UNESCO World Heritage Sites Covered During Indian Maharaja’s Delhi to Mumbai Journey

The first Indian luxury train to be owned by a private player, Indian Maharaja- Deccan Odyssey takes guests on a journey spanning over 8 days and 7 nights through its two itineraries- Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Mumbai.

The Indian Maharaja Luxury Train

Welcome to Indian Maharaja Luxury Train

Both the journeys cover same destinations which include Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur and Aurangabad. Most of the aforementioned destinations are housed with one or more edifices that has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
“It is a specialized agency run by the United Nations whose purpose is to maintain peace and security in the world by promoting international collaborations through education, science and culture.” (Wiki) The conservation of natural and cultural heritage with the international cooperation in the form of World Heritage Site is one of them.

Agra Fort
Agra Fort was the seat of Mughal rulers until Shah Jahan moved to Delhi in 1648.  The fort complex stands as a testimony to several historic events and judgements that took place in the medieval era. Agra Fort was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Taj Mahal
A white marble edifice built to commemorate the passionate love of Emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal was emblazoned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The structural design of this Mughal monument is largely inspired from Persian architecture especially the Char Bagh style.
Fatehpur Sikri
Built entirely by using red sandstone, the most used material in the construction of Mughal monuments, Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The town abounds with various stunning structures such as Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal and Jama Masjid. Fatehpur Sikri was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Ajanta & Ellora
The sheer examples of human creativity, the caves of Ajanta & Ellora were emblazoned as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. While Ajanta caves abounds with Buddhist murals, paintings and sculptured art, Ellora caves epitomize harmony between Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Jantar Mantar
Designated as World Heritage Site in 2010, Jantar Mantar is a collection of unique astronomical instruments created in the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh II. It was built to study the movements of stars and orbital objects.

Indian Maharaja : Delhi to Mumbai by Luxury Train

Train : Indian Maharaja
8-Days/ 7 Night Escorted Tour
Train Type :  Luxury Train

The Tour
The Indian Maharaja, in particular, has risen to be one of the most popular luxury trains in India today. The train is a virtual five star hotel on wheels and has everything, maybe more, that you normally   associate with a luxury hotel. The Indian Maharaja has 11 passenger car - each more aesthetically done than the other. Each car has up to 4 cabins which offer a choice between twin beds and queen size beds.

There are 2 presidential suites, each with its own bedroom, living room and en-suite bathroom. That is luxury exemplified! It is sometimes fascinating to see all the facilities the suites afford when space is at such a premium. And yes, you get your own butler who will be dedicated to your services.

supreme comfort aboard the Deccan Odyssey while visiting some of India’s most iconic landmarks, including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Ajanta Caves and Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Soak in the beauty of Udaipur, the “City of Lakes" and search for tigers in Ranthambore National Park. history and ineffable spirit come alive as you travel from Delhi to Mumbai.

Destinations Covered:  New Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Udaipur - Aurangabad - Mumbai

The Itinerary : 
Day 1 : Depart Delhi
Board the train late afternoon and enjoy the first dinner on board on the lovely dinning cars.

Day 2: Agra

After breakfast visit the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort. and then after lunch in Agra continue to 16th-century Fatehpur Sikri—Great Mughal Emperor Akbar’s untouched, red sandstone capital city. Reboard the train at Bharatpur Railway Station and depart for Jaipur, with dinner on board.

Day 3: Jaipur
Jaipur the Pink City" of Jaipur Visit Maharaja Mansingh’s 17th-century masterpiece,Amber Fort, followed by the Jantar Mantar Observatory and Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Winds"). Lunch in a city hotel. In the evening take in the City Palace followed by a Gala Dinner.

Day 4: Sawai Madhopur
there will be a jungle safari in Ranthambore National Park by canter.

Day 5: Udaipur
Morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur city. Take in the colorful City Palace, followed by a boat ride on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels).lunch on board.  The train travels to Aurangabad in the afternoon.

Day 6: Aurangabad
with breakfast on board  Depart for an afternoon excursion to Ellora Caves, with 34 monasteries and temples dedicated to three great religions like Hinduism and Jainism, Buddhism, and enjoy dinner on board.

Day 7: Aurangabad
After breakfast, then visit  rock-cut cave monuments, Ajanta CavesThe rest of the day free to enjoy the train's amenities as it travels to Mumbai. Dinner is served on board.

