Maharajas' Express Luxury Train General Information

On board the Maharajas' Express

A train that never falls short of promising you a royal experience, The Maharajas' Express features five carriages for Deluxe Cabins, six for Junior Suites, two for Suites and one for a grand Presidential Suite. Every cabin has large panoramic windows - a design marvel, to savour every bit of magnificent India. All passenger Cabins come with Air Conditioning. 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. Just a small reminder for those who are used to a different power supply, the Maharajas' Express is equipped with 110/230V sockets. Every cabin also has its own electronic safe deposit box.

General information

Please find below some general information to assist you with your planning for your journey aboard the Maharajas' Express.

Maharajas' dining

A royal banquet for royal passengers, the Maharajas' Express has two fine dining restaurants that seat 42 persons each and everyone on board dines together. House wines and beer served whilst dining come complimentary, of course.

Maharajas' bar and lounges

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 Rajah Club with comfortable club arm-chairs. And if these features don't make you feel pampered, the Maharajas' Express also houses a high-end boutique featuring exquisite and unique creations.

Credit cards

The Maharajas' Express accepts Credit Cards, Master, Visa, Amex on board. A surcharge is applicable on all payments made using credit / debit cards.

Maharajas' transport

From super deluxe coaches for Deluxe Cabin and Junior Suite passengers, to cars for the Suite and Presidential Suite passengers each at every destination. All equipped with complimentary sightseeing kits like bottle coolers, candies and tissues and shoe uppers. After all, when it comes to providing comfort to royals, every little detail matters. That's what the Maharajas' Express has in waiting for you when you step off.

Visas

Passengers should be in possession of valid travel documents and a valid visa granted by Indian Missions abroad for entering India. Those arriving in India without visas bearing the correct validity dates and number of entries into India are subject to deportation. For Foreign nationals holding Tourist Visas with a stay stipulation of 180 days / 90 days and with a multiple entry facility; there should be a gap of at least 2 months between two visits to the country on this visa. In case there is a requirement to visit the country within two months, permission should be sought from the Head of Mission concerned indicating the specific reasons for another visit within a short period. It is suggested that the guests should apply for Visa well in advance (blocking/booking) of Maharajas' Express Luxury Train journey.

Pre & post hotel accommodation

It is highly recommended that you take a minimum of one pre and post night accommodation with your rail journey.

Customs

Customs regulations are in line with those prevailing elsewhere in the world; however, the import of prohibited items carries serious penalties. Please note that it is the responsibility of each passenger to ensure that they are in possession of any necessary and valid documentation and the Company assumes no responsibility for the consequences of any failure to apply.

Personal travel insurance

At Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), guest safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. Therefore, travel insurance is essential; indeed it is a condition of booking with us that passengers have adequate travel insurance cover from the country of domicile for injury, illness, death, accident, loss of effects or luggage and holiday cancellation. Guests must supply IRCTC with the name, address and telephone number of the insurers, policy number and the 24-hour medical emergency telephone number. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be declared to the insurer and to us; failure to do so may invalidate your Travel Insurance Policy.

Insurance for Maharajas' Express

The Maharajas' Express is comprehensively insured for fire, earthquake, theft and terrorism. All guests are covered under an umbrella insurance cover.

Embarkation & disembarkation

The point of embarkation and disembarkation for the specific journeys is as follows:

Guests are required to check-in at least 1 hour prior to departure at Mumbai and Delhi for pre-boarding formalities. Check-in takes place at a pre assigned venue in Mumbai and Delhi. Final details of the meeting point will be provided in the travel documents and vouchers which will be e-mailed or handed over to you approximately 14 days prior to departure.

Following completion of boarding formalities, you will be escorted to your cabin and assisted with your luggage.

On your final night on board, the Train Manager will assist with disembarkation formalities which include luggage and clearance of extras.

Note: Due to any unforeseen delays owing to foggy weather conditions prevailing in northern parts during December-January period and due to any railway delays guests are requested to plan their post disembarkation onward journey having sufficient intermittent time.

What your journey price includes

Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with en suite bathrooms, all meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits, butler service, guided off train excursions as illustrated in the journeys inclusive of entrance fee, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide, complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board, porterage at stations.

What your journey price does not include

Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary, taxes, insurance, gratuities, telephone calls, laundry, alcoholic beverages (apart from the house brands of wines, spirits, beer served in the restaurants and bar), video, film and professional still camera fee and arrival and departure transfers. International and domestic air tickets, pre and post tour accommodation and any tour extensions are not included unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys.

Travel documents

Travel Documents, which are valid only for the passenger(s) named, will be issued after receipt of full payment for your reservation and not normally later than 14 days prior to departure. Please carry your confirmation of booking with you on departure.

