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Maharajas' Express

A Website of Travelogy India Pvt. Ltd.

Maharajas' Express General Information

 

01: Guest Cabins

The Maharajas' Express comprises of 43 guest cabins which include 20 deluxe, 18 junior suites, 4 suites, and 1 presidential suite, with the capacity to accommodate up to 88 passengers during every journey. The occupancy can be chosen as twin or double, depending on the type of bed you wish to have. Each of these cabins can accommodate 2 passengers at a time whereas, the presidential suite can accommodate up to 4 passengers.

02: Dining and Bar

The train has two luxury restaurants with a seating capacity of 42 passengers. These restaurants namely Peacock and Rang Mahal serve a variety of cuisines from all around the world which include Chinese, Continental, traditional Indian food, and authentic Mewari cuisines. Guests can also opt for their favorite one from the various brands of wine, spirits and beers from all around the world available on-board. Extra payment has to be made for the drinks other than the house brands. The bar known as Safari is a perfect place to meet your fellow traveler while enjoying your favorite drinks and snacks in the lavish ambiance.

03: Lounge, Observation Car and Treasure Chest

The lavish Observation car named Maharajas Club has relaxing chairs for the guests to observe the landscape while traveling through the Maharajas Express. It also has a well well-equipped library, along with a personal bar and souvenir shop, which makes it a perfect place to meet fellow travelers and collect souvenirs.

04: Maharajs Transport

Off-the-train excursions at every destination come with complimentary transportation. The guests of Deluxe Cabins and Junior suites are provided with deluxe coaches for sightseeing, whereas cars are provided for guests in Suites and Presidential suites. These vehicles offer complimentary kits to the guests, which include candies, bottle coolers, tissues, shoe uppers and other things.

05: Pre and Post Hotel Accommodation

Pre and post-accommodation are not included in the charges for the train journey. A day's pre and post-accommodation is highly recommended along with the royal journey. Visit our website or contact us to know more information related to the pre and post-tour accommodation.

06: International and Domestic Flights

The majestic Journeys of Maharajas' Express either begin from Delhi or Mumbai. Both the cities have good connectivity globally through air routes. These cities are further connected to other major Indian cities through rails and road. The fare of your flight journey is not included with the train fare. To avail Special Offer and exclusive price on the package, book your ticket with us. Visit our website or contact us for further details.

07: Personal Travel Insurance

Be sure that you have sufficient travel insurance if there's a possibility from the country you belong to. Please refer to our booking and cancellation policy to get more details. The Maharajas Express train is wholly insured for various natural calamities or other possibilities including flood, earthquake, fire, and theft. The umbrella of insurance covers all passengers.

08: Pre and Post Tours

If you wish to travel around the Indian subcontinent before or after the journey through the Maharajas' Express, we can help you do so. Please contact us or visit our website for further details.

09: Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in public places as per Indian Law. Please contact your tour executive to know in detail.

10: Child Policy

No fare will be charged for Children below 5 years. 50% of the adult fare will be charged for a single child between 5 years to 12 years. Please note that except the Presidential Suite car, cabins of this train are not interconnected. All related taxes will be charged extra.

11: Internet

You can access high-speed internet access on board the train. You may face varying internet signals in the moving train but it improves whenever the train stops.

12: Extension

Experience an extended and enhanced India tour after Maharajas' Express journey. Share your requirements with us and mention the destination you wish to visit after or before the train journey.

13: Inclusion

All the journeys of Maharajas' Express train include occupancy in twin or double-sharing cabins, wines & spirits of the in-house brand, on-board meals, butler service, and guided excursions (off the train).

14: Exclusions

Insurance, gratuities, taxes, telephone calls, laundry, camera (video & still), alcoholic beverages outside the train, arrival and departure fees are not included with the price of Maharajas' Express journeys.

15: Baggage Allowance

Carry your luggage as per the rules of international airline. Maharajas’ Express provides sufficient luggage storage facilities. It can be stored under the bed. It is recommended to carry Soft-topped luggage as it takes less space. Luggage can be stored under the bed and in a separate cabin. We therefore, recommend you to carry a small lock in order to keep your belongings safe. The storage capacity of luggage under the twin bed is 915mm x 690 mm x 330 mm. whereas; the area under the double bed is 1370 mm x 940 mm x 330 mm.

