Since it started in 2010, Maharaja Express, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation's (IRCTC) luxury train has attracted a lot of eyeballs.
The train which operates on five circuits, covering more than 12 destinations across North-West and Central India between the months of October and April, has garnered extra curiosity due to being voted 'World's Leading Luxury Train' thrice in a row at the World Travel Awards, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
The occupancy in the Maharajas Express comes under various categories which include deluxe cabin, Junior Suite, Suite and a Presidential suite spanning over an entire carriage and the journey costs from Rs 36,000 ($800 USD) to Rs 112,500 ($2,500 USD) per day, based on your choice of cabin.
The Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train. It was launched by the Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation to promote tourism in Rajasthan.
The train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new decor, itinerary and cuisine.It was voted the 4th luxurious train in the world in 2010.
The Palace on Wheels started on January 26 in 1983.
The concept of the Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.
Interiors
Each saloon highlights the cultural ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts, painting and furnishings. Delhi-based interior designer Monica Khanna did the interiors of the train.
Coaches
You'll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace on Wheels. On board, you'll feel like an erstwhile monarch, traveling in regal splendour. Each Coach named after the erstwhile princely state has 4 twin bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani decor. Channel Music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot & cold water shower and wall to wall carpeting are some of the facilities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who are to your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything. The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together.
Facilities
You'll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace on Wheels. On board, you'll feel like an erstwhile monarch, traveling in regal splendour. Each Coach named after the erstwhile princely state has 4 twin bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani decor. Channel Music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot & cold water shower and wall to wall carpeting are some of the facilities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who are to your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything.
The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together.
Route
The train has a 7 nights & 8 days itinerary departs from New Delhi (Day 1), and covers Jaipur (Day 2), Sawai Madhopur and Chittaurgarh (Day 3), Udaipur (Day 4), Jaisalmer (Day 5), Jodhpur (Day 6), Bharatpur and Agra (Day 7), return to New Delhi (Day 8)
