What would you call a train that wins the World Travel Award for World’s Leading Luxury Train for five consecutive years – 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016? Well, this would, undoubtedly, be the world’s best luxury train. How would you feel traveling in a train that has won the Seven Star Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards two times in a row – in 2015 and in 2016? Incredibly proud!
Before you think we are talking about two trains, here’s the stunner: this is about one train that is so globally acclaimed that it has changed the picture of Indian railways and become the epitome of luxury travel. The name is Maharajas’ Express…so true to its name! The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) owns and runs it since 2010.
The Express train is a symbol of grandeur. It has raised the standard of luxury train travel to an incredible height through its outstanding hospitality and world-class cuisines served on board. The train appeals foreign tourists and offers them an empirical journey into the royal side of India.
More About the World’s Best Train
The Maharaja train is half a mile long with 23 sleek coaches. It offers 5 tour plans across North India and Central India. Most of the tours are a week long. They cover places like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Varanasi, Lucknow, Balasinor, Ajanta Caves, Fatehpur Sikri, Gwalior, and more. From September this year, the train will commence its South India tours. They will cover places like Goa, Mumbai, Hampi, Cochin, Mysore, Chettinad, Mahabalipuram, Trivandrum, and more.
The Train With Royal Guests Inside
When you step inside the Maharaja train you aren’t a simple passenger; you are a royal guest. The train is designed to create the bygone era’s royal ambience and opulence. Each carriage resembles the personal carriages of former emperors.
Anybody on board the train is bound to feel like a king or a queen. For one whole week, you can enjoy a royal life woven with hi-tech amenities of the modern age, plus a personal butler and meticulously planned tours that feature royal transportation, royal dining, and lots of fun. The entire staff of the train is dedicated to pamper you to the fullest and make you feel special…and this starts right from the platform where you get a king-like red carpet welcome with a traditional “teeka” and garland.
It Is a Beauty on Wheels
The train is, no doubt, a regal affair…something that you may remember for life. It’s burgundy colored exterior exudes royalty. Its interiors are lined with silk on carved wood paneling, windows, and marble-tiled floors.
Its dining cars, two in number, have different themes…each unmatched in its own style. Mayur Mahal or Peacock Palace features peacock feather theme that is put into place in the most beautiful manner. Rang Mahal or Palace of Colors is a brilliantly done restaurant with hand-painted fresco ceiling. Both dining cars offer Indian and global cuisines, combined with the finest wines.
This is not all. The train also has a plush lounge called Rajah Club, a comfortable bar called Safari Bar, and a lovely souvenir shop.
Traveling on the Maharajas’ Express may lighten your pocket a bit, but then it would fill you with beautiful memories that stay fresh in your mind forever. The experience gets ingrained in you. It becomes a matter of pride that you have been in the worlds best luxury train. It is not every day that you step on a red carpeted platform with turbaned people waiting to welcome you heartily with beautiful music and dance. If you truly wish to explore India, do it like a Maharaja.
