We travel to different places with different people.We travel by bus,by plane,by ships,by trains,by car and many more vehicles based on our convenience and comfort and of course distance. In whatever type of mode we choose to travel enjoyment and sight seeing will be our main concern.Traveling by Bus,Trains,Car gives us a very good opportunity to see the natural scenes, meet several people and enjoy every moment of travel. Mainly in traveling by Train or Bus or India is really a great fun. As in India huge population is dependent on trains and bus medium for moving from one place to another and also the budget rate of either of the medium is very perfect and suitable as per their needs the rail network and bus network serves people in various modes of transport.
Coming across such traveling situations i would like to share my own wish of traveling in a luxurious trains of India. As according to me rather than raveling by bus, traveling by train is of more comfort and convenient. We could relax easily and also get a great experience of viewing the sights without and disturbance and commotion and with safety of course!!!
The vast railway network in India connects the farthest points of the country. Indian Railways have played a very important role in bringing the country together during the freedom movement. It can be said that the concept of national integrity has been firmly aided by the railway network, bringing widely differing masses together as a country, and providing transport for the eminent leaders of the time, such as Mahatma Gandhi, who used the railway network with supreme effectiveness. After independence, the railways have continued to keep the country well connected and have been one of the pivotal points for the development of Indian tourism. The luxury trains of India are one of the best things to have happened to Indian tourism. These trains are aimed at providing an opportunity to explore some of the best tourist spots of the country, while being treated like royalty in luxurious coaches that are reminiscent of the lifestyle of the erstwhile royalty. The luxury trains of India are among the most commendable efforts taken by the Indian railways authorities to promote Indian tourism. The various regions of the country have been provided with at least one such train, to provide a fascinating tourist experience by rail.
Facts about Indian Railway System:
The story of the Indian Railways is, to a great extent the story of the development of India as a nation. It is widely accepted that the development of railways in the country initiated by the British for the benefit of administration, had a positive impact on the country. For the first time, people belonging to completely different communities, who were previously separated by huge distances, started to come together, and the theory of a nation began to be understood by the masses. The railways continued to play a pivotal role during the long independence movement, carrying important political leaders and activists throughout the country. It can be said that the first train that traveled from Bombay to Thane in 1853, signaled a new beginning in India’s history. Ever since, the railways have been serving as the life line of India, transporting countless passengers and thousands of tonnes of freight across the country.
Total route Kilometers - 63,465 kms
Total Running Track Length - 84,260 kms
Total Running Track Electrified - 32,686 kms
Total Number of Locomotives – 7910
Total Number of Coaches - Passenger coaches: 40,800 , EMU/DMU coaches: 4,000
Level crossings (total) - 43,000
Daily Passenger carriage - 13 million
Daily Freight carriage - 1.4 million tonnes
Some of the luxury trains offered by Indian authorities are
- Palace on Wheels
- Rajasthan Royals on Wheels
- Fairy Queen
- Deccan Odyssey Train
- Golden Chariot
- Royal Orient Train
- Hill Trains in India
- Heritage on Wheels
Luxury trains in India have long been one of the best ways to discover the richness and variety of this country. In fact, for many who travel to India, a luxury train tour through some of its most fascinating destinations is a must. Why not, since this way of exploring India and its unconventional beauty brings with it a sense of adventure besides the tag of unconventionality, something that certainly gives a high.
When it comes to luxury trains in India, the country boasts of quite a few of them - Fairy Queen, Palace on Wheels, Royal Orient, Heritage on Wheels and so on. Offering a fine range of facilities and services, these Indian luxury trains are nothing less than deluxe hotels on the move.
All the luxury trains in India have their own prefixed itineraries that cover the best of what the country has to offer. For instance, the Heritage on Wheels luxury train takes its guests on an eventful journey through the colorful state of Rajasthan, one of the most visited tourist destinations in India today. As the luxury train proceeds on its specially charted out route, it also stops at some fascinating cities / towns / villages thus giving its guests the time to explore and know about India's heritage in general and Rajasthan's colorful culture in particular.
