Palace On Wheels, the first luxury train of India, now has 3 more remaining departures that are lined up for April. These journeys of 7 nights and 8 days are scheduled to depart 10th, 17th and 24th of this month. It is expected according to previous instance that this year also a larger number of foreign travelers are going to experience the royal journey of the Palace on Wheels. Starting its journey way back in the year 1982, this train has been extremely well-known amongst the foreign tourists. The train tariff starts from USD 2730 (per person per journey) for triple sharing occupancy.

This first luxury train  of India has been an excellent precedent to the other luxury trains of the country which were initiated after it. It has sent a benchmark for all the other luxury train in the terms of royal hospitality services to its guests on-board. On this train, you will not only see the luxury in its decor but will also experience it in the way of its facilities. The kind of services as well as amenities which are offered to a traveler are at par with the world-class level of a 5-star restaurant. Not only the treatment is filled with sheer opulence but the itinerary of the journey of this train is also amazing with some of the most sought-after destinations of Rajasthan along with Delhi and Agra such as Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur and so on.

Indian Maharaja is one of the most fantastic ways to travel around Indian destinations that are located in the states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Delhi. And yes, guests are also taken on a fantasy sojourn to the romantic ambience of the Taj Mahal and its nearby areas. The train offers two distinct itineraries to its guests. While one tour begins from Mumbai and ends in Delhi, the other one begins in Delhi and ends at Mumbai. Thus, depending on the port of arrival in India, guests could choose from either of the journeys and explore India in a never before way. With this article we strive to bring to the surface, the highlights that one can expect while embarking on an Indian Maharaja tour.

The Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad 

The Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad

One of the most popular highlights of Indian Maharaja is a trip to the age-old Ajanta caves. A world heritage site as has been recognized by UNESCO, the Ajanta caves are most popular for the religious paintings that depict various sentiments and sensibilities of the Buddhist era. Besides the impeccable paintings, the caves also exhibit fine craftsmanship in terms of the sturdy pillars that have been adorned with designs.

The Ellora Caves, Aurangabad 

The Ellora Caves, Aurangabad

Another architectural marvel, the ancient caves of Ellora house Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples and monasteries in its midst. Fine specimens of rock cut wonders, each of the caves are marvelous pieces displaying the artistic talents of the people of those times. They also hint towards the religious harmony that was prevalent during that era. The Kailash temple is a must-visit destination while here.

The City Palace, Udaipur 

The City Palace, Udaipur 

Built by Maharana Udai Singh, the City palace complex in Udaipur is one of the most beautiful attractions that guests aboard the Indian Maharaja can feast on. Adding constant beauty to the palace complex is the lake Pichola that flows just outside the palace walls. Some of the most significant structures housed within the City Palace include the Bari Pol, the Hathi Pol, Tripolia Gate, Fateh Prakash Palace, Jagdish temple, Manek Chowk, Mor Chowk, and the Amar Vilas.

The Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur 

The Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur 

Located in the district of Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park is home to several varieties of tigers, leopards, desert cats, Indian flying foxes, and langurs. It also houses a large number of birds including the parakeets, great crested grebes, eagles, and cuckoos. Guests visiting this park, while sojourning aboard the Indian Maharaja can stay in the wildlife environs of the resorts housed here such as Sherbagh, Vanya Vilas Resort, and Tiger Moon Resort.

The Taj Mahal , Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

The ultimate name when it comes to the genre of love and romance, Taj Mahal is almost a synonym for India. Located in the city of Agra, barely 200 km from the national capital, Delhi; Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This stately structure is made out of pure white marble. A clear inspiration drawn from the Mughal, Indian, and Persian architectural designs repertoire is reflected throughout the place.

With these and many more highlights waiting to enthrall you, what less can a guests aboard the Indian Maharaja expect other than a magical spell? Remember this magical spell is automatically cast on all guests opting to voyage around the country onboard this luxury train.

Anubhuti coaches providing higher comfort to passengers

NEW DELHI: Chandigarh Shatabdi will be the first train to have "Anubhuti" coaches, the special AC luxury class proposed in this year's rail budget, providing higher travel comfort to passengers. 

Railways will roll out 10 state-of-the-art AC coaches from Rae Bareli coach factory by October. 