16: Special Dietary Requirement

At the time of booking itself, kindly mention your special requirement of food so that the on-board staff can serve you with your requested diet.

17: Porterts

Porters have been appointed at every point of embarkation and disembarkation to assist your luggage.

18: Butler

Personal butlers are appointed on each guest carriage of the train to entertain the guests round the clock (24x7).

19: Travel Documents

All your travel documents will be issued to you after receiving your full payment. Every passenger will be provided the documents with their names on them, 14 days before the journey. The documents of confirmation should be carried along with you in the trip.

20: Travel and Clothing Accessories

Summers: It is recommended to carry light cotton and linen clothes during summer. Winters: In winter, you can carry from lightweight clothes to heavy woolens, along with shawls and cotton clothes. Wildlife safari : During your wildlife safari trip, we recommend you to wear earth shaded or light clothes and wraps. Avoid wearing bright colored clothes. On board: Being on board you can wear smart casuals, suitable walking shoes and nightwear. Also carry with you other essentials like sunscreens, caps or hats and comfortable footwear.

21: Visa

The foreign passengers are requested to keep their valid travel documents and visa handy. The documents should be approved by Indian Missions abroad. Foreign nationals will be deported if they fail to present the documents or on providing false or expired documents. Travelers having Tourist Visas that allow 180 or 90 days of stay along with multiple entries, need to maintain a gap of at least two months between their visits. Special permission has to be taken from the Head of Mission, if in case there is a gap of less than two months in your revisit.

22: Credit Cards

All credit and debit cards such as Master Cards, Visa and Amex are accepted on board. Please not that a surcharge will be applied on all the transactions done through these cards.

23: Train Manager

The Train Manager will remain on-board 24x7, so you can contact the manager for any query or if you face any problem or have any request.

24: Placement of Train

The train moves ahead for fueling and watering when the passengers de-board the train. We, therefore, request you to follow the schedules. So, if you would like to return earlier or stay back then contact the train manager, he will check the train's availability and will let you know.

25: Expectation

The passengers are expected to adhere to the schedule. IRCTC is punctual and follow its own timings. If any passenger misses the train or any service it is considered his/her irresponsibility and no alternative will be provided for such cases. If you have any plan to skip any of your excursions and wish to visit a relative, then kindly inform the Train Manager. If any passenger or group cause inconvenience to fellow passengers by skipping the excursions, while crossing their limits, they will be asked to leave the tour.

26: Health

In-order to travel to India, you do not have to take any specific medical precautions. But if you hail from a country prone to Yellow Fever endemic then you must get a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate according to international health regulations.

27: Cell phones

Cell phones are allowed during your train travel and during your visits to attractions. But, it is requested to keep your phone in vibration mode to avoid disturbance. The reception of your mobile will not be strong when the train is in travel. You will get a good coverage when the train is stopped. Minimum passenger requirement The Maharajas' Express train necessitates a certain number of passengers to commence all its journeys. If it doesn't happen then you’ll be either provided with a new journey date or will be refunded. In such cases, you will get a notification 30 days prior to the journey.

28: Special Excursions Events

For signature excursions, special events, and guest lecturers, an additional surcharge will be imposed on certain departures.

Bar and Lounge

Q01: Is smoking allowed in the train?

No, smoking is not allowed in any part of the train. If you wish to smoke, talk to your butler, he would assist you.

Q02: What are the facilities available in the lounge room?

You can find many armchairs to sit and enjoy the scenery through panoramic windows. Books are available for those who want to read for a while. Small indoor board games are also provided. For more facilities of Palace on Wheels, Click Here

Q03: Who will be served drinks in Palace on Wheels?

Only those who are 21 years old or older will be served alcohol.

Coaches and Cabins

Q01: How many coaches are there in Palace on Wheels?

There are 14 coaches and each coach has varying number of cabins, based on the style of accommodations.

Q02: Does the name of coach make any difference?

The coaches are named after the princely states of Rajasthan. The types of facilities and accommodations within the same style of cabins are same. With regards to the coach name, the decor style of the cabin varies. For instant, Alwar coach hold decor of cone works with pink interior. Bharatpur coach holds paintings of bird species with inlay works in aqua green interior. Jaipur coach holds ceiling foil-work decoration, miniature paintings and zardozi work in gold and blue interior and so on.

Do you want to know more about the coaches? Click Here.

 

Q03: How many passengers can be accommodated in the coaches?

