The Indian Railways is one of the largest in the world
covering more than 63,000 km. Each day, the Indian
Railways takes over 15 million people to their
destinations in over 7,000 trains, touching 7,100
stations spread across the length and breadth of the
If you want to see the country unfold before
you, travel by train, as Mahatma Gandhi did, to
understand the people and the land. You can choose
between luxury tourist trains such as Palace on Wheels
and the Royal Orient, the superfast Rajdhani and
Shatabdi trains, the quaint, steam-hauled 'toy-trains'
of the hills and the regular trains. Most trains run
daily, but tourist and other special trains may have a
periodic schedule. Special trains are usually run
during holidays and festivals. A railway time-table,
available at railway station bookshops, will give you
the train schedules. Regular trains usually have the
following classes of accommodation: A/c 1st class, A/c
2-tier sleeper, A/c 3-tier sleeper, A/c executive
chair car, A/c chair car, 1st class, Sleeper and 2nd
These are special long-distance express trains
connecting the national capital with state capitals
and provide very comfortable, fast, air-conditioned
accommodation. Unlike other express trains, all
Rajdhani expresses have very few intermediate stops.
Therefore, these are provided with all amenities
required by a passenger over a long period. The
all-reserved trains cover three types of sleeper
accommodation: air-conditioned first class, 2-tier and
3-tier sleeper class. First class accommodation is
grouped in 2 or 4 berth coupes that can be secured
from inside during the journey. The 2-tier carriage
places six sleeper berths in one group; four in one
section and two across the aisle. These, however, can
not be secured individually. The 3-tier class, on the
other hand has 8 berths in one section - six placed in
two rows and two across the aisle in two tiers. All
meals, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, snacks and
cold/hot beverages, mineral water, etc are available,
at fixed prices through vendors on the train. The time
taken to various destinations are: New Delhi-Howrah:
departure 17.00, arrival 10.45; New Delhi-Mumbai:
departure 16.00, arrival 08.35; H. Nizamuddin-Bangalore:
departure 20.50, arrival 7.25; H. Nizamuddin-Chennai:
departure 15.30, arrival 20.05. New Delhi-Ahmedabad:
departure 19.35, arrival 10.00. The fares in A/c
2-tier sleeper from Delhi: Rs. 2,210 to Mumbai, Rs.
2,250 to Kolkata, Rs. 3,085 to Bangalore, Rs. 3,495 to
Thiruvananthapuram, Rs.2,995 to Chennai, Rs. 2,605 to
Bhubaneswar, Rs. 2,810 to Guwahati and Rs. 1,300 to
These are daytime all air-conditioned, superfast,
inter-city trains that link major cities and offer
facilities for quick and comfortable travel. While you
relax, the Shatabdi hospitality treats you to meals
and snacks. Newspapers and mineral water are supplied
free to every passenger. There are two classes for
travel in the train Š executive and chair-car. The
difference in the two classes being more spacious
seating in 2x2 configuration and wider choice of meals
in the executive class and 2x3 seating in chair-car.
Refreshments/meals are included in the fare. The
longest route is to Bhopal (705 km), tabled for 8
hours, 5 minutes. Time taken to some other important
destinations is: New Delhi-Lucknow: departure 6.15,
arrival 12.30; New Delhi-Kalka: departure 7.40,
arrival 12.00; New Delhi-Amritsar: departure 0720,
arrival 13.05; New Delhi-Dehradun: departure 6.55,
arrival 12.40; Howrah-Ranchi: departure 6.05, arrival
A.C Executive Chair Car/A.C. Chair Car fares:
From New Delhi: Agra Cantt Rs.720/370;
Chandigarh Rs. 820/415; Amritsar Rs. 1,215/635; Bhopal
Rs.1,635/840; Dehradun Rs. 915/465; Haridwar Rs.
840/430; Jaipur Rs. 915/465; Jalandhar Rs.1,000/530;
Lucknow Rs. 1,385/700.
From Mumbai: Ahmedabad Rs. 1,295/675; Pune
Rs.710/365; Surat Rs. 810/410; Vadodara Rs. 1,015/515.
From Chennai: Bangalore Rs. 990/505; Mysore Rs.
From Bangalore: Chennai Rs.1,095/575; Mysore Rs.
From Kolkata: Tatanagar Rs. 330; Bokaro Rs.
460; Kharagpur Rs. 225.
Konkan Railways offers some of the most luxurious
train journeys in India. Konkan Railways operates some
20 trains up and down the scenic Konkan coast. The
longest of the lot is the superfast Trivandrum
Rajdhani. This train is now the fastest way to get to
Kerala from Delhi. The Konkan Railways also offers a
mesmerising route from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram.
The gorgeous destinations of Goa, Maharashtra,
Karnataka, Kerala on the route cater to the commuting
solutions of the business and leisure travellers.
