Maharajas Express - Republic Day Special Offer

With 2013 on the verge of arrival, IRCTC,  the operators of Maharajas’ Express train, have come up with a ‘Republic Day Special Promo Offer’ for journeying aboard this luxury tourist train. The offer is valid from  20th December, 2012 to 26th January, 2013. 

As per this ‘Republic Day Special Promo Offer’, all the bookings made before 26th January, 2013 for the five Maharajas’ Express tour itineraries- Gems of India, Heritage of India, Treasures of India, Indian Splendor and Indian Panorama- will include a pre & post 1 night complimentary stay at a five star hotel in Delhi/Mumbai. The offer is valid for all the departures from 20th December, 2012 till April, 2013. 

Often compared with the Venice Simplon Orient Express for its facilities & services, Maharajas’ Express stands equivalent to a five star hotel in terms of luxury. It boasts of 43 guest cabins equipped with  state of the art amenities such as individual temperature control, CCD cameras, LCD TV with DVD player, channel music and attached bathroom. There are two fine dining restaurants which serve a wide range of Indian and international delicacies. The train also has pneumatic hydraulic suspension, water filtration system and a boutique for shopping thrifts.

Source : http://www.forpressrelease.com/forpressrelease-92427-special-deal-for-maharajas-express-with-republic-day-special-promo-offer.html

One of the premier luxury trains in India, the Deccan Odyssey, has announced revised departure dates for the remaining of the season. This luxury train will run for 4 more times before completing its 2012-13 season in April 2013. Dubbed India’s Blue Train, the Deccan Odyssey offer weeklong journey starting from Mumbai and covers destinations like Goa, Sindhudurg and Ajanta Caves.

This move by the train operators has come in the wake of global slowdown as lesser and lesser overseas travelers are opting for this ultra-luxe mode of travel. The journeys on board Deccan Odyssey comes at a hefty price of US $2975. In order to woo more clients there are special discounts on offer. Indian Luxury Trains (ILT), India’s first and only luxury train travel portal, a venture of Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd has announced heavy discounts to its client. For all journeys remaining for this season, Indian Luxury Trains will offer a guaranteed discount of 10% on the tariff. This is not all, ILT has also promised additional discounts depending on the volume of query and dates of departure. Read More

Maharajas Express Train

Washington - India's famed Maharajas' Express is making select stops on the US West Coast to showcase its luxurious amenities to North American travellers who want to experience Incredible India by stepping back into time.

The Indian Railways Catering Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which owns and operates the luxury train is hosting special events in Los Angeles (Nov 26), San Francisco (Nov 30), and Las Vegas to showcase Maharajas' Express, according to a media release.

Awarded 'Best Luxury Train' by CNBC Travel in 2010 and named 1st runner up in the Readers Choice Award for Conde Nast Traveler in 2011, the train offers a range of five incredible itineraries between the months of September and April.

"The train is designed to transport guests into a more gracious age of train travelling," said Rakesh Kumar Tandon, managing director, IRCTC.

"Interiors suffused with nostalgia, state−of−the−art amenities, a tastefully−crafted itinerary, and impeccable hospitality enable Maharajas' Express to present India in a way never seen before."

Each train carries 14 guest carriages, including one truly classic presidential suite that stretches the length of an entire carriage. Every cabin has large windows, designed so that guests can savour every bit of magnificent India.

All passenger cars come with independent, cabin−controlled air conditioning, online water filtration systems, environmentally−friendly toilets, pneumatic suspension, live television, Wi−Fi Internet, CCTV cameras, hair dryers, electronic safe deposit boxes, bath tubs in suites and the presidential suite − almost everything one could imagine to travel in luxury.

The Maharajas' Express features two fine−dining restaurants that each seat 42 people, and everyone on board dines together. For added zest, there is an exotic Safari bar and Rajah Club, with the choicest collection of complimentary, house brand spirits. Each train comfortably fits a total of 88 passengers.

Source: http://india.nydailynews.com/

Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey luxury train service, operated by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, resumed operations in a new look today.

The Tourism Minister, Mr Chhagan Bhujbal, joined passengers on the maiden journey of the renovated luxury train from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus here.

The train was launched in January 2004 and travelled mostly within the State, catering mainly to foreign tourists. However, after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the bookings dwindled.

“After the terror attacks, we had around 1,000 to 1,200 bookings cancelled,” the MTDC Joint Managing Director, Mr Avinash Dhakne, told PTI. Today, it carried about 80 passengers, including tourists from the US, Britain, Switzerland, Holland and Australia.

The train today embarked on a week-long journey to New Delhi, where another batch of tourists will board the train for the return journey.