Clothing & travel accessories

Recommended Clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the summer and most winter days; with warm clothes for December and January and winter nights.

Please include light sweaters and light wraps for the cold mornings and evenings, for the excursions to wildlife reserves, in the desert and on village safaris throughout the year.

For the journey on board the Maharajas' Express, we recommend smart casual clothing and suitable walking shoes for off train excursions during the day. Comfortable attire in natural subdued colours (bright colours are not advised) which blend with the landscapes is essential for excursions to wildlife reserves.

It is advisable to carry sunscreen, caps / hats and sunglasses.

For dining on board the train smart casual clothing is recommended.

Note:

a) Please note that with the change in weather, we recommend enough woollens while on tour.

b) Please note that for the journeys between mid of December till mid of January, the Northern India witnesses severe cold and fog, therefore it is recommended to carry heavy woolen during this period.

Currency & money exchange

India's currency is the Rupee, abbreviated as Rs. which is divided into 100 paisa. The Rupee notes come in denominations of Rs.5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, & Rs.2000. Coins are in denominations of rupee - 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20.

Foreign Exchange encashments are regulated in India. Any passenger bringing Foreign Exchange in excess of USD 5000 or its equivalent in currency notes and an aggregate total of USD 10,000 and above (Including Cash, bank notes, traveler's cheques) are required to declare the same at the port of entry in India. Please note that changing money in remote areas can be difficult and hence please change with authorized money changers or banks. Please take care not to accept damaged notes or notes with tapes attached as these are not accepted. It is always advisable to carry smaller denomination instead of Rs.2000 note as it is not easy to obtain change.

Note:

Please contact Guest Relation Manger for currency exchange.

Smoking policy

In accordance with Indian Law, smoking is not permissible on board the train. Smoking is also prohibited in all public places such as restaurants, airports, stations, shopping malls, hotels, public areas etc.

Baggage Storage

There is limited storage space inside your cabin. We recommend that each guest travels with luggage as per international airline - rules for first / business class passengers. It is also advisable to carry soft-topped luggage as it is easier to store. Luggage storage is provided under the bed and in the Cabin Cupboards. The size available under the twin bed is 915 mm x 690 mm x 330 mm height and under the double bed is 1370 mm x 940 mm x 330 mm height. It is advisable to lock your luggage.

Special meals / dietary requirement / medical conditions

In case of any special dietary requirement or allergies, guests should mention the same at the time of booking and to the chef/Train Manager on Board. Our Chef shall endeavour to accommodate these as far as possible. Please note a few excursions like Jungle Safaris shall be conducted in open vehicles like jeeps or canters. Such rides may get dusty due to the terrain. Guests with dust related allergies are advised to carry their prescribed medication / inhalers on the journey.

Emergencies

IRCTC requires the details of the ground handler, the place of stay before and after the journey on the Maharajas' Express, so that we can contact the ground handler in case of any emergencies.

Porters

Porters will be available at all embarkation and disembarkation stations to assist you with your luggage.

Butlers

There is a dedicated team of butlers on board to attend to your every need. Each carriage is manned by a single butler, on call 24 hours, trained to meet the needs of our guests and comply with utmost speed and efficiency. Our butlers take pride in offering unique services to each of our guests ensuring a memorable stay on board.

Wheelchair access / disabled passengers

We regret that the dimensions of the carriages and design of the train are not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. We also recommend that guests with limited mobility and other such constraints should be accompanied by an able-bodied passenger. However, our valets will be available to provide additional assistance. Kindly specify any special requirements at the time of booking.

Electricity

Voltage available on the train is 110 volts. International adaptors are also available on board.

Bed & bath linen

The bed and bath linen is changed everyday. We request you to help us protect the environment and if you wish to reuse your towels, you may leave it on the towel rack.

Hot water

For running hot water, please be sure to switch on heating 20 minutes prior to usage. For cabins on double occupancy, please allow a gap of 20 minutes between two users.

Safe

All cabins on board the Maharajas' Express are equipped with electronic safes. For safety reasons, it is advisable to store the passport, travel documents and other valuables in the safe provided in the cabin. However, it is still important to have your personal effects insured.

Hair dryers

All wash rooms are provided with hair dryers.

Off train excursions

Since most of our Off Train Excursions involve a fair amount of walking, we recommend you pack some comfortable walking shoes. A moderate degree of physical fitness is required to participate on our off train excursions. You may encounter unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and problems getting on and off the train.

Travellers with walking difficulties or any such physical condition should inform us at the time of booking. We reserve the right to refuse participation on any of our excursions to anyone who would be incapable of completing the tour or would cause unacceptable delays to the rest of the group. In these circumstances there would be no refund for any unused part of the tour.