Some of the luxury trains of India are being discussed in brief below.
Complete details are provided in the site :www.luxurytrainsofindia.com
Palace on Wheels:
The Palace on Wheels is a royal luxury train of India. A collection of the royal coaches of the Maharajas of India, this majestic train offers you a heritage ride back to a royal time. Travel to exotic places in Rajasthan, and see the Taj Mahal in Agra, on the Palace on Wheels with Luxury Trains of India.
The itinerary of Palace on Wheels includes 7 Nights/8 Days of a royal journey on this luxurious train. In this period you visit many beautiful cities, historical monuments, wildlife sanctuaries and experience an enjoyment of the lifetime. The train leaves Delhi on every Wednesday from Delhi cant. Railway station.
The Palace on Wheels has been rated as one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world. Once on board you get to feel the Royalty all over the train. The services and facilities offered on board befit kings and emperors. On board the Palace on Wheels are a series of restaurants, library, bar, lounges, individually designed saloons with en-suite bathrooms, personal attendants and lots more. At the top of it all, the passengers are greeted with traditional Royal welcome at every station.
HistoryThe Palace on Wheel's history is legendry and vivid. The carriages, which form this train, have a history of their own. The rulers of princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India once used the magnificent and luxurious coaches of this train.
After India's Independence in 1947, Indian Railways decided to discontinue the use of these magnificent coaches on account of their gorgeous furnishings and very rich and traditional interiors, as it was not viable to include them in normal passenger trains.
During 1981-82 the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways decided to launch a special heritage tourist train for providing an unforgettable experience to the tourists visiting Rajasthan and the result was the Palace On Wheels. Powered by a steam engine the train made its inaugural trip on 26th January 1982.
The wide media coverage of the Palace on Wheels, since its launch in 1982 has contributed in its immense popularity all over the world. Television channels such as BBC World, Zee TV, National Geographic, MDR of Germany and many others have covered the train in detail in their programs, which have contributed to enhancing its popularity.
Coaches:
The coaches and salons of Palace on Wheels are decorated like a magnificent palace. On board the train you get a royal experience as if you are a king.
A fully air-conditioned and luxurious train, a kind of its own in the world, The Palace on Wheels comprises of 14 deluxe Saloons, well equipped with world-class amenities to enhance the pleasure of your journey. Each Saloon has 4 twin-bedded cabins attached with facilities such as bath and shower with hot and cold water, attached toilets, channel music, intercom, interesting games for children and wall-to-wall carpeting. A satellite phone is on the way to enable you communicate anywhere in the world from the train. The lavish interiors decorated with comfortable furniture and beautiful paintings provide you royal treatments. A friendly and smiling attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is always there at your service, to cater all your travel needs
It has 14 saloons, two restaurants cum kitchen cars- the Maharaja and the Maharani offering traditional Indian, Rajasthani, Continental and Chinese cuisine.
Some saloon's details are described below:
Alwar Saloon Coach
Alwar is home to several species of flora and fauna.The ceiling of the Alwar Saloon lounge has been done aesthetically in mix-media of cone work, and oils in relief, depicting a hunting scene.The royal emblem and a miniature adorn the lounge.Subtle tones of pink enhance the romantic ambiance of the lounge.
Bharatpur Saloon Coach
Once a fortified township, Bharatpur is now an ornithologists paradise, and well known for the Bharatpur water-bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 376 avian species. Echoing the vividness of nature’s gift to Bharatpur the relief work on this coach depicts various species of birds on the tree of life. A replica of the royal crest of Bharatpur adorns the valance of the blind. The ‘nature’ theme is further endorsed by the white cedar inlay work depicting birds and painted peacocks, sitting on a haveli worked on a mirror. The color scheme, with its profusion of beige and aqua green, is a vivid reminder of lush green forests of Bharatpur and Ghana.
