Luxtripper Travel Editor
I greatly enjoyed watching Trevor McDonald's Indian Train Adventure; here's my take on his incredible journey!
After watching Sir Trevor McDonald's Indian Train Adventure, are you now itching to jet off to India?
For a first time to India, we really recommend the Heritage of India Journey on the Maharajas' Express, as it covers the country's top cultural hot-spots; you'll be able to enjoy the very best rail luxury whilst visiting places such as Udaipur, the 'Venice of the East', and the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.
Plunging straight into India's rich cultural heritage, you'll experience the true glamour of rail travel as you sleep on-board this luxury train, watching the exotic Indian landscape pass before your eyes as you dine in the elegant restaurant carriage.
What better place to start your journey than in Mumbai? The home of the world-famous Bollywood and the setting for the hit film Slumdog Millionaire, Mumbai is an eclectic mix of India's new-found wealth, sizzling street markets and palm-tree-lined beaches.
Like Trevor McDonald, you'll start in Mumbai on your Indian Train Adventure; departing from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll enjoy an authentic Welcome Ceremony to send you on your way. But before you set off on your train journey across India, you must make the most of this bustling city and explore its top attractions!
To immerse yourself in India's ancient history, grab your camera and visit Elephanta Island to see the UNESCO Elephanta Caves. Located on a small island in Mumbai Harbour, this 'city of caves' was astonishingly constructed in the 5th-6th Century, featuring an incredible display of intricately-carved caves dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva - this is definitely a must-see on your India holiday!
Heading north, your next stop will be Udaipur, known rather beautifully as the 'Venice of the East'. Surrounded by a series of artificial lakes, this tranquil city in Rajasthan is full of romance and exotic splendour, perfect for an intimate honeymoon in India.
When in Udaipur, you'll feel the mystic glamour of the Mewar dynasty in the City Palace, a flamboyant lakeside structure built atop a hill and considered to be one of the largest palaces of its type in the state of Rajasthan, with a history spanning nearly 400 years. The palace is located on the banks of Lake Pichola, and after your sightseeing tour, you'll be able to feast your eyes on incredible views of the palace from the serenity of a boat trip on the glistening lake, a must-do on your India holiday.
To extend your time in Udaipur, there is no better place to stay than the Oberoi Udaivilas, your own elegant palace on Lake Pichola's spectacular waterfront - this is ultimate luxury on you India holiday!
Aboard the Maharajas' Express on the third day of your Indian Train Adventure, you'll soon arrive at Jodhpur, Rajasthan's 'sun city', steeped in culture and history within the sun-soaked Thar Desert.
Overlooked by the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, 410 feet above the city, this impressive structure is a must-see on your India holiday. Built in approximately 1459 AD by Jodha of Mandore, you'll be able to take a tour of the fort, learning about its fascinating history whilst gazing in awe at the spectacular views across the city.
Jodhpur is often referred to as 'The Blue City', and once you visit here, you'll soon realise why! In the city's old quarter, the brightly-coloured buildings are a kaleidoscope of blue, expertly painted to keep the buildings cool - as you wander through the narrow and traditional streets, make sure to capture a picture of the brilliant blue buildings on your India holiday!
You'll then head south-east on the Maharajas' Express to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of India’s Rajasthan state. Unlike Jodhpur, Jaipur is known as 'The Pink City', named due to its elegant architecture adorned with subtle tones of pink.
The centrepiece of the city, enter the world of the Mughal's at the City Palace and be immersed in this land of pink. With a unique pink exterior, the City Palace holds many beautiful temples, gardens and courtyards, a perfect place to experience India's rich cultural heritage on your India holiday!
Whilst in the capital of Rajasthan, you'll be able to experience the incredible jewellery and alluring textiles that are famous to the region. You can visit the Johari Bazaar, India's largest and most extravagant collection of jewellery, and treat yourself to something special on your India holiday!
Your journey on the Maharajas' Express will be just as diverse as Trevor McDonald's Indian Train Adventure; you'll get to experience India's most famous wildlife on a safari in the Ranthambore National Park.
On a dedicated jeep safari, you may (if you're lucky!) see the iconic Bengal Tiger! However, the Ranthambore National Park is home to many more animals as well as tigers; this is the habitat of leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears and many more, completely not-to-be-missed on an India holiday!
For an exclusive and boutique stay in the Ranthambore National Park, the Aman-i-Khas resort is perfect for couples seeking a honeymoon with a difference in India. With luxury tents furnished with their own spacious living room, bathroom and bedroom, this is 'glamping' as you've never seen it before!
This is what you've anticipated. After what feels like a lifetime, the train is finally rolling into Agra, the home of the spectacular the Taj Mahal. Like Trevor McDonald's Indian Train Adventure, your journey will culminate in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can't wait to wander through this incredible site.
India's most famous icon, the Taj Mahal is the embodiment of India's cultural heritage, a spellbinding marble mausoleum built between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. Located on the south bank of the Yamuna river, the Taj Mahal was built to be perfectly symmetrical, perfect for a photograph on the iconic 'Princess Diana' bench on your India holiday.
If you want to stay overnight in Agra, then there is no better place to stay than the Oberoi Amarvilas. With views across the Taj Mahal, the hotel provides exclusive transport to the mausoleum so that guests are able to skip the queue!
New Delhi is India's modern capital city, with glistening skyscrapers, ancient heritage sites and mouthwatering street markets. As the Maharajas' Express rolls into New Delhi, your cultural journey across India has nearly come to an end, but there is still lots left to see!
What better way to experience New Delhi than by rickshaw? You can travel through the bustling, narrow lanes of the Chandni Chowk shopping district in Old Delhi, where you'll be able to try some of India's best street food and quirky tiny shops in the side streets, vital on your India holiday! You'll also have the chance to pass the historic India Gate; a world-famous landmark.
To immerse yourself in the rich culture of Delhi, you should visit Humayun's Tomb, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Completed in 1572, this majestic building is set amongst pristine gardens in the heart of the city, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Delhi!
If you're eager to pack your bags and jet off to India for your own incredible Indian Train Adventure, then one of our Luxury Travel Experts can organise this for you! Whether this is your first time to India or if you're a well-seasoned traveller, there are plenty of Maharajas' Express rail routes to satiate your hunger for this incredible country!