The MTDC decided to fully renovate the train and re-launch it on a pan-India basis.

The train boasts regal interiors, the best of food and drinks, conference rooms, televisions in each suite, dining rooms, lounges, a fully-equipped gym with massage and spa, a library, and the full range of executive services.

Besides the Mumbai-New Delhi-Mumbai trip, which would take a fortnight, the train will also ply within the State.

“We are eyeing destinations such as Shirdi and are planning a special package for it,” Mr Dhakne said.

Source-http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/

The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey has won the Asia's Best luxury Train Award at the 19th World Travel Awards in the category of 'Asia's Leading Luxury Train-2012'. 

The Indian Maharaja won the same award in 2011 and 2010 as well, said a release issued by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). "It had always been a close contest as the other contenders in the race were equally powerful. The nominees for the award included, Eastern & Oriental Express, Palace on Wheels, The Golden Chariot Train and The Viceroy of India," it added. Read More.

Orient Express, which owns and manages luxury hotels, restaurants, cruises, and luxury trains across the globe, will now promote its luxury rail and cruise products in the Indian market to target high-end discerning customers. With this objective, the company recently appointed ‘The Luxury Trains’, a Delhi-based travel company that markets luxury rail products, as their General Sales Agent (GSA) in India.

Orient Express currently operates five luxury rail products, and three luxury cruises in Southeast Asia and Europe. The luxury cruises include the famous ‘Road to Mandalay’ river cruise in Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar, and ‘A Float in France’, a luxury cruise through the waterways of France. A third cruise ship - Orcaella - is currently under construction at Yangon in Myanmar - and would be joining the fleet in July 2013. Read More....

Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation’s premier luxury train service, the Maharaja Express is all set to start on its first Gems of India journey tomorrow, i.e. 17 October 2012. The train will depart tomorrow night from the Safdarjung Railway Station. Every year, the Maharaja Express attracts thousands of visitors to its majestic interiors and world class on-board services. There are still some seats available for the inaugural run while the journeys around Christmas and New Year’s Eve are almost sold out.

The Gems of India journey is 3 night, 4 day tour and is essentially a shortened version of Maharajas Express’ longer itineraries and shows its guests around the Golden Triangle of India – The Delhi, Jaipur and Agra corridor. The Gems of India itinerary makes the most of the limited time and includes an exhibition Polo match, a trip to the Taj and a wildlife excursion to Ranthambore National Park as the highlights. The train has also won lavish praises due to its special provisions for accommodating handicapped guests. The next two journeys are scheduled on November 13 and December 12 this year, after which there are five more departures planned for rest of the season next year.

Maharajas Express Train Images

Maharajas Express Train,India

A view of the Mayur Mahal or the Peacock Restaurant of Maharajas Express

Sitting area of the Presidential Suite

Maharaja Express Bar

Suite of The Maharajas Express

The restaurant dining car on the Maharajas’ Express

Maharaja Express luxury train

Source: http://www.justluxe.com/community/maharaja-express-gems-of-india-journey-starts-season-tomorro_a_1840085.php

Deccan Odyssey has announced its two confirmed departures for the 2012 festive season of Christmas. This announcement made by the train authorities brought a radiant smile on the faces of the travelers all around the world. This luxury train tour will depart on 19th and 26th of December 2012 from Mumbai and cover prominent destinations such as Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Sindhudurg, Tarkali and Goa. The all inclusive tour tariff starts from US $450 per person per night. These 2 exclusive journeys will span over 7 nights and 8 days.

Tariff Per Person Per Night

Occupancy Type	Lean Season September 2012 & April 2012 & April 2013	Peak Season October 2012 to March 2013
Deluxe Cabin
Single occupancy	US $ 500	US $ 650
Double occupancy	US $ 390	US $ 600
Triple occupancy	US $ 315	US $ 425
Presidential Suite
Single Occupancy	US $ 750	US $ 950
Double Occupancy	US $ 650	US $ 800
Presidential Suite-Extra Occupancy	US $ 300	US $ 370

Terms and Conditions

Mentioned below are the terms and conditions for Offer of the Deccan odyssey:

•  (Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
• 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas/New Year.
• Any leg of minimum of 3 nights subject to availability will be given at the above-mentioned rates. Thus Mumbai-Goa and Goa-Mumbai sectors will be sold as available segments to clients.
•  If the client undertakes the day sightseeing programme at Goa & Mumbai, an extra $ 130 USD per person plus applicable service tax will be charged. This charge includes car, guide, entrance fees, and lunch deluxe restaurant..
• Service Tax @ of 3.09% is applicable on the gross ticket value
• This tax is also applicable on day programme at Mumbai & Goa.
• Tariff is inclusive of travel/catering/conducted sight-seeing/ entrance fee at Monuments/Parks/Palaces/Cultural Programmes/ Boat Ride. The guest has to pay for video cameras, liquor, laundry and other items of personal nature.