"We will be beginning the Anubhuti trial with Chandigarh Shatabdi to be followed with Jaipur Shatabdi. Later on, all Shatabdi trains will be equipped with one Anubhuti coach in a phase-wise manner," said a senior Railway Ministry official. 

Anubhuti, the first of its kind modern LHB coach with ergonomically designed cushioned seats, LCD screens, modular toilets and world class interiors is estimated to cost about Rs 2.80 crore. Currently, it costs about Rs 2.5 crore for manufacturing a LHB coach. 

He said similarly one Rajdhani train will be selected for introduction of Anubhuti coach to be followed by all other 23 Rajdhani services. Mail and express trains will also be equipped with Anubhuti coaches in a gradual manner. 

While AC 1 Executive Class has 56 seats in Shatabdi, new design Anubhuti with automatic opening and closing of internal doors will have about 50 seats only. 

Asked about the fare for travelling in Anubhuti class, he said "the fare will be more than the AC 1 Class in Shatabdi train" and added "the aim is to provide an excellent ambience and latest modern facilities and services with commensurate fare structure." 

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who had proposed the Anubhuti coach in his maiden Rail Budget, visited the Coach Care Centre at the New Delhi Railway Station to inspect the proto type of special coach recently. 

Besides special coaches, Railways will also manufacture 4,500 HP diesel locomotive fitted with compact AC unit in loco pilots' cabin. 

The first-ever locomotive fitted with AC in driver's cabin is estimated to cost Rs 12 crore and aims to provide relief to loco pilots on duty. Railways have proposed to create such improved cabins in all the locos in a phased manner.

Source : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Golden Chariot Train

Golden Chariot, the luxury train run by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), in collaboration with Indian railways is all set to include Andhra Pradesh in its itinerary.

According to a KSTDC source, “Hyderabad was keen to be included in the Golden Chariot itinerary. So KSTDC why not? By entering Andhra Pradesh, the luxury train will now complete the entire Southern Triangle touching all the four southern states - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.”

The project will however take two years to implement as it has to be done without disturbing the existing routes and railway tracks will also have to be laid.

The Golden Chariot, named after the famous Stone Chariot at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka presently has two routes charted out. The Pride of the South itinerary over 8 days/7 nights begins every Monday from Bengaluru and traverses through Mysore, visiting Srirangapatna, Mysore Palace, the Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) and continuing to the historical sites of Shravanabelagola, Belur - the 11th century cradle of Hoysala architecture and a World Heritage Site, Halebid, Hampi and thereafter entering into the triangular heritage site of Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, and finally the beaches of Goa before ending in Bengaluru.

The second route, Southern Splendour of 7 nights/8 days covers Bengaluru - Chennai - Puducherry - Tanjavur - Madurai -Thiruvananthpuram - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Alleppey and Kochi.

Source- http://travel.financialexpress.com/sections/market-section/1220-golden-chariot-set-to-include-andhra-pradesh-in-itinerary

Palace on Wheels Train

India’s first luxury tourist train, running for more than 30 years, Palace on Wheels will soon enter into refurbishing and maintenance mode for the upcoming run season. But there is a good news for the connoisseurs of luxury train travel. The April departures of this Indian luxury train will have a 25% rebate on the total ticket price. The four departure dates in the month of April are as follows- 3rd April, 10th April, 17th April and 24th April. The departure schedule is given on the website of the Indian luxury trains. 

Launched on 26th January, 1982, Palace on Wheels was  designed to introduce the art of luxury train traveling in India. When launched, the train was composed of the original rail carriages of the erstwhile Indian monarchs and were later replaced with the replica carriages to accommodate the technological advancement. The 14 guest carriages of this luxury tourist train display a marvelous intermingle of traditional décor and state  of the art amenities and can play host to 88 people in all. 

The 8 days and 7 night  journey offered by the Palace on Wheels train traverses the course of erstwhile princely  states in Rajasthan along with a halt in Agra. The destinations of Rajasthan covered by this train include Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bharatpur. The weeklong journey offers a dash of forts, palaces, sand dunes and fairs and festivals. Guided off train excursions are provided at each destination where the train halts.

Source - http://www.travpr.com/pr-22227-palace-on-wheels-25-discount.html