With umpteen international luxury awards under its belt, the Maharajas’ Express has indeed redefined the luxury travel experience that one has ever dreamt of in this paradoxical land. Guests on-board the Maharajas’ Express get opportunity to explore an exquisite blend of the rich cultural heritage, the royalty of bygone era of erstwhile Maharajas (emperors) of India, the modern amenities and comforts. This miraculous train invites guests to cherish gourmet cuisines, picked from both Indian and International menus and to relish fine wines through its six alluring circuits that would surely be one of your life’s treasured memories.
Almost half-a-mile-long Maharajas’ Express comprises 23 carriages which include 14 carriages to accommodate 88 guests; 2 carriages each for restaurant, two bar cars & sitting lounge/boutique and one kitchen car. Further, these guest carriages have been classified into 4 distinct categories of cabins – Deluxe (5 carriages), Junior Suite (6 carriages), Suite (2 carriages) and Presidential Suite (1 carriage). These carriages offer varied level of luxury, and have been named after different expensive gemstones, such as – Moti (Pearl), Panna (Emerald), Feeroza (Turquoise), Manik (Ruby), Heera (Diamond), Neelam (Blue Sapphire), Gomed (Onyx), Pukhraj (Sapphire) and Monga (Coral) etc.
All the carriages have been gracefully done up with carved woodwork, rich tapestry work, wall-to-wall carpeting, chic upholstery, linen curtains and antiques that adequately mirror the grandeur of India’s royal past. Moreover, to constitute an exquisite fusion of India’s erstwhile aristocracy and state-of-the-art modern amenities, all the cabins come equipped with LED TVs with satellite channels, Wi-Fi, Direct Dial Telephone, Electronic Safe, DVD players, attached bathrooms, toiletries, mini-bar, mini-pantry and many more that even the emperors would envy.
The most luxurious and extravagant car is the Presidential Suite which is, irrefragably, one of the best in the world’s luxury train sphere. Coherently named after the nine precious gems ‘Navaratna’, this coach comes with 448 sq. ft. of space and comprises two bedrooms, a living room and private washrooms that leaves its esteemed guests spellbound.
Other distinguishing ingredients that bring the Maharajas’ Express stand tall are its two thematic restaurants – Mayur Mahal (Peacock Restaurant) and Rang Mahal (Colour Restaurant) – that serve palatable cuisines on fine L’OBJET plates and gold & silver plated cutlery prepared by skilled chef. Guests can relish variety of finest labels of wines and spirits picked from around the world in its well-stocked Safari Bar & Rajah Club Lounge.
Commenced its commercial operations in March 2010, the World’s Leading Luxury Train is being operated and maintained by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).