Apart from the staffs, 82 passengers can be accommodated during a trip.

Q04: What are the amenities available inside the cabin?

Security safe, TV, DVD player, attached bathroom, channel music, toiletries, telephone services and many others. A few furniture are also provided inside the cabins.

Q05: What are the types of accommodations available in Palace on Wheels?

There are two types of cabins, Deluxe cabins and Super Deluxe cabins. Each type of cabin holds both single occupancy cabins and double occupancy cabins.

Q06: How Much luggage is allowed inside the cabin?

Limited space is provided under the bed for storing luggage. Thus, stick with the airline regulation of luggage.

Facilities

Q01: How is food served inside the train?

There are two restaurants inside the train, where the food is served inside the train. For more details about dining cars, Click Here.

Q02: What type of cuisine is served in Palace on Wheels?

In general, you will be served top cuisines like Continental, Indian and Chinese. You will be served traditional Rajasthan dishes too. If you require any special diet food like lactose-free dishes, kosher diet, gluten-free diet and others, mention during the booking.

Q03: Does the train provide laundry services?

There is no such service inside the train. However, at specific destinations, you can opt for laundry service and the clothes will be delivered at the next destination. To know when the laundry service is available, talk to your butler. It is an add-on service and is not covered in the tariff.

Q04: Am I entitled to have a butler?

Every traveler of Palace on Wheels will be served by a butler. Each coach of Palace on Wheels holds one butler, who is at service 24/7.

Q05: Are there any facilities for physically challenged tourists?

If you are in need of wheel chair or other services, please mention during booking. The train cabins can be easily accessed via wheel chair.

Q06: Are there any medical facilities available?

A paramedic is available throughout the journey. However, not all medicines would be available on-board. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is better to bring your medicines with you.

Q07: Is there internet facility in the train?

Internet facility is available throughout the journey. However, the strength of the signal depends on the location of the train. While the train is at halt at any major station, the strength of the signal will be very good.

General Information

Q01: What is Palace on Wheels?

A : Palace on Wheels is a luxury train of India, which provides a pre-determined tour itinerary through iconic attractions of the land.

Q02: Where does Palace on Wheels operate?

The train runs in India through the desert region of Rajasthan and surrounding areas like Agra and Delhi.

Q03: How to book tickets for Palace on Wheels?

Palace on Wheels tickets can be booked via online through GSA or through their official sites. To book tickets, Click Here.

Q04: Why is it called as Palace on Wheels?

Each carriage of the train is named after the forts and palaces of ancient Rajasthan. The rich decor and the classy hospitality makes it feel like staying in a real palace and thus, the name, Palace on Wheels.

Q05: Who owns the Palace on Wheels?

It is operated by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways.

Q06: Are children allowed in Palace on Wheels?

Yes, children are allowed in the Palace on Wheels. Kids up to the age of 12 are considered as children by the policy.

Q07: Are pets allowed in Palace on Wheels?

No, pets are not allowed inside the train.

Q08: What are the travel documents required for the travel?

Every foreign passenger irrespective of age should hold a valid passport and visa. The Palace on Wheels ticket confirmation document should be shown whenever requested.

Q09: How early should I book tickets?

It is recommended to book at least two to three month in prior to the departure date. The demand for the tickets is quite high, especially during tourism season.

Q10: How to pay for the tickets?

The portals accept all major international credit cards like Master, Visa, American Express, Discover and so on. You can also choose bank transfers. Bank details will be provided upon request.

Q11: Do I need visa to travel in Palace on Wheels?

Every non-India has to hold a valid Indian visa to enter into the country. Palace on Wheels will not specifically request you to provide passport or visa details.

Q12: Are there any regulations for dressing in the train?

There are no specific dress code for the tourists. It is recommended to wear anything that is comfortable and decent.

Q13: What type of dresses are recommended?

India is a tropical land. If you are visiting during winter, choose to carry jackets with you. Else, thick cotton clothing will be quite enough. For safari, wear sunglasses, hats and thick shoes.

Itinerary

Q01: What are the top destinations covered by Palace on Wheels?

Top destinations covered are Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bharatpur and Agra. For detailed itinerary, Click Here.

Q02: Where does the itinerary start and end?

The train journey starts and ends at Safdurjung Railway Station, Delhi.

Q03: How long is the train journey?

