Live a Maharaja Life aboard Maharajas Express with IHPL Special departure This April

A journey in Maharaja Style! With Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. (A 2 times National Tourism Award winning Company) and IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation) joining hands, travelers get a great opportunity to enjoy a journey onboard Maharaja Express on special discounted prices. The departure is scheduled to take place on 20th April ’16. The destinations to be covered by this journey include Ranthambore and India’s Golden Triangle route- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The journey spans for four days and three nights and lets you visit the world famous heritage sites including Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Ranthambore National Park and Jantar Mantar.

The departure has a lot to offer. Guests can avail as much as 30 percent discount coupled with other benefits like one way airport transfer on arrival and complimentary one night stay in a five star hotel. Get your booking done before 20th April’ 2016 to avail this wonderful offer.

Known for its royalty, Maharaja Express is one among the leading luxury trains in the world. The luxury train has won World Travel Award thrice. Also, in 2011, it was listed under World's Top 25 Trains by The Society of International Railway Travelers. The services provided by this luxury train remain etched in the minds of every traveler for years.

With elegant interiors such as fine sylvan décor, floor to floor carpeting and wooden paneling, the luxury train boasts of great comfort that a guest wants. There are 14 guest cabins that are brilliantly-designed falling under five categories of suites with different names and themes. The suites are- Deluxe cabins, Junior suites, The Suites, The Presidential Suite and the most exquisite one is The Rail Suite, which comprises of a master bedroom and a separate living area. All the cabins are well-facilitated with world-class amenities such as pneumatic suspension, dining cars, bar, lounge, souvenir shops, Wi-Fi and   television. The en-suite washrooms are well-set with a bathtub along with other premium toiletries. Guests can select their cabins according to their own choice and suitability.

The dining area marks a perfect mélange of aesthetic and noble ambience. Savor delectable and delicious dishes of your choice. While getting pampered by services, enjoy the striking passing prettiness. Rediscover the romance, once lived by royal kings and queens. Get familiar with the rich culture and heritage of India by visiting the three essential destinations- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, along with Ajmer. In fact, Maharaja Express has now become a great venue for all important business meetings and family gatherings.  Come and live a journey in Maharaja Style.

For more information on this special departure of Maharajas’ Express train, visit www.maharajas-express-india.com/offer/

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Why Luxury Train Travel in India is recommended over Private Car Packages

What luxury train does is that it lets you leave behind the hassles of airplanes and car rentals and bumpy rides on your tour to India.

With the ability to experience luxurious accommodations, amazing culinary events, and breathtaking scenery, plus the chance to hop on and off at some of the India's most iconic destinations, luxury train travel can be immensely rewarding, romantic, and eye-opening. It not just transports you to places but even a different era - better than any other mode of transportation.

Guests of Maharajas' Express arriving at Jaipur Railway Station

As far as sightseeing in New Delhi is concern, none of the luxury train offers a day’s tour program in Delhi. You may better choose either Delhi metro for the local sightseeing of Delhi or go for the HOHO tourist bus service which takes you to over 19 tourist places in Delhi.

HOHO service is air conditioned and also provided on board guide.

Delhi Metro will also take you to prominent tourist destinations but you’ll have to research the stations where you need to get down and then at most of the tourist places, you’ll have to either walk some distance or need to hire tuk tuks or 3 wheel rickshaw to get to the monuments/attractions. Here's some more infornation on Delhi Metro Rail.

Now luxury train are a different breed altogether. They take you on 4 to 7 night’s journeys across some of the most prominent destinations in India cutting across the state boundaries. There are 5 luxury trains to be precise with a total of 11 journeys to choose from.

Palace on Wheels is the first ever to be introduced in India offering luxury train tour to Rajasthan along with a halt in Agra to visit Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The all inclusive seven night journey (http://bit.ly/1iS7q3K) starts from USD 2730 per person per journey. The guest accommodation is basic but reminiscent of a bygone era.

The most luxurious and the latest is Maharajas’ Express which has been voted World’s leading luxury train for 2nd consecutive time this year at World Travel Awards. Maharajas’ Express is like a moving 5 star hotel on wheels with facilities such as Wi-Fi internet, attached washroom with showers and even bathtubs in suite, live television, dining cars and lounge bars.

