Maharaja express

by:Dinesh Rathore

 Introduction: Flagged off in March 2010, Maharajas Express is the latest in the line of luxury trains in India. Maharajas Express, which is set forth as Indias answer to the Orient Express of West, offers four fascinating journeys across some of the most spectacular destinations in India. Equipped with modern amenities, the interiors of the train recreate the elegance and romance of the personal carriages used by maharajas of India which they used to ride on the occasions of state visits and personal detours. Maharajas Express has a high-tech pneumatic and hydraulic suspension system which ensures a smoother train ride. Maharajas Express also happens to be the most expensive train ride in India with prices starting from USD 5400 per person per journey.

 History: Born into royalty and adorned with rubies and jewels, maharajas of India were certainly a breed apart from their counterparts. Vying with each other to create the most luxurious carriages, the maharajas installed salons and billiard rooms, private suites, and even air conditioning - made from electric fans that blew air over blocks of ice. If one maharaja gifted his son a personal narrow gauge toy train to celebrate his birthday, others were content in miniature rail carriages made of silver to ferry cuisines and drinks on the sprawling dining table during royal feasts. Maharajas Express train is inspired from the same tradition of opulent and elegant traveling as preferred by erstwhile princes of India.

 Carriages & Cabins: Maharajas Express comprises of 14 guest carriages which include 5 deluxe cars, 6 super deluxe cars, 2 suite cars and a regal Presidential Suite car. In total there are 20 deluxe cabins, 18 junior suite cabins, 4 suites and 1 presidential suite. Restaurants: Rang Mahal: Beneath a hand-painted ceiling - a gold floral motif on vermillion - the dining car is beyond opulent. The plates are fine Limoges, edged with gold, the glasses hand-cut crystal, and the cutlery monogrammed with the letter M.

 Mayur Mahal (Peacock Restaurant) Mayur Mahal is the more opulent of the train's two 42seater restaurants, with its peacock-feather pattern on both high-backed chairs and window blinds and its ceiling of mirrored mosaic tiles. Safari Bar: One of the best places to unwind and socialize is in the polished interiors of Safari bar. The sophistication of an aperitif or nightcap in the elegant Safari Bar with books on polo strewn round is simply unparalleled.

 Facilities: Maharajas Express comes equipped with latest technologies and facilities. Cabin facilities include LCD television, direct dial phones, individual climate control, internet connectivity, electronic safe and attached bathroom. Other facilities on board include two suave restaurants, a lounge cum souvenir shop and a well stocked bar. Journeys: Each itinerary promises an unforgettable journey though the choicest of places in India. There are four tastefully crafted journeys offered by Maharajas Express, each offering a glimpse into a different aspect of Indian heritage, culture and diversity.

 Princely India: 8 days and 7 nights Mumbai, Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra and Delhi Royal India: 8 days and 7 nights Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Vadodara and Mumbai Classical India: 7 days and 6 nights Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, Varanasi, Lucknow and Delhi Royal Sojourn: 8 days and 7 nights Delhi, Jaipur, Kota, Ranthambore, Agra and Delhi