Note : 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas/New Year.

Passenger reservations/cancellation on the Deccan Odyssey can be done as per the following terms and conditions

BOOKING

• 20% of ticket value at the time of booking.
• 80% of ticket value 30 days before departure of the tour.

Cancellation

• Any cancellation must be advised immediately by Fax/E-mail & subsequently confirmed by letter to the Central Reservation Division at Head Office, Mumbai.
• Value of Ticket to be retained by MTDC on cancellation will be as follows:
• a) 5% of ticket value 60 days prior to the departure.
• b) 20% of Ticket Value 30-59 days prior to the departure.
• c) 50% of ticket value 15-29 days prior to the departure.
• d) 100% of ticket value 14 or less days prior to the departure.
• No refund or adjustment will be made in the event of interruption of journey by a tourist on his own after the commencement of the tour.

The art of elegant travelling in India witnessed a revival with the arrival of Palace on Wheels on the scene. However the concept of luxury tourist train in the west devised years back in 1864, the James Watt creation managed to capture the attention of erstwhile Indian monarchs. Known for their pomp and idiosyncrasy, the erstwhile Indian maharajas developed a fascination for the steam engine and vied with each other to possess the best rail carriage in the world. Taking cue  from the personal carriages of Rajputs, Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of India, Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) launched Palace on Wheels in 1982 with a motive to promote tourism in Rajasthan. 

The major reason why Palace on Wheels achieved unprecedented heights is the  unavailability of normal tour hassles such as packing and unpacking every night, looking for a tour guide and  a decent accommodation & restaurant. Also the idea of overnight travelling and utilization of the day time for sightseeing excursion was favored by the tourists. 

Following the resounding success of the Palace on Wheels train, many state tourism boards and private players too joined the bandwagon of introducing luxury trains in their respective region. Today as many as six luxury trains are functional in India named as Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Indian Maharaja, Golden Chariot and the latest Maharajas’ Express with a total of 11 journeys on offer.   

Whereas Deccan Odyssey crisscrosses the route of destinations in Maharashtra, Golden Chariot with its two itineraries- Pride of the South and Splendor of the South- takes guests on a whirlwind tour across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Then there is Indian Maharaja, a privately managed luxury train, that covers Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh with its two journeys- Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Mumbai. Although these trains have different owners and themes, all of them are driven by a single goal that is to unearth the natural and cultural heritage of their region. 

With the launch of Maharajas’ Express in 2012, India got the perfect answer for the Venice Simplon Orient Express of the west. Due to its recent repackaging, Maharajas’ Express has been re-launched with five brand new itineraries- Indian Splendor, Indian Panorama, Treasures of India, Gems of India and the Heritage of India. In terms of facilities, Maharajas’ Express has a presidential suite spanning over entire carriage and runs on high-tech pneumatic and hydraulic suspension system. 

Luxury train travelling in India is reminiscent of the day of erstwhile maharajas when royalty is a way of living life. The rail journeys offered by these trains are all inclusive of guided sightseeing excursions, on board meals, entrance fees at the monuments and the best part is that you travel during night and explore new destinations every day. To say that a new era of elegant and gracious traveling has certainly arrived in India since the advent of the luxury tourist trains will not be an overstatement. 

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/

Royal  Rajasthan on Wheels Train

A new luxury train, which will cover tourist destinations in three states, started its maiden journey from Safdarjung railway station in the capital Sunday.

'Royal Rajasthan on Wheels' - touted as India's most luxurious train - is a joint venture between Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (RTDC) and the Indian Railways.

The train will run every Sunday between October and April from Delhi. It will travel across three states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

"The train will go to Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Khajuraho and Agra. And the journey will culminate in Varanasi," RTDC chairman Pramod Sharma said. The entire journey would be completed in seven days.

Consisting of 35 coaches, the train has a ferrying capacity of 82 passengers in one trip. The train has on board a spa, gymnasium, specials suites, deluxe saloons and two restro-lounges which make the journey truly a 'royal experience'.

"This train is better than 'Palace on Wheels' as it is more spacious and grander. It has every luxury which anyone would want," said Sharma.

While the journey will cost $4,130 (Rs.2,14,760), one will have to shell out $1,600 (Rs.83,200) per day more if one travels in the special suite.