The journey on board Maharajas’ Express starts from USD 3840 per person per journey for 3 nights journeys (Treasures of India & Gems of India) in Deluxe Cabins whereas the same journey will cost you USD 12900 for the Presidential Suite accommodation. The 7 nights itinerary starts from $6840 per person for Deluxe Cabins which goes as high as $23,700 for Presidential Suite accommodation.

Then there are other luxury trains like The Golden Chariot which offer 2 journeys in South India whereas yet another train Deccan Odyssey offering 3 itineraries -1 covers Maharashtra along with Goa and 2 other starts from Mumbai and Delhi and covers destinations in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Agra.

Yet another luxury train Royal Rajasthan on Wheels offer 7 nights luxury train journey to destinations in Rajasthan along with halts in Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra.

Depending upon your budget and preference, you could select one of these luxury trains in India to have an exclusive holiday experience in India. Here’s the detail of all luxury train for your further research http://bit.ly/1iS7EHV.

Contributed by Nikhil Chandra

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Royal Rajasthan on Wheels - Jodhpur Tours

The huge success of the Palace on Wheels train initial the concept of Luxury train travel in India. To repeat this magic many state government came up with their own version of the Palace on Wheels. This  step was taken by the state government to attract tourists to experience the royal lifestyle of Indian Maharaja’s. With the popularity of the train touching new heights every day, it essentially became very difficult for travelers interested in booking a seat in this train.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Train Exterior

To bridge this gap the Royal Rajasthan on wheels  was rolled out. This luxury caravan covered all important tourist destinations that were being covered by its predecessor along with some other important destination demanded by the tourists. The final itinerary of this Royal Rajasthan on Wheels included Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra.

A view of the massive facades of the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

The Royal Rajasthan on wheels comes with a seating capacity of 82 people at a time. The key  facilities to look out for include two resto bars, two super deluxe suites, 13 deluxe saloons, boardroom, improved water supply and storage and internet facilities. The deluxe cabins of the train come with names such as Ruby, Pearl, Emerald and Sapphire and the attractive color schemes is there to give them true dazzling look and appeal.  The journey offers you a week long experience of the lifestyle of the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan.

A camel safari in the sand dunes near Jodhpur is always recommended for its sheer mystical aspect

These Luxury train travels have indeed highlighted India on the global map when it comes to presenting travelers with an  interesting ways of exploring the country. These trains have given a tremendous boost to the tourism department of the country which is there to stay for years to come.

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A Trip to Bangalore aboard Golden Chariot Train

‘A voyage to the many world’s of Karnataka’; this is the best one liner to describe the Pride of the South journey offered by the Golden Chariot train in a nutshell. Launched with the joint initiative of Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC) and the Indian Railways, Golden Chariot embarked on its maiden voyage on 10th March, 2008. The train has been listed as the ‘Seven Best Luxury Rail Journeys in the World’ by Vanity Fair Magazine for its  flawless services and state of the art facilities. 

In a nutshell, Pride of the South emphasize upon the uncovering the cultural heritage of Karnataka rooted in the crumbled ruins, medieval temples and spectacular palaces. The journey also includes a dash of wildlife and colonial lifestyle in Goa. Except for Bangalore, the point of commencement for the Pride of the South journey, no other destination covered on board displays the urbanization and modernization of international standards. Let’s take a look at the events took place on the first day of the Pride of the South journey. Read on….

1 - A high tea experience at the Taj West End hotel for the guests who’ve opted for the Pride of the South journey.

2 - A short trip to Chitrakala Parishath followed by a cultural program. A cultural organization and institution located in Bangalore, Chitrakala Parishath aims at promoting art and culture through its art exhibitions conducted at the state and national levels.

3 - Alternatively, you have a choice to visit the Our Native Village for an eco-vacation. It is a 100% eco-friendly resort where you can savor a sumptuous lunch and explore the in-house organic farms and be a spectator to the specially organized cultural extravaganza. Here you can take a slice of the rural lifestyle.

