Latest news with #Maharajas'Express


West Australian
09-07-2025
- West Australian
All About INDIA, a special free event
The colour and contrasts, the sounds and stories brought to life in a special free India event. Stephen Scourfield, Travel Editor of The West Australian and The Sunday Times, will share his experiences over many years in India. He has travelled to most parts of India, and has a deep understanding of and love for the country. Stephen has also led many tours for his readers to India. Refreshments will be served. The event will be held at the premises of the Consulate General of India, Perth. It is presented in partnership by West Travel Club and the Consulate General of India, Perth. INSPIRATION Stephen will talk about his experiences over many years in many parts of India, bringing the country in all its facets to life through his colourful writing, storytelling and photographic images. INFORMATION The presentation will also focus on information and practicalities. + The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur). How to see the best of Rajasthan, and what places to add on. + Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey and the Kerala Backwaters, Kochi and the Western Ghats). + Travel on trains (the Maharajas' Express, Deccan Odyssey, Palace on Wheels, Royal India trains, Golden Chariot). + On the water (river cruising on the Ganges and coastal cruises). + The wildlife of the north-east, travelling to the Indian Himalayas, Mumbai and the north-west. YOUR QUESTIONS Stephen and the Consulate General of India staff will answer your questions. YOUR TAKEAWAY Guests will leave with information and contacts to help plan and book a visit to India. Consulate General of India, Perth Floor 6, 12 St Georges Terrace, Perth (opposite Perth Concert Hall) There is undercover parking at Perth Concert Hall and outdoor parking between that and the river, in the big Terrace Road carpark. The Blue, Green and Purple CAT buses all have routes along St Georges Terrace. Tuesday, July 29, 4pm to 6pm. This is a free event, but places are limited and guests need to book a free ticket. Registration closes at noon on Friday, July 25. Follow the QR code or go to the consulate's booking site. The event is from 4pm to 6pm. 4pm to 4.30pm: Entry, registration and informal welcome. 4.30pm to 5.30pm: Welcome by Consul General, and Stephen Scourfield presents India. 5.30pm to 6pm: Q&A and refreshments.


India.com
26-06-2025
- India.com
India's first deluxe train is nearly a century old, was launched on…; not Deccan Odyssey, Maharajas Express, Rajdhani, Golden Chariot, the name is…
Deccan Queen-- India's first deluxe train, embarked on its first journey on June 1, 1930. (File) Deccan Queen: The Indian Railways manages and operates the world's third-largest rail network, which includes luxury trains such as the Maharajas' Express, the Palace on Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey, and the Golden Chariot, that have set new benchmarks for luxury train travel in India and indeed globally. But did you know that India's first deluxe train is nearly a century old, and was launched way back on June 1, 1930 during the British colonial era? Yes, the train in question is the iconic Deccan Queen, aka 'Dakkan ki Rani', which holds the distinction of being the first deluxe train to run in India. Deccan Queen – India's first deluxe train The Deccan Queen, named after Pune's nickname Dakkan Ki Rani (Queen of Deccan), holds the title of being India's first deluxe train, which embarked on its first journey, June 1, 1930, more than 95 years ago. The train's launch marked major milestone for the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, the predecessor of the central railways. Initially, the Deccan Queen had only seven coaches, offering first and second class compartments, setting a new benchmark in luxury train travel for passengers. In 1955, a third-class compartment was added to accommodate more travelers. Notably, the Deccan Queen underwent a major transformation and modernization in 1966 as the Indian Railways upgraded the iconic train with anti-telescopic, steel-bodied coaches. Additionally, the train's interiors also received a much-needed upgrade for enhanced passenger comfort. The remarkable history of Deccan Queen The Deccan Queen, which runs between Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Pune Junction (PUNE), holds many firsts to its name in Indian Railway history. It was the first superfast train in India, the first long-distance electric-hauled train, and the first vestibuled train. It was also the first train in the country to feature a women-only car, as well as a separate dining car. Today, flaunting its iconic cream and Oxford blue exterior with a red band above the windows, the Deccan Queen remains a symbol of luxury train travel in India, which completed 95 years of service on June 1, 2025.