On Sunday, as the train started its maiden trip, there were 61 foreign tourists on board.

"So far, the service has been really good and the crew is really hospitable. It would be too early to say anything about the train as the journey has not even started yet," an Australian tourist Kent Vodan told IANS while the train was at Safdarjung station.

Source : http://www.nydailynews.com/

Premium luxury train, the Maharaja Express, runs its first journey today. The train, which starts in only a few hours from now, will embark on a total of 38 journeys this season, within the 2012-13 season spanning over the next 7 months. The train has already garnered some rave reviews by international guests at travel forums worldwide. The train was 1st Runner up in the Conde Nast readers choice travel award 2011 and winner of CNBC travel award 2010 under category of “Best Luxury train”.

Maharajas’ Express is a venture of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation. The train began its service in 2010 and since then has been a talk of luxury travel segment. The train is considered to be the most luxurious in its category and comes equipped with state of the art amenities. The Presidential Suite spanning over an entire carriage is one of its kind and something which was previously unheard of in luxury trains.

Maharajas Express offers 5 itineraries. 3 itineraries spanning over 7 nights and 8 days travel across states in India offering a peek into the cultural and natural diversity of incredible India whereas 2 golden triangle tour itineraries spanning over 3 nights and 4 days offer whirlwind tour across most prominent tourist destination in India. The all inclusive Maharajas Express journey starts from UDS 3580 per person and goes as high as US $22000 for the Heritage of India tour in the Presidential Suite class. More details of the train is available on the website of the Indian Luxury Trains.

Source - Maharaja Express Runs Its First Course of the Season Today - Indian Luxury Trains

Asia’s most luxurious train, Maharajas’ Express is all set to become affordable for Indian nationals. In a bid to make to make this luxury train journey affordable for Indian tourists, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has come up with special festival offer which says pay-for-one-and-your-companion-pays-50%.

Maharaja Express Train Touted as Asia's most Luxurious Train

Commenting on this transitory IRCTC offer, Pradip Kundu, Joint General Manager, Public Relations, IRCTC said "We have come out with this offer to provide an opportunity for the domestic tourists to experience the most luxurious way to discover and explore the treasure trove of India.

As per the offer, IRCTC has offered 50% discount in the original fare for the accompanying companion. The special offer will include four festive season trips- 20th October (Indian Panorama), 27th October (Indian Splendor), 11th October (Treasures of India) and 14th November (Gems of India). The aforementioned two weeklong journeys- Indian Panorama and Indian Splendor journey-have been trimmed down to 3 nights and 4 days. 

For Indian Splendor and Indian Panorama beginning from USD 5560 for the deluxe cabin, the special price for two passengers will be USD 8340. For golden triangle itineraries- Treasures of India and Gems of India- the special price for two passengers will be USD 5,370 in a deluxe cabin. The original fare of these two trips is USD 3,580.

Maharajas Express, launched in 2010, is considered to be the most luxurious train in India. Winner of prestigious Conde Nast Traveler award, this Indian luxury train has 43 guest cabins that come equipped with state of the art amenities which include individual temperature control, Wi-Fi internet, direct dial phones and live TV.

For details of the itineraries, schedules, tariff and booking of the Maharajas Train journey you may like to visit the website of Indian Luxury Trains. http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/

Source : http://www.prlog.org/11984421-maharajas-express-journey-more-affordable-with-irctcs-festival-offers.html

The Golden Chariot is first and only South Indian luxury train that gives you the opportunity to explore the natural, cultural, heritage and wildlife beauty of Southern part of India.  To make your festival season enjoyable and memorable, Operators of the Golden Chariot have come up with festival offer of 15 % discount during festival season - Dussehra and Diwali on all departures for month October and November, 2012. The offer will be applicable on the both journeys - Pride of the South and Splendor of the South.

The Golden Chariot - Luxury Trains in India

The Golden Chariot Pride of the South journey will commence on 1st October from Bangalore. The 7 Nights / 8 Days journey covers Bangalore - Kabini - Srirangapatnam - Mysore - Shravanabelagola - Belur - Halebid - Hampi - Badami - Pattadakal and Goa. The tour explores historic city of Bangalore, wild life of Kabini, World Heritage Site Hampi along with Goa. For festival offer, the tour cost will be INR 18700 per person per night on single occupancy for Indian Nationals, whereas the international travelers will have to pay USD 640.90 per person per night on single occupancy basis.

Splendor of the South, the second offering of the train will commence on its festival season departure on 15 October from Bangalore and the journey will cover Chennai - Pondicherry - Tanjavur - Madurai - Thiruvananthapuram - Alleppey - Kochi and then back to Bangalore. The 7 Nights / 8 Days journey is a grand way to explore the treasure troves of South India.

