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Picture yourself walking onto a long red carpet. Envision stepping onto a long red carpet. The flowers are garlanded around you as soft music of the traditional music is playing in the background, and the staff are well-dressed. This is no movie set. It is the actual initiation of your journey with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, also known as IRCTC. IRCTC runs the famed Maharajas’ Express train. It was a world-class train and redefined train travel on the subcontinent.

Floating palace rooms with soft beds, private bathrooms and large windows replace the normal seats. Spending time in famous cities and relaxing as if you were in a comfortable chair makes for lifetime memories. When you book Indian Holidays on this top luxury train, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore historical forts, ancient temples and wildlife parks without packing and unpacking or switching to a new hotel every day.

The Story of IRCTC and Its Flagship Express

IRCTC was established to facilitate and make travelling easy and more enjoyable for all over the country. It grew from its role in selling train tickets and meals to creating super-fancy vacations over the years. The Maharajas' Express is its most successful luxury holiday in India. The train has been designed with the aim of restoring the magic of ancient royal travel. All the features found inside the carriages exude pure elegance. In each corner, there are beautiful wooden carvings, plush carpets, fine art and soft lighting.

The Maharajas' Express is like being in a five-star hotel on tracks. The train is equipped with two beautiful dining cars, Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal. Every day, the local spices and ingredients are used by the skilled chefs to make hot and fresh dishes. Delicious Indian curries or international cuisine are available. Fine china and glassware are used to serve all the items.

This train tour is an experience that is above the normal resort vacation packages if you are in search of a luxury holiday in India. At the end of the day, relax in the lounge car and enjoy playing board games, reading books or having a drink with other passengers. Modern air conditioning, Wi-Fi, private safes and large panoramic windows are featured in the passenger cabins. Sit in a private room and watch the countryside go by through the window, and it's magic.

Carefully Planned Royal Itineraries

IRTC provides some special train routes to choose the one which suits you according to the schedule. Each journey shows off a different side of the country's rich history.

The Heritage of India is a 6-night, 7-day journey from Mumbai to Delhi. It includes famous destinations such as Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Agra.

Indian Panorama Tour: This is a 6-night, 7-day tour beginning and ending in Delhi. It halts at historic places like Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho and Varanasi.

Indian Splendour: 6 nights & 7 days tour from Delhi to Mumbai visiting iconic monuments and desert landscapes.

Treasures of India: This is a short tour of 3 nights and 4 days which visits the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) plus a thrilling tiger safari in Ranthambore.

Why Travel on Wheels Beats Hotel Stays

It can become really exhausting to travel the normal way. You need to pack up your bags, check out of hotels, get on a plane and deal with hours of gridlock traffic. Your hotel room travels along with you on the train! Your bags are unpacked one time in your own cabin. When you lie down in a soft bed, the train will cross states to your destination while you sleep.

Choose luxury train holidays, and you will get to enjoy guided off-train visits with the help of expert local guides. VIP entrance to the grand forts and historic palaces. There are also private high tea parties in the palace gardens, folk dance performances under the stars and sand dune dinners in Bikaner.

Plan Your Dream Vacation with IRCTC

IRCTC has made the entire train journey an amazingly incredible journey that combines the beauty and atmosphere of the old with the comfort of the new. From breakfast served right to your room to dinner with new companions, each moment of the Maharajas' Express has been crafted to make you feel special. It is an ideal way to commemorate milestone birthdays or anniversaries or simply treat yourself to an experience you will never forget! For those who prefer a comfortable and convenient way to explore ancient castles, colourful markets and picturesque landscapes, this is the ideal choice. Book your ticket on the train today to make an upcoming Indian holiday a grand royal tale!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the fare in the Maharajas' Express include? 

The all-inclusive ticket includes hotel accommodation on board, all meals, soft drinks, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits. This also covers off-train guided tours, historic site entrance fees, transport to the sites and still camera fees.

2. Which is not part of the ticket price? 

Additional costs include laundry, personal telephone calls, tips/gratuities, premium international liquor brands, professional photography/video camera fees and spa fees.

3. When should I make my travel arrangements?

Since they accommodate a limited number of guests at a time (88 per departure), it is easy for the cabins to fill up quickly. Please book 3-4 months ahead. People must pay a deposit in full when booking reservations.

4. What do you need to wear on board and while taking in the sights?

Smart casual is suitable for daytime events. The colours are subdued for wildlife safaris in Ranthambore. Dinners are to be in either formal or semi-formal dress. Have comfortable walking boots for off-train tours.

5. Do meals comply with certain dietary restrictions?

Yes. Traditional Indian and international cuisine is prepared by the chefs. Special diets (vegetarian, vegan, Jain, gluten-free or special food allergies) can be arranged if requested at the time of booking.

Source: Maharaja Express Holiday in India