Know about the Premier Luxury Train of India – The Palace on Wheels Train

The Palace on Wheels is not just the first luxury train of India, but also is the first attempt in bringing the best of royalty in every way. Certainly the oldest and most popular of India luxury train, the Palace on Wheels train is rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world. Authentic in every way and form, this train promises to transport the travellers back to the royal times when the luxury was a way of norm of life in its course of seven days.

The carriages of the train have the history of their own. Designed on the royal themes of the personal coaches used by princely rulers of Rajasthan, these carriages assure the travellers of a worthy royal experience. Decorated in rich traditional style, including draped curtains, hand crafted lights, and Rajasthani art, these coaches recreate the perfect ambiance suiting the guests’ royal likings. Even the names of the carriages are named after a city in Rajasthan.

The course of action of the Palace on Wheels continues in night time when the guests are transported from one city to another in the assured comfort and opulence. And every day begins in a new destination, offering them new travel excursions and sightseeing options in regal fervour. There, the guests get to know the meaning and essence of royalty in the form of visiting forts and palaces in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh and Udaipur. In addition to this, the guests also get to relive the royal lifestyle with the indulgent game drives to Ranthambore National Park.

Besides the plush accommodation at night, the luxury train also offers other inclusions based on royal inclinations. There are two restaurants on board, namely the Maharaja and the Maharani serving the guests with an indulgent palate suiting their tastes and fantasies. Similarly, the guests can also indulge in the royal spirits, thanks to the inclusions of bar lounge area. The Royal Spa aboard is also well equipped in relieving guests’ travel jetlag through various massages, therapies and revitalising solutions amidst royal ambience.

All this and much more illustrate the bejewelled legacy of the oldest luxury train in India. Surely, the Palace on Wheels Train tour is one of the best luxury train experiences in the country. 

Priceless Moments Await India Luxury Train

There are many ways to journey in India, but no one is as royal, luxurious and exciting as a luxury train. Suffused with the luxury of all kinds, these journeys present the most coveted way to travel in the country. Inspired by the lifestyle of the royals, these trains fill the journey with great excitement and fun. Thanks to its lively hospitality and genuine cultural reflection that makes it an experience to last for a lifetime.

The special experiences begin with even before boarding the luxury train. As a guest enters the designated railway station, he / she witness the reception in a true ritualistic Indian style. The women in finery apply tilaka or red vermillion on his / her forehead and offer aarti, welcoming the guests. Another reason behind this ritual is to mark the welcome of the guests on this royal journey with auspiciousness.

As the formalities to board the luxury railway completes and the guests get ready to board the plush rail, they even receive the mighty assistance of the turbaned khidmatgars. They in every possible way make sure that the guests feel comfortable aboard the train. Be it porting or any time requirement onboard, these attendants work ardently towards the guests.

After the check in towards the elegantly furnished suite, the passengers experience awe and wonder for the ambience. Modeled on the priceless palaces, these royal suites evoke the glorious fascination amongst the travellers. The silken bedspreads, intriguing paintings, classy wooden furniture – all narrate the glorious times of royals.

Same intriguing facet of royal life is brought to life within the restaurants exuding fine dining experience par royal standards. Serving palatable mix of flavours and colours created by renowned chefs, these restaurants define the wholesome dining experience in the most luxuriant way. There are special bars aboard the train which spirits up the passengers in the ultimate style. The bar cars accommodate the priciest collection of bars and beers to uplift the senses.

Another unique experience included onboard is the spa and gym car. After the day’s excursions, the passengers can optionally revitalize into the pampering and comfort of wellness saloons before retiring to bed. All these comprise the priceless moments aboard the India luxury Train.

Explore heritage excursions aboard the India Luxury Train

The unique thing about the luxury trains in India is the facet that they take the travellers to the iconic attractions throughout the country.  These off-rail excursions are a part of well-thought-out itinerary headed towards a particular direction. These itineraries take the travellers through the exciting and exclusive attractions of the country in the most creative way.

Sometimes, these routes concentrate towards a particular state in their seven day voyage of royal discovery. The Golden Chariot’s Pride of South train itinerary completely focuses on the grandeur and glory of Karnataka in the most prized way. Unlike other train routes that traverse through multiple Indian states, this is the only route which crisscrosses through one single state.

Besides this regal train, there are other trains that cover two or three states and bring the best of country in the special journey. First among them is the Palace on Wheels. This oldest luxury train in India wholly focuses upon the incredible royal heritage of Rajasthan. This train with Rajput decorative touches traverses through the gems of Rajasthan including Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bharatpur. Besides Rajasthan’s royalty, the train route also features one prominent historic attraction, Agra in Uttar Pradesh featuring the splendid Taj Mahal.

