Ebook on Indian Railways 2012

E-Book on Indian Railways

Aug. 7

E-Book August 7

2012
on
Indian
Railways
The Other Home (Vacation Rental | Home stays | Outdoor Adventure |
Heritage | Eco-Resorts) Travel Blog - Photo Blog - Travel Books


THE OTHER HOME

Aug. 7

The Other Home dedicates this e-book to all the travelers providing the best information on
journey through Railways. In this guidebook we have tried to capture all the useful
information about your journey.

Starting from the brief introduction to the Indian Life Line – “Indian Railways” – to the most
prominent facts about the Indian Railway Industry, we intend to provide the travelers with
the best journey of their life through Indian Railways.

TOPICS COVERED:

1) Special tips for planning train travel in India.

2) Easy guide to being at ease at Railway Station in India.

3) Easy guide to railway reservation for tourists in India.

4) Accommodations on Indian Trains.

INDIA’s Railway Heritage:

1) Maharaja Express

2) Deccan Odyssey

3) Rajasthan Royals on the Wheels

4) The Fairy Queen

5) Royal Orient


An Introduction to the Life Line of India

“INDIAN RAILWAYS”
Aug. 7
Indian Railways running since 150 years, nowadays, has become the “The lifeline of
nation.” Indian Railway system is the country's biggest socialized endeavor. Being the
largest in Asia and the second largest in the world, it is considered to be the largest
employer in the world with approx. 1.33 million employees.

The core of the pressure for building railways in India came from London in 1840s.
For a century thereafter the basic policies and ultimate management of the Indian
Railways were issued from London. The British built railways in India in order to
intermesh the economies of the two countries. The building of railways in India
brought about unintended as well as hoped for consequences in economic, political
and military front.

There were Indian merchants, both in Calcutta and Bombay who took an interest
in founding of the railways. The most prominent of these was a remarkable Bengali
merchant Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, grandfather of Nobel laureate poet
Rabindranath Tagore. Dwarkanath's firm Carr, Tagore & Company is reported to
have offered in 1844, to raise one-third of the capital required for a railway from
Calcutta northwest to the coalfields above Burdwan. After Dwarkanath's premature
death a few years later the other Indian businessmen played only a passive role. The
conception, promotion and launching of India's railways were all British. (Daniel
Thorner 1955)

The Railway Age dawned in India on 16th April 1853, when the first train ran
from Bombay to Thana, a distance of 21 miles (33.81 km). For some years before that
the idea of building railways in India had taken concrete shape with the Court of
Directors of the East India Company in London. The East India Company had
obtained a foothold in India as a trading company, but gradually lost most of its
privileges it had enjoyed as an instrument of commerce.

IR boasts of more than 7,500 railway stations in its periphery. It has a fleet of not less
than 7,800 locomotives, 40,000 coaches & 3,26,000 wagons. 9 pairs of Rajdhani and
13 pairs of Shatabdi Express Trains run on the rail tracks of India. In 1977, the
National Rail Museum was established at New Delhi. Given here is a list providing
some interesting and amazing facts about Indian Railways.


The Great Indian Railways...

Aug. 7

Experience some of the important facts of Indian Railways:

 The total distance covered by the 14,300 trains on the Indian Railways every day
equals three & half times the distance to moon
 The first train on Indian soil ran between Bombay and Thane on 16th April 1853
 IR has about 63,028 route kms of track
 IR employs about 1.55 million people
 It carries over 13 million passengers & 1.3 million tons of freight everyday
 IR has about 7,000 railway stations. It runs about 14,300 trains daily
 The longest platform in the world is at Kharagpur and is 2,733 ft in length
 Nehru Setu on Sone River is the longest Railway bridge
 42 Railway companies operated in the country before independence
 Electric Locomotives are manufactured at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works,
Chittaranjan
 Coaches are manufactured at ICF/Chennai, RCF/Kapurthala and BEML/Bangaluru
 The national Rail Museum at New Delhi was set-up in 1977
 People employed in Indian Railway are about 1.6 million


 Stations across State Lines are Navapur (Maharashtra and Gujarat) and Bhawani
Mandi (Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan)
 Classes of travel on Indian Railway: Ist AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC, AC Chair Car, 2nd
sleeper & 2nd ordinary
Aug. 7
 Railway Station with all the three gauges is Siliguri Railway Station


Indian Railway Industry:
Aug. 7

First Passenger Train ran on 16th April 1853 (between Bombay to Thane)

