Operating since January 2010, Maharajas’ Express is the newest luxury train of Indian Railways and easily one of the most expensive one in Asia. For 8 days this pan Indian train takes guests on a ride across the best and the most prominent destinations of the country - Taj Mahal, the Khajuraho temples, wildlife environs of Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri and the holy bathing Ghats of Varanasi. The cheapest rate per person per day is a whopping US$ 800 for a Deluxe cabin. The next two slabs are US$ 900 and US$ 1,400. And the Presidential Suite comes for US$ 2,500.
This train is a joint venture between Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Cox and Kings India Ltd. The tour is being promoted as 'Luxury travel like no other' and not without reason. The Maharajas' Express will have 88 passengers (a normal III AC coach packs in 72) living in suites fit for a prince. All food and drinks are complimentary.
The train comprises 24 carriages which include accommodation, dining, bar, lounge, generator and store cars. 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. All cabins have individual temperature control, LCD television sets, DVD players, direct dial telephones, internet, even live television and electronic safe-deposit box.
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.
I would like to draw your attention to the following important points:
ReplyDelete1. Unlike the information provided on your website, Maharajas’ Express is now solely owned by Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a subsidiary of the Indian Railways. Earlier in January this year, the Delhi High Court in its judgment declared that IRCTC is the “absolute owner” of this luxury tourist train, setting aside its earlier order to the State enterprise to run it jointly with the UK's travel firm Cox & Kings as an interim measure.
2. The train runs five different itineraries – 2 short ones (spanning over 3 nights / 4 days) and 3 weeklong journeys, which either begin or conclude in Delhi or Mumbai. The itineraries cover Rajasthan’s cities and towns, Agra, Lucknow, Ajanta caves in Maharashtra, Khajuraho and Varanasi.
3. The cost per person per journey starts from USD 3580 for a deluxe cabin and can go up to USD 22000 for the presidential suite, exclusive of the sales tax.
4. The link to Maharajas' Express website is broken. And this I believe is the website of the Maharajas' Express http://www.themaharajasexpressindia.com
OK, now I might go see India... Did the luxury train sleepcar thing once before, with my mother. It was very relaxing. A real vacation while actually seeing a lot of a country. Ideal... Beats running everywhere to achieve the same thing and go home tired!
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