Subsequently, the festival offer special price for the Indian travelers will INR 22440 per person per night on Single occupancy and International travelers will have to pay USD 706.35 per person per night on single occupancy.

News Source - http://www.prlog.org/11979338-get-15-discounts-on-golden-chariot-journey.html

When the unprecedented popularity of Palace on Wheels reached the corridors of Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC), it resulted in the creation of Golden Chariot Train, south India’s first luxury tourist train. On 10th march, 2008, Golden Chariot embarked on its maiden voyage from Bangalore to Goa in a journey lasting over a week. The train has two itineraries- Pride of the South and Splendor of the South- each of which takes the guests on an enchanting voyage to uncover the natural and cultural treasures of south India.

Welcome to The Golden Chariot Train

• Now a question often asked why luxury trains are best options to stay over luxury hotels and since Golden Chariot too is a luxury tourist train, the same question applies for it as well. There are good number of reasons that can justify the opulence, elegance and cost efficiency of this train.

• The introductory price of Golden Chariot that is USD 545 (INR 16,500) per person per day involves on board accommodation, dining, guided excursions and cultural programs and meals at five star hotels. On the other hand, a stay in a luxury hotel at deluxe room costs around 20,000 bucks.

• Being a disabled friendly train comes as an added advantage for Golden Chariot as this facility is provided in most luxury hotels at extra cost.

• The train not only explores the culturally rich destinations of south India but also accommodates you in cabins reflecting the architectural aesthetics of erstwhile south Indian dynasties. Such an environment is hardly possible in luxury hotels until and unless they are driven by a certain theme. For example, ITC Grand Chola reflects the cultural ethos of south Indian Chola dynasty in the interior décor of its lobby, restaurants and well appointed rooms.

• Sightseeing tours are arranged by the travel desk of hotels on special demand (with extra cost) while Golden Chariot has been particularly designed to provide tours to south Indian destinations in an opulent manner.

• While staying in a luxury hotel, guests are fixed to a certain destination. On the other hand, Golden Chariot lets you travel different destinations on each day of the train tour with complimentary luxury experience.

The abovementioned points are enough to justify the superiority and cost effective nature of Golden Chariot train in comparison to luxury hotels. To say that a journey aboard this Indian luxury train is truly worth the money spent will not be an overstatement.

(Source  - http://blog.indianluxurytrains.com/)

That the 7 nights, 8 day journey of the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is well planned is widely opined. The tour itinerary has been devised so that all major Rajasthan cities are a part of the journey. But, have you ever wondered what would have gone into the planning of the itinerary? To put things in perspective, let us study the pattern we have here. The 8 day journey covers 8 destinations and 4 Indian states – all ambassadors of diverse cultures and lifestyle.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Luxury Train

If you have followed the tour’s route map closely, you will realize that after its departure from New Delhi, the train first encircles the Rajasthan cities- Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur- before it moves to Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. This is to maintain a consistency in cultural exposure so that guests can relate a lot more to the subtle changes in locations and their customs.

Elegantly furnished Sleeping coupe of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Train

For example, it makes a lot lesser sense to go from Chittorgarh to Khajuraho (a different state) and not Sawai Madhopur/Jaipur. Secondly, the duration of stay at each desitination has deliberately not kept more than a day. This is to accommodate the maximum number of destinations in the minimum time, which is often a constraint for foreign guests.

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Itinerary is planned in a way that most of the traveling is done when guests are far asleep in their cabins so that the daysare reserved for local sightseeing. Well done, RTDC, we must say!

World famous and India’s foremost royal luxury train -"The Palace on Wheels" (POW) rolled on its first commercial journey for 2012-13 to Rajasthan & other destinations especially World’s famous wonder Taj Mahal of Agra from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi on Wednesday evening. In first trip 54 tourists expected to travel from different places of the world on this super luxurious train. In 34 rounds from September 2012 to April 2013 three thousand one hundred passengers are expected to travel in this royal train.

Palace on wheels Train

Mr. Randeep Dhankhar, President Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation reviews the preparations for the visit of this luxury train tours for 2012-13 in New Delhi on Tuesday. He said that with a view to providing new facilities like five star hotels the royal train has been renovated.

He said that the Palace on Wheels tours last session 2011-2012 (September to April) in total 34 rounds/trips, 2833 passengers have been traveled and total earnings 36 crore 49 lakh and 290 Rs. While the royal train in 2010-11 in a total of 38 rounds, earnings was only with 27 crore 90 lakh 15 thousend and 286Rs.