First Railway Bridge Dapoorie Viaduct on the Mumbai-Thane route

First Rail Tunnel Parsik Tunnel

First Ghats Covered by the Rail lines Thal and Bhore Ghats

First Underground Railway Calcutta METRO

First Computerized Reservation System
New Delhi (1986)
started in

First Electric Train ran on 3rd Feb' 1925 (between Bombay VT and Kurla)

Toilets on Trains were introduced in 1891 (1st Class) & 1907 (lower classes)

Shortest Station Name Ib (Orissa)

Longest Station Name Sri Venkatanarasimharajuvariapeta (Tamil Nadu)

Busiest Railway Station Lucknow (64 trains everyday)

Longest Run (Time) Himsagar Express (3,751 km in 74 hrs and 55 min)

Shortest Run Route between Nagpur to Ajni (3 km)

Longest Run for Daily Train Kerala Express (3,054 km in 42.5 hrs)

Longest Non-Stop Run (Distance) Trivandrum Rajdhani (528 km in 6.5 hrs)

Longest Railway Platform in the World Kharagpur (2,733 ft in length)

Longest Railway Bridge Nehru Setu on Sone River (10,044 ft in length)

Karbude On Konkan Railway between Monkey hill &
Longest Tunnel
Khandala (6.5 km, 2,100 metres)


Oldest Preserved Locomotive Fairy Queen (1855), still in working order

Indian Railway's Fastest Train Bhopal-Shatabdi (runs at a speed up to 140 km/hr)

Train with Maximum Number of Halts Howrah-Amritsar Express (115 halts)
Aug. 7
Sampoorna Kranti Express, Howrah Rajdhani,
Trains without Commercial Halts:
Bombay Rajdhani, Pragati Express and Pune Shatabdi

Navapur (Maharashtra and Gujarat), Bhawani Mandi
Stations across State Lines:
(Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan)

Ist AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC, AC Chair Car, 2nd sleeper &
Classes of Travel on Indian Railways
2nd ordinary


Aug. 7
Special Tips for Planning Train Travel in India…

Travelling in India by train is very exciting, unique and you’ll have some great memories. The
destination is important but journey should be equally interesting. Travelers, both domestic
and foreigners, looks for great accommodation options in India and rely on local travel agents
for local transport. It is also interesting to plan your journey on Indian Railways.

There are some tips for tourists who want to travel in India by train are:

Plan your journey

The first thing is to plan in advance. The reservation is available 60 days in advance, excluding
the date of journey at the train originating station. Tickets are booked out days or sometimes
weeks in advance, especially for long-distance overnight trains, so book your train tickets as
early as you can.


Aug. 7

Railway Booking Counter

Classes on Indian trains

1st AC – These coaches are fully air-conditioned compartments with 2 or 4 bunks and a wash
basin, including all bedding.

2nd AC – Air-conditioned compartments with 4 bunks, but still very nice, and about half the
price of 1st AC.

1st Class (non-AC) – Similar to 1st Class AC above, but without bedding or air-conditioning,
and much cheaper.

3rd AC – Air-conditioned compartments with 6 bunks per compartment so it’s more crowded
but still comfortable and clean.

Sleeper Class – These are similar to 3rd AC but without air-conditioning or bedding, and
usually quite crowded.

Unreserved 2nd Class – Open carriages with bench seats and often amazingly crowded, and
extremely cheap.


Break Journey

If you book a 7
Aug. single journey ticket for a distance more than 500 km, and can break the journey
once for a period of 2 days at any station en-route after 500 km. These 2 days do not include
the day of arrival and day of departure. And if you want to travel the main tourist destinations
then you can spend up to 4 days at any destination en-route. This will give you enough time to
cover all the tourist destinations in and around the city where you break your journey.

Circular Journey

The Indian Railways also have the facility for tourists who want to cover many destinations in a
single trip, then you can book a circular journey ticket such that the journey begins and ends at
the same station. A single circular journey ticket permits 8 breaks in between your journey.
Indian Railway has some standard circular journey routes covering most of the popular tourist
destinations across India. The passengers have the choice of either purchase the tickets for
planned routes or plan the route yourself.

Indrail Pass

India rail Pass-Cost price

The Indian Railways has made some flexibility for tourist like Indrail Pass allows foreigners
(and Indians residing abroad) to travel anywhere without any route restriction within its
validity period. If you plan to do most of the traveling by train, it offers better economy as well.
Indrail Passes are available at the tourist bureau set up in all major stations. You just have to
decide the class by which you wish to travel and the period.


Some Extra Tips

Aug. 7

Favorite Time Pass in Trains

I would give some tips for making your journey more relaxing via Bring a good book! This is
the best time to catch up on your reading, spend time looking out the windows, and admiring
the ever changing landscape, strike up conversations and chat with your fellow passengers and
If you’re a light sleeper, bring some earplugs or headphones.