Palace on Wheels has one signature itinerary, which spans for eight days and seven nights.

Q04: Is the itinerary open throughout the year?

No, the itinerary is open only from September to April, every year.

Pre and Post Tour Accommo

Q01: When should I reach India for Palace on Wheels tour?

To avoid hassle at the last minute, it is recommended to reach Delhi station at least a few hours in prior to the departure time. It is better to book hotels for a night post and pre tour.

Q02: Are the fly-in and fly-out tickets included in the fare?

No, any form of transportation before or after the tour is not included in the fare. If you require assistance in booking domestic or international tickets, contact the representative.

Q03: Are the hotel accommodations covered in the tariff?

Any accommodation or travel; prior or post the train journey is not covered under the tariff of the ticket.

Q04: Are the hotel accommodations covered in the tariff?

Any accommodation or travel; prior or post the train journey is not covered under the tariff of the ticket.

Spa

Q01: What type of therapies are available in the Spa?

You can find a long list of Ayurvedic therapies in the spa. In addition, you can enjoy massages and specialized treatments for any specific requirements. For more details about the spa, Click Here

Q02: Is the Spa session covered in the tariff of the train ticket?

No, spa sessions are not included in the tariff of the train fare.

Train Fare

Q01: What is the ticket price of Palace on Wheels in USD and INR?

During the peak season, from October to March, cost of single occupancy is INR 51,900 per night (USD 865 per night), double occupancy is INR 39,000 per night (USD 650 per night) and super deluxe cabin is INR 1,08,000 per night (USD 1,800 per night).

During the lean season, April and September, cost of single occupancy is INR 39,000 per night (USD 650 per night), double occupancy is INR 30,000 per night (USD 500 per night) and super deluxe cabin is INR 1,08,000 per night (USD 1,800 per night).

For more details, Click Here.

 

Q02: What is the ticket cost for a child in Palace on Wheels?

For children below the age of 5 years, 10% of the total ticket cost

For children between 5 and 12 years, 50% of the total ticket cost.

 

Q03: Will the cost be altered in virtue of any celebrations?

During festivals like Christmas and New Year, additional 10% surcharge is added to the total ticket cost.

Q04: Are gratuities a part of the train fare?

Gratuities are not a part of the tariff.

Q05: Will there be a reduction in tariff if I cut short the train journey?

No, refund would not be provided if the journey were cut-short due to any reason.

Q06: Are the meal included in the tariff?

Every meal provided inside the train and in specific hotels, as a part of the itinerary are included in the tariff. Any other eatables you buy during sightseeing will not be covered in the fare.

Q07: When does each trip start and end?

It is recommended to take a travel insurance of your choice. You would be covered under a common insurance of Palace on Wheels against damages caused due to natural disasters like flood, earthquake, terrorism and others.

Q08: Do I need to take any vaccination to travel in Palace on Wheels?

Palace on Wheels does not demand any vaccination certificates from the travelers. However, if you are visiting from any Yellow Fever epidemic country, you need vaccination certification to enter India.

Q09: Can I cancel the booked tickets? What is the cost of cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel the tickets whenever needed. If you cancel 90 days before departure date, 10% of the total ticket fare is deducted. If canceled between 30 and 89 days from departure date, 20% of the cost is deducted. If canceled within 29 days from departure date, no refund is made.

Q10: Can I transfer the ticket to another person?

No, tickets under one name cannot be used by another.

Q11: Is my tour insured?

The itinerary starts and ends on Wednesday. The tour starts on a Wednesday evening and ends on the next Wednesday morning. For upcoming departure dates, Click Here.

Q12: Will Palace on Wheels cancel the booked tour?

The train needs a minimum number of passengers for profitable functioning. If the threshold is not met, the tour will be cancelled and complete refund is made. In case of tour being cancelled because of any natural calamity, no refund would be provided.

Train History

Q01: When was the first tour of Palace on Wheels started?

The first tour of Palace on Wheels started on Republic day, Jan 26th of 1982.

Q02: What is the history of Palace on Wheels?

In the past, the royal heirs of Rajputana, Gujarat and Hyderabad traveled from one place to another in royal trains. Even the British rulers used specially crafted saloons filled with luxury amenities to travel the region. After independence, these saloons were left unused until 1982, when the tourism department of Rajasthan took over these saloons, refurbished them and created the honorable Palace on Wheels. For a more detailed history, Click Here

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