White Pigeon Holidays

Maharajas' Express luxury train at the station

WHITE PIGEON HOLIDAYS · INDIA BY RAIL

Maharaja Express Luxury Train Journey
Through India

Royal comfort. Iconic destinations. One unforgettable journey.

Travel farther.
Unpack once.

If you've done the Orient Express, you know the feeling. One cabin for the whole journey. The Taj Mahal one day, a tiger reserve the next—without repacking your bags.

Private Junior Suite cabin aboard Maharajas' Express
Guests dining aboard Maharajas' Express

More of India.
Fewer moving parts.

Without the train, seeing this much of India properly means juggling flights, drivers, hotel check-ins and new guides across five or six cities. That's a lot to manage on a trip that's supposed to feel relaxing.

On Maharajas' Express, one booking covers your cabin, meals, guides and transfers from start to finish. The journey moves forward while you stay comfortably settled.

This isn't about saving money. It's about spending your vacation experiencing India instead of managing logistics.

One cabin

Settle into your own space for the entire journey.

A new view each morning

Wake up ready for the next remarkable place.

Everything arranged

Meals, guides and transfers are handled together.

India changes.
Your cabin stays yours.

Maharajas' Express is for travelers who want the top tier of the experience, with the details handled from start to finish.

Delhi Begin the classic North India circuit
Agra The Taj Mahal and a memorable dining experience
Rajasthan Royal cities and landscapes
Central India Included on selected itineraries

Maharajas' Express follows set routes; exact stops depend on the departure you choose.

3–7 Nights on board
$8,400 From, per person twin share
Low Physical demand; excursions optional

Deluxe Cabin starting fare from the supplied content. Presidential Suite up to $26,800 per person; 5% GST additional. Confirm the current fare for your departure.

Maharajas' Express train exterior at a railway platform
Maharajas' Express guests dining outdoors in Agra
Tiger beside a safari vehicle in Ranthambore National Park

What makes the journey distinctive

Private Taj Mahal dinner Ranthambore tiger safari Swarovski crystal table service

Choosing between two trains

Palace on Wheels offers a classic introduction to Rajasthan at a lower price point. Maharajas' Express offers a broader route and a higher level of finish in its cabins and service. We can compare both for your travel dates.

A room of your own,
wherever the journey goes.

Every cabin aboard Maharajas' Express is air-conditioned and has a private ensuite bathroom.

What changes as you move up is the space around you and the level of personal service.

Know exactly
what your fare covers.

Your cabin, meals and experiences are arranged together. Here is the full picture before you commit to the journey.

Covered from start to finish

  • All accommodation on board
  • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
  • All sightseeing and excursions
  • Entry fees to monuments and attractions
  • English-speaking guides throughout
  • Private vehicle transfers
  • Butler service in Suite and Presidential Suite

Budget separately for

5% GST, added at booking
Alcoholic beverages
Tips and gratuities
Personal shopping and other personal items

Nothing is hidden in the fine print. You can plan with a clear view of what is covered.

Guests dining in the Rang Mahal restaurant aboard Maharajas' Express
Guests stepping off Maharajas' Express at a station

The details that make
the journey easier.

The useful answers to have before you board.

Staying connected

Wi‑Fi is available on board, although the signal can weaken in remote stretches. Cabins have charging points and USB ports. An India SIM is useful, and we can share a direct emergency contact for the train’s guest relations team.

Going at your own pace

Moving around on board is straightforward. Safaris and monument visits can involve some walking, but every excursion is optional. If you want a quieter day, you can stay on the train.

Making it a longer trip

Many guests spend two nights in Delhi, visit Agra and the Taj Mahal, then board the train. They often add two nights in Mumbai after disembarking. We recommend at least one rest day before boarding.

Eating your way

Vegetarian, gluten-free and low-spice meals can be arranged. Tell us your dietary needs while planning, so the onboard kitchen is ready before your first meal.

Some journeys are
worth waiting for.

For some guests, this is the luxury train they have wanted to take for years. For others, it marks a moment they want to remember.

The seasoned traveler

Perhaps you have already traveled on the Orient Express and other remarkable trains. India has been on your list, and now feels like the time to experience it.

Guests spending leisure time together in the Safari Bar aboard Maharajas' Express

The independent traveler

You are comfortable traveling alone. Part of the appeal is sharing the journey with other well-traveled guests you can meet on board.

A milestone worth marking

A 60th birthday, a retirement or another important occasion deserves a trip that truly feels different from the everyday.

You already know you want to see India.

The question is how to make the journey feel as extraordinary as the destination.

The best journeys
begin before departure.

Peak travel season runs from October through March. If you have a preferred month or cabin in mind, it pays to look ahead.

Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
12 months or more

A useful planning window for your preferred peak-season journey.

Give your preferred departure room to breathe.

Peak-season departures can sell out three to six months ahead. Travelers seeking a particular date or cabin category often begin planning a year or more in advance.

Have a window in mind?

Last-minute availability for the exact dates you want is uncommon during peak season. Even a rough travel window is enough to start checking what is available.

Maharajas' Express train at a station at night

A journey that
stays with you.

What travelers remembered after returning home.

“We went back and forth between Palace on Wheels and Maharaja Express for almost a year. In the end we went with Maharaja Express for the Taj Mahal dinner alone, and it was worth every bit of the difference. Best trip we've taken in a decade of traveling.”

Robert & Susan K., Massachusetts

“I've traveled solo for years and wasn't sure what to expect in India. The staff made it effortless, and I ended up spending most evenings with three other American women I met on board. I'm already planning my next India trip.”

Diane R., Washington

Frequently Asked
Questions

Clear answers to the practical questions travelers ask before boarding Maharajas' Express.

Is the motion at night disturbing to sleep?

Most guests find the overnight ride smooth and quiet. The train has a gentle rocking motion that many travelers find relaxing.

Can we choose our own itinerary stops?

Maharajas' Express follows set routes, so the stops are fixed. You can choose the itinerary and cabin category that best match what you want to see.

Will we feel out of place as Americans?

Guests come from many countries, and Americans are regularly among the larger groups on board.

Is booking through an agent better than booking directly?

For a journey at this price point, it helps to have someone familiar with the train who can guide your itinerary choice and be reached directly if plans need adjusting.

Can the kitchen handle gluten-free or low-spice meals?

Yes. Share your dietary needs while planning so the onboard kitchen can prepare for them before your journey begins.

Will my family be able to reach me?

Wi‑Fi is available, although signal may weaken in remote areas. We can help you arrange an India SIM and share a direct emergency contact for the train's guest relations team.

How much walking is involved at each stop?

Excursions such as safaris and monument visits can involve walking. Every excursion is optional, and you may stay on board whenever a stop does not suit you.

What happens if we need to cancel?

Cancellation terms depend on how close to departure you cancel. We will explain the exact policy before you book.

Rajah Club lounge aboard Maharajas' Express

Ready when
you are.

Tell us roughly when you are thinking of traveling and what matters most to you. We will help you find the itinerary and cabin category that fit your trip.

You do not need every detail figured out. Start with a travel window—even a rough one—and we will give you a clear, personal answer.

Plan my journey

We typically reply within one business day.