Maharajas Express: Heritage of India by Rail

General Information

What your journey price includes:

• Accommodations on board the Maharajas' Express; all meals while on board; complimentary mineral water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks while on board; all house brands of Indian beer, wine, and spirits; porter service at all stations and butler service on board; transportation to and from, and participation in, off-train excursions as described in the tour itinerary as well as the services of an English-speaking guide.

On-Board Facilities

• Unlike virtually any luxury train in the world, the Maharajas' Express features a total of 43 cabins in four different sizes--20 deluxe cabins, 18 junior suites, four express suites, and the one-and-only Presidential Suite--that can accommodate up to 88 passengers.
• The Maharajas' Express sports two luxury restaurant cars, the Mayur Mahal and the Rang Mahal, that serve the finest in Indian and international cuisine and seat up to 42 people each. All on-board meals are served in either of these two cars.
• Passengers can socialize in either the Rajah Club or Safari Club bar cars, featuring a choice selection of beer, wine, and spirits, complimentary snacks, and luxurious seating. And if these features alone don't make you feel pampered, the Maharajas' Express also houses a high-end boutique featuring exquisite and unique creations.

Staff Service

• The Maharajas' Express employs a world-class team of hospitality staff that is both attentive and unobtrusive. All staff members are fluent in English. Each carriage is manned by its own butler to ensure that your every wish is fulfilled while on board. Porter service is available at all stations for your convenience.

Electricity

• The Maharajas' Express is equipped with 110/230-volt sockets. International adapters are available for your convenience.

What your journey price DOES NOT include:

• Fees related to participation in any tours or events marked as "Optional" in the tour itinerary; arrival and departure transfers, such as transportation from the airport to the train station; film, video, or professional still camera fees; alcoholic beverages, aside from any house brands of Indian beer, wine, and spirits; taxes; insurance; gratuities; telephone calls; laundry service fees.
• Unless specifically mentioned, any airfare, pre- or post-tour accommodations, or tour extensions are not included in the price of your journey.

Visa and Travel Documents

• As per international law, you must have a visa in order to enter India to begin your trip. While Palace Tours does not provide visas, we can help by providing you with all the necessary information you need to successfully obtain a visa to India.
• Travel documents, which are valid only for the passenger(s) named, will be issued after receipt of full payment for your reservation and not normally later than 14 days prior to departure. Please carry your confirmation of booking with you upon departure.

Insurance (Personal and Otherwise):

• Palace Tours strongly recommends the purchase of adequate travel insurance in your country of origin prior to arrival on the Maharajas' Express to cover injury, illness, death, loss of luggage or effects, or cancellation (For more information on the latter, refer to the Cancellation Policy in our Booking Terms and Conditions).
• The Maharajas' Express itself is comprehensively insured for fire, earthquake, theft, and terrorism. As such, all guests are covered for the above-mentioned situations under an umbrella policy.

Health Considerations

• While there are no specific vaccinations required to enter India, Palace Tours strongly recommends that you check for any health advisories at the Indian government's website, india.gov.in.
• Palace Tours also strongly recommends that you consult your physician for any personal health advice based on your travel itinerary. If you are taking prescription medication, we advise you carry enough supplies to last the duration of your trip.
• If traveling from a country with high rates of yellow fever, passengers should carry documentation, in conformity with international standards, of their yellow fever vaccination.
• Palace Tours recommends you carry sufficient amounts of insect repellent.
• Anti-malaria precautions should be taken.
• There is a paramedic on board the Maharajas' Express that can provide emergency medical facilitation if required. 

Pre- and Post-Tour Hotel Accommodations

• Palace Tours strongly recommends all passengers reserve a hotel for at least one night prior and one night following their journey on the Maharajas' Express. Any hotel reservations are not included in the price of your journey, but we are happy to arrange them for you at an extra charge.

Embarkation and Disembarkation

• Guests are required to check-in at least one hour prior to departure in either Mumbai or Delhi, depending on the itinerary, for pre-boarding formalities; check-in takes place at an assigned venue in your respective city. Final details of the meeting point will be provided in your travel documents and vouchers, which will be e-mailed or physically sent over to you approximately 14 days prior to departure. Following completion of boarding formalities, you will be escorted to your cabin and assisted with your luggage.
• On your final night on board, the train manager will assist with disembarkation formalities which include luggage and clearance of extras.