Taj Express connects Delhi to Agra and Gwalior. It
leaves Delhi;s Nizamuddin Railway Station at 7.15 am
and departs from Agra for the return trip at 6.35 pm,
which makes it an ideal train for a one-day trip to
Agra. Fares: to Agra chair car/2nd class Rs. 266/82;
to Gwalior chair car/2nd Class Rs. 352/107.
operate on narrow-gauge tracks (which have small
coaches, hence the name), linking cities in the plains
to hill stations and offering a laidback, picturesque
journey. Some of the best hill trains are:
The Kalka-Shimla track covers 96 km, with 102 tunnels,
arched bridges and picturesque stations en route.
The Shivalik Express has 120 seats, bay glass windows
and wall-to-wall carpeting. It runs a round-trip every
day, stopping only at Barog to allow passengers to
dine. Fare: Rs. 280 (one-way). Leaves Kalka at 5.30 am
and reaches Shimla at 10.15 am and returns to Kalka in
the evening 5.30 pm to 10.15 pm.
The Deluxe Rail Motor Car runs between Shimla & Kalka
and can seat 14 passengers. It has a transparent roof,
TV/VCP, music and an altimeter, and runs twice a day.
Fare: Rs. 340 (one-way).
The six-seater Shivalik Palace, which can be attached
to any train, has a dining table, folding cushioned
beds, a refrigerator, modern bathrooms, catering by an
attendant and a well-equipped kitchen. Two luxurious
retiring rooms at Shimla are covered by the ticket
price. The fare is Rs. 4,850 (up) and Rs. 3,375
The Shivalik Queen was launched for honeymooners, so
couples enjoy privacy, as also the panoramic view from
the large windows. An alarm bell links them with the
driver, and a microphone with the guard. The fare of
Rs. 750 per couple covers meals. For bookings, contact
the Divisional Railway Manager's Office, Rail Vihar,
Ambala . Tel: 91-171-2645500/2610800; Fax: 2610103,
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway covers the
twisting-turning 46 km from Mettupalayam to the hill
resort of Udhagamandalam (Ooty), chugging along at 33
km per hour through 16 tunnels and over tall girder
bridges, and offering marvellous views of tea and
coffee plantations and fir-clad hills.
The Darjeeling Hill Railway has the narrowest of
narrow 2-feet gauges. This famous little train, drawn
by a 100- year- old engine, links New Jalpaiguri with
the hill station of Darjeeling. There are no tunnels
along this 86-km route, and for seven and a half
hours, passengers get uninterrupted views of the
The Matheran Railway is a 77-year-old line connecting
Neral (on the Mumbai-Pune line) to the hill resort of
Matheran, a distance covered in 90 minutes. The sturdy
little trains run between sunrise and sunset, offering
peaceful views of hills and plains.
The Fairy Queen is the oldest running locomotive in
the world, which has earned it a place in the Guinness
Book of World Records. The 50-seat train does weekend
runs from Delhi to Alwar. The fare of Rs. 10,000 per
person covers meals, transport (Alwar-Sariska-Alwar),
a visit to the Sariska tiger sanctuary and a stay at
Sariska Palace (twin-sharing).
There are limited runs between October and February.
Director, National Rail Museum,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: 011-26881816, 26880939; Fax: 011-26880804.
Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels (8 days)
Day 1 - Delhi
Day 2 - Jaipur
Day 3 - Chittaurgarh, Udaipur,
Day 4 - Sawai Madhopur
Day 5 - Jaisalmer
Day 6 - Jodhpur, Day
7 - Bharatpur, Agra,
Day 8 - Delhi.
Welcome to a world where you are no less than a king
or a queen out to see your kingdom and your subjects.
Rated as one of the ten best luxurious train journeys
in the world, the Palace on Wheels is an experience of
a lifetime that you are not likely to forget when you
live the lavish lifestyles of the Indian kings.
The Palace on Wheels is a special tourist train
reserved for weekly tours of Rajasthan, usually from
September to April. While most of the sightseeing is
done during the day, the nights are reserved for rest
The train has 14 air-conditioned coaches each named
after the former Rajput states of Kota, Jaipur,
Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi,
Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and
Dholpur. The train's original carriages were the ones
used by the royal families of Rajasthan. Later, they
were replaced with exact replicas of the original. The
result is a showcase of history with all the modern
trappings. The decor, food and hospitality exude
luxury and opulence. On offer are restuarants, a
library, a bar, lounges, carriages with attached
luxurious bathrooms, personal attendants and the
works. At every stop, guests are given a traditional
Departure from Delhi Cantonment Railway Station: 10.45
pm every Wednesday.
Tariff per night: From October to March, Single
US$ 485, Double US$ 350, Triple US$ 285. For September
and April, US$ 395/295/240, respectively.