GM of  POW Shri Pramod Sharma & Shri Pradeep Bohra stated that the Palace on Wheels starts its journey on every Wednesday between the months of September, 2012 to April, 2013 from Delhi.

In order to provide the World Class journey with the five star facilities in the train POW has luxuries and modern facilities including Royal "Spa" and "gym" for the passengers. The train has 23 coaches comprising of 14 Saloon's, One Spa Coach, two Restaurant known as "Maharaja" & "Maharani" & one "Reception cum Bar". The itinerary for the season would be Delhi-Jaipur-Sawaimadhopur-chittorgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra-Delhi. The capacity of POW is of carrying 104 passengers at a time. 

An additional coach is added in the name of Royal SPA where the guests will enjoy Ayurvedic & Non Ayurvedic massage. This year the Palace on Wheels will provide delicious Indian & Foreign Food to the valued guests.

Mr. Pradeep Bohra, GM of royal train said that special arrangements have been made for their favorite dishes of tourists. Fare for one person in Palace on Wheels is 770 American dollars. The fare of two persons traveling together on this journey is 575 American dollars per visit and three persons traveling together on the rent at 520 American dollars per person determined visit.

After the grand success of Palace on Wheels which is Joint venture of RTDC & Indian Railways they have started another Super luxury train "Royal Rajasthan on Wheels" which will be rolled out its first commercial journey for this year from October 7th, 2012 to Rajasthan and other destinations like for Khajuraho and Varanasi from Safdarjung Railway station, New Delhi. It is a concrete step towards making the presence of the state in the area of "Rail Tourism" for which the Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot and State Tourism Minister Smt. Bina Kak, they said.

Source : (http://www.orissadiary.com/Shownews.asp?id=36223)

Maharajas’ Express Indian Splendor Itinerary

Destinations covered: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Balasinor - Mumbai
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Starting from: USD 5560

Maharajas Express: Asia's Most Luxurious Train

A new chapter of luxury train traveling in India will dawn on 29th of September as Maharajas’ Express will roll out from New Delhi on a weeklong tour cutting across state borders. The journey spanning over the duration of 168 hours will come to its conclusion in Mumbai but not before taking the guests on a royal ride across some of the most prominent tourist destinations in India. Included in the meticulously crafted itinerary is tour to royal destinations in Rajasthan along with a halt in Agra and Balasinor.

An array of cultural interactions, visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tiger reserve and India’s very own Jurassic Park forms the highlight of this royal rail journey which is dubbed as one of the most luxurious trains in the world.

World Heritage Site Taj Mahal on board Maharajas Express

Maharajas Express is renowned for its state of the art amenities and elegant interior décor. Equipped with facilities such as individual climate control, Wi-Fi internet, live television, electronic safe, restaurant, bar, observation car and a souvenir shop, maharajas’ Express is often referred to as a moving 5 star hotel on wheels.

The Rang Mahal Restaurant - Maharaja express India

The Peacock Restauurant of Maharajas express

The Indian Splendor is one of the 5 brand new itineraries announced by the operators of this luxury train. With a base price of US $5560 per person per journey, the fare of Maharajas’ Express could reach as high as US $22000 for the Presidential Suite accommodation.

The Presidential Suite

The all inclusive cost of Maharajas’ Express tour include dining, accommodation, guided sightseeing tour, transportation in air conditioned coaches and car, entrance fees at the monuments and porter charges.

Mentioned below are the highlights of the Indian Splendor itinerary of the Maharajas Express

Ø  Champagne breakfast atop Taj Khema

Ø Exhibition Elephant Polo Match

Ø Old Clock Tower Market in Jodhpur

Ø Sundowner cocktail in sand dunes in Bikaner and Camel Cart Procession

Ø Royal Lunch in City Palace Udaipur (Crystal Gallery)

Ø India’s very own Jurassic Park in Balasinor

Ø Village Visit meeting with Royal Family over lunch

For more information about Indian Splendor Maharajas’ Express Itinerary, feel free to visit the website of Indian Luxury Trains.

Palace on Wheels Destinations - Udaipur, the most royal city of the royal Indian state of Rajasthan, is fittingly a home to some of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Reeking of fine Rajputana taste, immersed in the grandeur of erstwhile Maharaja Era and inhabited by royal descendants – that’s Udaipur for you.

The lake palaces in Udipur

If you ever happen to visit Udaipur, try and plan your visit in the months September-March when the weather is just perfect to afternoon sun and enjoy the cool, breezy nights. The rustic allure that compels guests to revisit this cultural and spiritual mélange is hard to miss by.