Guide to Being at Ease at Railway Stations in India
Aug. 7

Chattr
apati Shivaji Terminus

Indian Railways is part of our colonial heritage with some of the finest buildings serving as
railway stations. Bombay Victoria Terminus Station now known as “Chattrapati Shivaji
Terminus” has been declared a UNESCO heritage site. Indian railways endeavor to bring the
best to the traveler. Though a number of amenities and customer conveniences have been
provided, sometimes we are not aware of the amenities and accordingly are not able to utilize
them to our advantage. This is an attempt by “The Other Home” team to bridge this gap.

Charbagh Railway Station, Lucknow


Waiting and Retiring Rooms

Aug. 7

If you are facing delays in your journeys due to any reason; you can avail of the retiring rooms
and waiting rooms at railway stations at reasonable rates. Bookings for these rooms can be
done at the station manager’s office on production of a valid ticket. There is also guest room
facility for passengers traveling at night on major stations itself. So no more spending on hotels
and living in scare of missing the train.

Food


Comesum - Railway Station

Catering facilities including refreshments rooms, tea stalls, snack bars, automatic vending
machines (beverages) are available at stations. Rates are prescribed by railway administration
and are very 7reasonable. In Delhi, Comesum 24×7 restaurants at the railway stations have
Aug.
become hub spots for all nocturnal birds.

Book / Stalls and Other Conveniences

A.H. Wheeler & Co. - Bookstore (@Wikipedia)

There are book stalls at major stations for passengers. These bookstalls have newspapers,
magazines, comic books, etc. AH Wheeler & Co (P) Ltd, is Indian owned company owning
a bookstore chain that was co-founded by Emile Moreau, a French author and T K Banerjee,
an Indian businessman and some others in Allahabad in 1887. The first store was opened at
Allahabad station in 1877. In 2004, it had bookstores at 258 railway stations all over India.
Any veteran railway traveler in India will vouch for AH Wheeler & Co.


Enquiry

Aug. 7

There is enquiry office at every station for handling passenger queries related to train timings,
train tickets availability, etc.

Medical Rooms

In case of medical emergencies there are medical rooms for the passengers with doctor
available at all times to assure immediate attention at all major train stations.


Cloak Room
Aug. 7

In case you do not wish to carry it into the city and intend picking it up on your return, “Cloak
Room” facility is provided at each station for brief storage of your luggage on payment. So next
time you have some time on your hand at the railway station in between changing trains, store
your luggage and explore the city.

Facilities for Physically Challenged

Indian railways enables journey of differently abled
people by provisioning of standard ramps with railings
for barrier free entry, earmarking at least one parking
lot for two vehicles used by physically challenged
persons, provision of a non-slippery walkway from
parking lot to the building, provision of signages of
appropriate visibility, provision of at least one drinking
water tap suitable for use by a differently abled person
and provision of at least one toilet on the ground floor.


Indian railways enables journey of differently abled people by provisioning of standard ramps
with railings for barrier free entry, earmarking at least one parking lot for two vehicles used by
physically challenged persons, provision of a non-slippery walkway from parking lot to the
building, provision of signages of appropriate-visibility, provision of at least one drinking water
tap suitable for use by a differently abled person and provision of at least one toilet on the
Aug. 7
ground floor.

I know that much leaves to be desired but things are improving at a very fast pace. Mahatma
Gandhi used Indian Railways to explore India. The appeal of this remains true even after so
many years. Rail track arteries running through the length and breadth of the country are
perhaps the best way to discover where India’s heart lies and what makes it tick. I always
couple my journeys with homestays to help my discovery, explore the milieu and be the eternal
“Glocal” (Travel Global, Think Local).


Easy Guide to Rail Reservations for Tourists in India

Aug. 7

How to make an Indian Railways Reservation online? This will be the foremost question
in the minds of several people who wish to travel by rail in India during this summer holidays.
Yes, it is holiday season and the rush for Indian Railways online booking is on.

Here is a step by step guide to Indian railways reservation process:

Plan Your Journey

The first thing is to plan in advance. The reservation is available 60 days in advance, excluding
the date of journey at the train originating station.


Booking from abroad is a little difficult, if you are totally new to how India, and Indian railway
system work. However, online seat availability checks and online train ticket booking is
available for most of the trains though the Indian Railways website.