For information, contact:
The Tourist Reception Centre
Bikaner House, New Delhi 110 011
Tel: 91-11-23383837, 23386069; Fax: 91-11-23382823.
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
Hotel Swagatam Campus, Near Railway Station,
Tel: 91-141-2203531, 2202586; Fax: 91-141-201045
The Royal Orient
The Royal Orient (8 days)
Day 1 - Delhi
Day 2 - Chittaurgarh, Udaipur
Day 3 - Junagarh
Day 4 - Veraval, Sesangir, Delvada
Day 5 - Palitana, Sarkhej
Day 6 - Ahmedabad
Day 7 - Jaipur
Day 8 - Delhi.
One of the world's most fascinating train journeys
awaits you when you board the Royal Orient Express.
The air-conditioned train takes you through two
culturally-rich states of Gujarat and Rajasthan,
unfolding before your eyes the splendour of India's
heritage and charms in its week-long itinerary,
usually between October and March. The Royal Orient
comprises 13 coaches and saloons. Equipped with all
the facilities available in a deluxe hotel, each coach
is comfortable and tastefully decorated with attached
bathrooms and hot and cold water. In addition, there
are multi-cuisine restaurants and a bar. There is also
a comfortable library where you can catch up with your
reading. You travel by night and take in the sights
during the day.
Tariff per night, per person: From October to March,
Single US$ 350, US$ 200 on twin-sharing basis and US$
175 on triple-sharing. From April to September, US$
263/150/135, respectively. Bookings are confirmed
against a 10 per cent deposit. Fare for Indian
tourists is Rs. 7,480 per person per night.
For more information, contact:
Central Reservation Office
A/6, State Emporia Building,
Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi 110 001
Tel: 23734015; Fax: 23367050
Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 380 009
Tel: 079 26589172, 26587217; Fax: 079-26582183.
Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400 039
Tel: 022 2024925; Fax: 022 22883541
The Deccan Odyssey
Deccan Odyssey (8 days)
Day 1 - Mumbai
Day 2 - Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Ratnagiri and Bhatye
Day 3 - Sindhudurg, Tarkarli, Sawantwadi
Day 4 - Goa
Day 5 - Pune
Day 6 - Aurangabad
Day 7 - Ajanta & Nashik
Day 8 - Mumbai
Like its cousin, the Palace on Wheels, the Deccan
Odyssey recreates the grandeur and opulence of India's
royalty while providing an experience of a land
steeped in history, its magnificent forts and palaces
and exquisite carvings in stone. The journey throws in
a bonus, which no tourist can afford to disregard: Goa.
The Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches of which 11 are
passenger cars with four coupes each. There are two
Presidential Suites with two coupes in each car. The
train also has a conference hall that transforms
itself into a dance floor at night and two restaurants
that serve a variety of Indian, Chinese, Continental,
Maharashtrian and Goan cuisines. Menus are changed
seasonally. There is also a lounge/bar and even a Spa
The Odyssey provides a conference room with a capacity
to host 50 guests, satellite communication, Internet,
computer with printer and fax, and telephones. There
is also a library, channel music, an Ayurvedic massage
centre, a steam bath, gym, a beauty parlour, a special
suite for the physically challenged, mini pantry in
each coach, telephone in each saloon, television in
each coach and a lounge in each passenger car. A
doctor is always available on board. Money exchange
and credit card facilities are also available on the
For more information. log on to
Indian Railways offers this value-for-money pass only
to foreign visitors and NRIs with valid passports.
This pass has to be paid for in US dollars, pound
sterling or any other convertible foreign currency.
The pass enables visitors to travel over the entire
Indian railway system without route restrictions
within the period of validity of the ticket (one, 7,
15, 21, 30, 60 or 90 days), and without paying
reservation fees, surcharges or supplementary charges
on superfast trains. Passes must be validated before
commencing the first rail journey. Half-day, two-day
and four-day Indrail Passes are also available,
conveniently extending the journey time otherwise not
covered by Indrail Passes. Half-day, one-day, two-day
and four-day Indrail passes are sold by GSAs in Oman,
Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Japan, the UK, the USA,
Germany, Finland, the UAE, Bangladesh, South Africa
Indian Airlines too sells Indrail passes through its
overseas outlets in Bahrain, Doha, Thailand, Myanmar,
Singapore, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
In India, Indrail passes are sold at Tourist Bureaux
at major railway stations, by authorised travel agents
in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, and at railway
offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Agra
Cantt., Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh,
Gorakhpur, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Jaipur,
Rameswaram, Vadodara, Varanasi, Puttaparthi Town
Booking Agency, Vasco-da-Gama (Goa) and Amritsar.
Note: Foreign tourists have special quotas on
many trains. If you are travelling on your own and
cannot get rail tickets at the general counter,
enquire for the tourist quota - you must pay in
foreign exchange unless you show your encashment
Period of Validity
A/C First Class
2/3 Tier/ A/C Chair Car