Page 130 - HH Dec 2024-Jan 2025

TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

et for a ride on the Maharajas’ Express like a people get red carpet welcome and flowers and French
tourist through the vibrant colors, smells, and champagne is served to passengers before seating them for
taste of India? We check out the royal train, the journey. The 22-carriage train company can
which has recreated the regal era of Indian accommodate a maximum of 88 passengers with different
royals and travels on a luxurious adventure kinds of cabins ranging from the luxurious cabins, the
Sfrom Delhi to Mumbai on an eight-day journey, standard cabins and the Presidential Suite, which occupies
through the eyes of Tricia Welsh. an entire body of the train.
Launched in 2004, Maharajas’ Express takes tourist All the accommodations are luxurious; they include hot
through the vibrant colours, smells and taste of India. This shower, writing desks, comfortable facilities among
royal train has recreated the regal era of Indian royals and others. Styling of the restaurant takes its inspiration from
travels from Delhi to Mumbai in eight days. the period of British rule in India when Maharajas
Spanning 1,400 km approximately, the trip could travelled with great opulence having their own carriages
physically be done in a few hours by air or, approximately 15 on trains.
hours by road. However, today Maharajas’ Express isn’t just The actual railroad carriage has 43 full and partitioned
means of commuting; it is an imperial train, where opulent, compartments, 20 of which are deluxe cabins, 18 are Junior
delectable and romance come together providing a voyage Suites, and four are main luxury suites The largest of all is
one will never forget. the Presidential Suite, which is the biggest suite of all the
During the journey, passengers can see the cultural trains in existence. The entire rail car setup has been
features of Jaipur, make a beautiful ride on a motorboat and designed by Taj Hotels, and appears as if it has been crafted
a boat on Lake Pichola and visit the City Palace. Though for 1920’s Maharajas and the English vintage clubs.
today you can get from Delhi to Mumbai in matter of hours Junior Suite is very large and comprises twin beds, area
sparing no luxury, nothing is more enchanting than with chairs, large bathroom with a shower partitioned with
traveling like Maharajas once did on one of the most lavish the glass and full value with the sink. We also have valet
trains in the world. service every time; the valet is always awake unlike most
Safdarjung is an amazingly simple station in Delhi and people to ensure that they provide us with the best service

130 DECEMBER 2024-JANUARY 2025 hospitality horizon www.hospitality-horizon.com