You have Aug. 7options when you book India Railway tickets over the internet:
two

Indian Railways I-Ticket Reservations

You make an I-Ticket India Railway booking on the internet, but you have it delivered to an
address in India. Lists of cities and towns where this courier service is available are published
on the site. Unfortunately, the India railway booking office does not courier tickets to overseas
locations. You will have to provide a local address to receive these tickets. Possible suggestions
for destinations are friends currently located in India or the hotel you might be staying at in
India. You should allow for about 2–3 days’ delivery time.


Indian Railways E-Ticket Reservations

Aug. 7

You make your E-Ticket Indian Railway booking over the internet and print the ticket yourself
on your home computer. This is a good idea if you have access to a printer and you don’t really
want to have them couriered elsewhere. It is not possible however to pick up tickets booked
online at train stations.

You have to register online on the India railway website in order for the site to process your
purchase. An extra service charge of 1.8% is levied on the total cost of the tickets for internet
bookings. The site accepts Visa and MasterCard. A refund is made on the card if you cancel the
ticket later. Make sure you note down the 10 digit PNR and the Transaction ID… you will need
these if you want to cancel.

A maximum of four online bookings can be made in a month, and each ticket can be for a
maximum of six passengers.


Booking India Railway Tickets In Person

Aug. 7

Passengers on Indian trains can reserve tickets in person at the India railway reservation
counters in India. There are hundreds of them all over the country. Most cities have ticket
counters located at multiple locations for the passengers’ convenience. There are special quotas
for foreign tourists. Enquire about this at the reservation enquiry counter on your route. India
railway ticket counters are open 8.00 a.m. till 8.00 p.m. on weekdays, and 8.00 a.m. till 2.00
p.m. on Sundays.

You can use credit cards for booking tickets at the reservation counters. Tip: look for the
special Credit Card counters at the reservation office (often queues are shorter here) though
you need to pay an additional Rs. 30/- as a service charge.


Checking Seat Availability on the India Railway System

Aug. 7

If your ticket is wait listed, you can avail of the interactive voice response system (IVRS) facility
to find out the current status as also the train/departure timings by dialing the IVRS telephone
numbers. IVRS numbers are as follows for New Delhi- 1330, 1335; Mumbai-2656565: Kolkata-
136, 137, 138 and Chennai-1361, 1362, 1363. Indian railways have earmarked universal
telephone number 139 for enquiry, throughout India from state owned MTNL/VSNL networks.

“Tatkal” Scheme

“Tatkal” translated as “Priority” scheme provides a limited number of seats/berths in more
than 90 trains. This is available at a small premium of Rs 200/- for AC 2 tier, Rs 150/- for AC 3
tier and Rs 50/- each for chair car and sleeper class. Railways have appointed railway tourist
agents (RTAs) and rail traveler’s service agents (RTSAs) in major cities.


Aug. 7

To enhance your train travel experience in India we suggest that you try out homestays,
which are excellent ways of experiencing the local culture, cuisine and ethos. Another good
option is vacation rentals, which are good for travelers in group as they provide better space
and independence at affordable prices and at really wide variety of awesome locations. We
at The Other Home provide you choices for the best homestays, vacation rentals, adventure
options and a lot more.


Guide to Accommodation on Indian Trains

Aug. 7

India train travel offers a very wide spectrum of accommodation as regards comfort and
budget. Passenger’s awareness of the sanitary and comfort conditions of the various levels
when purchasing a ticket can be very helpful in their making the right choice. The range of
accommodation and accordingly the price can vary from almost luxurious to very basic for a
matching price.

Palace on Wheels Journey


While there are some luxury trains like “The Palace on Wheels” that give you a royalty like
experience on specific tourist itineraries; on standard trains the most comfortable option is the
first-classAug. 7
sleeper car, a private compartment that can accommodate two to four people.
Traveling India by railway as a first-class sleeper passenger is considered a reference to earlier
times of relaxed aura that ensures sleep and relaxation during your journey.

The next level of accommodation options on Indian trains encompasses the second- and third-
class sleeper car options. India train tickets for long distance travel are typically sold out at
least 15 days in advance, so be sure to reserve these tickets as far ahead as possible as the
second- and third-class sleeper cars are the first to become unavailable. Indian Railways also
provides reservation against cancellation (that ensures you seating accommodation till a point
on the journey where, your regular accommodation might become available, and also provides
an automatic upgrade option to higher class in case the seats are available.

Upper class train compartments have attendants that can provide you bedding, arrange for
coach cleaning or adjust the air conditioning/heating temperature. They can also help you call
for special assistance such as medical assistance, police assistance, complaint/suggestion book,
etc. Selected trains such as “Rajdhani,” “Shatabadi,” etc. provides on board meals, newspapers
and drinking water and have their prices included in the ticket. Many other long distance trains
have arrangement for serving food in your compartment on request, and have a pantry car
attached. This however is not a standard facility in all trains and one must check in advance.
All train stations however provide some basic eatables, reading material and small things that
one might need during travel.