Bikaner Saloon Coach
The royal state crest is placed on the valance along with some handicrafts of Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work and oil painting on canvas depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on camel back. The artwork in the lounge belongs to the Mughal influenced Bikaner School of Art style.
Bundi Saloon Coach
The royal crest is highlighted on the valance. The famous Bundi school of painting is depicted in the famed and mounted art pieces and also serves as the basis for the color scheme and overall décor, including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.
Rajasthan Royals on Wheels:
A regal train journey par excellence across the land of Maharajas - Rajasthan. Royal Rajasthan On Wheels is a landmark in terms of comfort, luxury and service. It is a new launch from the makers of the Palace on Wheels.
Times of India has quoted its journey as:"Travelling through Rajasthan and Agra on the lap of luxury of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is an experience to be lived and cherished forever. The seven-day tour is minutely planned to take the passengers through the arid landscapes of the state, whispering sand dunes of Thar desert, magnificent forts and palaces, an adventurous jungle safari and a visit to one of the seven wonders of the world"
Tour Details : 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Sawai Madhopur - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi
History:
The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels has been among the most anticipated trains in the history of Indian luxury vehicles. Much of this could be attributed to the fact that it is offering facilities that have never been offered before by any Indian luxury train. For example this train would enable you to access Internet from the train itself. It is succeeding the Palace on Wheels that has made its mark as a superb luxury transportation.
As per the latest information, the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is supposed to be a combined venture of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways. Authorities have said that they harbor high hopes from the train. One of them is Mira Mehrishi who acts as the chairperson of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.
The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels has been equipped with the latest facilities so that the tourists have no reason for complaints. The travelers would be able to avail facilities like super deluxe saloons and retro lounges at the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels – something which has not been done before.
Coaches:
There are a total of 22 coaches at the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. In addition there are 13 deluxe saloons, a couple of restro lounges, power cars and staff cars each. Along with these travelers would also get a super deluxe saloon, a spa car, and a kitchen car.
The super deluxe coach of the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels would be equipped with a couple of suites that can accommodate 4 people in all. All the suites would have double beds and some other facilities like dressing tables, bath rooms and luggage racks. There is a lot of space at the super deluxe coaches.
The facilities available at the suites of the super deluxe coach of the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels are equivalent to that of a royal room. The bedspreads are made out of velvet and silk. The draperies exude a rare magnificence and the furniture, made of wood, is worth remembering. The bed is huge and comfortable. The sofa and the chairs have been built in an Ottoman style. A writing table has been provided to make your stay more comfortable. These suites derive their name from two of the most valuable gems – diamond and emeralds.
All the deluxe coaches at the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels have cabins that feature three double beds each and can accommodate a maximum of six people. The deluxe coaches have chairs and study tables.
Fairy Queen
Fairy Queen is the wolrd's oldest rolling locomotive. It started its journey in the year 1855 and had been operational till 1908 when due to some reasons its regular operations were halted. In July1997, the Indian Railway restarted its operation as a heritage train from Delhi to Alwar and from there the tourists are taken by a luxury bus to the world famous Sariksa Wildlife Sanctuary.
The itinerary of Fairy Queen includes 1Night/2 Days of a momentous journey. In this period you visit the beautiful city of Alwar, historical monuments of Delhi and the world famous Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. The train leaves Delhi Cantonment Railway station on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the months of October to March. The Fairy Queen train relives the history, culture and heritage of the places, which fall in its way. Taking 50 passengers, from around the world, the Fairy Queen train tour is a journey of lifetime, from Delhi to Alwar.
History:
The Fairy Queen, the oldest working Steam Locomotive in the world, is a 2-2-2WT BG loco built in 1855 by Kitson, Thompson, & Hewitson for the British firm, the East India Railway. It used to travel on the Howrah-Raniganj line (121 miles) and later in Bihar till 1908. For the first time in the year 1895, it was christened as the fairy queen.
