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. 

India Luxury Train Tour – A route through the royal roots

Luxury trains are keeping the legacy of the royal past alive in India. Inspired by the royals of princely era, these trains are keeping the country’s rich cultural and colourful heritage alive in its most lavish form. The journey aboard is as fascinating as the destinations included in this selected itinerary. Depicting the glory and grandeur of this land of hundred kingdoms, these luxury tours discover the excellent architectural, cultural and historical specimens of the royals. Adding on to this is the superlative hospitality experience readily available in these royal carriages.

Beyond the concept of luxury, these trains define and recreate the world of immaculate indulgence aboard. Inspired by the princely charm and kingly magnificence; these trains are a kingdom of fantasy in the real life world. It is the only place in the world, where tourists or passengers are most assured to be truly treated like a Maharaja, an adjective associated with the great kings. The interpretation of this adjective is naturally present in its every superlative expression of such luxury trains.

Right from the passage that takes passengers to their own kingdoms i.e. their regally furnished coupes or cabins to the 24 hour assistance from attendants, dining at royally embellished restaurants or indulging the bar cars; everything is inspired right from the historical accounts of king-size lifestyle. The collectible paintings, coordinated tapestry, furniture, furnishings, drapes, cutlery, and wineglasses recreate the times of the yore, when idiosyncratic kings least compromised with the arrangements.

Aboard these indulgent trains, even guests get no chance of compromise onboard this magnificent take of opulence. The ardent 24 hr assistance of Khidmatgars or royal attendants is another highlight of this train tour. These turbaned attendants, more than a staff, are a part of the luxurious experience aboard to make the royal passengers feel special with pampered assistance. The wish of such travellers is considered the command which is enthusiastically met with their dedicated service.

Currently, there are five major train brands conceptualized and executed by the respective state tourism departments that exhibit the immaculate standards of royalty aboard. The first and the oldest among them is the Palace on Wheels Train, which comprises the living heritage of luxury railways in this historic country. It is based on the palatial life and heritage of Rajasthan. Apart from displaying the illustrious side of the state, the train uses the coupes that were originally used by the Nawabs and Rajputs of the colonial India for touring the small kingdoms. Everything is just the same; the difference nowadays is that the tourists avail the golden chance to travel aboard these luxurious trains instead of kings. The modern adaptation of the Palace on Wheels is Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, which is inspired by its parent train, yet brings modern luxuries to the passengers.

Another state leading the deck in such unique train offerings is Maharashtra. This state operates Deccan Odyssey, a train franchisee trailing around the exotic forts and beach hinterlands of the state. Another presentation from this state’s line of trains is the Indian Maharaja, an itinerary routing from Mumbai to Delhi and vice-versa. Both the trains provide a great share of Maratha heritage to the tourists.

Third brand in this series is India Golden Chariot Train Tour, a Karnataka tourism presentation. The south India’s only luxury train, Golden Chariot rolls under the two different itineraries. The first one, Pride of the South Train is based on the golden discovery of illustrated gems of the originating state. The second one, Southern Splendour forays into the states synonymous with the identity of South India i.e. Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Besides this, there is a grand interpretation of luxury trains, the Maharajas Express. This train is not a single train but a luxurious presentation of five major trains chugging on different routes. The Indian Panorama Train Tour is one of the rare itineraries featuring the varied glimpses this colourful country is known for. The heritage of India is a great journey of the cities steeped into the history of this nation. The third one, Indian splendour is another wonderful journey into the fantasy of royal kingdoms. The last two itineraries, the gems of India and the treasures of India are short routes to royalty. These two train routes run on the most trusted golden triangle route based on Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

There is so much associated with the fascination of a luxurious train in India. Because of its rich cultural heritage and associations with the royal ancestors, these exclusive train tours are one of the best ways of touring India beyond satisfaction. To know more about trains like this and their rich heritage, visit India luxury Train.