Aug. 7

Food availability in trains

Air-conditioned first class or AC1 or 1A – Each AC1 coach has spacious, carpeted and
lockable 4-berth and 2-berth compartments, with an en suite washbasin. While booking
tickets, you don’t have a choice of compartments because specific berth numbers are allocated
by Indian railways. Though a preference is given to couples for the 2-berth compartment and
to families for the 4-berth one, the same cannot be guaranteed. Preference can also be given at
the time of reservation for the kind of berth (i.e., upper/lower, etc., but the same is not
guaranteed.

First-Class Air Conditioned


Air-conditioned 2-tier or AC2 – Unlike AC1, AC2 coaches are open plan and not divided
into separate compartments. The berths are arranged in bays of four (two upper, two lower) on
one side of the aisle, and in bays of two, above and below the windows, on the other side of the
Aug. 7
aisle. These berths also serve as seats by the day that can be converted to bunks for sleeping.
AC2 coaches are air conditioned, and have ample leg room, curtains for privacy and individual
reading lamps. Bedding is included in the fare.

AC 2 Tier Coach

Air-conditioned 3-tier or AC3 – AC3 coaches are air conditioned coaches with sleeping
berths. Berths are usually arranged as in 2AC but it has 3 tiers of bunk – upper, middle and
lower, arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle and bays of two (upper and lower) on the
other side of the aisle. They are slightly less well appointed, and do not have individual reading
lights or privacy curtains. Bedding is included with fare. Most of the train now provide
standard 220 Volt AC outlets for mobile/laptop charging. Bedding is often included but is not a
standard feature and must be checked in this class of accommodation.


AC three tier (Economy) – These are air-conditioned coaches with sleeping berths, present
in Garib Rath Trains. Berths are usually arranged as in 3AC but with three tiers across the
width and three longways (six on one side of the aisle and three on the other). The seat width is
also relatively narrower in these trains. As compensation though, it is very affordable luxury as
air-conditioned accommodation is provided at very attractive prices.
Aug. 7

AC 3 Tier - Garib Rath

AC Executive Chair class – If you decide to take a Shatabdi, and are traveling for a short
duration and don’t need a berth, you can take the AC Executive chair class. These are air-
conditioned seating coaches for comfortable short-distance travel. There are a total of four
seats in a row.

Executive Class in Shatabdi

AC Chair class – If you are traveling for a short duration, and won’t need to lie down or
sleep, this one is the economical option without significant compromise on comfort. They are


exactly like the AC Executive Chair class, except that they have a total of five seats in a row.
They are found in all intercity day-time trains.

Aug. 7

AC Chair Class

Sleeper class – Sleeper class consists of open plan berths with upper, middle and lower
bunks arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle, and along the coach wall in bays of two
(upper and lower) on the other side of the aisle. Bedding is not provided, and neither is air-
conditioning. Sleeper class can be quite crowded and it’s fairly basic.

Sleeper Class


Unreserved second class – This is the cheapest way to travel in the Indian railways. The
coaches consist of open plan cars with wooden or plastic seats, sometimes cushioned. Although
entry into the compartment is guaranteed, a seat is not guaranteed. Tickets issued are valid on
any train on the same route if boarded within 24 hrs of buying the ticket. These coaches are
usually very crowded.
Aug. 7

Unreserved Second Class

Having said that, whichever way you choose to travel, journey on Indian trains are memorable
experiences. Traveling on the train is the way “Mahatma Gandhi” chose to discover this
country, and it remains the preferred option of most for long distance journeys in the country
for most of the people even today.


Aug. 7

Indian Railways Journey

In Luxury, in comfort or rubbing shoulders with the “Hoi- Polloi”- the journey on the Indian
train is living the Indian life; experiencing the pace of the country it passes through, knowing
the life of the people through conversations with fellow passengers and tasting the cuisine of
the area traversed. So hop on and discover the country the “Gandhi” way.


Indian Railway Heritage
Aug. 7

Explore the most luxurious trains in India. The journey on these trains perhaps is the best way
to get into touch with the heritage and culture of different parts of India. Indian Railways
brings back the remarkable services and luxury days by providing the kings and princes palaces
on rail.

Throughout the journey enjoy the charismatic beauty of the place and luxury stay at the train.


 Maharaja’s Express
Aug. 7

The Maharaja’s Express are the newest heritage luxury trains of Indian Railways. This train
travels all across India on 4 different magical journey routes. From the Taj Mahal to the
Khujuraho temples to wildlife environs of Ranthambore and the holy bathing Ghats of
Varanasi, the Maharajas’ Express indeed presents a unique way of exploring the best of India.


