If you want to experience one of the world’s greatest train journeys, try the Indian Railways’ very own “the Maharajas’ Express. It was voted as the “World's Leading Luxury Train” at the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive year in 2015. Every year ,about 1,000 travellers from across the world flock to India to ride this train and get a taste of India’s rich cultural heritage.
The train runs five tours covering different destinations in the North and West of India. For instance, “The Heritage of India” starts at Mumbai and makes it way to Ajanta, Udaipur, Ranthambore, Jodhpur, Bikaner, jaipur, Agra before reaching Delhi.
The tariff for the different tours range from $3,850-6,840 for the basic cabins and $12,900-$23,700 for the premium ones. Tariffs for Indian nationals range from Rs. 2.5-4.5 (four days and eight days) lakh for basic cabins and Rs. 8.5-15.75 lakh for presidential suites. The suites usually accommodate two people, while presidential suites have space for four.
While there are three other luxury trains in India operated by respective state tourism development corporations — The Golden Chariot (Karnataka), The Deccan Odyssey (Maharashtra) and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels (Rajasthan), Maharajas’ Express is a class apart.
Extravagance
Riding one of their tours, which usually lasts for seven to eight days, can make you feel like a King. Its train has about 43 cabins to accommodate 88 guests. Cabins are categorised as deluxe, junior suite and presidential suite with facilities including wifi, direct dial international phones and personal safe.
The carved wooden panels on windows and marble tile floorings give it the look of a five-star hotel. The presidential suite on the train has 448 sq ft of cabin area along with a living room, two bed rooms and wash rooms. Guests in the presidential suite get a 24-hour personal valet service and a guide who can speak their language.
Inside the train are two restaurants — ‘Rang Mahal and ‘Mayur Mahal’ — that serve Indian and international cuisine. Hand-painted fresco ceiling of the ‘Rang Mahal’— with its light yellow lights and red carpets — is bright and refreshing.
To unwind, walk into either the ‘Rajah Club’ or ‘Safari Bar’— a thematic bar — where you can also grab books to read a line or two or play board games. There is something on offer for the teetotaller too — some fresh mocktail. To make guests feel comfortable throughout the journey, the train has a pneumatic hydraulic suspension that ensures the best quality ride.
The Maharajas’ Express’ cabins are the biggest among all luxury trains in the world (at least that is what Indian Railways claims). And to ensure that guests have a delightful experience, sight-seeing is also arranged on high-end luxury cars and Volvo coaches . The icing on the cake is the opportunity to meet the Royal family at Jaipur and Balasinor (if it is part of the tour).
What you can see
The Maharaja’ Express runs between October and first week of April (the schedule for the next one year is available on the website www.the.maharajas.com ). There are six different tours that the Maharajas’ Express operates — ‘Treasures of India’ (4 days/3 nights), ‘Gems of India’ (4 days/3 nights), ‘The Indian Panorama’ (8 days/7 nights), ‘The Indian Splendour’ (8 days/7 nights), ‘The Heritage of India’ (8 days/ 7 nights), and ‘The Jewels of India’ (7 days /6 nights). The departure dates for each of these tours are listed well in advance.
‘The Jewel of India’ tour was introduced recently; it covers six destinations from Delhi, including Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. This is currently open only for one trip in March next year. Here, guests get to see Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri (the capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar) at Agra on day 2, while embarking on a safari at Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan) — located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill range — on day 3. Over the next three days, the train covers the remaining destinations taking guests to the ‘must visit’ spots including the sprawling palaces in Jaipur.
Surprise-Surprise
At each destination you stop — irrespective of the tour you choose — you will have a surprise awaiting you. It could be dancers in a sparkling yellow-gold costume or musicians to welcome you with garlands and the beating of drums.
Moreover, as part of the package, enjoy champagne breakfast at Agra overlooking the Taj Mahal or get an opportunity to play with elephants (by feeding them bananas or going on an elephant ride ) at City Palace, Jaipur. The indulgence list is actually endless, including visit to the private quarters of the Royal family, lunch at Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur. Not the least, a divine boat ride to witness the Ganga Aarti at Varanasi.
On request, the guest relations’ executives also arrange for special activities (such as golfing or spa at a five star hotel) or even a private shopping tour.
You can also throw a surprise party for your friends on tour with you; this includes asking for special décor in your room or wines and champagne of your choice.