Udaipur is quaint but not dull. Folk music, medieval Rajputana architecture, interesting traditions, fascinating Rajput war legends, amusing anecdotes and yes, the delicious Rajasthani cuisine – there’s something for everyone in Udaipur. And did we mention Palaces?  Udaipur’s palaces – mainly the Lake Palace, the city Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace – are architectural marvels.

The stone etchings, massive front porches, sprawling gardens, imperial domes, airy interiors and unique air-conditioning systems devised some 600 years ago are enough to leave you awestruck and impressed at the sheer engineering that has gone in their construction. Udaipur is a true harbinger of the Rajput glory and there can be no greater evidence of Rajputana grandeur than Palaces in Udaipur.

Source : http://www.palacesonwheels.com/blog/that-special-something-about-palaces-in-udaipur/

Winner of several accolades, the Deccan Odyssey train offers one of the best and most elegant ways of exploring the cultural ethos and natural treasure troves of the Deccan region of Maharashtra. Traversing across the scenic Western Ghats and Konkan Coast, this luxury train covers Sindhudurg, Goa, Vasco, Kolhapur, Daulatabad, Ajanta Caves and Nashik in a mesmerizing journey spanning over 7 nights and 8 days.

The Deccan Odyssey train tour comes in an all-inclusive cost package which covers accommodation on board, dining, guided sightseeing tours, transportation, entrance fees at the monuments and porter charges. However expenses of personal nature on board the train of off the train are not included in the price of the Deccan Odyssey rail tour.

The new schedule for the Deccan Odyssey train for the season beginning October 2012 has been announced by its operators – the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Also announced along with normal departures are 2 Special Christmas Departures and a short wildlife tour itinerary. Find below the announced schedule of the Deccan Odyssey train.

Schedule for the season December 2012
December, 2012	12, 19, 26

Schedule for the season January 2013 to March 2013
January, 2013	2, 9, 16, 23, 30
March, 2013	20
Additional Departures on this Route (Subject to Response)
Month	Departure Dates
October, 2012	3,10
March, 2013	27
April, 2013	17

How to book it:

Indian Luxury Trains

http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/journeys/deccan-odyssey.html

Indian Luxury Trains is India's first and only luxury train travel portal. Details of upcoming schedule and booking of the Deccan Odyssey Train tour packages along with post and pre tour arrangement, air ticket booking could be done at the Indian Luxury Trains website.

Source : http://blog.indianluxurytrains.com/2012/08/deccan-odyssey-train-schedule-update.html

India’s premier luxury train, Palace on Wheels, is scheduled to run its first course of the season on September 5, 2012. The train is the flagship luxury sojourn of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and takes its guests on a scenic 8 day tour of the kingly Indian state of Rajasthan, with 1 day excursions to the wonderful Taj Mahal and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary scheduled. The train is quite popular with both international and local guests and gets sold out a couple of months prior to the beginning of the season. The destinations of the tour include Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Jaywalker, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.

Palace on wheels Train

The train is a true ambassador of luxury travel and offers quality services and luxury facilities such as personal services of a butler, electronic safes, separate spa cars, souvenir shops, a separate lounge car and on-train entertainment. A salient feature of the train is varying ranges in tariffs to accommodate high and mid-range budgets. It is advisable for would-be guests to make prior booking on this luxury sojourn to avoid any last minute disappointments.

For more information on train facilities, itineraries, schedules and facilities, you may like to visit the website of the http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/journeys/palace-on-wheels.html

The richness of India in terms of culture, heritage and tradition are so diverse that to sum it up in a single journey will not be possible. Though uncovering the vast canopy of India’s cultural heritage is certainly not a child’s play, a sneak-peek into the richer aspects of India is still very much within the human reach.

A Scene of Elephant Polo Match - Jaipur

From resplendent edifices to tranquil lakes and from exotic wildlife to rock- cut architectural caves, the two weeklong journeys aboard Indian Maharaja- Deccan Odyssey train constitutes all the aforementioned attractions in the destinations traversed by them. Owned and managed by Travel Corporation of India (TCI), Indian Maharaja is the chartered version of Deccan Odyssey.

Although the journey on board this Indian luxury train stays only for a week but the feeling of cultural contentment will leave you spellbound at the end. Either you begin from Delhi or Mumbai; the destinations traversed are same with the only difference of vice-versa factor. The destinations of Rajasthan certainly dominate the itinerary of this luxury tourist train.

