Most Indians tend to conjure up nightmarish memories of claustrophobia, chapped skin and the stench of induced sweat when bombarded with the word ‘train.’ The coagulated network we’ve been blessed with, worming their way expertly through the country, changed the travel game for all of us no doubt but even despite the gratefulness, it’s difficult to imagine anyone associating the experience of train travel with luxurious comfort. Unless we’re replaying scenes from Darjeeling Express of course. In that very vein, we couldn’t help but wonder about other magical luxury rails that could quite literally upturn the idea of Indian train travel on its head. Thankfully, we were right.
As ardent lovers of the romance of a good train journey, Homegrown couldn’t resist presenting you with seven incredible Indian trains that will shatter every pre-conceived notion you ever had about the gargantuan, metallic worms.
I. The Palace on Wheels
Voted as the 4th most luxurious train in the world, the Palace on Wheels was launched by the Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation in a bid to promote tourism in Rajasthan. Launched originally in 1982, the train was re-launched in August 2009. A trip in this train might well be the equivalent of a few limbs at a whopping $5300 per journey (Rs. 3,28,600) but from the images and accounts we dug up, it also seems like it might just be worth every penny.
II. Golden Chariot
This luxurious tourist train connects most of the important states in the south of India, namely Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and even Goa and Pondicherry. The train is completely furnished with huge beds, paintings, and even state-of-the-art amenities like WiFi, 42” LCD television sets and central air conditioning. In addition to this, they also boast a dining area, a lounge bar, and a conference car. The Golden Chariot, operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, was awarded the title of “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” at the World Travel Awards in 2013.
III. Deccan Odyssey
A venture of the Maharashtra Government and Ministry of Railways, The Deccan Odyssey cruises across the fascinating landscapes of the Deccan plataue. The aim is to offer a five-star experience duly noted through facilities in its arsenal such as two restaurants, a bar, a spa, and a sauna. Apart from that, the train also offers a 24x7 attendant, and a complimentary bottle of wine to all its passengers. The tour in the train, which begins in Mumbai every Wednesday, lasts seven days.
IV. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Following the success of the Palace on Wheels, the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, an improvised version, was launched in January 2009, and follows a similar route through Rajasthan. The train takes you on a journey through the “Land of Maharajas”, in a bid to flaunt the architectural marvels and ancient spirituality of particularly the state, and the country as a whole too.
V. The Maharaja Express
Winner of the “World’s leading luxury train” award at The World Travel Awards for two years in a row (2012/2013), the Maharaja Express is the most expensive luxury train in this list. The train, a more luxurious version of the Deccan Odyssey, offers an extravagant journey across the best destinations in the North and the West of India. The flawless service and grandeur means that a single ticket on the Maharaja Express costs about $7,000 (Rs. 4,34,000) and the Presidential suite would cost you a whopping $23,700 (Rs. 14,70,000).
VI. Royal Orient Express
The Royal Orient Train chugs through Gujarat and Rajasthan, covering the important tourist locations. Modelled on the “Palace on Wheels” (like most trains on the list) the train failed to create an impact in its initial years. However, following a massive overhaul in 2007, the train finally started making profits and has been running smoothly ever since. With a lounge in every coach and state of the art facilities, the train offers a 7 days/8 nights package which vows to “showcase the best of Indian culture and heritage”.
VII. The Fairy Queen
Built originally in England in 1855, The Fairy Queen is the oldest and arguably the most fascinating tourist train on this list. For the longest time, the locomotive was kept as an exhibit at the National Rail Museum in Delhi, and acquired a heritage status in 1972. However, it was restored to complete working order and began plodding along its tracks once again in 1997, after almost 88 years.
In 1998, it was certified by the Guiness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest luxury train in regular operation and in 1999, the locomotive won a national tourism award. The 155-year-old tourist train operates between New Delhi and Rajasthan, while also offering the tourists a peek into the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
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