Friday 7 September 2012

FAQs on Maharajas Express : All you ever wanted to know about Maharajas’ Express

What is Maharajas’ Express?
Maharajas Express is the latest addition to the fleet of luxury trains in India. It is the only luxury train which takes the guests on a pan-Indian journey. It took its maiden voyage in October 2010.

Who owns this luxury train?
Maharajas’ Express is owned by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) - a Public Sector Enterprise under Ministry of Railways, India.

What are the itineraries on offer this season?
Here are the five brand new Maharajas’ Express itineraries on offer this season:
  • Heritage of India (7 nights/4 days): Mumbai - Ajanta - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra – Delhi
  • Treasures of India (3 Nights / 4 Days): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi)
  • Gems of India: (3 Nights / 4 Days): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur – Delhi
  • The Indian Panorama: (7 Nights / 8 Days): Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Lucknow – Delhi
  • The Indian Splendour: (7 Nights / 8 Days): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Balasinor – Mumbai

How much does a trip aboard Maharajas’ Express cost?
http://www.themaharajasexpressindia.com/prices.html

What is the schedule of the train for this season?
http://www.themaharajasexpressindia.com/schedule.html

What is included in the tariff?
  • 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 fees, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide.
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board.
  • Porterage at stations. 


Which are the services not included in the train tariff?
  • 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 fees.
  • 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.

How long does the journey take?
All the five itineraries by Maharajas’ have different durations. Two of them – Treasures of India and Gems of India are the short itineraries spanning over 3 nights and 4 days. The rest three namely - Heritage of India, the Indian Splendour and the Indian Panorama spans over 7 nights and 8 days.

Can I smoke onboard?
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.

Do I have to pay for lunch?
No, the booking amount includes the cost of lunch as well as house brands of alcoholic drinks. However, you will have to pay for the wines and spirits served at the bar.

What is the mode of payment aboard?
All major debit and credit cards are accepted onboard the Maharajas’ Express.

How can I book my Maharajas’ Express journey?
Please email Holidays to Treasure Pvt. Ltd. at sales@holidays2treasureindia.com Or call us at 91 124 4636800

Will I get any discount if I book my trip with Holidays to Treasure?
Yes, on every direct booking, you will get a special discount of 10%.

Does the staff at Maharajas’ Express speak in English?
Yes, all crew members are well versed in English language.

What is the dress code for guests?
Smart casuals for the day, clothes with subdued colors for jungle safari and formal attire for the dinner to suit the occasion and as a consideration for fellow travelers is polite. Since the itinerary involves walking excursions off train, it is recommended that you carry walking shoes along.

Are guides available for the journey?
On all excursions off-train, you will be accompanied by specialized guides with thorough knowledge of the particular place. Foreign language speaking guides can also be arranged at additional cost on prior request at the time of booking by the guests.

How many restaurants are there on the train?
The Maharajas' Express has two fine dining restaurants - Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal with a seating capacity of 42 persons each.

What kinds of cuisines are available on board?
All Indian, continental and oriental cuisines are available onboard, but the signature traditional dishes from Indian kitchen steal the limelight.

Can I drink aboard the train?
Yes, you can. The train has two bars – the Safar bar and the Rajah Club, offering house wines, spirits, beers and soft beverages.

What kinds of suites/bedrooms/cabins are available onboard?
The Maharajas’ Express has 14 passenger cabins aboard - 5 Deluxe Cabins, 6 Junior Suites, 2 Suites and one grand Presidential Suite spanning over an entire carriage. All the cabins come with modern en-suite bathroom and are equipped with direct dial phones, LCD TV, DVD player, internet connectivity, individual temperature control and electronic safe.

Does IRCTC take care of the guests’ pre and post hotel accommodation?
The Maharajas’ Express ticket tariff doesn’t include pre and post hotel accommodation charges. It is highly recommended to the guests to book at least one day pre and post hotel accommodation for the Maharajas’ Express tour. If you want to know more about the pre and post accommodation, you can contact us on the given contact number or e-mail address.

Is there any travel insurance that covers guests on Maharajas’ Express?
Maharajas’ Express India is fully insured for natural calamities or any unforeseen situations such as fire, flood, earthquake and theft. Thus, all passengers are covered under an umbrella of insurance.

Should I also go for personal travel insurance?
It is recommended that you have adequate travel insurance in case of any eventuality from the country of your origin/domain.

How much baggage can I carry?
The guests are requested to carry baggage as per the standards set by the international airlines. As there is limited storage space, so carry soft topped luggage which is easy carry and to store.

Can I use my cell phone onboard the train?
It is advised that you 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.

What is the kind of call phone reception onboard?
The reception may vary while the train is moving, but improves when the train is stationary or near main roads.

Is my luggage safe on the train?
All cabins are equipped with electronic safes. While every precaution is taken, we cannot be held liable for loss of valuables.

