- Maharaja Express
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The Maharajas' Express is a luxury train operated on the Indian Railways from early 2010.[1] It is a joint venture between Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation and the travel agency Cox and Kings India Ltd.[2][3] The all-inclusive costs begin at $800 (£535 or INR 40000)per person per day, and can climb to $2,500 (£1,670 or INR 125000)per person per day.[4]The Maharajas' Express trains operate on four itineraries, all of which either begin or end in Delhi and include a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Each morning, the train arrives at a different station for off-rail excursions, including visits to monuments, heritage sites, shopping, palaces, forts, and hotels.[5]
The trains include a 23-guest carriage train, designed to recreate the personal state carriages used by the Maharajas of India. Facilities include two ornate restaurants with decorative arched ceilings, an observation lounge and souvenir shop, and 43 cabins and suites starting at roughly 110 square feet in size.[6]
Contents
History
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) and Cox and Kings India Ltd.,[3] one of the oldest travel company in the world signed a joint venture and the Maharajas' Express was conceived in 2010.[7] Together, the IRCTC and Cox & Kings set up Royale India Rail Ltd. (RIRTL) which will look after the functioning and management of the Maharajas' Express.
Maharajas' Express is the most expensive luxury train in India.[8] It was named to the 2011 list of World's Top 25 Trains by The Society of International Railway Travelers for its high level of accommodation on board, service, dining and off-train programs after its review in the fall of 2010.[7]
Facilities
Maharajas' Express trains include amenities such as large LCD TVs, in-house direct dial phone, internet and live television. All the cabins have their individual temperature controls and in suite bathroom as well.
Carriages
The train comprises 24 carriages which include accommodation, dining, bar, lounge, generator and store cars. Accommodation is available in 14 guest carriages with total passenger capacity of 88. The accommodations on board are categorized as deluxe cabins, junior suites, suites and a grand presidential suite spanning over entire carriage. Each guest carriage has been designed to recreate the opulence of Maharaja Style living. Elegantly decorated, the interiors of the cabin exude the finesse of exquisite workmanship. Sylvan parquets, intricate carvings and palette of soft hues characterize the interiors of the train. Carriages are fitted with panoramic windows to offer the vista of rolling landscape as train travels through some of the most fascinating landscapes and countryside of India. The train also has an observation lounge called the Rajah Club with a private bar. Besides these cars the train also has two elegantly appointed dining cars that offer an array of sumptuous cuisine to the guests. The Bar of the train serves an eclectic mix of wines from across the world in a serene and relaxing ambience. A high-end boutique in the train houses some perfect and intimate memorabilia to cherish this royal sojourn for a life time.
Guest cabins
14 carriages with 43 exquisitely finished cabins provides seating/sleeping capacity to 88 guests. There are 20 Deluxe Cabins, 18 Junior Suites, 4 Suites and a plush Presidential Suite offering elegant living comparable to 5 star living.[[9] Large LCD television, eco-friendly washrooms, direct dial phones, DVD player, internet, individual climate control and electronic safe are available in each guest cabin. 4 categories of accommodation offer plush living to the guests and each of them are equipped with latest in technology. Cabins of Maharajas Express are also equipped with 110/230 V sockets.[9]
Deluxe Cabins
There are 5 carriages in the category of Deluxe Cabin. A total of 20 cabins of Maharajas Express offer accommodation to a maximum of 40 passengers during each journey. To accommodate the guests, there are 15 Twin cabins (capacity 2, beds 1) and 5 double cabins (capacity 2, beds 2).[9]
Junior Suites
There are a total of 18 cabins in the category of Junior Suites. Offering maximum passenger capacity of 36, these spacious suites are tastefully appointed to offer plush living. There are 12 Twin Cabins and 6 Double cabins on the train.[9]
Suites
4 elegantly decorated and plush suites offer sumptuous accommodation to the guest in their tastefully furnished interiors equipped with modern amenities. All suites come with double bed with a maximum capacity of 8 passengers.[9]
Presidential Suite
First of its kind in the world, the lavish Presidential suite of the Maharajas Express is built on an entire rail carriage. A separate sitting cum dining room and a spacious bedroom add to the finer aspects of luxury rail traveling. The washroom of the presidential suite on board Maharajas Express is equipped with bathtubs and shower to add to the panache and pampering. The suite can accommodate up to 4 guests.[9]
Dining & Bar Coaches
Dining on board Maharajas Express is a gourmet delight. There are two dining cars in the coach, each with a seating capacity of 42 guests at a time. Whereas wines and beers are a la carte, food offered is mostly table d’hôte (included in fare of the journey). The restaurants are named Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal. Mayur Mahal (the Peacock restaurant) has peacock feather theme in its décor. Menu in the restaurant include traditional Indian cuisines along with Continental, Chinese and International cuisines. A well stocked bar with house brands of wines, liqueurs, spirits and beers is also present in Maharajas Express. A variety of snacks and starters are also served for the platter of guests along with drinks in the laid back Safari Bar designed to reflect the aspects of nonchalant leisure and luxury.[9]
Itineraries
Maharajas' Express offers four itineraries to its passengers.
- Royal India (8 Days / 7 Nights): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Vadodara - Mumbai
- Classical India (7 Days / 6 Nights): Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Varanasi - Lucknow - Delhi
- Princely India (8 Days / 7 Nights): Mumbai - Vadodara - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi
- Royal Sojourn (8 Days / 7 Nights): Delhi - Jaipur - Kota - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi
See also
- Palace on Wheels
- The Golden Chariot
- Deccan Odyssey
- Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
References
- ^ Boler, Sandra (2010-04-03). "A carriage through India". The Independent.
- ^ Gupta, Jayanta (2010-03-19). "1 lakh a night on Maharajas’ Express". Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Rs-1-lakh-a-night-on-Maharajas-Express/articleshow/5700045.cms. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
- ^ a b Ghosh, Dwaipayan (5 October 2009). "For Rs 1 lakh a day, travel like a maharaja". Times of India (India). http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/india/For-Rs-1-lakh-a-day-travel-like-a-maharaja/articleshow/5088526.cms. Retrieved 2009-10-06.
- ^ India's Maharajas' Express rail journey,
- ^ "Maharajas' Express Train". http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/on-the-maharajas-express-your-carriage-awaits.
- ^ "India's Maharajas' Express Train journey". http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-05-09/entertainment/27063897_1_train-new-jersey-transit-europe-s-orient-express.
- ^ a b "Maharajas Express Flagged off by Mamta Banerjee". Royale India Tour Limited (RIRTL).
- ^ "Billed as Asia's costliest luxury train". Times of India. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-03/india/28135373_1_luxury-train-mumbai-vadodara-udaipur-jodhpur-bikaner-jaipur-ranthambore-agra-delhi-cox-and-kings. Retrieved April 03 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g - Train Details,
External links
Categories:- Named passenger trains of India
- Luxury trains in India
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