fort and the World Heritage-listed Jantar Mantar round out our time within this colourful city.

The fourteen carriages of the Maharajas’ Express set out from Jaipur and deliver us to Ranthambore, where we set out an early morning game drive in search of tigers. Our train continues on to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, before our arrival in Agra reveals the celebrated Taj Mahal in all its glory – we toast its beauty with a champagne breakfast in the light of the morning sun.

Roam the halls of the vast Jahangir Mahal, before becoming acquainted with the aphrodisiac temples of Khajuraho. A short distance from Varanasi, we see the place where Buddha was said to give sermons to his first disciples. An evening cruise along the Ganges places us in the prime position to bear witness to an Aarti, a Hindu ceremony of light, which takes place upon the riverbank.

We disembark our train and take to the field to participate in an exclusive cricket match with local children. We farewell our new-found friends and prepare for our journey home.