Royal sojourns - luxury trains

CEO LIFESTYLE 82 MARCH 2014

PLACES

LifestyLeHoLidays

ROYAL


ROYALJJourneys are made by the people you travel with, they say.

But some journeys are made by the trains that you travel in. In its grand inaugural issue, CEO Lifestyle presents

to you four of India’s deluxe trains, each of which invites you, quite literally, into the lap of luxury.

Sojourns


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The Deccan Odyssey which is a brainchild of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways and Ministry of Tourism, true to its christening, attempts to showcase the Deccan plateau in a way unknown to the world. This blue limousine, as it is often referred to, takes you on a breezy journey through the state of Maharashtra, all the while letting the beautiful Konkan coast enamour you. Attempting to mirror the magnificence of the then monarchs of India, the train’s 21 coaches are imperial in design and promise comfort of the highest order. Each coach is said to be decorated along the lines of a particular era of the glorious Deccan history.

With 12 palatial passenger cars which include two presidential suites, the train is aligned with the highest standards of hospitality. Attached bathrooms, air-conditioning, personal safe and telephones are just some of the services the cabins offer, topped by a round-the-clock personal attention. Take a trip down the culinary lane with the two multi-cuisine restaurants, Peshwa

I and Peshwa II, which serve a sumptuous spread of Indian, Oriental and Continental food as the beautiful Konkan coast rolls past, while the stewards in conventional Maharashtrian attire take the authenticity a notch higher. And of course, the experience is incomplete without indulging in some of the concoctions which Mumbai HI, the on-site bar that Deccan Odyssey has to offer. Addressing the possibility that the leisure traveller might occasionally have to slip into the white collar as well, the luxury train provides a conference car with audio-visual equipments necessary to facilitate such a corporate ‘break’ complemented by services that pay heed to specific needs. True to the promise of providing a complete holidaying experience, the train offers a health spa too. It seeks to thoroughly rejuvenate the traveller with methods that are inspired by the ancient science of Ayurveda.

Starting at India’s financial capital and the bustling cosmopolis of Mumbai, the train takes customers on a seven nights/ eight days journey. From back waters and pilgrimages

The Deccan OdysseyPicture courtesy: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation


in the district town of Sindhudurg to the temples of Kolhapur to the mesmerizing caves of Ajanta, the journey is truly magnificent and unfurls several prides of the Konkan coast day after day. Not to forget the sun-kissed shores of Goa, of course. The party state of India which is synonymous with all things that spell merriment is indeed a prime highlight of the Konkan coast and features in the itinerary, as you may well have guessed. With adventure sports galore, casinos to test your luck and heavenly beaches that get you a sexy holiday tan, it would be a sin to leave that one out, wont it?

Mumbai - Sindhudurg - Goa - Vasco - Kolhapur - Aurangabad - Ajanta - Nashik – MumbaiTariff: $920 US (Double occupancy, Presidential Suite)


Maharajas’ Express

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Maharajas’ Express is India’s latest and said to be the most opulent offering in the luxury train domain of India. Often compared to the legendary Orient Express of the West, this luxury train is the proud winner of several prestigious travel awards for years in a row and rightfully occupies its place at the pinnacle of the hospitality sector. From popular tourist attractions to breathtaking landscapes to the quaintest of heritage sites, the train is comprehensive in its offering. And oh, it gives you not just one but five itineraries to choose from, which criss-cross each other to take you through some of the most enchanting destinations of India. This regal train attempts to recreate the charm of the by-gone years by taking inspiration from the old-world grandeur.

True to its stature of being one of the finest luxury trains of the world, it leaves no stone unturned to make sure that nothing lesser than the best of hospitality and state of the art facilities welcome the passengers aboard. With 14 guest carriages that are divided into 20 deluxe cabins, 18 junior suites, four suites and one grand presidential suite, the train boasts of a capacity of having 88 people onboard. From individual climate control options and personal bathrooms to wireless internet and live

televisions with satellite channels and DVD players, the cabins are well-equipped. To serve the epicure, the train has two restaurants Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal, each with a seating capacity of around 44. While the Safari bar is dedicated to entertain the spirit lover, the en-suite bar names Rajah Club, lets you while away your free time in a manner similar to the kings of yesteryears, by indulging in royal board games. The ‘Treasure Chest’, a high-end boutique with gifts and souvenirs is at your service too, to ensure a memoir of the royal experience finds a place in your showcase for eternity.

Each and every one of the five itineraries, namely, ‘Heritage of India’, ‘Treasures of India’, ‘Gems of India’, ‘Indian Panorama’ and ‘Indian Splendour’ is true to its name and competes with each other in terms of the quality of offering. Staring from either the Indian capital of Delhi or Mumbai, some, like the ‘Heritage of India’ offer a seven nights/eight days longer tour, while others, like the ‘Treasures of India’ offer a three nights/four days tour with a proportional pricing. Every itinerary has a well-planned route and is unique in its attempt to showcase India in all its splendour and charm. From experiencing the caves of Ajanta in all its medieval glory to basking in the glamour


Heritage of India: Mumbai - Ajanta - Udaipur - Jodh-pur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi. Tariff: $USD 23,700 (Double occupancy, Presidential Suite)Treasures of India: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi. Tariff: $USD 12,900 (Double occupancy, Presidential Suite)Gems of India: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi. Tariff: $USD 12,900 (Double occupancy, Presidential Suite)Indian Panorama: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Lucknow – Delhi. Tariff: $23,700.00 US (Double occupancy, Presidential Suite)Indian Splendour: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Balasinor - Mumbai. Tariff: Tariff: $23,700.00 US (Double occupancy, Presidential Suite)

of UNESCO world heritage sites like the Khajuraho group of monuments to witnessing a never-before-seen elephant polo match, the train lets you do it all. Choosing which route you want to take will be tough, we can guarantee.

