Private Train Journeys: The Maharajas' Express Experience
“Private Train Journeys: The Maharajas’ Express Experience” is an exploration of India’s most iconic luxury train journey—curated and elevated by Hi DMC. From suite-level service and private excursions to cultural immersion and pre/post tour design, Hi DMC ensures this journey becomes a regal adventure for modern travelers.
There’s travel—and then there’s time travel. Step aboard the Maharajas’ Express, and you’ll be whisked into a bygone era of opulence, etiquette, and exquisite adventure. Dubbed the "World’s Leading Luxury Train" multiple years in a row, the Maharajas’ Express is not just a train—it’s a palace on wheels, offering a rare blend of royal heritage, impeccable hospitality, and curated discovery through India’s most iconic destinations.
At Hi DMC, we elevate this regal journey even further, offering tailor-made pre and post-tour experiences, private excursions at each destination, and seamless handling for individuals, small groups, and VIP guests.
Let us show you why the Maharajas’ Express is the ultimate way to explore India—in style, comfort, and grandeur.
What Makes the Maharajas’ Express So Special?
Running across carefully crafted itineraries that explore Rajasthan, Agra, Varanasi, Khajuraho, and beyond, the Maharajas’ Express combines:
- Vintage luxury inspired by Indian royalty
- Suites with butler service, fine linens, and marble bathrooms
- Two lavish restaurants serving gourmet Indian and international cuisine
- A cocktail lounge and themed bar with curated entertainment
- Exclusive excursions and immersive experiences at every stop
- Private transport, English-speaking guides, and insider access
Each journey aboard is a living tribute to India’s regal past, offering guests not only sights—but sensations: the clink of fine china, the scent of attar perfume, and the echo of temple bells across moonlit palaces.
Signature Journeys & Routes
The Maharajas’ Express offers multiple routes, but here are two journeys Hi DMC recommends for travelers seeking luxury, culture, and variety:
1. The Indian Panorama – 7 Days
Route: Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambhore → Fatehpur Sikri → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi
Highlights:
- Private safari in Ranthambhore to spot wild tigers
- Guided visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Explore the erotic temples of Khajuraho with an art historian
- Attend a private Ganga Aarti in Varanasi from a private boat
- Champagne breakfast overlooking the Taj Mahal
Hi DMC Add-Ons:
- Pre-tour spa experience in Delhi
- Personal photographer for the full journey
- Custom spiritual consultations in Varanasi
- Luxury shopping experience in Jaipur’s artisan markets
2. The Heritage of India – 7 Days
Route: Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambhore → Agra → Delhi
Highlights:
- Palace visits and high-tea in Udaipur’s City Palace
- Private gala dinner in Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
- Camel cart procession and folk dance show in Bikaner
- Tiger spotting at dawn in Ranthambhore
- Exclusive access to Taj Mahal after hours
Hi DMC Add-Ons:
- Helicopter ride over Udaipur’s lakes
- Artisan-led miniature painting session in Jaipur
- Desert luxury camp experience pre-tour in Jaisalmer
Life Onboard: Royal Comfort & Contemporary Luxury
CategoryFeaturesDeluxe CabinsTwin/double bed, en-suite bathroom, panoramic windowsJunior SuiteMore space, additional seating area, priority excursion slotsSuiteSeparate living area, butler service, complimentary drinksPresidential SuiteSpanning an entire carriage, includes private lounge, two bedrooms, bath tub
Every cabin is equipped with climate control, Wi-Fi (limited), and curated minibar options. Your personal valet is available 24/7, ensuring seamless hospitality.
Gourmet Dining Onboard
The train features two fine-dining restaurants: Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, serving:
- Authentic Rajasthani thalis
- Continental à la carte
- Jain, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus on request
- Hand-picked Indian wines, single malts, and bespoke cocktails
Hi DMC Signature Experience: Host a private chef-curated dinner onboard with a custom theme (e.g., Royal Mughal, Ayurvedic Plant-Based, or Colonial Anglo-Indian).
Hi DMC Enhancements: Luxury, Personalized
Hi DMC specializes in private rail tourism enhancements, ensuring your Maharajas’ Express experience is unique. Our services include:
- VIP Airport Transfers & Assistance
- Private pre-tour wellness retreats in Delhi, Udaipur, or Jaipur
- Art, textile, or photography tours at stopover destinations
- Spiritual consultations, temple rituals, or heritage walks
- Professional photographers or social media videographers
- Curated shopping appointments with India’s top designers
From pre-tour stays in palace hotels to post-tour Himalayan escapes or beach add-ons, we help you build an unforgettable luxury circuit around the rail journey.
Sample 10-Day Itinerary with Hi DMC
DayLocationExperienceDay 1DelhiArrival, stay at The Imperial Hotel, welcome dinnerDay 2DelhiPrivate city tour with spiritual walk and spa sessionDay 3–9Maharajas’ Express7-day Indian Panorama or Heritage of India routeDay 10Return to DelhiOptional extension to Rishikesh, Goa, or Varanasi
Pricing starts from $6,500 per person for the Deluxe Cabin category, inclusive of accommodation, meals, guided excursions, taxes, and onboard experiences.
Responsible Luxury
While grandeur defines the Maharajas’ Express, responsible travel is a growing part of the experience:
- Sustainable dining and water management
- Partnership with local artisans and heritage sites
- Hi DMC ensures ethical cultural encounters and supports community-based tourism at select stops
Who Is This Journey Perfect For?
- Luxury couples & honeymooners
- Multi-generational families
- Cultural travelers seeking comfort and depth
- Travel advisors curating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for clients
Why Choose Hi DMC?
As a premier B2B luxury DMC for India and South Asia, Hi DMC offers:
- Fully managed, custom-crafted itineraries
- Exclusive pre/post add-ons, wellness stays, and VIP experiences
- 24/7 concierge support & multilingual guides
- Special rates for agents, FIT groups, and HNI travelers
- Attention to detail with a strong network of heritage, wellness, and hospitality partners
Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime rail trip for a client or bundling it into a broader South Asia tour, Hi DMC ensures it’s flawlessly executed—with elegance and authenticity.