Off-Train Excursions

• As the tours require a fair amount of walking and  you may encounter unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces, and difficulties getting on and off the train, a moderate degree of physical fitness is required to participate in off-train excursions.
• Travelers with walking difficulties or any such physical condition should inform us at the time of booking. We reserve the right to refuse participation on any of our excursions to anyone who would be incapable of completing the tour or would cause unacceptable delays to the rest of the group. In these circumstances, there would be no refund for any unused part of the tour.
• Professional, English-speaking guides are available for all off-train excursions listed as part of the tour itinerary. If you would prefer a guide who speaks a language other than English, such as French or Spanish, one can be provided at select destinations based on availability and at an extra cost. Please specify your preference at the time of booking.
• Most off-train excursions include a coach transfer for deluxe cabin and junior suite passengers and cars for suite and presidential suite passengers; however, certain excursions are also undertaken by jeeps. Please refer to your itinerary for specific details.
• An additional supplement will be levied on certain departures which offer special interest off-train excursions, signature events, and special guest lecturers.
• All itineraries are approximate and subject to change.

Minimum Passenger Requirement

• All of the Maharajas' Express' itineraries require a minimum number of passengers to operate. Should this number not be met, we will offer you an alternate date of departure, an alternate itinerary, or a refund. In the unlikely eventuality that this should occur, 30 days advance notice can be given.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I safely store my valuables while on the Maharajas' Express?

• All cabins on board are equipped with electronic safes for your convenience; however, we cannot be held liable in the event of lost or stolen property.

Is there a limit to the amount of baggage I can bring with me?

• Storage is available under your bed and in the hold, but since space is limited,  we recommend that passengers follow the same guidelines used for international air travel for first-class or business-class flights. Soft-topped luggage is also advised, as it is easier to store.

Is there a dress code on board?

• No, but while on-board, guests may choose to dress elegantly to recreate the splendor of a regal lifestyle; for this, lounge suits and blue blazers would be acceptable.
• For off-train excursions, we recommend walking shoes and comfortable casual clothing in natural, subdued colors (Which is essential for any trips to wildlife reserves). Warmer clothing is advised during winter departures.

Is smoking allowed on the Maharajas' Express?

• No. In accordance with Indian law, smoking is prohibited on board the train or in any public places (Train stations, restaurants, historic sites, etc.).

Will I be able to use my cell phone?

• The strength of cell phone reception can vary while the train is moving, but generally improves when stationary or near main roads or metropolitan areas.
• Out of consideration for your fellow passengers, cell phones should be used in the privacy of your cabin and should remain silent in public areas on board the train or when visiting certain monuments and sites during any off-train excursions.

Is there internet access on board?

• High speed wi-fi is available on The Maharajas' Express. Signal strength can vary while the train is moving, but generally improves when stationary or near roads or  metropolitan areas. Contact the train manager for more details.
• Out of consideration for your fellow passengers, laptops, tablets, and any other internet-capable devices should be used in the privacy of your cabin and should remain silent in public areas on board the train or when visiting certain monuments and sites during any off-train excursions.

Can my children accompany me on the Maharajas' Express?                        

• The Maharajas' Express does allow children, but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere. Consult the Child Policy below for details.
• 1. Children below five years shall be allowed to travel for free, subject to sharing a double bed with their parents and the availability of double beds at the time of the booking (This option is not recommended).
• 2. A single child between the ages of five and 12 years must pay 50% of the adult fare, subject to the sharing of a double bed with his or her parents and the availability of double beds at the time of booking.
• 3. Two children, traveling with their parents, must be accommodated in a separate cabin, where the first child pays 50% of the adult fare and the second child pays the full fare. Please note that the Maharajas' Express does not have the facilities for interconnecting cabins, except in the Presidential Suite.
• Any applicable taxes arising from the presence of children will be charged extra.

I have a wheelchair and/or difficulty walking. Will this affect my tour in any way?

• We regret that the dimensions of the carriages and design of the train are not suitable for wheelchair-bound passengers. We also recommend that guests with limited mobility and other such constraints should be accompanied by an able-bodied passenger. Please specify any special requirements or physical handicaps at the time of booking.

I have dietary restrictions. Can the Maharajas' Express accommodate me?

• Every effort will be made to accommodate all culinary requests; however, we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in their preparation. Please specify any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Will I be able to do any laundry?

• Limited laundry services are available at select destinations for a fee. Contact your carriage butler for more details.

Is the Maharajas' Express available for charter?

• The Maharajas' Express can be chartered to corporate companies, agencies, and individuals for incentives, conferences, weddings, or any other exclusive event.

Should I leave a tip? What is a fair amount?

• Providing gratuities for services is part of the culture in India. This is in addition to the tour package price and is completely at the discretion of the passenger. An envelope will be provided in each cabin on the last night of the journey towards gratuities for the entire staff. A suggested total amount would be $250 per guest.