Sit back and have the railway journey of a lifetime
seeing all of what magical India has on offer. Raul Dias brings you four of the country’s most iconic rail journeys,
where old world luxury meets adventure in a glam embrace.
By Raul Dias
Maharajas’ Express
Finding itself on the top of our list, and rightly so, the super-exquisite Maharajas’ Express, has been bestowed the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” award at the World Travel Awards for seven consecutive years from 2012 to 2018. In its tenth year of operations, this luxury train is just as glamourous and awe-inspiring than ever before. Though it does have several exotic itineraries to pick from, the train’s signature Indian Panorama six nights/seven days itinerary will take you on a magical journey through some of India’s most celebrated and venerated places like Orchha, Varanasi and Khajuraho, besides stopping at other well-visited tourist hot spots like Jaipur, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. The train itself is well-equipped with all the important pe-requisites to make you feel like royalty. For your comfort, the train has a four-cabin choice. Take your pick from either a Deluxe Cabin, Presidential Suite, Suite or Junior Suite. Each of these are designed so beautifully that if one sees through the window, one can enjoy uninterrupted vistas of the rolling landscape outside. For your dining needs, the dining car is where amazing world class cuisine is served on gold- and silver-plated cutlery that are in-keeping with the elegant décor of the train. The theme restaurants like the Peacock Restaurant (Mayur Mahal) and Haveli Restaurant (Rang Mahal) along with The Safari Bar will make sure that your post-excursion evenings are made equally memorable.
Finding itself on the top of our list, and rightly so, the super-exquisite Maharajas’ Express, has been bestowed the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” award at the World Travel Awards for seven consecutive years from 2012 to 2018. In its tenth year of operations, this luxury train is just as glamourous and awe-inspiring than ever before. Though it does have several exotic itineraries to pick from, the train’s signature Indian Panorama six nights/seven days itinerary will take you on a magical journey through some of India’s most celebrated and venerated places like Orchha, Varanasi and Khajuraho, besides stopping at other well-visited tourist hot spots like Jaipur, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. The train itself is well-equipped with all the important pe-requisites to make you feel like royalty. For your comfort, the train has a four-cabin choice. Take your pick from either a Deluxe Cabin, Presidential Suite, Suite or Junior Suite. Each of these are designed so beautifully that if one sees through the window, one can enjoy uninterrupted vistas of the rolling landscape outside. For your dining needs, the dining car is where amazing world class cuisine is served on gold- and silver-plated cutlery that are in-keeping with the elegant décor of the train. The theme restaurants like the Peacock Restaurant (Mayur Mahal) and Haveli Restaurant (Rang Mahal) along with The Safari Bar will make sure that your post-excursion evenings are made equally memorable.
The Golden Chariot
Snaking its way through the four South Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, along with the union territory of Pondicherry, the Golden Chariot train is the epitome of luxe travel. The eight days/seven nights’ circular Southern Splendour and Pride of the South journeys start and end in the dynamic city of Bangalore with a whole host of interesting destinations covered en route. From Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South India, famous for its silks, pearls and spices that you can shop for to ogling at the sunset in Kanyakumari at the very tip of India, there is a whole lot on offer on this epic train journey. The journey also offers one a glimpse into South India’s colonial past, taking in the Portuguese flavour of Goa and the French flair of Pondicherry with specially designed day trip options. The ornately decorated train is made up of 18 coaches that are each distinct and theme-based. Inspired by the Mysore and Belur-Halebeedu schools of art and architecture, the Golden Chariot’s 44 cabins are as plush as they can get. Other luxury amenities onboard include two speciality restaurants, Madira—the lounge bar and Arogya—The Spa and Gym that aim to take care of all your sybaritic needs to the hilt.
Snaking its way through the four South Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, along with the union territory of Pondicherry, the Golden Chariot train is the epitome of luxe travel. The eight days/seven nights’ circular Southern Splendour and Pride of the South journeys start and end in the dynamic city of Bangalore with a whole host of interesting destinations covered en route. From Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South India, famous for its silks, pearls and spices that you can shop for to ogling at the sunset in Kanyakumari at the very tip of India, there is a whole lot on offer on this epic train journey. The journey also offers one a glimpse into South India’s colonial past, taking in the Portuguese flavour of Goa and the French flair of Pondicherry with specially designed day trip options. The ornately decorated train is made up of 18 coaches that are each distinct and theme-based. Inspired by the Mysore and Belur-Halebeedu schools of art and architecture, the Golden Chariot’s 44 cabins are as plush as they can get. Other luxury amenities onboard include two speciality restaurants, Madira—the lounge bar and Arogya—The Spa and Gym that aim to take care of all your sybaritic needs to the hilt.