Picture courtesy: http://www.the-maharajas.com


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The Golden ChariotNamed after the famous stone chariot in Hampi, which is also a world heritage site, the Golden Chariot, one of the world’s leading luxury trains takes you on a seven nights/ eight days journey through the resplendent south of India. Proud winner of ‘Asia’s leading luxury train’ award by the World Travel Awards in 2013, the train, needless to say offers some of the finest hospitality coupled with a compelling itinerary. While the ‘Pride of the South’ route takes customers on a voyage through the Southern state of Karnataka, the ‘Splendour of the South’ is broader and includes interesting destinations from Tamil Nadu and Kerala as well.

The train has 11 well-furnished air-conditioned saloons having four sleeping chambers or cabins each, named after the majestic dynasties that ruled Karnataka once upon a time. Interestingly, the saloons are said to be modeled along the lines of the intricately carved Hosalya temple architecture that dates back to as early as the 12th century. With vanity desks, LCD televisions and a cabin for the physically challenged as well, the train seeks to address the specific needs of every customer. ‘Nala’ and ‘Ruchi’, the two dining cars on board promise to serve a delightful variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. It is interesting to note that the interiors of the restaurants have

been inspired by the aesthetics of Hampi and Halebid. For those looking to unwind at a bar, the train offers Madira, the plush lounge bar, which seeks to replicate the pride of Karnataka: the Mysore Palace. Performances by local artists and some scintillating music are sure to keep you entertained, as you sip on your drink, the Golden Chariot way. Completing the impeccable hospitality, the train also offers a conference coach to address corporate needs, a spa for the traveller to unwind the Ayurvedic way and a fully equipped gym for the fitness enthusiast.

The ‘Pride of the South’ Journey begins at the Indian IT hub and garden city of Bangalore. Including a trip to the magnificent Mysore Palace, boat and jeep safaris in jungles, enthralling tours of the caves at Badami and many more destinations, each of which are truly visit-worthy, the train takes people into the deep interiors of Karnataka while attempting to showcase the real pride of the verdant Southern state. And once again we feel compelled to mention that the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, the once-Portuguese ruled Southern state of Goa too, features in the itinerary. With its absolute scenic beauty and churches steeped in culture and history, it is indeed the last to enter the showstopper. The ‘Splendour of the South’, on the other hand, begins at Bangalore too, but fast progresses to


the southernmost state of India, Tamil Nadu. After experiencing the architectural brilliance of several places, including UNESCO world heritage sites like the seashore temples of Mammalapuram and the Brihadeshwara temple at Tanjore, a relaxed sojourn to the yesteryear French colony of Pondicherry and a sublime sunrise at the southernmost tip of India, also the point of confluence of the three great seas, the train moves to Kerala. And in this case too, the backwaters and ports of God’s own country serve as the perfect showstoppers.

Pride of the South: Bangalore - Mysore - Kabini - Hassan - Hospet - Gadag - Goa – BangaloreTariff: Rs. 1,15,500Splendour of the South: Bangalore – Chennai – Mamallapuram – Puducherry – Tanjavur – Madurai – Kanyakumari – Thiruvananthapuram – Kovalam – Alleppey – KochiTariff: Rs. 1,38,600

Picture courtesy: Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation


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Said to be India’s first luxury train, ‘The Palace On Wheels’ often has its place rightfully reserved in the list of top ten luxurious rail journeys of the world. The seven nights/ eight days voyage takes you right into the heartland of Rajasthan, India’s premier heritage site steeped in culture and tradition and synonymous with all things opulent, while promising that you are treated like nothing short of royalty. In fact, the passenger coaches are the very ones that facilitated royal sojourns during the era of the princely states and have each, a story buried deep within the mystical grandeur. Named after the then states, the 14 saloons of the train bear the respective logos on the outside while the insides have each been uniquely designed, all the while taking tremendous care not to sacrifice harmony.

While the train attempts to capture the magnificence of a bygone era, it also ensures that the old-world charm is well complemented by state-of-the-art facilities to ensure a hassle-free journey. The fully air-conditioned coaches have two twin-bedded and two double-bedded chambers, each with attached

bathrooms. They also have a separate lounge each, for when you feel like gazing lazily at royalty rolling past and oh, a pantry as well if you would like to indulge in a hot cup of tea while at it. A bar cum lounge is at your service too, attached to two restaurant cars Maharaja and Maharani which serve authentic Indian, Continental and even Chinese food to discerning passengers. There is also the Bazaar, a shop that sells handicrafts and other gifts, for those who want to take back home more than just the memories. But what makes the hospitality truly regal are the ‘Khidmatgars’, rather impressive, turban-wearing personal attendants stationed at every saloon who can be readily summoned should you be in need of something.

The grand journey begins even as you step inside the Safarjung Railway station, Delhi. The welcome, with garlands, a turban, a traditional tilak topped with a glass of wine is nothing short of that which befits a king. After a brief introduction to the fellow passengers, the journey begins. From Jaipur to Udaipur to Jaisalmer to Agra including many other cities in

Palace on Wheels


between, the train takes you to some of the most historically significant towns and cities of India with architecture par excellence. With plush palaces, meals at forts, elephant rides, lush country sides and nature at its bountiful best, the tour exhibits India as a cultural and hospitable haven. And as a fitting finale for the glorious journey comes the ethereal Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world and the epitome of eternal love for you to feast your eyes on.

Route: Delhi - Jaipur- Sawai Madhopur-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra-DelhiTariff: $430US (Double occupancy)

Picture courtesy: www.indianluxurytrains.com

Royal sojourns - luxury trains

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