The word 'Luxury' starts and ends at Palace on Wheels only. The train is regarded as one of the revered luxury trains not only in India but in the whole world. It is rated as the 4th best luxury train all across the globe. The luxury train was designed keeping in mind the erstwhile kings and rulers of the country who used to travel in such types of railway coaches for nuptial sojourn, hunting trip and occasion of state tours. The train is a joint venture between Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways, which started its operation in the year 1982. It is equipped with traditional treatments yet all modern amenities and services. The train will help you exploring Rajasthan and its famous tourists' destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, and Bharatpur. The whole sojourn will be of 7 nights and 8 days, which will commence from Delhi and weaves through Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra and finally ends the sojourn at Delhi itself.

The various destinations of the Palace on Wheels India are described as follows:

Delhi

National capital of India, Delhi holds several attractions for its visitors. From old lanes of Chandni Chowk to contemporary streets of Connaught Place you get to know all about Great Mughal Rulers and British leaders from these places. Qutub Minar, Humayun Tomb and Red Fort are the three world heritage sites this city possesses.

Jaipur

Popularly known as The Pink City, Jaipur has an unfathomable charm that acts as a driving force to attract visitors towards it. Mesmerizing palaces, massive forts and magnificent temples are the proud possessions of this city.

Sawai Madhopur

It is a traditional village that shelters one of the most affluent national parks of this country - Ranthambore National Park. Its thick deciduous forest is famous for Royal Bengal Tiger. This sanctuary inhabits over 300 species of birds.

Chittorgarh

It is eminent for its profound history. This gorgeous city is located on banks of Berach River. Most famous attraction is the fort of Chittorgarh located on top of a 180 m high hillock. Rani Padmani's Palace, Kalika Mata temple and Rana Kumbha's Palace are other famous attractions of this place. 

Udaipur

Voted as world’s best city in 2009 by Travel and Leisure magazine, Udaipur is renowned for its Majestic Rajput-era Palaces. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous cities of the world. Presence of several exotic lakes like Udai Sagar, Lake Pichola, Fatah Sagar Lake, and Swaroop Sagar has nicknamed it as City of Lakes.

Jaisalmer

Sobriquet as Golden City, Jaisalmer is named after its founder Raja Jaisal a Rajput king. Located amid Thar Desert, it stands on a ridge of yellow sandstone composition. Its rhythmic sand dunes are centre of attraction while huge expanse of Indus Valley civilization represents its exclusivity. Jaisalmer fort is the most famous attraction of this city. 

Jodhpur

Quite popular as Blue City, Jodhpur is located in barren landscape of Thar Desert. It invites thousands of travelers every year towards its great cultural heritage. Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Balsamand Lake, Mahamandir temple and Kailana Lake are major tourist attractions. 

Bharatpur

Its popularity can be gazed from the fact that it has been included in list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Prime attraction of this city is Keoladeo Ghana National Park that shelters three hundred species of migratory as well as native birds.

Fatehpur Sikri

This UNESCO world heritage city was the first planned Mughal city. Several mosques and monuments are prime attractions famous for their architectural brilliance. 

Agra

It is a place which doesn't need any introduction.Agra is renowned all over the world because of its monument "the Taj Mahal", which is among the Seven Wonders of the World. The city is located in the banks of Yamuna. Apart from Taj Mahal, the other places of attraction are Agra Fort, Akbar's Tomb, Jama Masjid and much more.

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