The Heritage Palace on Wheels
With a compact three-day itinerary, this legendary luxury train journey—that operates from September to April—will take you to three beautiful cities in northern India. Be it a wander around the pink city Jaipur or to follow the trail of the mighty tiger in Ranthambhore or perhaps to Agra, home of the immortal symbol of love—the exquisite Taj Mahal, the journey aboard The Heritage Palace on Wheels will have the sights, sounds and memories of this wonderful part of the country permanently etched onto your hearts and minds. The train has 14 air-conditioned coaches that are each named after former Rajput states and each matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry to ensure availability of hot and cold beverages, and refreshments at all times. The modern conveniences have been thoughtfully provided to include plush sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings, inbuilt wardrobe and huge glass windows to watch the countryside roll past. Taking care of all your dining needs, the train has two restaurants aptly named Maharaja and Maharani with a Rajasthani ambience, serving everything from continental, and Chinese to the much-in-demand Indian and Rajasthani cuisines. And yes, for those with a yen for getting pampered, the train even has its very own spa that’s called…you guessed it—the Royal Spa!
With a compact three-day itinerary, this legendary luxury train journey—that operates from September to April—will take you to three beautiful cities in northern India. Be it a wander around the pink city Jaipur or to follow the trail of the mighty tiger in Ranthambhore or perhaps to Agra, home of the immortal symbol of love—the exquisite Taj Mahal, the journey aboard The Heritage Palace on Wheels will have the sights, sounds and memories of this wonderful part of the country permanently etched onto your hearts and minds. The train has 14 air-conditioned coaches that are each named after former Rajput states and each matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry to ensure availability of hot and cold beverages, and refreshments at all times. The modern conveniences have been thoughtfully provided to include plush sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings, inbuilt wardrobe and huge glass windows to watch the countryside roll past. Taking care of all your dining needs, the train has two restaurants aptly named Maharaja and Maharani with a Rajasthani ambience, serving everything from continental, and Chinese to the much-in-demand Indian and Rajasthani cuisines. And yes, for those with a yen for getting pampered, the train even has its very own spa that’s called…you guessed it—the Royal Spa!
The Deccan Odyssey
Using the same blue print as the iconic Palace on Wheels, this luxury train takes you on a classy joyride traversing through the wonders of Maharashtra and beyond. The Maharashtra Splendor eight days/seven nights’ journey starts from Mumbai and covers ten popular tourist locations including Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Aurangabad, Ajanta-Ellora Nashik, and Pune, returning to Mumbai after wowing you silent. The itinerary makes sure you get to visit highlighted places like the wine capital of India—Nashik, colourful Kolhapur, India’s party capital—Goa, Aurangabad and Jalgaon known for housing UNESCO World Heritage Sites Ajanta and Ellora Caves and the holy city of Ratnagiri. The Deccan Odyssey train comprises of 21 luxuriously appointed coaches. Out of these 21 coaches, 11 are to accommodate guests and the rest are used for different purposes such as dining, lounge, a conference car and a health spa. Inspired by the imperial carriages used by the Maharajas of yore for travelling, each of the coaches in this luxury train pays homage to a different royal era of Maharashtra that was once ruled by diverse dynasties. Dining options include two restaurants on board that serve a wide selection of Indian, Oriental and continental delicacies. All this—coupled with impeccable service and attention to detail—makes your meandering journey through western India one that you wish would never end…
Using the same blue print as the iconic Palace on Wheels, this luxury train takes you on a classy joyride traversing through the wonders of Maharashtra and beyond. The Maharashtra Splendor eight days/seven nights’ journey starts from Mumbai and covers ten popular tourist locations including Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Aurangabad, Ajanta-Ellora Nashik, and Pune, returning to Mumbai after wowing you silent. The itinerary makes sure you get to visit highlighted places like the wine capital of India—Nashik, colourful Kolhapur, India’s party capital—Goa, Aurangabad and Jalgaon known for housing UNESCO World Heritage Sites Ajanta and Ellora Caves and the holy city of Ratnagiri. The Deccan Odyssey train comprises of 21 luxuriously appointed coaches. Out of these 21 coaches, 11 are to accommodate guests and the rest are used for different purposes such as dining, lounge, a conference car and a health spa. Inspired by the imperial carriages used by the Maharajas of yore for travelling, each of the coaches in this luxury train pays homage to a different royal era of Maharashtra that was once ruled by diverse dynasties. Dining options include two restaurants on board that serve a wide selection of Indian, Oriental and continental delicacies. All this—coupled with impeccable service and attention to detail—makes your meandering journey through western India one that you wish would never end…
(A shorter, edited version of this article first appeared in the July-Aug-Sept 2019 issue of HDFC Imperia magazine)
No comments:
Post a Comment