4 - By 2000 hours, you will  be required to report at the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station to board the train.

5 - After a traditional welcome, you’ll be ushered to your respective cabins and the train will start rolling towards Kabini.

I agree that the first day excursion is quite short, restricted to few hours but still enables a sneak peek into the rural lifestyle prevailing in the modern hub of Bangalore along with a dash of art and culture.

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Tour aboard Palace on Wheels for Wildlife Excursion

Spanning over a whopping 3,42,000 square kilometers, in the northwestern part of the country, Rajasthan is not only the largest state in India  but also attracts a sizeable chunk of overseas travelers. One of the most popular ways to explore the diversity of this region is to travel on board Palace on Wheels. When it comes to Rajasthan tours, the popular tourist attractions are forts, palaces, lakes, sand dunes and wildlife. The state is home an array of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. 

Palace on Wheels Train

During the 8 days and 7 night journey on board Palace on Wheels, the luxury train encompasses the former princely states of Rajasthan along with a stopover in Agra. The two destinations covered by the Palace on Wheels train- Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur- are mainly visited for wildlife excursion. While Sawai Madhopur is home to Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur is famous for Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO  World Heritage Site and bird sanctuary.

Spotted Deer in Ranthambore National Park

These national parks teem with an array of flora and fauna species including some highly elusive and endangered animal species such as Royal Bengal Tiger and Siberian Crane. Lets have a look what these  wildlife sanctuaries have to offer to its clientele.

Ranthambore National Park 

Royal Bengal Tigers - Ranthambore National Park

Nestled at the junction of Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges, Ranthambore National Park, spanning over an area of 320 square kilometers, is mainly visited for its large population of Bengal Tigers. Besides Royal Bengal Tigers, the park has more than 200 species of birds and various herbivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous animals. The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and a 10th century Ranthambore fort at a height of 700 meters above the sea level. The fort is home to three temples , built with red Karauali stones and dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha and Ramlalji.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary 

Siberian Crane at Keoladeo National Park

Emblazoned as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is named after an ancient Shiva temple located at the center of the park. It is an absolute heaven for bird watchers and ornithologists. The bird sanctuary is home to  more than 336 bird species, out of which 117 migrate from China and Siberia.

Cycle Safaris in the Keoladeo National Park

Palace on Wheels let you explore the Ranthambore National Park and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in the first half of the 3rd and the 7th day sightseeing trip. This luxury train is a virtual five star hotel equipped with luxuriously designed guest cabins, multi cuisine restaurants, a lounge bar and well equipped spa.

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Special Deals for Luxury Train Travel in India

With the onset of January and Republic Day knocking our doors, the operators of five luxury trains running in India have come up with special discounts and complimentary pre &post tour accommodation at a 5 star luxury hotel. These five luxury trains include Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Maharajas’ Express, Deccan Odyssey and the Indian Maharaja. In this blog, I will give you a brief description regarding the offers available on each of the above mentioned luxury tourist trains.

Maharajas’ Express 

Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has come up with a special ‘Republic Promo Day’ for all the journeys made before 26th January, 2013. The offer is valid for all the five train tour packages operating till April, 2013. According to the ‘Republic Day Promo Offer’, all the journeys booked before 26th January, 2013 will include 1 night complimentary pre & post stay at a five star hotel from the departure destination.

Palace on Wheels & Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Besides Maharajas’ Express, the similar offer is also available on two other luxury tourist trains- Palace on Wheels & Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. Both the trains are owned and managed by the Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC). As per the offer, all the journeys starting from January till April will include 1 night before and 1 night after stay at a five star luxury hotel in Delhi.

  

Deccan Odyssey

Deccan Odyssey is the second luxury train launched after the success of the Palace on Wheels train. It is operated by the Maharashtra State Tourism and Development Corporation (MTDC). It takes guests across some popular destinations in Maharashtra along with a halt in Goa. As per the offer, all the departures of the Deccan Odyssey train from January to March will have a minimum 10 percent discount on all occupancy rates. 

