Maharajas' Express Ventures Into 2012 with New Royal Sojourn Journey

Available for travel by end of this year and through 2012, the new round-trip itinerary traverses through western Indian, departing from Delhi and venturing through Jaipur, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambore National Park, and finally Agra before arriving back to Delhi.

During the 8-day, 7-night journey, guests embark on a magnificent voyage through imperial India, discovering the subcontinent's exotic and mysterious heritage as well as its charming regional architecture. Aside from a Champagne toast at the Taj Mahal, guests will take part in an exhibition elephant polo match and savor the spices at colorful Jaipur bazaars. Guests may also have the option to enjoy spa treatments at palace hotels or customize excursions to biological parks and nature preserves, all which may be arranged through a private guide.

As the first luxury pan-India train, the custom-designed Maharajas' Express conveniently cuts across state borders, giving guests a unique perspective of the history and architecture of India. Brand-new ports-of-call and off-train excursions experienced on the Maharajas' Express's newly unveiled "Royal Sojourn" journey include:

• Excursion to Nahargarh Biological Park / Elephant Rehabilitation Centre – Guests can spot Asiatic lions, tigers, leopards, Indian gazelle and a variety of birds at this wildlife park, which was founded by the Government of Rajasthan to conserve rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.

• Boat Cruise on River Chambal – Home to the highly elusive and endangered Gangetic dolphin as well as the Ghariyal (a thin-snouted Indian crocodile), Kota's River Chambal is a unique Indian landmark of particular interest to the intrepid traveler. On this boat cruise, guests will embark on a captivating expedition through primeval lands.

• Weave through famous Cotton-Silk Craftsmen Colonies: Kaithoon is iconic for its tradition of hand-woven cotton and silk fabric featuring real gold and silver. Populated by skilled merchants and craftsmen, this is an ideal spot for travelers to shop for a custom sari in wild hues such as turquoise, magenta and chartreuse.

• Elephant Polo in Jaipur – Participate in – or simply sip champagne and marvel at – the elephant polo exhibition game amidst the Aravali Hills in India's “Pink City.” In the age of the maharajas, the challenging game of elephant polo was an ultimate royal experience.

Along with other signature Maharajas' Express journeys – "Princely India,” “Royal India” and “Classical India” – “Royal Sojourn” grants guests the opportunity to experience firsthand the customs and sumptuous lifestyle of the maharajas – timeless experiences that are very difficult for any luxury traveler to access by plane, car or current train services.

Rates for the "Royal Sojourn" journey begin at U.S. $6,760 for a Deluxe Cabin, based on double occupancy, through 2012. Additional 2012 rates – all based on double occupancy – begin at U.S. $6,265 for a Deluxe Cabin on the "Classical India" journey; U.S. $7,160 for a Deluxe Cabin on the "Princely India" journey; and U.S. $7,160for a Deluxe Cabin on the "Royal India" journey. Rates include accommodation, all meals and soft drinks, house brands of wine, beer and spirits, butler service, all sightseeing and entrance fees, guides and entertainment. Also included are a wide range of fantastic excursions and events including temple and palace tours.

For more information and to book a journey onboard Maharajas' Express, visit https://www.the-maharajas.com