Is it mandatory to offer tip to the waiters?
Providing gratuities for small services has been a part of the culture in India. This sum is an additional to tour package price and is left completely at guests' discretion.

How would I travel to off-train excursions?
Right from super deluxe AC coaches for Deluxe Cabin & Junior Suite passengers, to private luxury cars for Suite and Presidential Suite passengers, we ensure a comfortable journey experience is provided to all. All vehicles used for traveling is equipped with complimentary sightseeing kits like bottle coolers, pith hats and shoe uppers.

From where can I buy gifts onboard the train?
On board shopping is possible in Treasure Chest saloon, a high end boutique where you can shop for gifts and souvenirs to cherish the memory of this plush journey.

Is there internet connectivity onboard?
High speed internet access that is made available on board. You need to contact the train manager for further details.

What if I fall sick during the journey?
We have a paramedic on board the train that can provide emergency medical facilitation if required.

Do I need any special vaccination before coming to India?
No specific vaccinations are required for travel to India, however, you are advised to check for advisories on the Govt. of India website. Foreign tourists should be in possession of a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate conforming to international health regulations, if they are originating or traveling through Yellow Fever endemic countries. Anti-malaria precautions should be taken. It is also recommended that you consult your physician for any personal health advice based on your travel itinerary. If you are taking prescription medication, it is advisable to carry enough supplies to last for the duration of your trip. It is also advisable to carry sufficient insect repellent.

I am a diabetic. Will I get a diabetic diet on the train?
Yes, you would if you inform us at the time of booking the train. Every effort will be made to accommodate all culinary requests; however, we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.

What if I cancel or change my booking?
Please note all bookings confirmed are non-transferable and will invite a cancellation charge as applicable.
  • 90 days prior to departure date: 25% of the published tour cost
  • 89 - 60 days prior to departure date: 50% of the published tour cost
  • 59 - 0 days prior to departure date: 100% of the published tour cost
  • No Show: 100% of the published tour cost

Can I carry my camera and click pictures inside the train?
Yes you can. However, at certain off-train excursions, it is prohibited to click pictures.

Is my air ticket included in the air tariff?
The Maharajas’ Express train tariff does not include your International & Domestic Flights fare. However, we can provide information on schedules, fares and even assist with the bookings. We can offer you exclusive packaged fares and extended trips to other tourist destinations in India. Or more information, kindly contact us at sales@holidays2treasureindia.com

When will be my travel documents issues?
All the travel documents which are valid only on passenger’s name will be issued 14 days prior to the departure date. The guests are requested to carry their booking confirmation with them at the time of departure.

What all amenities are available for disabled passengers?
We regret that the dimensions of the carriages and design of the train are not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. It is recommended that guests with limited mobility and other such constraints 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.

Will I have to pay the entry fees to various monuments, forts etc included in the itinerary?
No, all this is included in your train tariff.

On the day of embarkation, when should I reach the airport?
All the passengers are requested to kindly reach the departure venue at least one hour prior to the mentioned time. After the completion of the registration and check in formalities, the guests will be escorted by the train staff to their respected cabins.

Will potters be available at stations to assist me with my baggage?
Yes, porters will be available at all embarkation and disembarkation stations to assist you with your luggage.

Can I charter Maharajas Express?
The corporate houses, agencies or individuals can charter Maharajas’ Express for special events such as conferences, wedding or for any other exclusive event. For more details on that, please feel free to contact us at sales@holidays2treasureindia.com or call us at +91 124 4636800

Once booked, if there any chance of my trip being cancelled or deferred by IRCTC?
The Maharajas’ Express journeys require a minimum number of passengers to operate. In case this minimum requirement is not availed, the guests are offered an alternate departure date or an alternate journey or refund of their money.

Will laundry service be available onboard the train?
Maharajas’ Express offers limited laundry services onboard.

Are there any last time changes in the itineraries?
The itineraries on certain departures might run in the reverse direction. There may be a slight amendment in the activities and sequence of destinations visited. The comfort, luxury and fun won’t be compromised at any cost.

How does IRCTC ensure that guests get round the clock service?
A dedicated team of butlers offer round the clock service to fulfill the requirements of the guests onboard. Each carriage is managed by a single professionally trained butler who offers the services to the guests to make the journey comfortable and memorable for the guests.

What if I want to book pre and post trip to other tourist destinations in India?
If you wish to explore the mesmerizing beauty of India before or after your Maharajas Express journey, you can do so by contacting us. We have crafted some of the finest holiday packages in India which juxtaposes the various hues of India amid peerless luxury.

What if I want to go for a special excursion, which is not the part of the itinerary?
An additional supplement will be levied on certain departures which offer special interest excursions, signature events and special guest lecturers.

What kind of power supply should I expect onboard Maharajas’ Express?
Voltage available on the train is 110 volts. International adaptors are also available on board.

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