The Indian Maharaja Train
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An extraordinary journey by luxury train travel through the heart of India It is widely acknowledged that travelling by train is a superb way to experience the vast, intriguing and surprising country that is India. The Indian Maharaja, using the newly restored carriages of the Deccan Odyssey train, now offers one of the world’s most extraordinary and unique travel experiences. India is not only an incredible, unique country and civilization; it’s also a mind-boggling potpourri of sights, sounds, colours and experiences: a culture-shock of astonishing contrasts. Whatever your opinions or preconceptions, it is without a doubt one of the world’s ‘must-see’ destinations. Our tour includes a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset, when its white marble is bathed in a soft golden glow – an extraordinary experience! Built to house the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, Emperor Jahan’s wife, it took 20,000 men 22 years to complete. The end result is more than just an astonishing world monument, it has come to symbolise the pure and enduring love between a man and wife. For many this will certainly be the highlight of the tour – but India is nothing if not surprising and the sights of the palaces and forts of Rajasthan, the tigers of Ranthambore, as well as the remnants of British colonial influence in so many facets of Indian life make this tour an endlessly fascinating journey of discovery. The Indian Maharaja also travels through what is arguably India’s most colourful and best-known state of Rajasthan. Fringed by deserts, populated by a fiercely proud and warrior-like people and with more forts and palaces than anywhere else in the country, no other region more clearly illustrates the ancient and modern paradoxes of India. We see the sights of its capital city of Jaipur, known the Pink City because of the hue of its walls and so many of its buildings. We visit the Maharajah’s City Palace plus the great Amber Fort, one of the masterpieces of Rajput architecture, guarding the northern approaches to the city. We also visit Udaipur, the City of Lakes, with the magnificent unashamed luxury of its amazing marble lake palaces. But India is not all history and architecture – genuine Indian cuisine is far more varied and interesting than what we are used to at home. From a simple hot chapatti fresh from the oven, to the delicate spices of a Murg Jardaloo (see sample menu overleaf), a trip to India will change your view of Indian cookery – and don’t worry, many dishes are quite mild! Plus the Indians themselves are supremely hospitable people who will go out of their way to ensure visitors enjoy their stay. From the flawless grandeur of the Taj Mahal to the mighty fortresses of Rajasthan, and from the reminders of past glories of the Raj in Delhi to the teeming markets of Jaipur and the shimmering lake palace of Udaipur, our luxurious train journey on the Indian Maharaja encompasses the very best of India and you will return home with some truly once-in-a-lifetime memories. The Indian Maharaja – one of the world’s great trains This incredible train really is one of the world’s great travel experiences with 21 coaches of sheer luxury; it carries just 96 guests from Delhi to Mumbai. On boarding you will go straight to the beautifully styled passenger coaches each of which has just four deluxe twin or double cabins with private bathroom (see photographs overleaf). With fine bed linen and tasteful wood panelling you will already be immersed in the atmosphere of a bygone age and for the ultimate in attentive service each carriage even has its own butler. Within the train’s royal blue carriages there are two beautifully appointed wood-panelled restaurant cars serving superb mouth-watering international and Indian cuisine created by Taj Hotels, one of the most prestigious hotel groups in the world. This, plus crisp table linen, fine china and superb service ensures dining on the Indian Maharaja compliments your travel experience admirably. After each day’s stunning touring, you can unwind in the convivial bar and lounge car, where you can share your travel experiences with your like-minded travelling companions over something which fits the occasion, like a cup of fine refreshing tea or perhaps a G and T, as the unchanging visions of rural India gently slip by. If you feel like pampering yourself, another carriage has its own spa, a small gym and a hairdresser. On the other hand, should you feel like a little peace and quiet, perhaps the opportunity to catch up on some reading or just admire the passing scenery, each passenger carriage also has its own small lounge area too. Fully Escorted tour includes:
Please click here to view prices for specific departures. Prices based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement (date dependant) of £649 to £779. Optional insurance available at a supplement. Follow this link to view a sample itinerary for The Indian Maharaja Train. Further information & booking: Please click here to request your Indian Maharaja Train brochure & booking form, or alternatively please call 01283 523423. Visas: All British passport holders require a visa for India. Please ensure that you have at least two empty pages in your passport and that it is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Single entry tourist visas cost £30 per person, plus a £8.86 service charge, and can be applied for in person or by post via the India Visa Application Centres in either London, Birmingham or Edinburgh, depending on your home address. Please note for postal applications only postal orders are accepted for the visa fee and handling charge. Personal cheques are NOT accepted. All postal applications need to be sent to : Indian Visa Centre, 1-3 Canalside, Uxbridge Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB4 0JN and include a self addressed stamped envelope. Full details of costs, an application form and addresses can be found on /http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/, email: info.in@vfshelpline.com or tel: 0905 7570045 (premium rate line). Visa fees are subject to change without notice and non-refundable. We have listed below some frequently asked questions concerning the completing of the application form. Two UK referees are required. Friends and family are acceptable, though they may not live at the same address as each other or the applicant. Two Indian referees are required: Travel Corporation (India) Ltd There are no restricted areas visited on our tour, enter NA in the applicable field. Whilst the travelling schedule shall pose no problems for people of any age in normal physical health, we would point out that in visiting a number of historical sites, paths may be uneven and uphill and we often enjoy walking tours of the main sights. Therefore this holiday may not be suitable for clients of greatly impaired mobility. In the tropics temperatures and humidity levels will also be quite high for most of the year. Please consult your GP regarding the appropriate inoculations required for India at least a month before departure.To make the most of your trip, we recommend you check the Foreign Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel This holiday is operated by, and your resulting contract will be with: Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton upon Trent, Staffs, DE14 1SP, fax: 01283 742301, ABTA V4744 ATOL 3430 protected, a company wholly independent of The Mirror Group Limited.  Email this offer to a friend. |
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Offer details correct at time of loading 22/07/2010