Aug. 7

The Maharaja’s Express is luxury redefined on trains, featuring five carriages for Deluxe
Cabins, six for Junior Suites, two for Suites and one for grand Presidential Suite. Every cabin
has large panoramic windows – a design marvel developed by the Integral Coach Factory,
Chennai. All passenger cabins come with individual temperature controls, the first of its kind
in India and have state-of-the-art facilities. LCD televisions, DVD players, direct dial telephone
and internet, to name a few. In-house movies and live television also keep you entertained
through the royal journey.

A royal banquet for royal passengers, the Maharajas’ Express has two fine dining restaurants
that seat 42 persons at a time; and everyone on board dines together. Wines and beer served
whilst dining come complimentary, of course. One exotic Safari bar with the choicest collection
of house brands of wines, beer and spirits with snacks come complimentary to every passenger.
There’s also a lounge cum bar Raja Club with comfortable club armchairs. And if these features


don’t make you feel pampered, the Maharajas’ Express also houses a high-end boutique
featuring exquisite and unique creations.

Aug. 7

The Maharaja’s Express trains offer 4 tours covering 4 distinct routes, which are:

Princely India – This tour is of 8 days/7 nights and travels through Mumbai – Vadodara –
Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi. It is a spectacular
journey through western India and the legendary Taj Mahal. One can discover the vibrant,
bustling city of Mumbai, imperial Delhi, marvel at the immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal, come
face to face with a tiger in Ranthambore, visit the Amber Fort in Jaipur and explore the
shimmering Lake City of Udaipur. All of this in true-blue royalty, of course.


Royal India – This tour is of 8 days/7 nights and travels through Delhi – Agra –
Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Mumbai. This route is
actually reverse of the Princely India tour.

Classical India – This tour is of 7 days/6 nights and travels through Delhi – Agra – Gwalior
Aug. 7
– Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh – Varanasi – Lucknow – Delhi. It is one of the most popular
journeys of Maharaja’s Express tours exploring the mystique of India. Embark on an
unforgettable escapade that starts off with the capital city of Delhi. Travel through the sacred
city of Varanasi and cruise on the River Ganges to observe ancient spiritual rites. Witness the
immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the sensuous moods of the temples of Khajuraho,
the elegance and imperial splendor of the Nawabs in Lucknow and the wilderness of the
Bandhavgarh National Park.

Royal Sojourn – This tour is of 8 days/7 nights and travels
through Delhi – Jaipur – Kota – Ranthambore – Agra –
Delhi. Step back in time traveling through the royal India,
where some of the world’s most ancient civilizations and
royalties thrived. Embark on a tranquil voyage through
imperial India discovering its fascinating heritage and
exquisite architecture. Enjoy champagne and pay tribute to
the world’s greatest monument to love, the legendary Taj
Mahal. Chase the elusive tiger in Ranthambore National
Park. Visit the glorious city of Kota, set on the east bank of
Chambal River and dine in the lavish Durbar Hall. Feel like
royalty as you participate in an exhibition Elephant Polo
Match followed by dinner. Soak up the spectacular regal
heritage of Rajasthan, with its landscape of hilltop forts and
palaces. This extraordinarily unperturbed Royal journey
through the Sojourns of Rajasthan will leave you
rejuvenated.

So, choose your favorite journey and step aboard Maharaja’s express to experience being a
Maharaja (or Maharani)!!!


Aug. 7
 Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey train ride is the most luxurious way to travel and experience the Deccan
plateau. If the “Royal Rajasthan on Wheels”’ is a gem for travel across Rajasthan and Agra tour,
Deccan Odyssey is regarded yet another jewel of the Indian Railways offering a extraordinarily
luxurious travel experience across Maharashtra and Goa.


Aug. 7

The Deccan Odyssey transports its guests on an unforgettable sojourn of a land shining in
legions grandeur – serene beaches, magnificent forts & palaces, and experiencing heavenly
tales etched in colossal rocks. The Deccan Odyssey train ride journeys through the most
popular and charming tourist destinations of Maharashtra and Goa.


Aug. 7

This magnificent train journey starts and ends at Mumbai, which is the boarding station and
travels through Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Ratnagiri and Bhatye Beaches, Sindhudurg Nagari,
Tarkali, Sawantwadi, Verna, Pune, Aurangabad and Ajanta Caves/Nasik.

It is a 7 days round trip starting on Wednesday from Mumbai. The seasonal tours are also
operated every year between October to April month.


