INDIA. INDIA Maharajas Express

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1 INDIA INDIA Maharajas Express The most luxurious way of exploring parts of India where luxury tourism is yet to take a foothold, the Maharaja's Express allows the luxury traveller to experience areas not typically on the radar of the luxury traveller. Embark on an unforgettable escapade that starts off with the capital city of Delhi. Make your way through the sacred city of Varanasi and cruise on the River Ganges to observe ancient spiritual rites. Witness the immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the sensuous moods of the temples of Khajuraho, the elegance and imperial splendour of the Nawabs in Lucknow and the wilderness of the Bandhavgarh National Park. The quintessential Maharajas' Express experience and one of our most popular journeys exploring the mystique of India! The Maharajas' Express takes you on a sojourn exploring the hidden treasures of India! Embark on an unforgettable escapade that starts off with the capital city of Delhi. Make your way through the sacred city of Varanasi and cruise on the River Ganges to observe ancient spiritual rites. Witness the immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the sensuous moods of the temples of Khajuraho, the elegance and imperial splendour of the Nawabs in Lucknow and the wilderness of the Bandhavgarh National Park 31 st October DELHI ELHI- AGRA Photo courtesy of Satpal Singh Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express. The epic journey begins at the Safdarjung Railway station at 0830 hrs (reporting time).on arrival, proceed towards the Maharajas' Express and complete the pre- Calling ourselves 'travel mixologists', we've served up interesting itineraries for you to choose from- all of which are available for tweaking and embellishments whilst keeping the main ingredients. Beautifully-themed journeys for you to choose from and to tweak according to your predilections.

2 boarding formalities as you enjoy a welcome drink. The Maharajas' Express departs Delhi at 1000 hrs (approx) to Agra. Enjoy a leisurely brunch on board as you journey through the picturesque countryside, arriving into the 'City of Mughal Splendour' Agra. On arrival disembark and explore the spectacular monuments of the city. Agra, the jewel of India, is home to one of the world's great architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monumental masterpieces and picturesque natural setting, Agra is a legendary city glorified by time. Visit the world famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as the mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incomparable marvel is constructed entirely out of white marble and is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India's most revered craftsmen were recruited to give shape to this poetry in marble. The highlight of the afternoon is a high tea atop the Taj Khema. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you admire the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunset. Enjoy some free time shopping for pietra dura marble and fine Mughal Jewellery keeping the traditional Mughal arts alive. Return to the comfort of the train and continue your journey to Gwalior. Brunch on board; High tea at Taj Khema; Dinner on board Overnight on the Maharajas' Express. 1 st of November GWALIOR This morning, during breakfast, you journey through the fascinating and dramatic Chambal Ravines which served as the home

3 to some of India's most notorious dacoits. Admire the dramatic landscape of deep and narrow gorges, undulating sandy hills interspersed with rich fields. Late morning the Maharajas' Express arrives into the royal city of Gwalior. A city where many reigning dynasties have left indelible etchings of their rule on all its palaces, temples and monuments. These mementos of a glorious past have been preserved, giving Gwalior a timeless appeal. Following disembarkation, continue for lunch to the Usha Kiran Palace.On arrival experience a Royal traditional welcome. Enter this 120-year-old palace, which has played host to the King of England, set amidst 9 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns and outfitted with artistic stone carvings and delicate filigree work. After lunch, proceed on a tour of the magnificent Gwalior Fort, admiring its enclosed exquisite temples and palaces, the most spectacular being the Man Mandir Palace. This palace is a masterpiece of Rajput architecture, embellished with exquisite stone carving and latticework. Some of the other fascinating sights within the 3km fort enclosure are the 21 colossal Jain sculptures depicting the 'tirthankaras' (one who has achieved freedom from the cycle of rebirth) carved into the rock face and the famous Saas-Bahu (Mother and Daughter-in-law) temples covered with beautiful sculptures of dancing girls and deities. Your visit continues to the opulent

4 Jai Vilas Palace Museum, a section of which still remains the residence of the royal family of Gwalior. Enjoy exploring the unique exhibits in the museum, the most exquisite being the unique model train made of crystal to serve drinks and aperitifs during the Royal banquets in the Durbar Hall. Admire the stupendous Durbar Hall with its crystal staircase, arched ceiling with stunning gold leaf work supporting two of the world's largest chandeliers. The legend goes that in order to test the strength of the ceiling to support the chandeliers, several elephants were made to stand on the ceiling. A grand finale to the exciting day is the Royal spread of the finest delicacies of the Royal kitchens served in the grand compound of the Palace. Late evening return to the comfort of the train. Breakfast on board; Lunch at Usha Kiran Palace; Supper at Jai Vilas Palace Overnight on the Maharajas' Express. 2 nd of November ORCHHA - KHAJURAHO Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board the train as she continues her journey through some of the most dramatic and picturesque environs towards. Enroute you will enjoy a stop at the bejewelled town of Orchha. On arrival in Orchha, disembark and venture on tour of the quaint domain of the Bundela Kings. Visit the Jahangiri Mahal which is an excellent example of the Rajput Bundela architecture. Marvel the multi layered palace with its 132 chambers. A striking feature of the palace are the sandstone walls Photo courtesy of Gérald Anfossi