Indian Maharaja

Indian Maharaja, the chartered version of the Deccan Odyssey train, owned by the Travel Corporation of India (TCI) too offers discount on its departures. A minimum of 5% discount is available on all occupancy rates for the journeys between January to March.

In the times, when luxury hotel prices, airfares and hike in food prices at fine dining restaurants has made tourists re-consider their India visit, Luxury trains is a far better option for tours to India as they are virtual five star hotels that offer week long trips. The accommodation, dining and sightseeing tours are all included in the luxury train tour prices.

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Golden Chariot Train Pride of the South : Discover Myriad Facets of Karnataka

“Water changes at every mile and language changes at every three miles”. The varied topography, cultural mix, religious tolerance and multi-lingual populace of India certainly mount up to the aforementioned statement. When it comes to southern region of India, there could be no way better than Golden Chariot train to unearth the natural and cultural treasures of this region.

The Golden Chariot Train Ariel View

Fondly referred to as South India’s very own Palace on Wheels, this Indian luxury train was launched to showcase the rich heritage of Karnataka in an opulent manner. On 10th March, 2008, Golden Chariot embarked on its maiden voyage from Bangalore to Goa. During the course of its 8 days and 7 nights’ journey, this Indian luxury train encompasses various historically prominent and naturally rich destinations which include Mysore, Kabini, Hassan, Hospet, Badami and Goa. From ancient temples to stunning palaces and from wildlife treasure troves to colonial edifices, this tastefully crafted itinerary aboard the Golden Chariot train offer different strokes to different folks.

Each day of Pride of the South journey lets you discover a different aspect of tourism in this state. The 2nd day marks the entry of Golden Chariot into the rustic hinterland of Kabini. A delectable lunch in jungle lodge enveloped with luxuriant greens followed by a game safari to enjoy the call of the wild is what scheduled for the 2nd day.

Moving on the 3rd day of this itinerary, the train will chug into the erstwhile realm of Tipu Sultan - Mysore. Beautiful gardens, stunning temples, magnificent palaces and local markets of this south Indian princely state will surely leave you spellbound. The sightseeing excursion will reach its crescendo in the cultural program organized at Lalitha Mahal Palace.

Apart from exploring wildlife treasures and imperial heritage of Mysore, this Indian luxury train brings you face to face with the rich Dravidian heritage of south India. The 4th, 5th and 6th day on board Pride of the South journey will take you to Hassan, Hospet and Badami, each of which is sprinkled with scores of religious edifices and monuments built during medieval age.

On the penultimate day of this rail tour, the luxury train enters the beach paradise ‘Goa’. The sightseeing tour of the day includes exploration of churches and Sola Souto Manor, a Portuguese house dating back to 16th century, in Old Goa.

Some points to be remembered while making reservations for Golden Chariot train:

• If reservation is made for individual travelling, you have to pay 20% of the ticket value at the time of booking confirmation. Rest 80% is to be paid 60 days prior to departure.
•  If reservation is made for a group tour, you are required to pay 50% of the ticket value at the time of booking confirmation. Rest 80% is to be paid 60 days prior to departure.

The destinations covered by Golden Chariot during the course of Pride of the South journey offers peak into the rich history and cultural heritage of Karnataka. Right from exploring rich Dravidian heritage to wildlife rendezvous in Bandipur National Park, the journey explores many worlds of Karnataka.

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Luxury Train in India - The Buzzword for Luxury Travel

Indian luxury trains are the most sought after by connoisseurs of luxury travel around the world. Unlike Blue train and Orient Express that dominate the luxury rail segment in west, much of the contribution has come from India with 6 luxury trains operating in current scenario.  Luxury train tours are a booming travel trend for those who are not afraid of shelling out moolah for attaining the experience of royal pampering and elegant living.

The history of luxury train travelling traces its roots to the era of erstwhile Indian maharajas who were believed to have travelled in overtly luxurious rail carriages. Taking cue from the personal rail carriages of erstwhile Indian monarchs, Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation in association with Indian railways launched Palace on Wheels train in 1982. The train has been designed with replica carriages of erstwhile Rajput princes, Nizams of Hyderabad and Viceroys of India and traverses the course of former princely states of Rajasthan during the course of its 8 days and 7 nights journey.

