Introduction

Luxury train traveling in India has come a long way since the introduction of Palace on Wheels train in 1982 for promotion of tourism in Rajasthan. The most recent and unarguably the most luxurious tourist train in India with finesse at par with the Orient Express of the West, Maharajas Express has redefined the art of elegant train traveling in India. Radiating sheer opulence, Maharajas Express offers a fascinating voyage across some of the finest destinations across India manifesting the true spirit and kaleidoscope that is India. Maharajas’ Express has a high-tech pneumatic and hydraulic suspension system which ensures a smoother train ride.

Since 2012,over past four continues years, Maharajas Express has been voted as the best luxury train journey experience in the world, at Annual WTA (world travel awards) Function & rated higher than Blue Train(in South Africa), Orient express(in Europe) & The Royal Scotsmen (in UK).

One of the most expensive and luxurious luxury train rides in the world, the salons of the Maharaja Express train draws inspiration from the private saloons of the erstwhile Maharajas of India. Each of the cabins including the dining coupes is suffused with nostalgia of past grandeur. Quaint décor fused together with the contemporary amenities create an aura of sheer opulence and 5 Star pampering inside the cabins of Maharaja Express. Besides 4 different categories of Passenger cabins ,there are Plush facilities such as 2 restaurants, bar lounge & a club lounge with complimentary wi-fi facility. ; that redefine the art of luxury train travel on board Maharajas Express. Even eminent personalities like Journalist & Writer Mark Tully, Master Chef Vivek Singh, Actor Tom Alter have graced this train with their presence - not just as mere travel companion but part ofthe crew - since its inception in March 2010. From every modern amenity which money can buy to eco-friendly technologies and services, every aspect of an elegant train journey has been looked into with meticulous diligence. A train that never falls short of surprises and at the same time promising travelers a royal experience, the mesmerizing journey undertaken abroad the Maharajas' Express helps in savoring every bit of this magical & magnificent country called India. Some of the exclusive features of this train include:

Passenger Saloons & Cabin Type

All the cabins & public areas have large panoramic windows & the train is just so designed to savor every bit of the journey called India. For meeting the journey The Maharajas Express offers 43 Passenger cabins spread over 14 carriages, which constitute plush accommodation with en suite bathroom for guests. All cabins have their individual climate control and are equipped with amenities such as bathroom, Wi-Fi internet, LCD TV with satellite channels and direct dial phones. Other than this, every cabin also has its own electronic safe deposit box,luggage hold underneath the bed, wardrobe & butler facility for 24x7 tea/coffee & light snacks service.

The attached private bathrooms have shower cubicle with running hot & cold water,WC, Basin, Bathrobe, Slippers, Hairdryers, range of toiletries & bath towels.

The bed sheets are changed on regular basis.

The Passenger Saloons are named after Precious Gem Stones (in local hindi language).

The entire train is inter-connected with Dining Cars, Bar Lounge in centre of the train & passenger saloons either side.

• 20 Deluxe Cabins(12 twin bedded & 8 queen size bedded) are of 85 sq ft area each with additional 25 sq ft area for bathroom having shower Cubicle & WC.
• 18 Junior Suites (12 twin bedded & 6 queen size bedded) are of 115 sq ft area each with additional 25 sq ft area for bathroom having shower Cubicle & WC.There is also writing desk with 2 chairs in the Junior Suite.
• 4 Suites (all havingqueen size beds) are of 180 sq ft area each with additional 40 sq ft area for bathroom having Bath tub,Shower Cubicle & WC.There is a separate sitting area in the Suite having upholstered arm chairs with side table & writing desk.
• The Presidential Suite offers 2 bedrooms & 1 living room spread over 440 sq ft area. The Master bedroom has Queen size beds with attached bathroom having bath tub, shower cubicle & WC; & other smaller bedroom has twin beds with attached bathroom having shower cubicle & WC. There is a complimentary mini-bar.
• Twin beds are of 6.5 ft x 2,75 ft size each;andSingle Large Queen size Bed measures 6.5 ft x 5 ft..

Public Areas & Dining

Dining to the guests is offered in 2 Suave Restaurant Saloons (called Mayur Mahal & Rang Mahal), Dining experience during Maharajas Express is a gourmet's delight with menu including authentic Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine among others. Food prepared from fresh ingredients by top chefs is tastefully presented for the platter of the guests. The Safari Bar Saloon offers a well stocked bar with a variety of finest labels of wines and spirits from around the world in an enchantingly decadent setting of a royal safari, . Reclaim yourself with choice from a menu having crème de la crème of wines and spirits along with innovative cocktails. The Lounge Saloon OR Rajah Club with en-suite bar is equipped with games tables and club arm-chairs to pamper and relax the guests in a laid back atmosphere. On board shopping is possible in Treasure Chest saloon , a high end boutique where you can shop for gifts and souvenirs to cherish the memory of this plush journey.

Butlers

For providing support services while on the move, we have with us a dedicated team of butlers on board who are trained to attend to your each & every need.

With each carriage manned by single butler who is on call 24 hours, we are there to meet each & every needs of our guests with utmost speed and efficiency.