Aug. 7

The Deccan Odyssey rail has 21 coaches out of which 11 are passenger cabins with 4 coups each.
There are two types of cabins – the Deluxe Cabins and the Presidential Suite. There are 2
Presidential Suite Cars with 2 coupes each car.


Aug. 7

The train also has a conference car (can be redesigned as dance floor in the night) and two
restaurant cars. There is also a lounge/bar car and one surprising addition is a Spa Car. Apart
from the above there are generator cars with luggage store and staff car or spare car. A well
stocked bar serves wine, liquor and spirits of Indian and International Brands, to keep you in
“high spirits.”

So, come aboard the Deccan Odyssey and experience a week of luxury and some of the most
amazing landscapes in the Deccan.


 Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Aug. 7

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, earlier known as Palace on Wheels is a luxury heritage train
journey across the state of Rajasthan. The travelers get to experience the land of regal splendor,
Rajasthan with Royal Rajasthan on Wheels while enjoying contemporary royal living. This
luxury heritage train is counted amongst the top 10 luxury train rides across the world.


Rajasthan, earlier the abode of numerous kingdoms, is even today replete with those stories of
valor, tales of love and an impressive history. The makers of this impressive legacy have
charmed the ages with their style and lavishness and have embellished the history of
Rajasthan. With their flamboyant style, the Rulers of princely states of erstwhile Rajputana,
created their 7own luxurious coaches with tasteful and magnificent interiors. The royal families
Aug.
employed the loyal Khidmatgars (attendants) to serve them. With these coaches began a new
era of extravagant hospitality. These coaches were the “palaces on wheels” of the royals and
were adorned with sparkling chandeliers, Persian carpets and intricately carved silverware.
Here, was laid the foundation of “The Palace of Wheels.”

The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways jointly undertook a
venture in 1982 to revive the glorious history of royal carriages. The Palace on Wheels was
conceptualized with 14 luxurious coaches on meter gauge with all modern amenities, plush
interiors, finest wines, sumptuous cuisines and diligent attendants. The train journey was
designed as a 7 day passage through arid landscapes, historic forts and fortress, culturally and
ethnically rich places in this most majestic land. With detailed improvisations in 1995, the
Palace on Wheels was shifted to the broad gauge was renamed “Royal Rajasthan on
Wheels.”


Aug. 7

The train journey on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is of 8 days/7 nights and travels through
Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra.
However, the train ride begins and ends in New Delhi (Safdarjung station).

There are two types of suites (or saloons) on the train – Super Deluxe and Deluxe Saloon.

Super Deluxe Saloon, called the Bravura Suite offers a spacious living with complete
comfort of royal suite. The exquisite silk and velvet bedspreads and draperies take the guest to
the era of munificent living. The finely carved wooden furniture in the super-deluxe suite adds
to your experience. The bed in the cabin is large and comfortable with color-coordinated
draperies.


The ottoman, sofa-chairs and writing table have been provided to make guests’ stay more
comfortable. The suites have been named after the two precious stones, Emerald and
Diamond.

Aug. 7

Deluxe Saloon, called the Extraordinary Suite has been designed to live up to the
grandeur of contemporary princely living with elegant silk furnishings for a befitting aesthetic
appeal. These saloons have been thematically designed with coordinated color schemes and
textures to augment their splendor. The chamber offers luxuries with meticulously chosen
bedding and upholstery, writing-table and chair to make the stay more comfortable. The
furnished saloon gives sufficient mobility within the coupe. The saloons have been created in
three different themes in hues of exquisite jewels, Ruby, Sapphire and Pearl.


Aug. 7

This magnificent train has rewritten the ethos of luxury travel and has set high standards of
hospitality and service in India. The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is not just an excursion but an
unforgettable experience. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) has been
receiving overwhelming responses from all those who have enjoyed this royal journey. The
reservations for travel run ahead and the train occupancy stands full every season.

So come, experience what Indian luxury and royalty is all about on this incredible journey on
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels!!


Aug. 7
 The Fairy Queen

The Fairy Queen is the oldest running vintage steam locomotive in the world and was built in
the year 1855 by the British firm Kitson, Thompson & Hewitson for the British firm East India
Railways. From 1855 (the year it first started) till the year 1908, the Fairy Queen Train
connected Howrah and Raniganj. After its decommissioning, it was proudly showcased for
many years as a National Treasure in the Indian Railways Museum in Delhi.


A Guinness Book of World Records holder and winner of the National Tourism Award, this
pristine beauty rolled again on 1st February 1997 from Delhi, after a gap of 142 years.