The seamless fusion of Rajputana décor, state of the art amenities and traditional India hospitality is apparent in every aspect of the train. The weeklong journey on board Palace on Wheels train whisks you into the Rajputana heartland and let you discover the royal and cultural facet of Rajasthan along with the exploration of wildlife treasure troves.

Following the overwhelming success of Palace on Wheels, many state tourism boards followed in the footsteps of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation and came up with their own version of Palace on Wheels train. The popularity of this luxury tourist train reached the corridors of private players too which resulted in chartering of Deccan Odyssey train by Travel Corporation of India (TCI).

Besides Rajasthan, luxury trains in India allow guests to explore the natural and cultural treasure troves of western and southern region of India. While Deccan Odyssey offers jaunt into Maratha heartland with two days halt in Goa, Golden Chariot with its two journeys- Pride of the South and Splendor of the South- offers whirlwind tour across historically significant and naturally rich destinations in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The two itineraries of Indian Maharaja train- Delhi to Mumbai and Mumbai to Delhi- are a medley of vibrant colors of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. 

Although the six luxury trains operating in India differ in terms of destinations but all of them strive hard towards meeting a similar goal. The goal is to provide elegant stay with sightseeing of some of the best tourist destinations in India. Hence it would not be an overstatement to say that a new age of opulent and elegant train travelling has arrived in India with the rise of luxury rail tour segment.

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Maharajas' Express Train - The Indian Splendor Itinerary

With the waving of the green flag by the station authority, the king of luxury trains in India, in its cherry red veneer chugs out signaling the commencement of another grand luxury train tour in India. Lavishness seems to be the brand mark of every aspect of Maharajas’ Express, whether it’s the décor, the facilities, the destinations or even the personalized services. This Indian luxury train started operating from March 2010 and within just two years it has got an international repute for its unrivaled services and facilities.

Redefining luxury train traveling: Maharajas' Express Train, India

Indian Splendor journey by Maharajas’ Express is introduced recently with a view to acquaint the global travelers to the myriad colors of India scattered in different regions of the country. While the journey begins in the glamorous country capital Delhi, it ends in the ‘city of dreams’ Mumbai. In its 8 days and 7 nights journey, this Indian luxury train tour covers destinations like Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Balanisor along with Delhi and Mumbai. Each of these precisely chosen destinations unveils different shades of Indian lifestyle and cultural heritage to its guests.

In this weeklong Indian Splendor itinerary, the travelers get a look at the diversified landscapes in India from the medieval cities, dazzling modern metropolises, sparkling stretch of golden sands, forests with roaring of tigers to signature monuments of eternal love.

Junior Suite Double Bed, Maharajas' Express India

The Indian Splendor tour onboard Maharajas’ Express is duly accompanied by mouthwatering cuisines, choicest brand of wines & spirits, recreational activities and a pampering rejuvenation parlor. Rang Mahal Restaurant and Peacock Restaurant are the two grand dining cars onboard this Indian luxury train that presents large variety of delicacies from around the world. When these delicately prepared food items are presented in gold plated cutleries with utmost tenderness, the taste of each item becomes heavenly. Moreover, the onboard safari bar is an ideal place to exhaust the beautiful outside views while sipping your best brand of wine.

Rajah Club,  The Lounge Bar cum Souvenir Shop, Maharajas' Express

The Maharajas’ Express is beautifully studded with handicraft items, intricate carvings on woods, royal carpets and beautiful wall lamps. A train journey that brings forth so many distinct features of India, Indian Splendor is one of the most luxurious train tours that one can have. The very spiritual element of Indian destinations is beautifully shared with its guests by Maharajas’ Express. Aesthetically prepared itinerary of Indian Splendor certainly make you feel the soul of the country in a luxury train tour to India.

Where to Book It
Indian Holiday Private Limited (IHPL)
http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/
Indian Holiday Private Limited is a Preferred Sales Agent- IRCTC Affiliate (PSA-IA) for selling the packages of Maharajas' Express Train for period 01st May 2013 to 30th April 2014.

Contributed by Gaurav Kumar

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