India by Rail: A Tailor-Made Journey featuring the Maharajas’ Express

10 days from $11,500

Board the prestigious Maharajas' Express and set off to discover some of western India’s most iconic sites by rail for four days. Soak up the beauty of the Taj Mahal and venture into Agra Fort. Seek out the elusive tiger in Ranthambore National Park, and meander amid the enchanting palaces and forts of Jaipur. Then fly to the “blue city” of Jodhpur, where you’ll climb the ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort, and experience rural life on the way to serene Udaipur.

Train Journeys

Tailor-Made Journeys

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Highlights

Visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the world’s most celebrated architectural masterpieces.
Explore Jaipur’s vibrant “Pink City” and the impressive hilltop fortress of Amber Fort.
Climb the dramatic ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, rising high above the blue‑washed city below.
Experience daily life in rural India during a visit with a local family.
Unwind in the serene lakeside setting of Udaipur, known for its palaces and peaceful atmosphere.

Sample Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a Tailor-Made Journey. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.

Day 1 — Delhi

Arrive at Delhi International Airport, where you are met by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to rest after your journey or begin acclimating to the energy and contrasts of India’s capital.

Colonel's Retreat

Day 2 —Maharajas' Express / Agra

This morning, board the Maharajas’ Express, one of the world’s most luxurious trains, and settle into your elegant surroundings as the journey begins. Enjoy brunch on board as the train travels toward Agra. Upon arrival, disembark for a guided visit to Agra Fort, the impressive red‑sandstone citadel that once served as the seat of Mughal power. Return to the train for dinner and an overnight stay on board.(B,L,D)

Maharajas' Express

Day 3 — Ranthambhore National Park

Rise early for a visit to the legendary Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic monuments, best experienced in the soft morning light. After returning to the train, continue south toward Ranthambhore National Park. This afternoon, head out on a game drive in search of wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger, within this renowned former royal hunting reserve. Rejoin the train for dinner and overnight.(B,L,D)

Maharajas' Express

Day 4 — Jaipur

Spend the day exploring Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant “Pink City.” Visit the hilltop Amber Fort, rising dramatically above the surrounding countryside, and discover the city’s historic highlights with your guide. This evening, enjoy a special dinner hosted within one of Jaipur’s impressive palace settings, an elegant finale to your journey aboard the Maharajas’ Express.(B,L,D)

Maharajas' Express

Day 5 — Jodhpur

Arrive back in Delhi this morning and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and bidding farewell to your fellow travelers. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur, a short journey of approximately 90 minutes. On arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the “Blue City,” named for the indigo‑washed houses clustered beneath the fort.(B)

Pal Haveli

Day 6 — Jodhpur

Explore Jodhpur today with your knowledgeable local guide. Begin with a visit to the formidable Mehrangarh Fort, climbing its ramparts for sweeping views across the city below. Continue on foot through the Old City, discovering its markets and historic lanes. Later, enjoy a cookery experience with a local family, offering a personal insight into Rajasthani cuisine and daily life.(B)

Pal Haveli

Day 7 — Chanoud

Travel south through rural Rajasthan to the small village of Chanoud. Here, stay in a beautifully restored family home that has been converted into an intimate heritage hotel. This special stop offers a glimpse into traditional village life, with time to relax, explore the surroundings, and enjoy warm hospitality in a setting far removed from India’s major cities.(B)

Chanoud Garh

Day 8 — to Udaipur

Continue toward Udaipur, stopping along the way to explore the intricately carved Jain Temples of Ranakpur, among the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. Also visit the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort, famous for its vast defensive walls stretching across the Aravalli Hills. Arrive in Udaipur later in the day and settle in.(B)

Fateh Garh

Day 9 — Udaipur

Discover the romantic city of Udaipur, set around the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola, with your experienced local guide. Explore the city’s palaces, streets, and lakeside setting before enjoying a relaxed afternoon at leisure. You may wish to take an optional boat ride on Lake Pichola, watching the sun set behind the City Palace and surrounding hills.(B)

Fateh Garh

Day 10 — Return home

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, beginning your journey home and concluding your exploration of northern India’s cities, countryside, and royal heritage.(B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

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Occupancy	Double
Estimated Price	$11,500

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Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy, and do not include international air. Reduced pricing may be available for triple or quad accommodations, or for parties of six or more travelers.

Starting price reflects the itinerary shown here, and are intended as a broad indication of how much you should budget for your trip. We can tailor your trip to match your budget by adjusting the trip duration or departure date, and choosing accommodations and activities that suit your needs and interests.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Tour Details

Accommodations

Colonel's Retreat
Delhi, India

Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood of South Delhi, Colonel’s Retreat is an intimate boutique guesthouse offering a peaceful contrast to the energy of the capital. The property features a small garden courtyard, breakfast area, and personalized service in a relaxed, home‑style setting. Guest rooms are comfortable and individually furnished, with private bath with hair dryer, air conditioning, Wi‑Fi, and modern amenities, providing a welcoming and authentic base for beginning your journey through northern India.

Pal Haveli
Jodhpur, India

Set beneath the imposing walls of Mehrangarh Fort in the heart of Jodhpur’s old city, Pal Haveli is a beautifully restored heritage home that reflects the architectural character of Rajasthan. The haveli features a rooftop restaurant with fort views, courtyard spaces, and complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas. Guest rooms are individually styled with traditional décor and modern comforts, including private bath with hair dryer, air conditioning, and in‑room amenities, offering an atmospheric and well‑located base for exploring Jodhpur’s historic streets and landmarks.

Chanoud Garh
Chanoud, India

Built by Thakur Anoop Singh Ji, Chanoud Garh has been in the hands of the same family for 13 generations and is steeped in history. Like many forts in the region, the property is laid out around two main courtyards, with your friendly hosts, the Singh family, living around one courtyard with their dogs, and the handful of guest suites located around the other.The fort has been carefully restored, with much attention taken to respect the original building's style and character. You'll be warmly welcomed by the Singhs, who like to host drinks each evening before dinner and are always keen to show guests around the area.

Fateh Garh
Udaipur, India

Hotel Fateh Garh, a Heritage Renaissance Resort & Sanctuary, is perched on the edge of Udaipur city amongst the Aravalli hills, with commanding 360º views. This 48-room property offers travelers a spacious and peaceful refuge from the noisy and crowded urban India. Rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, TV, and phone

Gift Membership – Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a Tailor-Made Journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

An annual Smithsonian calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history.
Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
Access to special members‑only hours at select Smithsonian venues.
10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
A complimentary copy of the Smithsonian annual pocket guide profiling exhibitions and work across the Institution.
Invitation to a special welcome members-only tour at a Smithsonian Museum (offered one time to Archivists upon joining at this level).

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members.

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.