Aug. 7

Today, the Fairy Queen Train is a popular luxury heritage Indian train and travelers can enjoy
an exclusive tour from Delhi to Alwar in the heritage locomotive. The steam engine attached
with the train carries a single coach with a capacity of 50 people. The coach is completely air-
conditioned and has a huge glass window in the front that allows viewing the heritage
locomotive as it whistles and runs on the tracks. An attached pantry car is well equipped with
luxurious and royal meals for the passengers and the staff appointed is courteous and well
mannered.

The Fairy Queen Train tour begins from Delhi, the
capital of India, where a traveler can visit various
monuments of historical importance, relish various
kinds of street foods or visit any modern eating joint
offering cuisines from all over the world. The train
journey from Delhi to Alwar is filled with beautiful
scenery of the rocky landscape of the Aravallis, quaint
villages and lots of nostalgia as the Fairy Queen puffs
away and steams across the countryside on its way to
Alwar. When the train reaches Alwar, the guests are
welcomed in a traditional Rajasthani style by cheerful
and colorfully dressed local women with flower
garlands.

From Alwar, the guests are taken on a car ride to
Sariska. At Siliserh, there is a pre-arranged cultural


event at the Lake Palace featuring Rajasthani folk music and dance. A traditional puppet show
and old folk dramas are also organized for the guests in the evening.

At Sariska, guests are again welcomed with hospitality and again short cultural events await
them besides7a trip to the wildlife Sanctuary. Indian Railways offers a unique two days all-
Aug.
inclusive package combining thrill, romance, wildlife and old world charm of steam engine
train ride on the Fairy Queen.

The famous Fairy Queen leaves Delhi Cantonment Railway station on every 2nd and 4th
Saturday of the months between October to March. During rest of the year it is halted for
engine and coaches renovation and also because of hot summer.


 Royal Orient
Aug. 7

The Royal Orient train is one of the world’s most exotic trains. The journey by the Royal orient
train is a rare delight. It is an experience that takes you back to the times of Rajas and
Maharajas. As you embark on your journey by the Royal Orient train, you get to explore two of
the most fascinating and culturally rich states of India, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The journey by
the Royal Orient train is a memorable experience as you get to see different facets of Indian
culture. Modeled on the popular Palace on Wheels, India’s first luxury tourist train, the train
offers tourists a taste of royal luxury while “showcasing the best of Indian culture and
heritage.”


The train started in 1994-95 as a joint venture of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and
the Indian Railways. There are 13 coaches in the train, named after erstwhile kingdoms
of Rajputana.

The coaches 7 provide five-star hotel comforts to passengers. Cabins are furnished in
Aug.
a palatial style and have spacious baths attached. There are multi-cuisine restaurants that offer
Rajasthani, Gujarati, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.

The Royal Orient train also has a bar on board, as well as a lounge in every coach where
passengers can read books and magazines, watch television, listen to music and interact with
other passengers. Other facilities include an intercom, channel music, TV, DVD system and a
massage-cum-beauty parlor.

The traveler gets to experience the best of the two magnificent states, Gujarat and Rajasthan
while traveling in outmost luxury and royal splendor. The Royal Orient offers a 8 days/7 night
package that covers important heritage tourist locations in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The train
starts from Delhi Cantonment station and has stops at Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Udaipur,
Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Junagarh, Veraval, Sasangi, Ahmedpur, Mandvi, Palitana and Sarkhej.

Some of the highlights of the journey are the world famous tourist spots such as Qutub
Minar, Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Delhi, Chittorgarh Fort and Rani Padmini’s Palace in
Chittorgarh, Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Lake Palace in Udaipur, the Gir Wildlife
Sanctuary in Gujarat and the Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur.


Aug. 7


ABOUT US
Aug. 7

The Other Home' is an, India-focused, specialized Vacation Rental, Homestays, Outdoor
Adventure, Heritage properties and Eco-resorts enabler. We bring together property owners
and vacationers to create the dream holiday experience.

The Other Home offers a great selection of vacation villas, service apartments, farm houses,
bed & breakfast properties, rural home stays and adventure/outdoor homes - camping
grounds, yachts/boats and tree houses.

The Other Home has been brought to life by a diversified team with experience in hospitality,
quality control, international business, journalism, communications and a host of other fields.
With great passion, that was backed by extensive knowledge and research, we’ve tried to
present for you here, ideal platform on which you can create your own holiday, your own
resort, your own camp and your own “The Other Home.”

The Other Home

Phone: 011-65028027 / 011-65028028

Website: www.theotherhome.com

Blog: blog.theotherhome.com

Photo blog: photoblog.theotherhome.com

Ebook on Indian Railways 2012

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Ebook on Indian Railways 2012