Maharajas’ Express is one of the most renowned luxury trains in India. A joint venture between Cox and Kings and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation, the train is an effort to recreate the forgotten art of elegant and opulent train travelling in India. The train offers four fascinating itineraries to choose from. Royal Sojourn is the latest offering by the operators of Maharajas Express train. Maharajas’ Express Royal Sojourn tour is an 8 days and 7 night’s journey which offers fascinating voyage across the royal and vibrant land of Rajasthan and also includes a halt in Agra, home to Taj Mahal.
Royal Sojourn itinerary begins from New Delhi which is the capital of India. Delhi is a famous tourist destination with a multitude of attractions. The city is home to various temples and medieval monuments which depicts the vast cultural heritage of India.
The next destination included in the Maharajas’ Express Royal Sojourn itinerary is Jaipur. Jaipur is also known as The Pink City due to the extensive use of pink color in architectural buildings. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1729 AD, Jaipur houses several magnificent palaces, massive forts and exquisite temples. Some major attractions in Jaipur are City Palace, Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar (a royal observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Elephant Polo Match, Anokhi Textile Museum, Nahargarh Biological Park and the bazaars.
The historical city of Kota is also a part of Maharajas’ Express Royal Sojourn itinerary. Located on the banks of Chambal River, the city is a local trade centre and mainly deals in items including food grains, cotton and textile items, metal handicrafts, chemicals and fertilizers. The Chambal garden situated on the banks of river Chambal is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The city is dotted with several forts, palaces and temples. The Garh Palace is one of the largest forts situated in Kota. This massive fort has a series of attractions housed within the complex. The Umed Bhawan Palace is named after Maharaja Umed Singh II and offers a perfect blend of Rajput and Victorian architecture.
Also included in the Maharajas’ Express Royal Sojourn itinerary is Sawai Madhopur. The city is home to famous Ranthambore National Park which is the topmost attraction here. The park also houses the historic Ranthambore fortress which is the former abode of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur.
Agra is the final destination included in the Royal Sojourn tour itinerary. Agra is home to famous Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The city also houses Agra Fort which served as the seat and stronghold for various Mughal emperors before Shah Jahan moved to Delhi. Fatehpur Sikri is the abandoned Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar in 1564 AD.
To say that Maharajas’ Express Royal Sojourn tour is a journey that allows you to savor the Mughal and Rajput heritage in abundance will not be an overstatement. The journey will let you relive the romance of erstwhile maharajas. The weeklong journey on board Maharajas’ Express in the ultimate luxury and gracious hospitality ensures an experience of a lifetime.