What's On
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
7 breathtaking bucket list train journeys worth travelling for in 2025
We forget about trains… Especially living in Dubai, where the people are so heavily reliant on cars to get around. Elsewhere, train tours and journeys are whole, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, offering an ever-transforming window into nature, history, heritage and a way of slow travel the world seems to have pushed into the shadows as commercial flying only grows and grows. This summer, take a trip…to take another trip – an easy, effortless adventure, featuring scenic landscapes, glamorous, old-world charm and a brand new perspective on travelling. Rocky Mountaineer – Canada and USA This train, founded in 1990, takes you through USA and Canada, and presents to you every formation of nature you can think of, of course, with amplified beauty. Roll through and past waterfalls, canyons, lakes, gorges and rivers between Vancouver, British Columbia and Alberta, from the East of Canada through to the West. In the US, the train goes from Moab in Utah and Denver in Colorado, with options to start or end in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, as well. Indulge in local Canadian treats and beer, and be regaled by the magical storytelling of the staff aboard. Floor to ceiling windows and large platforms for all the views. @rockymountaineer Maharajas' Express – India Moving through India, Maharajas' Express offers a level of opulence matched by few and a name that couldn't be more appropriate. Decked out to the tribute of the kings and queens bygone in the subcontinent, this sleeper train comes with extensive amenities, including full-sized closets, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and satellite TVs, even in the bottom-tier suites. Garlands, welcome flower showers, personal butlers, champagne breakfasts and country-club style establishments onboard complete this luxury experience. The train operates four different itineraries from October to April, mainly focused on Rajasthan. @maharajas_express Dar es Salam by Rovos Rail – Africa Rovos Rail is inspired by the African safari experience, and has been traversing the lands of Africa for more than 30 years. It's can be quite a long one, if you wish it to be – a 15-day trans-Zambezi trip from South Africa to Tanzania, going through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. It's lavish, luxurious and marked by off-board experiences at every step, giving passengers a chance to immerse themselves in the cultural and historical wealth of the continent. Inside, find sleek wooden interiors, cosy corners and levels of full-sized, freestanding clawfoot tubs in the more fancy compartments. @rovosrail The Ghan – Australia The Ghan holds history from back in the first half of the 20th century, and offers a stretching picture of the Australian Outback like nothing else. It takes passengers across the heart of Australian country in four days, three nights, from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, a journey through which one can discover the sometimes inconspicuous, but always spectacular beauty of the country's rolling, dry plains, arid deserts and domineering mountains – barren and beautiful. Inside, you'll find all the luxuries you might need, but off-board, you'll get a chance experience the rugged splendour of Central Australia yourself. @journeybeyondrail Glacier Express – Switzerland The views – that is why you need to do this trip. Switzerland is known far and wide for stunning sights few are able to forget, but the views of valleys, lakes, rivers, alpine landscapes and villages from the Glacier Express as it chugs along, slow and steady, give a glimpse into some of the most iconic natural landmarks of the country, including the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge. The train connects the resort towns of Zermatt and Saint Moritz over eight hours – the world's slowest express train – during which you'll pass through 91 tunnels and cross 291 bridges, indulge in a six-course meal and have champagne. @ Belmond Hiram Bingham – Peru It is believed that American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered the Machu Picchu. Whether this is true or not, is still up foe debate, but this namesake train grand love letter to vintage train travel, taking you through the Lost City and Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu. Start in the city of Poroy, west of Cusco, and trail through Peru's most unforgettable landscapes to make your way to the Inca. Inside, the 20th century shines in the polished wood, the brass fittings, big windows and skylights, long, languid meals and expansive spaces to lounge in. @belmondhirambingham Eastern & Oriental Express – Singapore and Bangkok Think of the classical, Hercule Poirot-appropriate, Orient Express-style train, and this is what comes to mind. A stunning portal into the past, the Eastern & Oriental Express has it all, the polished wood, the corridors trimmed with silk, the silverware, the ornate carriages, the exotic, ornamental dining room. A 1920s-jazz-club-inspired Bar Car completes the time travelling and you can soak it all in as you traverse the landscapes of Thailand and Singapore. This is truly one of those perfect tributes to the bygone era of train travel, when it was a mode for the elite, draped in luxuries and amenities. It's considered to be one of the best train journeys in Southeast Asia and is absolutely unmissable. @easternoriental Images: Getty/Socials


