LOS ANGELES, CA: Awarded “Best Luxury Train” by CNBC Travel in 2010 and named 1st runner up in the Readers Choice Award for Conde Nast Traveler in 2011, India’s newest luxury train, Maharajas’ Express, takes travelers on a journey to explore the splendor of the rich Indian landscape, from majestic forts and palaces to natural bounty and untamed wildlife. Owned and operated by the Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), this luxury train offers a range of five incredible itineraries between the months of September and April, which include exotic experiences such as meeting the royal family at Balasinor while visiting the largest dinosaur fossil park, exploring the erotic temples of Khajuraho, lunching at an elephant polo match in Jaipur, enjoying a cocktail sundowner on the sand dunes of Bikaner, indulging in a champagne breakfast overlooking the immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal, and riding a boat on the Ganges in the holy city of Varanasi to witness the ancient ritual ceremony of offering prayers by lighting lamps.
“The train is designed to transport guests into a more gracious age of train traveling,” says Rakesh Kumar Tandon, Managing Director, IRCTC. “Interiors suffused with nostalgia, state-of-the-art amenities, a tastefully-crafted itinerary, and impeccable hospitality enable Maharajas’ Express to present India in a way never seen before.”
Each train carries fourteen guest carriages, including one truly classic Presidential Suite that stretches the length of an entire carriage.
Every cabin has large windows, designed so that guests can savor every bit of magnificent India. All passenger cars come with independent, cabin-controlled air conditioning, online water filtration systems, environmentally-friendly toilets, pneumatic suspension, live television, Wi-Fi Internet, CCTV cameras, hair dryers, electronic safe deposit boxes, bath tubs (in suites and the presidential suite) – almost everything one could imagine to travel in luxury.
The Maharajas’ Express features two fine-dining restaurants that each seat 42 people, and everyone on board dines together. For added zest, there is an exotic Safari bar and Rajah Club, with the choicest collection of complimentary, house brand spirits. Each train comfortably fits a total of 88 passengers.
The Maharajas’ Express is making select stops on the West Coast to showcase its luxurious amenities to North American travelers who want to experience Incredible India by stepping back into time. This month, the IRCTC is hosting VIP receptions in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
India Post News Service