Day 8: Arrive Mumbai
After breakfast, disembark in Mumbai

Delhi to Mumbai - Route Map 

Occupancy Type   : Silver Class  :   Gold Class  :  Platinum Class
Single Occupancy :  USD 950      :   USD 1110   :  USD 1590
Twin Occupancy   :  USD 595      :   USD 695     :   USD 995

Other:
Rates do not include 3.09% service tax.

The Indian Maharaja Facilities
1 : Cabins
2 : Dining
3 : Bar
4 : Sitting Lounge
5 : Conference Car
6 : Health Spa

A Detour of Ancient Era Through Indian Maharaja-Deccan Odyssey Train

luxury tourist train running in India, Indian Maharaja- Deccan Odyssey takes guests on an enchanting voyage through sublime landscapes of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh with its two journeys- Mumbai to Delhi Journey and Delhi to Mumbai. One of the several destinations covered by this Indian luxury train is Ajanta and Ellora caves, each of which traces the roots of ancient Indian civilization.
Both the sites are emblazoned as UNESCO World Heritage Site and are located in the inner fold of Sahyadri hills deep into the vegetation.

Welcome To Indian Maharaja Luxury Train

Longe bar of the Indian Maharaja

The mere glimpse of these two sites will astonish you with the creativity and artistry of Buddhist monks who carved them out from the mountains with the help of chisels and hammers. While Ajanta caves are characterized by Chaityas and Viharas featuring mural paintings depicting stories and events from the Jataka, Ellora Caves are the perfect embodiments of harmony between Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.

Some famous caves at Ajanta and Ellora caves include
Cave 10 at Ajanta- The famous Chaitya hall containing 15 ft tall statue of Lord Buddha in a a sermonizing pose.
Cave 16 at Ellora- The Kailasanatha temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva and renowned as the largest monolithic structure in the world.

Some Possible Destinations for Cultural Excursions aboard Indian Maharaja Train

Indian Maharaja-Deccan Odyssey, India’s first privately managed tourist train, offers two journeys- Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Mumbai- both of which traverse similar destinations in a vice-versa manner. Also known as the chartered version of the Deccan Odyssey train, this luxury train is operated by Travel Corporation of India (TCI). The destinations covered en route this journey include historically prominent and culturally significant destinations in Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Aurangabad, Udaipur, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra are some of the destinations covered by this luxury tourist train. Enlisted here are a few tourist destinations that can be added to the itinerary of Indian Maharaja to add to its worth as an Indian cultural experience.

Chittorgarh: Rajasthan, the erstwhile home of Rajput rulers, has the largest chunk in the pie of Indian Maharaja Tour itinerary with three destinations- Jaipur, Udaipur and Sawai Madhopur. Another true raconteur of Rajputana culture is Chittorgarh. Home to the Chittorgarh Fort, the largest in Asia, Chittorgarh has witnessed several historic events during the medieval age which include the horrific incident of “Jauhar” committed by Rani Padmini and Karnavati, audacious devotion of Meera for Lord Krishna and valor tales of Rana Pratap. A stroll around the Chittorgarh fort will bring to fore several stunning edifices marked by momentous events.

Varanasi: Since ages, Varanasi has been an important centre of spiritual awakening and religious learning in India. Renowned as the spiritual nerve centre of Hinduism, Varanasi is mainly visited for its bathing Ghats flanked by river Ganges and scores of Hindu temples such as Sankat Mochan, Bharat Mata, Tulsi Manas and the most famous Kashi Vishwanath. As per legend, a bath at the sacred Ghats such as Dasashwamedh, Manikarnika and Pancha-Ganga can wash away the sins of lifetime. The cultural excursion to Varanasi reaches its crescendo after paying reverence to river Ganges through evening aarti. Varanasi must be included in the Itinerary of Indian Maharaja Train.

Pune: A quaint city in Maharashtra, Pune has undergone a sudden transformation from being a Maratha domain to a major education and industrial hub. Over the course of history, Pune has witnessed the rule of several illustrious Deccan dynasties whose symbols are sprinkled all across the city. One of the best attractions to visit here is Shaniwar Wada, the seven storey summer residence of Peshwa rulers till 1818. Although the fort was reduced to ashes by fire, its remains are still visited as a prominent tourist site. Other prominent attractions are Mastani Palace built by Bajirao for her beloved Mastani, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum housed with artifacts and armaments of Mughals and Marathas and several beautiful temples which include Chatushrungi and Pataleshwar temple. Pune must be included as a nominee in the list of possible destinations for cultural excursions aboard Indian Maharaja Train.