The next luxury train in Rajasthan, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train tour also encompasses three different states of the country, each having different cultural and historical essence. The journey begins from Delhi and first ventures into the royalty of Rajasthan based in Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur. Towards the middle of the journey, the train tour chugs its way into the central region of India, Madhya Pradesh for Khajuraho Group of temples; the Indian apogee of erotic art in stone. Towards the last leg of this royal itinerary, the train turns towards Uttar Pradesh for sanctified Varanasi and heritage of Agra.

Other itinerary of Golden Chariot, the Southern Splendour chugs around three scintillating states of South India. Beginning with Karnataka’s Bengaluru, this train journey ventures towards the Tamil Nadu, famous for its rich temple heritage. The regions covered in Tamil Nadu include Chennai, Puducherry, Tanjavur and Madurai. The next leg of this special luxury train route enters the God’s own country, Kerala via Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey and Kochi.

Deccan Odyssey, the premier luxury train of Maharashtra, presents the grandeur of this grandly bestowed state comprehensively. This special train creatively highlights the natural, heritage and cultural wonders of Maratha land. The excursions covered in this train include Mumbai and Sindhudurg Nagri in its first leg. Towards the middle, the train includes the most coveted holiday destination of the country, Goa. In the third and final stage of the train’s journey, again the train turns towards the untouched heritage and classic appeal of Maharashtra via a visit to Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Ajanta Caves and Nashik.

The last train in the series, the Maharajas Express train is the grandest of them all. This luxury train franchise includes five itineraries traversing through a combination of celebrated tourist destinations in the country. In the next post, we will highlight the off-board travel excursions of the Maharajas’ Express in a detailed way.

The main purpose of these off-rail excursions is to introduce the tourists to the best kept heritage of the country. Also, these trains creatively resonate with India’s luxurious royalty in the most promising way.

India Luxury Train Tour – The Priceless Journey has Begun

The month of October is here and it is the time in the year when all the luxury trains of India set ahead for their journeys in the different parts of the country. With the onset of this month, all these trains start their special journeys tracking the country’s luxurious heritage quotient in a grand manner. This is obviously a great period for luxury train tour in India. By this time, all the 11 train itineraries as per the set schedule begin their journeys towards different directions of the country.

In this pursuit, these exclusive trains revisit the destinations that are associated with the golden past of the country and present its lavish side to the tourists in the grandest way. Leading the deck of luxury trains here is again the Palace on Wheels, taking the passengers to the most travelled route to royalty. Such is the popularity of the train that almost every time, the train’s bookings are full. This is the reason the train starts the journey in the beginning of September and continues it even during the complete month of April. It remains in action for seven months, which makes it the longest running train in terms of the scheduled journeys. Centering towards the royalty of Rajasthan, this journey is one of the finest ways to relive the royalty in modern times.

 Deccan Odyssey, the premier luxury train of Maharashtra and Maharajas’ Express - Gems of India golden triangle tour has already started their maiden journeys for the year 2013-2014 on October 2^nd, 2013. The next train set to begin the illustrious journey to royalty is Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train tour. On October 6^th, 2013, the train will start its first journey for this year. Following this is the Golden Chariot’s Pride of South train which will mark its first train tour on October 7^th, 2013.

With this, all the luxury trains in India will start their illustrious mission of exploring the exciting cultural destinations of India with the celebrated royal way. Captivating the travellers with utmost luxury year by year, this India Luxury Train Tour is an ultimate way to experience this country at its exotic best. If you also want to be a part of one of these selective journeys, then book your suite in these exclusive trains as early as possible. And realize your dreams of getting pampered the royal way aboard these regal rails. 

India Luxury Train – A Timeless Ode to the Royal Past

The concept of luxury train takes inspiration from the magnificent royalty in the country. Fondly addressed as the golden bird for its richness and grandeur, India in its antiquity was the land of the kings. These royals had great command in their kingdoms and lived life in indulgence. Out of respect, these Maharajas or the great kings also had access to the best of luxuries in the world. Thereon, their preferences became the landmarks in the cultural heritage of the country.

The palaces and forts created by them are the great architectural icons of the land. Their lifestyles are the set benchmarks for the ultimate Indian luxury. These royals with every way possible contributed to the grandeur and the glory of the country. Be it their work, righteousness, love for their kingdoms or the indulgent lifestyle; all present the rich glorious world of the royals.

Their way of life in the same way is a spectacular experience. The way they led their daily life is still a mystery. The luxury trains of India unfurl that mystery by providing the same set of royal experiences to the modern day traveller.

The pampered hospitality of attendants, royally bedecked ambience of coaches and suites, chef specials culinary delights and spirited lounges, all provide an immaculate experience of royal past in the modern times. 

