Scroll India: IRCTC Maharaja Express: Everything you need to know about the luxurious Indian tourist train

The Maharaja Express is a luxury tourist train owned and operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC). The Maharaja Express is an award-winning luxury train that has grabbed the title for six consecutive years at the World Travel Awards. The journeys offered by Maharajas Express in India explore opulent heritage as well as architectural grandeur.

Maharaja Express handpicks its itinerary and takes its guests on a luxury expedition of some of the country’s best destinations. The luxury train service was started in March 2010. It provides facilities like Wi-Fi, attached bathroom, dining cars, bar, lounge and souvenir shop and the larger cabins have roll-top baths and spacious sitting rooms. LCD televisions, eco-friendly toilets, direct dial phones, DVD player, internet, individual climate control and electronic safes are available in each guest cabin.

The train can accommodate 88 guests at the same time. The carriage of the train are modelled after the personal carriages of the maharajas which were the epitome of luxury. During the days of the British Raj, the kings and princes had their own carriages whose uses were reserved for special occasions like hunting trips, royal weddings and state visits. Each cabin of the train is decorated with elegant tapestries and exquisite carvings, along with stylish mirror and jewel work.

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 choose. Each of these cabins can accommodate 2 passengers at a time whereas, the presidential suite can accommodate up to 4 passengers.