Ever gushed over the stately bearings of Princess Di, or crooned over a TV interview of Monaco's prince? Luxury trains in India are then your mode of choice. It is your turn now to travel like a royal personage with the luxuries and entourage befitting a pompous Indian Maharaja.
Palace on Wheels
Trace the route that led to the establishment of the many fort cities and lake palaces in the arid landscape of Rajasthan with the Palace of Wheels. With an exhaustive itinerary that packs in seven days of sightseeing, cultural performances and activities that are distinct to the region (such as camel safaris and Rajasthani folkdance), Palace of Wheels is also full of surprises when on board.
The decor of the bedroom coaches resembles the local motifs and architecture of the major tourist destinations in Rajasthan. The grand scale of furnishing and attendants who materialize from nowhere further accentuate the romantic ambience typical of a desert city in Rajasthan. The two Restaurant cars serve Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine while the Lounge car with its exotic drinks and service is apt for evening sojourns that is nothing short of the royal treatment.
Deccan Odyssey offers luxurious comforts and facilities in line with those offered by the Palace of Wheels. However, its journey begins from Mumbai, the commercial gateway of India, which continues through the forts, palaces, hill stations, beach resorts, prehistoric caves and orange orchards strew over the Maharashtra and Goa landscape.
This two day journey on the world’s oldest running locomotive has its perks. The Fairy Queen, brought out from anonymity of the National Railway Museum in Delhi in 1971, offers a weekend full of adventure, game viewing and heritage tours.
While the jeep safaris in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, stay at the Sariska Palace, cultural performances, theme dinners, and all inclusive packages are its major draw, the journey on this historic steam engine that began its course in 1855 is in itself a pleasure for the eyes and the ears.