Off-board, these travellers receive a privilege of visiting the bastions of royalty. These include a visit to the fantastic forts, plush palaces, the royal game drives in the wildlife resorts, temples and museums. Every excursion here narrates the rich golden era of royalty and provides the passengers an equally enchanting experience to the journey of dreams.

Currently, there are five luxury trains in India chugging on the regional routes to royalty. Out of five, two i.e. Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels make their way to the land of the kings, Rajasthan.

The third special railway, Deccan Odyssey is the epic journey to the land of brave Marathas, Maharashtra and its unique royal roots. The next one, Golden Chariot is a pan south India train discovering the wealth of the region through its two itineraries.

But the grandest among all is the Maharajas’ Express which is truly a respected king of all the luxury trains. And why not? This mega train franchise diversifies in to five distinctive routes, but the grand essence remains the same in this heritage trail.

Truly, these exclusive trains are an ode to the luxurious royal past of the country and offer a journey experience like no other. To know more about the luxury train visit India Luxury Train

Palace On Wheels Train – A Link Between India’s Past And Present

The legendary train of Palace onWheels is a jewel in the crown of luxury trains in India. Not only is it the first prestigious luxury train of the country, but also is a frontrunner of the indulgent legacy of the Maharajas. This one of a kind train is conceptualized on the royal theme in order to provide unique experiences to the travellers.

Launched for the world three decades ago, this special train is more than just an answer to the western world’s Orient Express. It is an ambassador of the Rajputana heritage. Everything right from the coaches, their ambience, the antiques, paintings and other elements present within the train resonate with the glory of Rajasthani royals.

This inspiration behind the Palace on Wheels projects the train on a larger than life scale. Tourists long before boarding this train have many surreal images and all of those interpretations fall short of the actual journey aboard this moving palace.

As the name suggests, the train is bedecked with palatial indulgence in order to pamper the passengers in the Maharaja way. Right from the tastefully done passages to the plush setting of the suites; everything here is vibrant, gaudy and royal. The coaches used in this special train too have a royal background. They were originally utilized as the personal railway saloons of the princely rulers of Rajputana, Gujarat, Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India. Legends say that these erstwhile rulers had opulent lifestyle, which they carried with themselves even during the journey aboard the then launched railways of India. As a part of their status statement, these coaches had everything right from food, drinks, and ice cooler to keep them fresh in the arid climate.

The legacy still continues wherein the coaches are named and furbished on the lines of glorious Rajputana kingdoms and their opulent setting. The 14 coaches inside the train are named upon and inspired by the former Rajput kingdoms like Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur Dungarpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi and Udaipur. More than that, each coach matches the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past with the thoughtful recreation of magnificent ambience. The coaches inside the train accommodate 52 twin bedded saloon, two restaurants and a bar car in its basic set-up. 

Even though the basic coaches are still the same, the facilities have been upgraded to suit the modern traveller. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge where the beverages and refreshments can be enjoyed at ease.

Another add on to the kingly hospitality within the Palace on Wheels train is the inclusion of Khidmatgars, the loyal attendants for that magnificent royal experience aboard this luxury train. Always at the passenger’s service, these loyal attendants are equipped to take care of all their travel needs.

Besides the wonderful world of this special train, the passengers also get to know the India resting in its forts, palaces, deserts, wildlife sanctuaries through a daily tour to heritage destinations. These excursions bring the best of India closer to the tourists. Aboard the oldest luxury train in India, tourists can visit the cities like Jaipur, Sawai Madhoupur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur in Rajasthan and city of Taj, Agra in Uttar Pradesh.

Truly, a tour through this plush train is a week in wonderland where numerous surprises are waiting to unfold themselves in this surreal journey. The best of heritage and modern times come on a roll during this paradisiacal India Palace on Wheels tour. It would be justified if we say that this glorious luxury train is a link between India’s illustrious past and present. 

Mountain Railways Of India – The Great Way To Ascend The Mighty Himalayas

The mountain railways of India have been a popular mode of escape from the summer heat. Taking travellers to the cool Himalayan outposts, these hill trains always provide a scenic backdrop to experience the surreal natural beauty.

Since their inception, these narrow track trains have simplified the access to remote hill stations and offered a strong connectivity to the locals and tourists alike. Known popularly as toy trains for their small size, these hill trains follow a fabulous mountain terrain and offer splendid panoramic vistas that are sure to entice and fascinate any traveller.

But beyond that, these trains, due to their share of glorious heritage are always seen with awe and wonder. With their continuous running history of more than a century, these trains display the excellent engineering standards and ahead of the times approach. Even though the technological advancements have taken place at a steady pace, still these trains are marvelled for paving an innovative way to connect the remote Indian hill stations. This is another reason why the mountain railways of India have been termed as a world heritage site.