Our butlers also take pride in offering exclusive services to each of the guests accompanying us, thus ensuring for them a memorable stay on-board.

Off Board Excursions & Transport

The sightseeing tours for guests booked in Deluxe Cabins & Junior Suites are arranged in 40 seater Air Conditioned luxury buses with professionally qualified English Speaking Guide. However the guests booked in Suite & Presidential Suite are alloted private AC luxury cars with personal guide At Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, all the guests (inclusive those booked in Suites) have to travel in 15 seater Canters. Only guests booked in Presidential Suite enjoy jungle safari in private jeep Private transport for sightseeing for guests booked in Deluxe Cabin/Junior Suite Cars can be arranged at extra cost on prior intimation. Other Foreign Langaugae speaking guides viz French/Italian/Spanish/German/Russian/Japanese etc can be arranged at extra cost on prior intimation. As there is no substitute for little local flavor, we also employ experienced local guides who provide tourists invaluable & in-depth view of sights they visit while undertaking the journey. All vehicles used for traveling is equipped with complimentary sightseeing kits like bottle coolers, pith hats and shoe uppers. After all, we understand that when it comes to providing comfort to royals, each & every little detail counts. However, certain excursions are also undertaken using jeeps or canters . Please refer to the itinerary for specific details. As most of Off Train Excursions involves fair amount of walking, we recommend travelers comfortable walking shoes. Further, moderate degree of physical fitness is also required for participating on the planned off train excursions where travelers may encounter unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and problems getting on/off the train.

Optional Tours & Spa Facility

As per policy of Maharajas Express Train Tour Operator (IRCTC) ; certain sightseeing trips & excursions are optional & can only be booked after boarding the train on direct payment basis. Also Spa treatments at leading luxury hotels.
In some destinations can be availed on extra payment

Since these optional off board activities are subject to Maharajas Express Train operating as scheduled, we at Royal Indian Trains bear no responsibility, if these optional tour services are not made available to the guests by train management.

Laundry

A limited laundry service is also made available at select destinations. For availing this, please contact your carriage butler for details.

Internet

On board the train,All the guests can avail complimentary wi-fi facility in comforts of both-private cabins Or public areas However it is subject to local internet connectivity & speed & in mooving train internet signal may drop at times

Telephone Calls

We offer Telephone facility in all of the cabins. Here, the cost for all external calls made is considered as additional and is not included in cost of the journey.

Electricity

Just a small reminder for those passengers who are using a different power supply, the Maharajas' Express is equipped with 110/230V sockets. Voltage available on train is 110 volts. Further, for meeting the specific equipment requirements of international travelers, we also have adaptors that are made available on board.

Baggage Allowance

With limited storage space inside the cabins, we recommend that each guest travel with luggage as per international airline - rules (for first / business class passengers). Further, it is also advisable to carry soft-topped luggage as the same is more easier to store. Luggage storage space is also provided under beds and in luggage hold area.

Paramedic

On Board For ensuring a safe journey, we also have a paramedic on board the train who is trained to provide emergency medical care if and when required.

Dress Code

For ensuring a pleasant experience while undertaking the journey or taking a walk, we recommend travelers smart casual clothing tagged along with suitable walking shoes for those off-train excursions taken during the day. The comfortable attire includes clothes in natural subdued colors (bright colors are not advised) that blend with surrounding landscape and is desirable for all excursions especially those undertaken to the wildlife reserves. The tradition & sheer elegance of train provides dressing opportunity for the occasion, thus recreating magic & opulence of royal era. Lounge suit/blue blazer is acceptable and warm clothing is advisable for tours concerning winter months departures of December & January.

Wheelchair Access / Disabled Passengers/Special Diet preference

We regret that dimensions of train carriages & its design makes it re not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. Here, we also recommend that guests having limited mobility & other such constraints should be accompanied by able-bodied passenger. However, valets at our end will also be available to provide any additional assistance as required. Kindly specify any special meal requirements at time of booking.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permissible while on board the train & in sightseeing buses . However if you wish to smoke during sightseeing tours-,you may co-ordinate with tour guide.

Crew

World-class service delivered by Maharajas' Express is well backed by our team of highly motivated hospitality staff. They ensure that guest experience delivered is unmatched and their every need is well anticipated and met. Adding unique sense of exclusivity to the journey, our attentive crew members are also well versed in English language that ensures language is not a barrier while travelling with us.

You may communicate special requirement (if any) through the Saloon Butler

You can also contact onboard Restaurant Manager, Tour Director & General Manager

Gratuities For Services

Providing gratuities for small services delivered has always been part of culture followed in India and all around the world. This is additional to tour package price and is completely at guests' discretion. Individual tipping is not suggested or encouraged. There is a common tipping box kept at the Bar Counter of the train whose amount is distributed amongst all the staff

For 3 Nights journey, we suggest minimum amount of US$ 100 per guest. For 7 Nights journey, we suggest minimum amount of US$ 250 per guest.

There is an envelope in your Cabin, which you can use to deposit the tip amount on last night of the journey.

Important:

The term "we" used above, refers to the Principal Train Tour Company (viz IRCTC) in third person