Although the itinerary of Indian Maharaja encapsulates the essence of India’s cultural heritage, the aforementioned listed destinations will certainly more spark in this luxury train tour. The proximity of abovementioned destinations with the existing ones is a green signal for their possible future inclusion.

Indian Maharaja Mumbai to Delhi journey

In the present age of modern infrastructure and technology, travelling from one destination to other is just a matter of few hours. Whether it’s a 2 hours journey from flight or over 20 hours journey on Indian railways, everything is within the reach of human ability. But how about a voyage that unfolds diverse tableau of Indian terrains between celluloid and National capital of India, the Indian Maharaja- Deccan Odyssey does that through its Mumbai to Delhi itinerary lasting for 8 days.

Winner of coveted World Travel Award two times in a row, Indian Maharaja- Deccan Odyssey train takes guests on a roller coaster ride across bewitching terrains of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Starting from an introductory price of US $545, the weeklong journey aboard this Indian luxury train is a discovery of India’s cultural harmony and colonial and medieval heritage.

The Indian Maharaja Tariff Plan from October 2012 till April 2013

The Indian Maharaja, World Travel Award winning luxury train in India, offers 2 signature journeys cutting across state borders. The journeys offered are Mumbai - Delhi rail tour and Delhi - Mumbai rail tour. Both journeys last for the duration of 7 nights and 8 days and cover some of the most significant tourist destinations in India. Tastefully pre-packaged luxury rail tours aboard the Indian Maharaja offers a peek into the rich heritage and culture of ‘incredible India’. The tour also involves visit to an array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Taj Mahal in Agra and Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra.

Travel Corporation India Ltd (TCI) operators of The Indian Maharaja have declared the tariff plan valid for the two journeys for the season beginning October 2012 to April 2013. The announced Indian Maharaja prices are all inclusive of accommodation for the duration of tour on board the train, dining, off-train excursions, transportation, and entrance fees at the monuments. However any expenses of personal nature on board and during sightseeing will have to be borne by the guests. The train tariff will start from US $595 per person per night in Silver Class on double occupancy basis and may reach as high as US $1590 per person per night in Platinum Class on Single occupancy basis.

The fares for different class of occupancy valid till April 2013 are mentioned below for your perusal:

Silver Class:

USD 950 on single occupancy
USD 595 on twin occupancy

Gold Class:
USD 1110 on single occupancy
USD 695 on Twin occupancy

Platinum Class:

USD 1590 on single occupancy
USD 995 on twin occupancy

The Indian Maharaja Scheduled Departures for 2012 – 2013

The Indian Maharaja had just concluded this season run (Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Mumbai) in April 2012. After a few months of maintenance, refurbishing and complete overhaul; this luxury train will commence it’s both journeys from the month of October 2012. The two tastefully crafted itineraries - Mumbai to Delhi (October 17) and Delhi to Mumbai (October 24) offered by the Indian Maharaja, India’s first privately managed luxury tourist train and winner of two time Asia’s Leading Luxury Train award, presents the myriad hues of incredible India in microcosm. With journeys including a dash of heritage, culture, wildlife and shopping, this luxury train trip is a pinnacle of adventure, romance and elegance. Mentioned below is the scheduled departure of this train for the season beginning October 2012.

Dates of Departure form Mumbai to Delhi 2012 – 2013 

Month	Departure Dates
October 2012	17
November 2012	14, 28
February 2013	6, 20
March 2013	6
April 2013	3

Dates of Departure form Delhi to Mumbai 2012 – 2013 

Month	Departure Dates
October 2012	24
November 2012	7, 21
December 2012	5
February 2013	13, 27
April 2013	10

The Indian Maharaja Facilities on Board

Experience the royal life with The Indian Maharaja - A luxurious train of India.  This luxury train journey starts form the World Heritage Site of Chatrapati Sivaji Terminus in Mumbai and concludes 168 hours later in Delhi. The train is equipped with all the comfort that one desire for a Maharaja’s lifestyle. Mentioned below are some of the luxurious facilities available in the Indian Maharaja train:

Accommodation Facilities :

•  21 coaches, of which 11 passenger carriages with 4 coupes each.
•  Two Presidential coaches with 2 coupes per car
•  2 Restaurants
•  Deluxe cabins (9 SQ M)
• Channel music and wide collection of CD and MP3 players
• Attached toilets, intercom, shower, running hot and cold water taps

Dining Facilities :

• Indian delicacies
• Continental delicacies

Bar Facilities :

•  Liquor and spirits of Indian and international brands

Conference : 

