Treasures Of India - Luxury Train Tour Package

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

It is highly recommended that you take a minimum of one pre and post night accommodation with your rail journey. Bookings and reservations can be made by contacting us.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

All wash rooms are provided with hair dryers.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

The itineraries on certain departures will run in the reverse direction. There may be a slight amendment in the activities and sequence of destinations visited. The right to vary, amend, alter or withdraw any particular itinerary, departure or excursion rests entirely with the IRCTC.

Neither party shall be considered in breach of this Agreement or in default of its obligations hereunder if it fails to perform or observe any or all of the terms of this Agreement as a direct or indirect result of causes beyond the reasonable control of such party, such as but not limited to, acts of God, Civil or military authority, acts of the public enemy, threat of war, declared war, undeclared war, war riots, actual or threatened terrorist activity, civil disturbances, insurrections, industrial dispute, strikes, accidents, explosions, fires, earthquakes, floods, transportation embargoes, epidemics, Pandemic, diseases, acts of government, its agencies or officers, non availability of venues or any other legitimate cause beyond the reasonable control of the parties.

Please note that our train operates within the constraints of the Indian Railways Network and the timing agreed upon by them. We require you to abide by timings suggested by your guides, escorts, etc. enabling us to adhere to the schedules. Certain departures would be operating in reverse with minor changes in timings and flow of destinations.

Should you have any complaints or face any problem during your journey, please bring it to the attention of the Train General Manager immediately, while on board, in order for him or her to provide you with an immediate solution rectifying the problem whilst on tour. It is only if you do this, that IRCTC has the opportunity to put matters right, on the spot. Failing to do this, any right to compensation, which you may have, will be extinguished or reduced. In the unlikely event that the problem persists, please write to the IRCTC Customer Service team either by email to within 3 weeks of your return from the tour, providing us with the details of your booking reference and complaint. Any delay beyond the stipulated time may affect our ability to investigate the complaint and may impact the way that your complaint is dealt with.

The guest availing services or undertaking the tour/trip, having such activities which involve risk of accident or death or personal injury or loss of any kind, shall be deemed to have read, understood and expressly accepted the terms and conditions of this agreement which shall govern the transaction for all purposes and shall be binding on guest/agent.

The guest expressly agreed that the use of services/ undertaking the tour/trip is at their sole risk. In the event of an untoward incidence, causing injury/fatality/loss of any kind to guest, the company and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage of whatsoever nature or personal injuries or death, howsoever arising (including, but not limited to the guest’s or any other person’s property) which the guest or any such other person may incur or suffer as a result of or arising from the guests participation in the tour and any other activities undertaken on or during the tour, and the guest irrevocably and forever releases and discharges the company and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents from any and all such liability.

Additionally there are terms and guidelines that govern a particular feature, offer or operating rules or policies applicable to each service. The guest shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms and guidelines or operating rules or policies of the respective services.

The guest furthermore indemnifies and holds the company and its respective directors, offices, employees, representatives and agents harmless from and against any and all loss, damage, actions, proceedings, claims, demands and legal and other costs and expenses (including legal costs on an attorney and own guest scale) of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising (including, but not limited to, the guest’s or any other person’s injury or fatality, or any loss of or damage to the guest’s or any other person’s injury or fatality, or any loss of or damage to the guest’s or any other person’s property) asserted against or incurred by the company, its affiliates their respective lawful successors and assign, that arise out of, result form or may be payable by virtue of any breach on non performance of representation, warranty, covenant or agreement, made on obligation to be performed by the guest pursuant to this agreement.

The guest shall be solely responsible for any breach of any specific rules/regulation or ground code of conduct of the area and the company cannot be held responsible for the same.

IRCTC shall ensure that all elements of the journey (On board and off board) within its control are provided as narrated in its brochures meeting standard of excellence. However, IRCTC reserves the right to change the venues/destinations/ events due to unavoidable circumstances and in that eventuality, the passengers will be advised suitably. Train timings are given as guidance only and are subject to change. The relationship between IRCTC and the passenger shall be governed by the Terms and Conditions of booking which shall constitute a binding contract between IRCTC and the passenger and shall define the mutual rights, duties, responsibilities and liabilities of the parties. IRCTC shall advise the passengers on board to submit their feed back on the journey undertaken. IRCTC reserves the right to decline booking of any passengers, to cancel any such bookings already made or to refuse boarding any passenger, if it may be necessary to prevent violatio n of any law. The passenger’s reservation may be refused / cancelled or his boarding may be refused / passenger may be offloaded if the passenger or any articles carried by such passenger pose a risk to the IRCTC Super Luxury Train, property or the well being and enjoyment of other passengers.

IRCTC assure that all arrangements for the passenger’s holiday will be made and provided with utmost skill and care as per itinerary. IRCTC will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description whatsoever which results from:

• The act(s) and / or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) Of their party; or
• The act(s) and / or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of arrangements and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or
• Any service or facility not arranged by IRCTC as part of the contract; or
• ‘Force majeure’ as defined herein.

Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any travel arrangements, the maximum amount of compensation will be limited to the extent provided here under:

• Public liability insurance if any taken by IRCTC.
• Any relevant international conventions or regulation which apply to the travel arrangements in question.
• IRCTC’s liability for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim may be limited by relevant conditions as outlined in booking terms and conditions of IRCTC.

