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Maharajas’ Express, India’s Ultra-Luxury Train

You saw a palace on wheels glide through the desert at sunset, chandeliers glowing, attendants in regal turbans, guests sipping champagne… and you wondered:

Does a train like this really exist in India?

Yes.
And it’s not just any luxury train.
It’s one of the world’s most expensive, most awarded, and most exclusive.
Welcome aboard the Maharajas’ Express.

Launched by IRCTC in 2010, this train redefined Indian tourism by offering a level of luxury comparable to Venice Simplon Orient Express, Royal Scotsman, and Blue Train.

In 2025, it remains IRCTC’s flagship premium tourism product.

1. What Makes the Maharajas’ Express Ultra-Luxurious?

✔ A Palace on Tracks

The train features:

• Presidential Suite (bigger than many hotel rooms)
• 20 Deluxe Cabins
• 18 Junior Suites
• Restaurants with fine-dining menus
• Bar & lounge cars
• Butlers trained to 5-star hospitality standards

✔ World-Class Interiors

Inspired by:

• Rajputana palaces
• Mughal motifs
• British colonial elegance
• Handcrafted upholstery, wooden panels, gold accents

✔ Awards & Recognition

The train has repeatedly won:
🏆 World’s Leading Luxury Train at World Travel Awards
🏆 Asia’s most luxurious rail experience
🏆 Featured in Time Magazine, Forbes, Condé Nast Traveller

✔ Personalised Services

• 24×7 valet
• Chauffeur-driven off-board experiences
• Curated city excursions
• Emphasis on privacy & exclusivity

2. Routes Offered in 2025 (IRCTC Luxury Tourism)

As of 2025, the Maharajas’ Express operates 4 curated itineraries, each blending heritage, wildlife, palace stays, and fine dining.

⭐ 1. The Heritage of India (7 Days / 6 Nights)

Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai

Highlights:

• Taj Mahal private tour
• Ranthambore tiger safari
• Mehrangarh Fort royal experience
• Lake Pichola sunset

⭐ 2. The Indian Splendour (7 Days / 6 Nights)

Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai

The premium Rajasthan + Agra signature journey.

⭐ 3. Treasures of India (4 Days / 3 Nights)

Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi

Ideal for short luxury getaways.

⭐ 4. Indian Panorama (7 Days / 6 Nights)

Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Fatehpur Sikri → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi

A journey mixing heritage with spirituality and culture.

3. Pricing in 2025, One of the World’s Costliest Train Journeys

Validated from IRCTC Luxury Tourism (2024–2025 tariff):

💰 Deluxe Cabin:

₹4.75 lakh – ₹7.50 lakh per person

💰 Junior Suite:

₹7.5 lakh – ₹10.5 lakh per person

💰 Suite:

₹13 lakh – ₹16 lakh per person

💰 Presidential Suite:

₹19 lakh – ₹22 lakh per person (per person, double occupancy)

This places Maharajas’ Express in the global top 5 most expensive luxury trains.

But it remains heavily booked by:

• High-end tourists
• Celebrities
• NRIs
• Luxury travel enthusiasts

4. What You Experience Onboard

🛏 1. Luxury Suites

• Handcrafted décor
• Private bathrooms with showers
• Temperature control
• Satellite TV

🍷 2. Two Restaurants

• Mayur Mahal
• Rang Mahal
  Serving:
  Indian royal cuisine • Continental • Pan-Asian • Gourmet desserts

🥂 3. Lounge & Bar Cars

• Unlimited fine beverages
• Piano evenings
• Cigar/tobacco permitted in designated zones

🚗 4. Off-board Tours

Includes:

• Private guides
• AC transport
• Palace visits
• Safaris
• Dance shows
• Fine dining at heritage hotels

5. Maharajas’ Express in 2025, Demand Snapshot

Based on IRCTC luxury tourism data & industry trends:

• Occupancy around 65–78% per season
• Highest demand: October–March
• Major markets: USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Middle East
• Domestic luxury tourism is rising 12–15% annually

The train remains IRCTC’s most premium tourism product, ahead of Palace on Wheels & Bharat Gaurav trains.

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