Guides

On all off train excursions, you will be accompanied by professional and qualified English speaking guides. There's no substitute for a little local flavour, so we employ experienced local guides who provide an invaluable and in-depth view of the sights that you visit.

Language speaking guides can be provided at select destinations, subject to availability and at an extra cost. Please let us know of your requirement at the time of booking.

Transportation on excursions

Most excursions off the train include a coach transfer for Deluxe Cabin & Junior Suite passengers and Luxury cars for Suite & Presidential Suite passengers; however, certain excursions are also undertaken by jeeps. Kindly refer to your itinerary for specific details.

Paramedic on board

We have 24 hrs paramedic on board the train that can provide emergency medical facilitation if required.

Health

No specific vaccinations are required for travel to India currently. However, the latest advisory in this regard may kindly be checked before departure. Foreign tourists should be in possession of a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate conforming to international health regulations, if they are originating or travelling through Yellow Fever endemic countries. Anti-malaria precautions should be taken. It is also advisable to carry sufficient insect repellent.

It is recommended that a physician be consulted for any personal health advice based on the travel itinerary. If under prescription medication, it is advisable to carry enough supplies to last for the duration of the trip.

It is recommended that guests carry their own medicines, since all medications in India are locally manufactured and the same brand names may not be available.

Please specify any ailments at the time of booking and update the Guest Relations Manager of the same while boarding.

Laundry

A limited laundry service is available at select destinations. Please contact your carriage butler for details.

Gratuities for services

Providing gratuities for small services is part of the culture in India. Any amount to be given towards gratuities for all the staff on-board is completely at the guests' discretion. An envelope will be provided in each cabin on the last night of the journey for the same.

Internet

High speed Internet access is available on board. Please contact the Train Manager for details. The internet reception can vary while the train is moving, but does improve when the train is stationary or near large cities.

Cell phones

Kindly keep your Cell Phone on silent mode on board the train out of consideration for your fellow passengers and also while visiting certain monuments on your Off Train Excursions. Please also note that the use of cell phones and laptop computers is discouraged in all the public areas and should be used in the privacy of your cabin.

Cell phone reception

The reception can vary while the train is moving, but does improve when the train is stationary or near large cities.

Telephone calls

Telephone facility is provided in all cabins. The cost for all external calls is additional and not included in the cost of the journey.

Train manager

Train Manager will be available in the train through out the journey. For special requests / problems / tour information, you may contact him.

Placement of train on platform at stations

After deboarding of the guests at the stations Maharajas' Express moves to the yard for fueling and watering. Hence, timings as advised at the time of deboarding should be followed to avoid any inconvenience. In case any guest decides to return to the train before the advised boarding time, he/she should contact the Train Manager to check the availability of the Maharajas' Express on the platform.

Expectation from guest

Passengers are advised to be punctual and to adhere to the prescribed timings. IRCTC will not delay departures or make provisions for late arrivals. In case any services are missed due to the late arrival of the guests, IRCTC shall not provide alternate services and shall not make any refunds for the same. The guests are expected to follow the tour to avoid any confusion. Prior information should be given to Train Manager if the guest want to leave the group/train for personal visits/tours. Guests who repeatedly fail to follow the tour may be asked to leave the tour to avoid inconvenience to the other guests and the management.

On-board safe

All cabins are equipped with electronic safes. While every precaution is taken, we cannot be held liable for loss of valuables.

Crew

Maharajas' Express world-class service is highlighted by our team of highly motivated hospitality staff who ensure that the guest experience is unmatched and every need is not just met, but anticipated. Our attentive, unobtrusive crew members add a unique sense of exclusivity to the journey. All our staff members are well versed in the English language.

Minimum passenger requirement

All our journeys require a minimum number of passengers to operate. Should this not be accomplished, we will offer you an alternate departure date or an alternate journey or a refund. In the unlikely eventuality of this occurring, 30 days advance intimation can be given.

Special excursions / events

An additional supplement will be levied on certain departures which offer special interest excursions, signature events and special guest lecturers.

Charters

The Maharajas' Express can be chartered to corporate companies, agencies and individuals worldwide for incentives, conferences, weddings or any other exclusive event.

Child Policy

Maharajas' Express does accommodate children but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavour to maintain.

• 1. Children below 5 years shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking.
• 2. Single child (5 years - 12 years) - 50% of the adult fare, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking.
• 3. Please note that we do not have the facility for interconnecting cabins except in the Presidential Suite car.
• 4. All applicable taxes will be charged extra.

Departure dates

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Fare

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