5 embellished with lapis lazuli tiles and ornate jail screens. Catch a glimpse of some rituals being performed as you pass the beautiful temple of Chaturbhuj which is a unique blend of fort and temple architecture. Not to be missed are the beautiful chhatris better known as cenotaphs of the Orchha rulers lying along the Betwa River. Return to the train and continue onwards to the temple city of Khajuraho. Admire the rich landscape as you have lunch on board. Khajuraho is renowned for its architecture and exquisite sculptures. Built between 950 and 1050 AD in a truly inspired burst of creativity, the temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. The highly sensual engravings depict the whole range of human emotions and relationships. On arrival proceed on a tour of the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Western group which constitutes some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak. Visit the Kandariya Mahadev Temple and the Chaunsath Yogini Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the 64 Yoginis respectively. Continue to the Eastern group of temples. Visit the exquisite Jain Temples and admire some of the finest sculpture and carvings. Experience the fascinating Son-et-Lumiere spectacle, which evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story Photo courtesy of Gérald Anfossi

6 of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. Return to the comfort of the train and continue your journey to the Bandhavgarh National Park. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Board. Overnight on the Maharajas' Express. Photo courtesy of Sher Bagh 3 rd of November UMARIA (Bandhavgarh National Park) This morning, as you enjoy breakfast the train rolls into Umaria. Disembark and prepare yourself for an exciting drive to the Bandhavgarh National Park. With the highest known density of tigers, it was the former hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Rewa. Animals such as deers, langurs, sloth bears and exotic birds can also be found here. You will have the opportunity to participate in the 'Forests for Tigers' program - this involves reforestation of Tiger habitat, an insight into the various projects, visit to villages surrounding the park, interaction with a wildlife artist followed by lunch. Photo courtesy of Sher Bagh Later continue on a jeep safari into the park exploring the flora and fauna. The grasslands and sal forests are home to a rich variety of wildlife including the tiger. Wildlife in India cannot be compared to Africa and you are indeed fortunate if you spot the elusive tiger. Later you will return to Umaria and board the train.

7 Breakfast on board; Lunch at wildlife resort; Dinner on Board Overnight on the Maharajas' Express. 4 th of November VARANASI Today as you enjoy breakfast, your journey continues from the royal jungles through rich agricultural fields, arriving into the holy city of Varanasi. Photo courtesy of Sergi Montaner One of the olde st living cities in the world, Varanasi (also known as Kashi or Benares) has a spiritual legacy of over 3000 years. A place of pilgrimage, this holy city is set on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Varanasi epitomizes the chaos and colour of India. Lively bazaars, exquisite and bright silks, festivals, temples, mosques and palaces - all can be found here. Following disembarkation, your tour begins with the visit to ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon expounding the principles of Buddhism. Visit the ruins, stupa and the Ashoka Pillar, whose four back-to-back lions have been adopted as India's national emblem. After a sumptuous lunch, visit the world famous Varanasi Silk Weaving Centre. You

8 and many flamed aarti raised high in the air, The Residency, started by Nawab Asaf-ud- makes for an absolute magical evening to Daulla and completed by Nawab Sadat Ali remember!! for the British resident in Unravel the Rejoin the train and head to your next destination. Breakfast on board; Lunch at a hotel; Dinner on board Overnight on the Maharajas' Express. Photo courtesy of Linda Davis can even shop for some world famous 5th of November LUCKNOW Banarasi silk saris and brocades. Enjoy traversing through the lush green Proceed for a scenic cruise on the river agricultural belt of Uttar Pradesh as you Ganges and witness a magical evening aarti relish your breakfast on board. Late morning, at the ghats of the holy Ganges. The chants the Maharajas' Express slowly pulls into the of Sanskrit mantras, the clash of cymbals and fabled 'City of Nawabs', Lucknow. drums, the scent of flowers, incense and This morning you will explore the dramatic sandalwood and the blazing camphor lamp ruins of Imperialistic Lucknow as you visit Photo courtesy of Sunil Lal

