Overview & First Impressions
The journey began in New Delhi, where the initial point of contact for this ultra-luxury train experience was the Shangri-La Hotel. While an inclusive transfer service from the train was not provided, the hotel efficiently arranged a taxi for the short 15-minute drive to Delhi Safdarjung Station. Upon arrival, the grandeur of the Maharajas' Express immediately became apparent. The train, adorned in a striking crimson red with glistening gold finishes, exuded an aura of regality, truly feeling like a service reserved for royalty. A warm traditional welcome by the train staff included a flower garland, known locally as a Mara, and the presentation of a room key, setting a magnificent tone for the adventure ahead.
Guests are introduced to their dedicated butler, who, in this instance, was the attentive Bansancy. A red carpet led the way to the train, emphasizing the exclusive nature of the experience. The sheer scale of the Maharajas' Express is impressive; it spans over half a mile long, comprising 23 cars that house various restaurants, bars, suites, and even a boutique. For this review, the focus was on the Presidential Suite, an unparalleled accommodation that commands an entire rail car. The itinerary, dubbed the "Treasures of India" tour, promised a multi-day exploration of the Golden Triangle, encompassing New Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, and Jaipur, before concluding back in New Delhi. The initial segment of the journey covered approximately 150 miles to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, signalling the start of an extraordinary and immersive cultural expedition.
Suite, Cabin & Amenities
The Presidential Suite, named 'Navratana,' is the epitome of luxury on rails, occupying an entire carriage and boasting a remarkable 448 square feet of living space. This expansive suite offers a residential feel, starting with a marble-floored living room furnished with an armchair, sofa, and coffee table. A small dining table allows for private room service, offering an intimate dining experience. Adjacent to this, a dedicated desk features a direct phone line to the butler, ensuring immediate assistance. The suite also includes a fully stocked, inclusive mini-bar with an array of soft and hard beverages, perfect for a refreshment between meals.
Beyond the primary living area, the Presidential Suite features not one but two bedrooms. The guest bedroom comes with its own en-suite bathroom, complete with a shower. The primary bedroom is equally lavish, featuring a comfortable double bed, another direct phone to the butler, power outlets, and comprehensive lighting controls. Entertainment is provided via a TV loaded with movies and shows, complemented by a retro DVD player. For storage, two double wardrobes offer ample space, alongside a safe and laundry bags, with laundry service available at an additional cost once per trip.
The main bathroom in the Presidential Suite is exceptionally spacious, described as being the size of most luxury sleeper train bedrooms. It features a full-sized bath, a huge marble shower, and a separate toilet cubicle, providing an unparalleled level of comfort and luxury on a moving train. The experience of bathing while the train glides through the countryside, though at times feeling a bit shaky, is confirmed to be very relaxing. This suite truly lives up to its moniker as a 'palace on rails,' offering an unmatched level of privacy and amenity.
For comparison, the Maharajas' Express also offers other accommodation options:
- Deluxe Cabin: Occupying one-quarter of a carriage, these cabins offer 112 square feet of space with a choice of double or twin beds and a private en-suite bathroom with a shower.
- Suite: Spanning half a rail car, these suites provide 220 square feet of space, featuring a living room, a double bedroom, and a bathroom equipped with both a shower and a bath.
Food, Drinks & Service
Dining on board the Maharajas' Express is an experience in itself, with two exquisitely designed restaurant cars: Maya Mahal and Rang Mahal. Maya Mahal, named after India's national bird, the peacock, boasts palatial surroundings with hand-blown glass mosaics from Spain on the ceiling, stained glass table surfaces from Paris, and handcrafted mahogany chairs. Its most opulent features are peacocks formed from precious metals, considered the most expensive artifacts on the train. Rang Mahal, or 'palace of colors,' is equally stunning, with a ceiling hand-painted by a local artist using paints derived from crushed precious stones, and real gold charger plates. Cuisine across both restaurants focuses on Indian fare, complemented by a variety of Italian and French alternatives, catering to diverse palates. The head chef, John, oversees a kitchen that occupies an entire rail car and is capable of catering to a wide array of dietary requirements, using only specially filtered water for cooking.
Meals are a lavish affair. A typical lunch might begin with a potato salad, followed by a delicious roasted tomato basil soup, before moving to Indian specialties like paneer kafta served with steamed rice, shahi aloo, dal rajma, mint raita, and paratha. Desserts range from butterscotch ice cream to shahi pernie, a saffron-infused pureed rice. Dinners offer similar grandeur, with options like broccoli and cheddar soup or Caesar salad, followed by regional Indian dishes such as Rajasthani paneer red curry, jaipuri dahl, and Rajasthani cadhai, or Kashmiri cuisine including paneer labadar and pomegranate rayita. For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate brownie and rich Indian rice pudding are popular choices, alongside crème brûlée. Breakfasts are served in the Rang Mahal, offering cappuccinos, a baker's basket, mango yogurt, and omelets, enjoyed as the Indian countryside glides by.
The beverage service is comprehensive, with all drinks, including a wide array of alcoholic options, included in the train fare. The Safari Bar, located six cars from the Presidential Suite, provides a large bar with ample seating, perfect for a gin and tonic or other preferred libations. The Raja Club offers another sophisticated lounge setting for pre-dinner aperitifs or unwinding after excursions. Service is exceptionally attentive, led by a dedicated butler like Bansancy, who ensures every need is met, from delivering morning coffee to arranging turn-down service. For Presidential Suite guests, a private tour guide, Raj, accompanies all excursions, and chauffeur-driven Maybach transfers are provided, adding an exclusive layer of luxury. The train also offers unique experiences, such as an on-board massage facility and special themed evenings, including sari/turban dress-up and a dance floor in the Safari Bar. A highlight is an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, a former royal residence, where guests dine in the gardens with live entertainment, further elevating the culinary and service standards.