Chronology of the Fairy Queen
1855 - the steam locomotive was built and started its operation on Howrah-Raniganj line.
1895 -- Chiristened as 'Fairy Queen'.
1908 -- Halted its operations
1971 - First exhibition in National Rail Museum
1996 - Completely over hauled by ICF (Integral Coach Factory), Perumbur
1997 - Rejuvenated to work on main lines with a chair car and service car with a powerful generator and compressor
July 18, 1997 - made its first commercial Trip from Delhi to Alwar
January13, 1998 - Certified as the world's oldest working locomotive by the Guinness Book of World Records
January25, 1999 - Received National Tourism Award for the most innovative and unique tourism project.
Coaches:
Fairy Queen is the wolrd's oldest rolling locomotive. The train started its maiden journey in the year 1855 and had been operational till 1908 when due to some reasons its regular operations were halted. In July1997, the Indian Railway restarted its operation as a heritage train from Delhi to Alwar and from there the tourists are taken to world famous Sariksa Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Fairy Queen has only two coaches attached to it. One, a specially designed air-conditioned car with fifty comfortable seats on which guests can recline and enjoy the ride from Delhi to Alwar and back. Besides there is a well maintained pantry car for on board catering. The additional attraction on the train is the lounge in the front of the passenger coach. Its large window offers a beautiful view of the Fairy Queen engine as it puffs away and steams across the countryside of Rajasthan on its way to Alwar.
Interesting facts & features on Steam Engine :
- 1855 : Built by Kitson , Thompson & Hewitson , UK for the erstwhile East India Railway (EIR)
- Weight : 26 tonnes
- Coal Tender : 20 tonnes
- Water Capacity : 2000 litres ( under slung water tank )
- Horse Power : 130
- Gauge : 5ft 6 inch or 1.67 m ( Broad guage )
- Wheel arrangement : 2-2-2 Driving wheel diameter 1800 mm
- Max speed : 40kmph
- Cylinders : 2 Outside ( 12 inch x 22 inch )
Deccan Odyssey Train
The Deccan Odyssey is the newest and one of the finest luxury trains of India with all the modern facilities available on board.
The itinerary of Deccan Odyssey includes 7 Nights/8 Days of a splendorous journey. In this period you visit many beautiful cities, historical monuments, exotic beaches, caves, temples etc. and experience an enjoyment of the lifetime. The train leaves Mumbai on Wednesday from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The Deccan Odyssey is one of the Luxury trains of India. The Deccan Odyssey train is a joint venture between the Indian Railways and the Government of Maharashtra. The Deccan Odyssey train explores Maharashtra, the splendor of Konkan coast, along with the art, culture and the heritage of Maharashtra during its eight-day sojourn. The Deccan Odyssey takes around 80 passengers on a tour of Goa and northwestern parts of Maharashtra state.
During its journey, the Deccan Odyssey stops at Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, (Ajanta and Ellora) and Nashik. The Deccan Odyssey is an attempt to showcase the best of heritage and culture of Maharashtra and Goa, while enjoying a regal ride. The Deccan Odyssey helps you to visit forts, historical places, museums, beaches etc of Maharashtra and Goa. The weeklong Deccan Odyssey train tour includes several interesting destinations, covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra and Goa.The objective of running “The Deccan Odyssey” train is primarily to showcase the best of tourism assets of Maharashtra like pristine beauty of Konkan coast, the art, the culture, the heritage of Maharashtra (including world heritage sites of Ajanta & Ellora), as well as Maharashtra’s local arts, crafts and cuisine.
History
This beautiful blue Limousine on rails is the brainchild of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). An MOU for the Deccan Odyssey was signed between the Railway Ministry and the MTDC in Feb 2001 and the Railway Board's go-ahead signal was received by the ICF (Integral Coach Factory) in May 2002. It took nearly five months to finalize the design of the coaches and another five months to complete the construction. The train completed its trials during late 2003. And finally on January 16th, 2004 Deccan Odyssey started its maiden journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus(CST)Mumbai.