9 history of the Mutiny of 1857 at the Residency as you explore her ruins and visit the main Residency building which houses an interesting Museum displaying the original model of the Residency, old lithographs, photographs, paintings, documents and period-objects. Experience the imperialistic splendour and mystical elegance of the Nawabs of Awadh as you visit their architectural wonders like the famous 'Rumi Darwaza", a beautifully ornamented gateway; the spectacular Bada Imambara considered to be the largest vaulted apartment in the world comprising of ornamental gateways, corridors and galleries. Following lunch, you will return to the train and may join the Nawabi evening later. For those who wish to explore further, the bustling markets of this royal city will not disappoint. This evening you will be transported into the glorious era of the Nawabs of Avadh as you experience the traditional hospitality typical to the Royal Houses, celebrating an 'Indian Evening'. The mesmerising music, exquisite courtesan dance and the Royal Culinary Delights from the Nawabi kitchens - all combine to bring alive the elegance and charm of the Nawabi era. Then return to the train and continue on your onward journey. Breakfast on board; Lunch at a hotel; Nawabi Evening Dinner at a Private residence Overnight on the Maharajas' Express. 6th of November DELHI Early this morning the train pulls into New Delhi at Safdarjung Station. Following breakfast on board you will disembark at approximately 0830 hrs. Photo courtesy of Madhur Verma

10 Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express as your 'Classical India' journey comes to an end. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever! Breakfast on the Maharajas' Express.

11 Date Nts. Location/Route Accommodation/ Details Rooms/Travel Time/Basis 31st of October Name of the airport Arriving Flight & Time TBA type of room plus meals (B,L,D) Delhi / Agra Maharajas' Express L,D 1 st of November Gwalior Maharajas' Express B,L,D 2nd of November Orchha / Khajuraho Maharajas' Express B,L,D 3 rd of November Umaria Maharajas' Express B,L,D 4 th of November Varanasi Maharajas' Express B,L,D 5 th of November Lucknow Maharajas' Express B,L,D 6 th of November Delhi Maharajas' Express B Departing Flight & Time TBA Total Price (Indicative Only): USD 5600 Per person on double occupancy basis Price includes: All domestic transfers and tours mentioned. Accommodation in most basic room category and meal plans as defined above. Price excludes: International airfare to Dubai and from Abu Dhabi. All gratuities and tips, tours not mentioned and items of a personal nature

12 Important Notes Trip Grading/Difficulty: This itinerary is done at a relaxed pace, with no strenuous or overtly physical activities and is suitable for all ages. Flights It is essential that you give us your air schedule at least 60 days prior to departure, so that we may confirm your arrival and departure hotels. Health You are strongly advised to contact your own GP or vaccination centre in respect of required vaccinations for India. Check on recommended immunizations as least a month before travel. Among the items you might pack are: sun creams (factor 12 and above), insect repellent, sting relief cream, antiseptic cream, a lightweight hat and sunglasses. Important Note While we endeavor to make the itinerary as accurate as possible, it should be considered an approximate schedule of activities rather than a rigid schedule of events. Trip itineraries are subject to revision due to weather, road and trail conditions, government restrictions and other factors beyond our control.

13 Booking Conditions: Booking your tailor-made holiday A booking is accepted only after we receive the completed signed booking form and/or the non-refundable deposit required. If the booking is made within 60 days of departure, then full payment is required at the time of confirmation except over the Christmas & New Year period when the full itinerary amount must be made at the time of booking. The balance of payment due for your travel arrangements must be paid by you not later than 60 days before departure; otherwise we may treat the booking as cancelled. Methods of payment Payments for deposits and final monies for Travel Arrangements may be made by bank transfer. Cancellation All cancellations must be advised in writing and will take effect the day we receive it. refunds all recoverable costs after cancellation, subject to third-party cancellation and refund policies and a USD500 administration and travel planning fee. In some cases hotels require prepayment in full for hotel rooms and services in the peak period. In such cases these deposits are non refundable.

14 Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking the Travel Arrangements that You are adequately insured for the full duration of the your travel arrangements in respect of illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal items, cancellation and curtailment. The choice of insurer is the sole discretion of You. In signing the Booking Form or paying for your holiday You confirm to Us that You either have or will have procured such insurance before the commencement of Your Travel Arrangements. Further Terms and Conditions apply. In signing the Booking Form or paying the deposit you confirm to Us that you have accepted the booking terms and conditions. The Urbane Nomad keenly seeks the best that travel has to offer-keenly seeking out exciting design hotels with its associated mod cons, the most unique travel experiences in localities yet to be discovered by the masses or experiencing a favoured tourist destination on an entirely different level.