• Separate conference car (50 guest’s capecilty)

Other Facilities :

• Shopping (Indian handicrafts, keepsakes and souvenir)
• Medical help
• Business center, Library and Leading dailies and magazine   
• Special smoking areas
• Television on each saloon
• Internet access
• Luggage collection

Beside the above mentioned facilities, the train also offers ayurvedic massages, hot steam bath, and beauty treatments in a rejuvenation car. For more information on the Indian Maharaja train facilities, visit the website: the-indian-maharaja.com

All aboard Indian Maharaja for Grandness in Simplicity

When romance, style, grandness and luxury, all these are put together, it takes the form of a luxury train tour by the name of Indian Maharaja. A true reflection of its name, this luxury train presents the royal spirit of Indian land in its interiors, services and above all the experience that this train journey offers to its guests. The Indian Maharaja sparkles like a polestar in the firmament of luxury train traveling in this Asian subcontinent.

With the technological boom worldwide, India is also taking its step forward towards a new dawn. Indian Maharaja offers a journey that presents the grandness of its past and its acceptance of modern ways of life. All modern amenities with a blend of regal class services and tasteful décor make each day of your journey a new experience altogether. A journey on iron wheels covering northern and the western part of the country truly mounts to the expectation of each traveler.

Unfolding the glamour of Indian courtesy, the guests are given a traditional style welcome on the starting day of journey. A tour to India discovers the diversity of this land in terms of its culture, weather and landscape. Thus Indian Maharaja gives you the scope to discover the history of the land, its far stretching deserts, azure deep oceans, the city of lakes, its impenetrable forests and its glorious monuments hymning the saga of the bygone era.

The presence of posh facilities such as swanky fitness center, rejuvenating spa, well stoked bar, onboard conferencing in the conference hall, 24 hour assistance and doctor on call give a perfect spirit to your luxury jaunt. Each of its facilities are so modeled to suit the need of every guest and to provide them a regal onboard experience. The onboard high speed internet connectivity gives a full support to the guests who are into a business tour.

The interior décor of the train represents the artistic bent of mind of its visionary. Each item used for the interior décor is placed with ultimate artistry and reflects perfection in its presentation. The use of artificial and natural light compliments the color of each compartment. Mildness and vibrancy of colors and textures is a visual retreat to the passengers. The wood furnishing, curtains and designer carpets seem to harmonize each other in their presentation and arrangement.

In the genre of luxury train traveling, Indian Maharaja is a name that adds on brilliance, gaiety and grandeur. The sumptuous foods and drinks offered by the train not only fulfill the appetite of your taste buds but titillate them too. Sharing a choicest glass of wine with your loved one onboard while enjoying the scenic beauty is such an experience that remains with you forever. Moreover, a pampering spa and body massage onboard make you discover the glamorous side in you. A holiday is not only visiting some places or spending some time together; it’s more than that. Thus, feel the grandness of ‘king size’ holiday experience in this upcoming season with a train that revives the royal Indian lifestyle before your eyes.

The Indian Maharaja riding buoyant on Luxury Travel Upsurge

Riding on the surge in foreign tourist arrivals and rising demand for luxury travel experiences, the Indian Maharaja has registered an impressive growth in occupancy levels this season. The train offers two itineraries and covers attractions in Maharashtra, Rajasthan Agra and New Delhi during 8 days journey from Mumbai to Delhi and vice versa.

The luxury train tours in India are enjoying great run this season. The increased occupancy level of various luxury rail tours in India is a clear indication of the rising demand of these insider experiences in India. The Indian Maharaja, India’s first privately manage train is also enjoying a higher level of occupancy, led by tourists from overseas country.

The Indian Maharaja’s success story is also evident from the fact that this rail tour has won the coveted Asia’s Leading Luxury Train award by the World Travel Awards for two years in a row. The train with its two itineraries - Delhi to Mumbai and Mumbai to Delhi Journey - chugs along some of the most mesmerizing terrains and attractions in India. The journey spanning over a week entails tours to Ajanta and Ellora Rock Cut Caves, Udaipur, Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park and Taj Mahal in Agra among others.

The journey starting from USD 595 per person on double occupancy basis include accommodation in elegantly appointed cabins, dining in on board restaurants, off-train guided excursions including entrance to monuments and transportation. Equipped with state of the art amenities such as deluxe cabins with attached toilets, safe, Wi Fi connection, restaurants, bar, gymnasium and spa, the train journey on board the Indian Maharaja is an unparalleled indulgence.