Inside the Maharajas' Express: A Physician's Review
January 2024 · 7 min read · India · Luxury
The Maharajas' Express has been voted the world's leading luxury train multiple times by the World Travel Awards. After spending a week aboard on a CMEescape programme — 16 CME credits earned, Rajasthan's palace circuit covered — here's an honest assessment from a medical professional's perspective.
The train itself
The Maharajas' Express carries 84 guests in 23 cabins across five categories: Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite, Grand Suite, and the Presidential Suite. CMEescape books in Deluxe Cabins at minimum — spacious, air-conditioned, with en-suite bathrooms featuring marble finishes and Ferragamo toiletries.
Two dining cars serve Indian and Continental cuisine. The bar car — called the Safari Bar — becomes the social hub each evening. The service is extraordinary: a dedicated attendant is assigned to each cabin for the duration of the journey.
The itinerary
The CMEescape programme follows the Heritage of India route: Mumbai to Delhi via Ajmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri. Each day features a combination of guided excursions — the Amber Fort, Ranthambore tiger safari, the Taj Mahal at dawn — and CME sessions scheduled around the travel rhythm.
How CME sessions work on the train
Sessions take place in the early morning while the train is in motion between destinations — typically 6:30–9:00am in a dedicated conference area. This preserves the entire day at each destination for excursions. Oakstone CME faculty travel with the group; materials are distributed digitally. Sessions are specialty-specific, with breakout content available for different disciplines.
Practical notes for physicians
- Vaccines: Check CDC recommendations for India. Hepatitis A and typhoid are standard; some physicians add malaria prophylaxis for Ranthambore
- Connectivity: WiFi is available on the train but variable. Download your CME materials before departure
- Time zone: India is 10.5 hours ahead of US Eastern. Build in 2–3 days either side for acclimatisation
- Booking: The Maharajas' Express requires 120+ days advance booking — cabins sell out especially for the October–March peak season
- Group size: CMEescape programmes are small — typically 12–20 physicians — which allows genuine interaction with faculty
Verdict
The Maharajas' Express is genuinely unlike any other CME experience. The combination of world-class luxury, extraordinary destinations, and well-structured education makes it the flagship CMEescape offering. The 16 CME credits are substantial; the memories are permanent.
The price reflects the calibre — this is not a budget programme. But for physicians who have been wanting to see India and need CME credits, it is difficult to imagine a better way to accomplish both.
Reserve your place on the Maharajas' Express
Limited cabins. Book at least 120 days ahead for your preferred dates.
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