For a modern day traveller, these toy trains might come across as a time consuming affair for their slow speed and outdated technology. But in reality, these toy trains provide a great opportunity in serenading the mountains and soaking in the panoramic mountain scenery during this enchanting romantic mountain trail. Snaking their way through numerous tunnels, hairpin loops and bends also add on to the surreal experience aboard the toy trains here.

Such is the passion and the enigma of the country’s hill trains; actively offering travellers to relive their share of quaint heritage in modern times. Presently, there are four active trains running on the narrow tracks in Darjeeling, Shimla, Ooty and Matheran. Three of the four trains have been granted a world heritage site status for the fascinated journey experience they offer to the travellers aboard. 

The most popular and loved hill train in the country is undoubtedly the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR). And why not? The train has kept intact the usage of the world’s oldest functioning steam locomotive in its daily chugging. It is surely a lifetime of experience wherein Darjeeling’s beloved train while wheezing the 87 km stretch trails through the rhododendron slopes, lofty hills and flowering loops. Another high of this DHR train is its final stopover at Ghoom, the second-highest railway station in the world.

The second hill train, Kalka Shimla railways is another romantic terrain to reach Shimla, the most popular summer resort of the country. The train is in fact a reminiscent of Shimla’s colonial heritage and old world charm. Spread over 96 km, this narrow gauge train covers numerous bridges, sharp curves and tunnels, taking in picturesque views in this heritage trail.

The third exclusive train, Nilgiri Mountain railway offers exclusive scenic novelty present in the Western Ghats of South India. Here also, the engines used are fueled by steam pressure and take a tourist to the snooty and exclusive vistas of Ooty.

The fourth mountain train, Neral Matheran Hill Train railway is another light hill train taking tourists to the hill station of Matheran where no other vehicle, not even a bicycle is allowed. This is another great experience of entering the eco-sensitive hotspot through a heritage toy train.

Such is the enigma of these special trains that they have become one of the prime tourist attractions of the train tour in India. Truly, the Indian mountain railways offer an easy way to ascend the mighty Himalayas. Due to their exclusive heritage, these mountain trains have inevitably contributed in popularizing the hill stations of India

Explore India on a Luxury Train

A luxury train in India is a culmination of heritage, history, traditions and hospitality of the land. These special tourist trains take a traveller through the different amazing routes to royalty in the most magnificent way.

The journey of a Luxury Train in modern India began in the year 1983 with the launch of the Palace on Wheels, the first royal rail service aiming to promote luxury tourism in Rajasthan. This train was conceptualized on the royal historical background of the coaches, which originally served as the personal railway saloons of the princely rulers of Rajputana, Gujarat, Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India. Presently, this is the only luxury train upholding the legacy of the princely era in modern times. The coaches of the train recently received a refurbishment in terms of featured décor and services. The train tour completely concentrates on a weeklong trip through royal attractions of Rajasthan. Over the thirty years of its successful operation, the train got awarded with the PATA Gold Award in the year 1987 and is also counted among the top four Luxury Trains in the World.

The launch of the Palace on Wheels luxury train and its soaring popularity all over the world inspired the other Indian states to begin their own luxury train tours based on their nature, culture and historical heritage. The second luxury train, the Deccan Odyssey offers the luxurious interpretation of the state’s Maratha royalty and trails around the Konkan route. The train starts in Mumbai and travels to Sindhudurg, Goa, Belgaum, Kolhapur, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad and Ajanta-Ellora before reaching a hearty conclusion. The hospitality of the train is managed by the Taj Group of Hotels, which is another exclusive facet of this luxurious joyride.

The third luxury train, the Golden Chariot Train is the glorious take of Karnataka’s heritage etched royalty. To sum up the distant royalty of the rich Karnataka, the magenta laced train trails through two routes. Pride of South, the first itinerary begins its heritage trail in Karnataka and ends in the soothing solace of Goan beaches. The Southern Splendour train on the other hand begins its trail from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu and ends in God’s own country, Kerala.

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, the fourth luxury train is another heritage laden trail exploring the cultural side of India in the modernistic way. From Rajasthan, the train takes a route to the temples in Khajuraho, spiritual side of Varanasi and amorous interpretation of Agra’s Taj Mahal in its glorious route.

The fifth luxury train is the grandest among all. It is undoubtedly the King of all luxury trains in India. May be that’s why the train is named as Maharajas Express. This train trails around five different routes in the most magnificent and sumptuous way. The train itineraries are the heritage of India, the Indian splendour, Panorama of India, Gems of India and Treasures of India. In the following blog posts, we will elaborate the itineraries under the Maharajas Express luxury train in detail.