India.com
03-05-2025
- India.com
World's most luxurious train has fare of more than Rs 4 lakh, not Maharajas' Express, Belmond British Pullman, Golden Eagle, it is…, runs from…
World's most luxurious train: Today, the rail network around the world is among the best transportation systems. Trains have seen significant development. Where there used to be only seating, trains now offer an experience akin to traveling in a moving hotel. Sitting in these trains feels like you are journeying from a place resembling a palace. You may have heard and read about many luxury trains, but today we are going to tell you about a luxury train that is ultra, mega, and super luxury, all rolled into one. This is a train that allows you to comfortably view the world during your journey. Let's learn more about this train. This is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), a private luxury train service operating from London to Venice and other European cities. Currently, the train is owned by Belmond. It was established in 1982 by James Sherwood from Kentucky, USA. The first London-Venice train was run on May 25, 1982. Facilities available on the train The Venice Simplon Orient Express is perhaps the most famous luxury train in the world, featuring lavish coaches built in the 1920s, marble bathrooms, 24-hour butler service, and complimentary champagne for passengers. This train travels to major European cities like London, Paris, Venice, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. The amenities available on the Venice Simplon Orient Express are exceptional, but it's worth noting that the facilities on this train are comparable to those of India's Maharajas' Express, which is a luxury tourist train owned and operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC). Fare of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train The fare of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train can go up to Rs 406,479.54 rupees per journey. If you want to travel on this luxury train, you can follow the instructions provided on the website to book your ticket. When compared to Maharajas' Express, the most expensive ticket is for the Presidential Suite, which costs approximately Rs 2,101,619.51 rupees per trip.


India.com
27-04-2025
- India.com
World's most expensive train has ticket worth millions, it runs in..., not US, UK, UAE, Europe, name is...
(Representational image: World's most expensive train: How far can you think and imagine luxury and opulence can go? Ultra, mega, or super and beyond. There are a few things that are more mechanical, controlled by motors and physics from the inside but are pure artistry from the outside. They are capable of giving jolts to even the most seasoned connoisseurs of luxuriousness. For example, the entity we are going to talk about here is one such product that is more about metal as it uses its wheels to run on tracks. It is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), a private luxury train service from London to Venice and other European cities. It is currently owned by Belmond. It was established in 1982 by James Sherwood of Kentucky, United States. On 25 May 1982, the first London–Venice run was made. The Venice Simplon Orient Express is perhaps the most famous luxury train in the world that features restored coaches from the 1920s, with marble-clad ensuite bathrooms, 24-hour butler service and free-flowing champagne. This train goes to major European cities like London, Paris, Venice, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. The cost per trip is Rs 4,06,479.54. But there is one train that is much ahead of the Venice Simplon Orient Express and that is India's Maharajas Express which is a luxury tourist train owned and operated by The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The most expensive ticket on the Maharaja Express is for the Presidential Suite, which is about Rs 21,01,619.51 per trip. It offers luxurious amenities, beautiful decor, and stunning views of historic and natural destinations. The duration of one trip is 6 nights, offering a luxurious experience with private butlers, Michelin-star dining, and palace-like suites. Maharajas Express operates different itineraries from October to April of which two are short-term Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra) tours and the others are week-long Pan-India voyages. Maharajas' Express gives its passengers an authentic feel and essence of royalty. It was voted 'The World's Leading Luxury Train' seven times in a row at The World Travel Awards from 2012 through 2018. Maharajas' Express also received recognition from the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Travel Award in 2022. Maharajas' Express offers a vivid glimpse of heritage, legacy, comfort, luxury and extravagant indulgence making your journey an amazing experience. The air-conditioned ambient provides full comfort. Suites with attached bathrooms that are Wi-Fi-enabled so that you have your personal space for hygienic purposes and making sure that you are never out of touch. There are separate cars with astonishing restaurants and bars and carriages that are inspired by the royal lifestyle. Maharajas' Express makes sure you get an unforgettable experience. With accommodation options ranging from deluxe to presidential suites, the train offers a lounge, a bar, and two restaurants—Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, with a hand-painted fresco ceiling. (Disclaimer: All information provided here has been collated from the most reliable sources. However, we strongly recommend that you check and verify the latest status for any updates.)