Coaches:
The 'Deccan Odyssey', India's newest and most luxurious train provides its passengers a n unforgettable travel experience. The sleek blue Limousine with its well-maintained 21 luxury coaches offers you a seven-day sojourn that is worth giving a try at least once in your lifetime. Virtually all comforts of a five-star hotel is provided to tourists on boarding Deccan Odyssey which includes modern amenities like cyber cafe, mobile phone, sauna bath, six-channel music, TV, DVD and massage-cum-beauty parlor among many others.
Deccan Odyssey has a total of 21 Coaches. Out of which 13 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons are for passengers. In 13 coaches reserved for passengers 11 are passenger cars with 4 twin bedded chambers and 2 are Presidential Suite Cars with 2 coupes each car. At the end of each coach a lounge is attached where passengers can relax and have a countryside sight during the daytime travel. There are 2 restaurant cars, which serve you with mouth watering Indian dishes. The train also has a conference car that can be redesigned as a dance floor during night. The lounge/bar car is attached for the entertainment and drinking needs of passengers. One surprising addition in the train is a Spa Car. Apart from the above there are generator cars with luggage store and staff car or spare car.
A complete 5 star hotel is placed on the wheel and makes the journey as comfortable as possible.
Golden Chariot:
If you want to discover the real India, trains without doubt are the best choice. But if you want to travel in the lap of luxury amidst world class facilities without compromising on the old world charms of the trains, a luxury train is just what you need.
The Golden Chariot aims at highlighting the great heritage of Karnataka. Interestingly, the train acquires its name from the famous stone chariot at Hampi. The luxury train kicks off its 7 Nights / 8 Days long sojourn every Monday from the capital city of Bangalore. The Golden Chariot covers Mysore, Kabini, Belur, Hampi, Badami and Goa before returning to India’s Silicon Valley- Banglore. The Golden Chriot consists of nineteen luxuriously and thematically designed coaches.
India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions and the Indian Railways play an important role in binding the people together. With more than 60,000 Km of rail track, around 7,000 stations and more than 11,000 locomotives, the Indian Railways serve not only the people of the land but also the visitors from abroad. The Indian Railways run across the length and breadth of India, from Jammu to Kanyakumari and from Gujarat to Assam.
The cultural heritage of India is reflected not only in the forts, palaces, Havelis and temples but also in the Luxury trains. It is a well-known fact that the erstwhile Indian rulers, especially the Rajputs, led a grand and majestic lifestyle and their fancy with luxury involved even the trains. The Royal lifestyle was very much reflected in saloons of the Royal families. With the end of the princely rule in India, these saloons to be anyone's personal belonging. Thus, the royal lifestyle of the former rulers provided the backdrop to the idea of luxury trains in India and luxury trains like the Palace on Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey, the Heritage on Wheels and the Royal orient were born.
The Luxury train tours provide guests a life time experience, exploring Palaces, Forts and museums, temples and hills, mixing with the people of the land during the day and resting in 'Royal Saloons" of the trains at night. Touring India on these luxury trains is like revisiting history and culture of India. A week or even four days on the luxury trains gives an idea of the varying topography and culture of the land. The Palace on Wheels, the Royal Orient, the Deccan Odyssey and the Fairy Queen cover many interesting historical cities and quaint towns of India.
All sorts of basic facilities are provided by all the luxury trains, it will really be a pleasurable traveling and the weariness of the travel will be simply hidden and we can feel the real joy of visiting the place and can make the moments more memorable.
The complete details of other various types of luxury trains of India can be gathered from the following sites
and they are the sources :
www.luxurytrainsofindia.com
www.touristplacesinindia.com
www.royalorienttrain.com
www.indialuxurytrains.com
www.indiaprofile.com
