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