Exclusion Of Liability Or Responsibility:

• Any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description which, based on the information given at the time of booking, one could not have foreseen that the passenger would suffer or incur damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description if terms of agreement are breached.
• Any business losses.
• Excursions or other tours or any other travel services taken and paid for by the passenger which have not been provided by IRCTC whilst the passenger is on IRCTC tour. In such instances, the passenger’s contract will be with the Sales Affiliates/ supplier of the excursion of tour or travel services and not with IRCTC.
• IRCTC does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result of any event beyond its control.
• IRCTC will not be liable for indirect or consequential loss or damage howsoever arising.
• IRCTC accepts no liability for the consequences of cancellation or delay, other than as specified elsewhere herein.
• Except as otherwise provided in the Terms and Conditions, all baggage and personal effects are at all times the responsibility of the clients and IRCTC takes no responsibility for the same.

We try to maintain the privacy of the personal information provided by you. However, it would be necessary for us to share this information with Consulates, Embassies, Airlines, Hotels and other service providers who would be providing you service during the tour. We would also be constrained to disclose such information if we receive an order of the court, a requisition from any government or statutory authority, subpoena, or under any law, rules or regulations, such disclosure becomes necessary. The company reserves the right to publish photographs / letters / web pictures /videos / emails taken by you during the tour and also to track usage statistics online.

You will have to strictly follow the tour program. There would be no refund if you fail to join the group at the commencement of the tour, or join the group later or leave the group before culmination of the tour for any reasons whatsoever. You are responsible to register with the representative of the Company at the appointed date, place and time and you would be treated as a no-show if you fail to do so. Under no circumstances would any refund be given for any unutilized services. You shall not behave in a manner which may cause distress or annoyance to other co-travellers or which may create the risk of danger or damage to property of the Company, co-travellers or others. In this event, you may be asked to leave the tour immediately. The Company shall be under no liability to any such person.

The communication transmitted to your mailing address / email address on record shall be deemed to have been communicated to you. All communication from you to the Company has to be in writing, not orally. Where a booking is made directly by you with the Company, communications will be sent to you at your mailing address or e-mail address given in the Booking Form. Where a booking is made through a travel agent, communications from the Company will be sent to your agent through whom such booking has been received on your behalf and the agent would be responsible for transmitting such communication to you. All monies paid to the travel agent shall not constitute payment to us unless deposited by your agent with the Company. In case of publication of any travel scheme offering any discount or benefit by the Company, it shall have the sole right to withdraw such a scheme or discount at any time unless a specific assurance to the contrary is published.

At India Railway catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) Maharajas’ Express, guest safety and holiday enjoyment are very important, therefore, travel insurance is essential. For booking your travel on Maharajas’ Express it is highly recommended to have adequate travel insurance cover from the country of domicile for injury, illness, death, accident, loss of effect & luggage, holiday cancellation. Please carry a copy of travel insurance policy stating clearly the company, policy number and 24 hour medical emergency telephone number. Availability of a copy of the policy with us would be helpful in case of any emergency.

There will be supplement charge of USD 500 per pax travelling during the tour falling on New Year eve and Christmas.

The supplement charge will be applicable for child between 05-12 years also. Supplement charges may be applicable for certain signature journeys as announced by IRCTC from time to time.

We will provide a Local English/ Language speaking local guide at each destinations on complimentary basis.

Note :

• In case guests desire for accompanying English/ Language speaking accompanying guide throughout the tour, it will be provided on chargeable basis subject to availability.
• In some of the destinations language speaking local guides are not available. Whereas language speaking local guides at those locations will be tried but not guaranteed, we will provide English speaking local guides.

In case, a group desires a separate vehicle/guide the policy will be followed as under:

• For a group (14+1 pax or more) an air-conditioned deluxe bus with local English/ language speaking local guide may be provided on complimentary basis but a Volvo Bus can be provided at supplement cost.
• For a group (28+2 pax or more) Volvo bus with local English /language speaking local guide may be provided on complimentary basis.

Note :

• In case guests desire for accompanying English/ Language speaking accompanying guide throughout the tour, it will be provided on chargeable basis subject to availability.
• In some of the destinations language speaking local guides are not available. Whereas language speaking local guides at those locations will be tried but not guaranteed, we will provide English speaking local guides.

• For Charter & full train booking the sightseeing shall be provided on sharing seat in coach basis and English Speaking/ Language Speaking Local Guides on complimentary basis.
• For Exclusive Vehicles or accompanying English/ Language Guides a supplement cost shall be charged.

The journeys are planned well in advance. We reserve the right to make changes to the programme if necessary at any point of time. Should the minimum number of passengers not be met or due to certain operational reasons and conditions, we reserve the right to cancel the departure or amend the same. Operation of All the journeys are subject to a minimum number of passengers. In case the minimum numbers of passengers are not mustered, IRCTC reserves the right to offer the client an alternate departure date or an alternate journey or a refund. In the unlikely such eventuality, 30 days advance intimation may be given, wherever possible. The refund would be subject to the booking terms and conditions of IRCTC. Most changes made by us would be minor, but on certain occasions there could be a possibility of making a significant change. A change is defined as significant if it involves a change of destination or date of departure. In such an eventuality, we would inform you as soon as possible and provide you with the following solutions:

• Accepting the changed arrangements or
• Purchasing alternative arrangements from us, similar in standard as originally booked if available with the applicable cost adjustment or
• Cancelling or accepting the cancellation where you will receive a refund of the payment remitted to us. However, there will be no refund for any service such as pre / post accommodation, airline tickets, Visa, excursions, extensions etc. that have been booked by you and / or your Travel Agent.

In case of a ‘force majeure’ (please refer to details mentioned below) situation due to which a departure has to be cancelled, we regret there would be no refund of the monies paid to us or reimbursement of any additional expenses incurred by you as a result of our cancellation / change.