Maharajas' Express

I just went on a 3 night/4 day trip on the Maharajas Express. The service was good, but honestly at times the service felt really overdone. The staff was very sweet and welcoming though. The food was okay, I understand that the cooking staff do their best to cater the food to tourists, but as a result I feel like at times the food was lacking in flavor. The fruits and vegetables were not very good and fresh juices served at breakfast were not very good either which was surprising given that fruits in India typically have very vibrant flavor. Everything was very clean though. Regarding the interior of the train, my family and I were surprised by how outdated our bathroom was in the presidential suite. The condition of the rooms and amenities reflects that of a 2 or 3 star hotel by European standards. Also, my whole family and I were disappointed by how poorly planned the sight seeing was. We spent most of the time on the train, and the excursions that were scheduled outside the train were not as memorable or as educational as we would have hoped. Everything felt rushed and our tour guide focused more on taking us to places for shopping than to actually show us historical sites. My family and I felt that most of our experiences off the train were shopping trips, when the whole point of coming on this train was to actually see parts of Northern India which is very rich in history. We had a private tour since we were in the presidential suite, but the rest of the people on the train had a different tour guide and seemed much more pleased and happy with what they were able to learn and see on their excursions. Overall, I am not sure if this trip was worth it. Like I said, the train staff were wonderful, the service was very good, but the excursions outside the train just didn't feel fulfilling and were more focused on shopping, than sight-seeing which didn't feel right. The experience to travel Northern India by train was unique and interesting, but given the insane price tag, the sight seeing should have been better.

Just went on the Maharajas Express with my family Dec 2025. What an awful experience overall. They are a government run operation (Indian railways) so that should tell you everything you need to know. We paid $20k usd for just 2 nights on this train. They stuck us in the dead last cabin (Pitoniya) which smelled like a septic tank the entire time. When we asked to move, they told us everything was sold out when there were only 47 guests on board. Then they tried to price gouge us even further by offering us a “discounted upgrade”- which after paying what we did already I wasn’t interested in. Then they offered us a second room which was being used by their own staff and not cleaned. Disaster! In general, while their common areas are nice, their cabins are dilapidated, dirty and literally falling apart- my kids bathroom door handle popped out and bathroom got locked from the inside. To top all this - my husband got sick on the train with stomach issues which they blamed on “weather and outside food”! How can we consume outside food when we are literally eating every meal on board? Some other guests were also sick but they dismissed this concern as “unrelated.” Only positive is the service in their common areas and nice guides on excursions. But for the exorbitant price, one can stay in the most luxurious hotels in India and hire private guides. The Maharaja Express is NOT worth it. They are only riding on their reputation from the golden days which are long gone.

From the beginning to the end I found this was the most magical experience I ever had traveling. We left from New Delhi to Varanasi and Felt like a true maharani from mini parades arriving to each destinations and the staff addressing any concerns . The chef was great since I’m allergic to certain foods he went above and beyond to give me the best dishes without any drama . Anil was amazing and funny as he kept me company at the bar all the time and Lakhpat was on point and kind as my butler . Overall you guys are rockstars and thank you Raj . Would definitely be back

Me and family went to the train tour from Delhi to Mumbai The excursions were nice but I don’t understand how the train team organizes dinner events in 3 star hotels ? If there are venues were celebrities got married … The food on board is ok but they are not at all flexible to make a small change in the Menue… The rooms were shabby very shabby and the worst our butler was so greedy me and uncle were just shocked ! I was given an envelope I felt like being forced of writing a review and than the valet gave me second envelope by telling me I recommend to put 200$ inside When my family did they check out they asked them if they already put the envelope in the box ! The train arrived late in Mumbai and the butler asked me to give him already the keys of the room I would not recommend this shabby train to anyone !!!!

A trip of a Lifetime. From the exceptional Service, incredible excursions, 5 star cuisine, top class guides, unforgettable experiences, this is the only way to see this amazing country. We had the basic cabin and its spacious compared to the equivalent on the Ghan and Rovos Rail. The bathroom had a full size shower, sink and toilet and it was roomy compared to the other trains mentioned. It was also spotlessly clean. Ram looked after us for the full 7 days and the room was always in tip top condition throughout the day. He always saw us off on the trips and greeted us on the way home, kept us informed of what was happening. Nitin and the team were fun and made sure everyone was having the best time. Thanks to Ram, Sauraub, SEM, Deepak, Chania, Nitin, John (Chef) and all the other staff for making this trip sensational. This has to be my favorite train trip of all time.

We spent 6 nights, 7 days on the train and thoroughly enjoyed it. They treat you like royalty and make sure that any requests you have are addressed. The excursions are all included in your fees. There are a couple of stores that they take you to though that are marked up quite a bit. You should only purchase if you like. The food is excellent and they chef was very generous in making accomodations for our children. The kids watched TV and movies while travelling and WIFI is reasonable on the train. Pros: Everything is planned for you, great food, relatively private. Cons: Rooms are small but can't ask for much more on a train.Train delays out of Delhi due to weather/fog/smog can make for a long first day.

The Maharajahs’ Express is truly a luxurious way to see India. We took the Heritage of India tour from Mumbai to Delhi. The staff on board catered to our every need. We had our own valet, Ram, who ensured we were on time for meals and trips off the train. The train has two bars with plenty of complimentary drink options and two restaurants where chef John Stone will adjust the menu to your personal taste, even providing dishes not on the daily menu. The staff from the train accompanied us on the excellent excursions, ensuring we were safe at all times and in the hands of local guides with excellent knowledge. One of the highlights is Indian Night when all the ladies are dressed in saris by the female staff on board and the men are given traditional dress as well. There is dancing on the train followed by a sumptuous dinner.

It is most luxurious train I had ever seen thier servents and your welcome is special here . And so good quality as much you deserve