Indian Railways Informations

The vast railway network in India connects the farthest points of the country. Indian Railways have played a very important role in bringing the country together during the freedom movement. It can be said that the concept of national integrity has been firmly aided by the railway network, bringing widely differing masses together as a country, and providing transport for the eminent leaders of the time, such as Mahatma Gandhi, who used the railway network with supreme effectiveness. After independence, the railways have continued to keep the country well connected and have been one of the pivotal points for the development of Indian tourism. The luxury trains of India are one of the best things to have happened to Indian tourism. These trains are aimed at providing an opportunity to explore some of the best tourist spots of the country, while being treated like royalty in luxurious coaches that are reminiscent of the lifestyle of the erstwhile royalty.

The luxury trains of India are among the most commendable efforts taken by the Indian railways authorities to promote Indian tourism. The various regions of the country have been provided with at least one such train, to provide a fascinating tourist experience by rail. The luxury trains of India are being discussed in brief below.

The Palace on wheels:
This is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. 14 coaches belonging to the erstwhile royal families of Rajasthan and other princely states of India were brought together to form this magnificent train in January 1982. Since then the train has been enthralling scores of tourists from all over the world. The 14 luxurious saloons in the train offer all the modern facilities even when on the move, including satellite phone. The other facilities offered within the lavish interiors of the train include two restaurants, dining cars, lounge, and impeccable services offered by the staff which includes a personal attendant for each of the saloons. The 7 nights and 8 days tour starts from Delhi and in order of progression, covers Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittor, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.

Deccan Odyssey:
This recent addition to the list of luxury trains of India is a joint venture between three parties, namely the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Indian Railways, and the Taj Group of hotels. The train became operational in 2004, and since then has been offering one of the most enchanting holiday packages in India. The 21 coaches offer exceptional services and amenities. There is a conf coach providing business facilities, two dining cars, two presidential suite cars, and even a car dedicated for providing wellness services like spa, sauna and massages. The train originates from the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, and proceeds to Ganapatipule, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, Ajanta - Ellora, and Nashik before returning to Mumbai.

Indian railway, Luxury Trains of India, Palace on Wheels, Booking for the Luxury train of India Fairy Queen. The Fairy Queen is a unique venture of the Indian railways. It is the steam locomotive that draws two air-conditioned carriages from Delhi Cantonment to Alwar, in Rajasthan. The locomotive has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest operational steam locomotive in the world. The engine started operations way back in 1855, and was removed from service in 1908. Renovation was effected in the late 1990s, and the locomotive began its second innings in 1997. The journey involves visits to Alwar and the Sariska wildlife sanctuary, with an overnight stay in the Sariska Palace hotel.

Plans are underway for starting more such trains to cater to tourism in the other parts of the country. Going by the popularity of the existing luxury trains of India, the arrival of more such trains on the tourism scene is sure to be welcomed by the tourists.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers all inclusive information about the Luxury trains of India, and the various tourist places in India.