The Maharajas' Express has spacious cabins, fine food and private performances..................

When we stepped off the train at the small station of Pachora, 250 miles northeast of Mumbai, Lord Ganesha was waiting.

A man costumed as the Hindu god was carried by turbaned attendants and accompanied by folk dancers who whirled to ancient stringed instruments, reedy horns and hand drums. Ganesha sported a pinkish elephant head, complete with trunk and oversize ears, but he blessed us with a very human hand. Locals must have felt like the circus had arrived in town, for despite the early hour, they had come to watch the welcome arranged specially for us.

It was appropriate to be greeted by the god of good fortune: We were a lucky group—passengers taking a 2,000-mile journey from Mumbai to New Delhi on the Maharajas' Express, one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Read More

A train vacation offers scenery, romance and nostalgia like no other holiday can. Purvaja Sawant shortlists some of the world's well-known luxury trains that provide comfort, style and service, a la royalty

Maharajas' Express, India

The latest luxury offering in India, a tour on this train will transport you back to the era of elegant travelling, reminiscent of the romance of Indian Maharajas. There are five pan-Indian journeys offered by the Maharajas Express, which include two golden triangle tour itineraries covering cities like Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as Wi-Fi internet, individual climate control and luxury restaurants, the train can carry a total of 84 passengers in elegantly appointed cabins, including a lavish presidential suite spanning over an entire carriage!

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Established in 1989, Rovos Rail is said to be the most luxurious train in the world offering an old-world elegance. Celebrated for its teak equipment, the train boasts of a stellar dining place, amazing South African wine list, and friendly on-board service. The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt with fine teak panelling, traditional furnishings and period decor. Journeys on this train are made up of a series of departures, lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight. It winds through Africa's most beautiful and vivid scenery, ranging from farmlands and mountains to vineyards and forests. It can accommodate up to 72 passengers in its 36 royal, deluxe and pullman suites.

Venice-Simplon Orient Express, Europe

Popularised by author Agatha Christie in her thriller novel Murder on the Orient Express, the train still runs on the legendary route from Paris to Istanbul, since it first took the course in 1889. Its six-night trip includes guided tours in Budapest, Sinaia, Bucharest and Varna and offers its passengers ample time to enjoy the luxurious amenities of the train - champagne poured by white-gloved hands and lavish cabins - while taking in the breathtaking sights and sounds of Europe.

The Blue Train, South Africa

This train combines the luxury of the world's leading hotels with the charm of train travel and has had many kings and presidents as its customers. It runs eight times a month between Pretoria and Cape Town. One of its USPs is its authentic South African cuisine - dishes like Karoo lamb, Kabeljou, Knysna oysters and Impala. The route is a 27-hour journey and includes a sightseeing stop in each direction.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Embark-on-a-luxurious-rail-journey/articleshow/28703355.cms

With Christmas being round the corner, the connoisseurs of luxury travel must be looking forward to enjoy their vacations on board  Maharajas’ Express.  Although Maharajas’ Express gets fully booked for Christmas and New Year journeys but that should not deter you to plan your journey aboard this Indian luxury train.  For all those looking forward to enjoy luxuries aboard Maharajas’ Express this Christmas,  they can avail special discounts for the Gems of India Tour. These discounts are valid for the Gems of India tour slated for 25th December, 2013. 

The Gems of India journey offered by Maharajas’ Express train is a 3 nights and 4 day’s journey that brings you face to face with the luxurious lifestyle of erstwhile Indian Maharajas. The 3 nights and 4 day’s journey cover the famous Golden Triangle circuit of India including Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Besides Golden triangle, the journey also takes you to the Ranthambore National Park, an Indian tiger reserve of good repute. Read More.......

Traveling on train is a very popular choice of numerous tourists, who desire to enjoy unbelievable outlooks through broad windows across the excursion, flavor delicious specialty and experience distinct feelings when approaching to new lands.

Today, a number of luxury tourist trains have been commenced to meet increasing claims of travelers across the world. For demonstration, if you desire to visit London, Venice, Rome, Budapest and Prague in a excursion, the Venice-Simplon-Orient articulate can satisfy your anticipation with a 6 day/5 night journey, repasts included, starting at $ 5,656.

Now, let's take a look at top ten luxury tourist trains worldwide.

 Glacier Express

The Glacier articulate carries travellers across 80 miles in the Swiss Alps at an mind-set of 6,670 feet.

Pride of Africa

The Pride of Africa, arguably the world’s most luxury train, takes travellers to travel from Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam, halting in Pretoria, Kruger nationwide Park, and Victoria Falls along the way.

The Royal Scotsman

Run by Orient-Express inns Ltd, the Royal Scotsman is among the most luxury and costly trains in the world . The 720-mile journey encompasses stops in Dundee, Aberdeen, Dalwhinnie and Pert as well as boasts travellers a allotment of free Scotch.

Palace on Wheels

Another luxury train is the Palace on Wheels launched by the Indian trains to encourage tourism in Rajasthan. An all-inclusive travel from New Delhi to Rajasthan.

 Flam Railway

The Flam Railway, one of the world’s steepest train lines, takes travels on a 20-kilometer fall from nearly 3,000 feet into the fjords of Norway’s Flam town. A round trip journey over waterfalls and valleys.

 Venice-Simplon-Orient Express

The Venice-Simplon-Orient Express is a luxury tourist train, connecting London, Venice, Rome, Budapest and Prague.

Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian trains is a 6,000-mile trains connecting Moscow and Beijing.

Hiram Bingham

Founded on the 1920’s Pullman luxury method, Hiram Bingham takes travelers from Cuzco to Machu Picchu. A ride encompassing meals and sightseeing charges $588.

 Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad that is actually owned by the state of Alaska supplies luxury seating and dining for passengers with moderate price. 

The Ghan

Australia’s famous train, the Ghan, carries travels on a 2979 km, 2-day journey through the heart of the continent.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, the luxury train for tourists, Sunday began its season's maiden journey from Delhi with 26 passengers on board.

It will run to Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur (all in Rajasthan), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Varanasi and Agra (both in Uttar Pradesh) before returning to the national capital.

Pramod Sharma, general manager of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), said, "The train is a milestone achieved by RTDC and has established its brand image in the global travel market in a record time."

Travellers will enjoy varied sceneries as the train chugs through mountains, passes dunes and crosses rivers in north and central India.

"The 22 luxury cabins are named after the royal palaces of Rajasthan such as Hawa Mahal, Kishore Mahal, Padmini Mahal, among others," said general manager of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Sudhir Singh Chaudhri.

"Categorised into deluxe and super deluxe saloons, the cabins are equipped with wi-fi internet, satellite television, channel music system and temperature controller," he added.

The per night tariff is: $1,600 (super deluxe), $590 (deluxe twin sharing), $825 (deluxe single occupancy), 50 percent of charges for children between five and 12 years, and 10 percent of cost for kids below five years.

The train is scheduled to start off from Delhi every Sunday between October and April, he said.

Source:http://www.sify.com/finance/royal-rajasthan-on-wheels-begins-season-s-first-journey-news-national-nkguu9aieag.html