Routes & experiences
The Maharajas’ Palace is a purpose-built luxury train, designed to be India’s answer to the Orient Express. And, it compares favourably. Suffused with opulent touches, it allows passengers to glimpse a bygone era of elegant touring that is redolent of the romance of the Indian Maharajas. It is said that you can encounter a different India every one hundred miles and, on the carefully constructed signature journeys, you will enjoy a tasteful blend of heritage, culture and exclusive insider experiences, allowing you to gain real insight into this most fascinating of countries.
Dining
During the day, meals are served in one of two elegant dining cars, distinguished from one another by the different décor. Look out for the peacock feather patterns on the high-backed chairs and mirrored mosaic tiles of Mayur Mahal or the rich cream and red colourings of Rang Mahal, which are complemented by a hand-painted fresco ceiling. In both you will enjoy a culinary adventure, conjured up in the on-board kitchens. Table d’hote meals are included in the fare, although you can also order a la carte. Either before or after your meal, settle into the Rajah Club lounge or take a seat in the Safari Bar car to catch up with fellow passengers, swap stories about the day’s sightseeing and toast your travels with expertly prepared cocktails.
Accommodation
The train’s carriages are all named after precious stones – an appropriate nod to the country’s royal routes and heritage. Once inside your cabin or suite, you’ll be dazzled by the sheer opulence of it all, from the huge panoramic windows to the rich fabrics, elegant writing desks and carefully curated artworks and antiques. It’s wonderfully traditional, but that’s not to say that the trappings of technology have been entirely forgotten. Indeed, you’ll be treated to an LCD TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi and air conditioning. What’s more, every cabin and suite comes with its own shower room – no shared facilities here. And, there’s a butler on hand – one per carriage – to lay out your tux or cocktail dress and refresh your bed and bath linen each day. You can even have a whole carriage to yourself, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with a bath) and your own private lounge.