Characterized by forts, palaces, sand dunes and painted havelis, the vast heritage of Rajasthan is seldom rivaled. While Jaipur is famous for its well-planned structure, the beautiful and breathtaking lakes of Udaipur steal the limelight from the rest. The excitement of Rajasthan travel reaches its summit after you arrive at the rim of Ranthambore National Park. Here you can take delight in catching the diverse moods of wild cats in their natural turf which also form the highlight of this wildlife sanctuary.

Other than Rajasthan, the journey also familiarizes you with the cultural harmony and religious tolerance prevalent in India. The perfect example of this fact is the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora where three different religions- Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism- dwell in perfect harmony. Designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, these caves are a must visit for connoisseurs of art and architecture.

The sight of cultural harmony reaches its peak point after the arrival of Indian Maharaja Train in Agra. It is the place which Mughals chose to built their settlements and expanded their rule over India. In other words, Agra is a vast repertoire of Mughal architectural jewels which represents the love and patronage of Mughal rulers for art and architecture. The most precious pearl of Mughal architecture that steal the limelight from the rest is Taj Mahal whose shimmering beauty and account of construction bring global travelers face to face with it.

All in the entire journey on board Indian Maharaja Train culminates on the 8th day after bestowing a feeling of cultural contentment within you. Like all good things come to an end, you bid adieu to this weeklong royal journey which has attained the distinction of getting featured into top ten rail journeys in the world.

The age-old, unrivaled Indian hospitality, luxury, opulence and royalty can now be experienced in a week-long train tour to India. Please welcome our guest, Nikhil Chandra from http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/, to describe the luxury of royal trains and tours in India.

There are number of reason to go for luxury trains when it comes to tours to India. A country with incredible diversity, traveling in India is a real challenge for even fussy travelers. With plethora of variety when it comes to themes and destinations, it is rather difficult to choose where to go, what to see and what to do. Luxury trains in India with a total of 12 master’s creation to choose from offer a comfortable, reliable and hassle free way to discover the gems and treasures of India and see the best of her in shortest possible time.

With all inclusive tour itineraries where you wake up every day in a different destination, traveling aboard luxury trains provides whirlwind tours across some of the most significant destinations in India in ultimate panache and pampering of plush interiors equipped with state of the art amenities. Sumptuous dining in restaurants on board, bar facility lounges for tête-à-tête and nowadays even spa and fitness center add to the opulence of these luxury trains.

Besides, all the off-train excursions are guided and transportation are provided for by the tour operator managing the train. A brief introduction of the 6 Indian luxury trains is mentioned below.

Palace on Wheels

Best Rail Journeys in World : Palace on Wheels,India

Voted 4th Best luxury train in the world, Palace on Wheels happens to be the precursor of luxury rail tours in India. Perhaps the most authentic luxury train in India, Palace on Wheels transports the guests into a more gracious age of traveling. A journey into the “land of maharajas” Rajasthan is designed in a way that the journey itself becomes as fascinating and royal as the destinations. Traditional Indian hospitality, red carpet welcome and exclusive experiences set this rail journey apart from any other rail tour across the world.

Deccan Odyssey 

crisscrossing mesmerizing terrains

Offering voyages across verdant Konkan region and mesmerizing Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Goa, this rail tour offer 8 days tour is a unique way to experience the best of Maratha heartland. Included in the tour are trip to World Heritage Ajanta and Ellora Caves and beach destinations in Konkan and Goa. Equipped with on board restaurants, bar, gymnasium and even a spa, this train journey is the once in a lifetime experience.

Maharajas Express

Best Rail Journeys in World : Maharaja Express,India

No great traveler can say they have aspired to travel until they’ve explored this vast country via India’s legendary railway. Maharajas Express train, with its 5 itineraries offers the most luxurious mode to unravel the varied kaleidoscope of India. Plush interiors, gracious hospitality and an array of exclusive experiences in Rajasthan and Lucknow makes Maharaja train tour truly a journey like no other.

The Golden Chariot

The Golden chariot Luxury Trains

Offering two itineraries across destinations in South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this luxury train offers a heady mix of culture, heritage, backwaters and wildlife for which this region in India is renowned.

The Indian Maharaja

The Indian Maharaja - Luxury trains in India

The first privately managed train in India, offers 2 pan-Indian journey from Delhi to Mumbai and Mumbai to Delhi. The journeys spanning over 168 hours unfold the best of Indian heritage, culture and diversity and ensure that you receive service of international standard while regaling in plush interiors.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Luxury trains in India

Another luxury train offering 8 days tours across regal destinations in Rajasthan, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels itinerary also include trip to heartland of Hindu spirituality Varanasi and the World Heritage Khajuraho Group of Monuments bringing out the best of romance and heritage of Northern India.