The Indian Maharajas used to have some interesting preferences and prejudices projected to their railway systems. The Maharaja of Patiala had commissioned a brilliant railway engineer, Colonel Bowles, to design the unique Patiala State Monorail Trainway for him. This is the only known trainway in the world in which the load-carrying wheels run on a monorail underneath the carriages.
The Maharaja of Mysore travelled with a whole retinue of servants in a pleasure saloon, which could be lifted and fitted with different undercarriages to travel on tracks of different widths, depending on the route the Maharaja cared to follow.
The private saloon of the Nizam of Hyderabad was a picture of simplicity. Though the Nizam was reputed to be one of the richest men in the world, his saloon was not furnished with even a chair. There used to be a wall-to-wall carpet on which he did his daily prayers, read the Quran and performed other activities. The Nizam's lucky number was 13, so his saloon was also numbered 13. He only travelled in this coach and none other.
To
bring back the luxury of those days of the kings and princes, Indian Railways runs two special luxury trains. The Royal Orient and the Palace on Wheel, both offer luxurious train journeys, which try to recreate the extravaganza of the bygone princely era in India.
The
Palace on Wheels, on broad gauge, is clearly the pride of the Indian Railways. It is luxurious and modern. The coaches have different names derived from the former princely states and that provides the link for the coat of arms and the decor inside. Each carriage is a cocoon of comfort. At the end of each coach is a lounge. Wood-panelled walls, painted stained glass skylights, and liveried attendants who respond to every call, all make the experience of the journey memorable. The two restaurants, the Maharaja and the Maharani, and the bar with a range of cocktails are available. Indian, Continental, and occasionally Chinese meals are served on board. The service is unobtrusive, attentive, and efficient.
This, then, is the way the maharajahs must have travelled. It certainly is the way an exclusive group of world travellers chooses to relax. And if the journey aboard the Palace on Wheels is rewarded enough, the points of arrival in Rajasthan - Bharatpur, Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, and Sawai Madhopur (for visiting the Ranthambhore National Park) are like the icing on the cake. For sheer romance, the Palace on Wheels must be the most luxurious way to see Rajasthan. But how could one expect any less from a country like India, and a state like Rajasthan, where history is no figment of the past, but forms its palpable present.
The Royal Orient, brainchild of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and the Indian Railways, is a thirteen-saloon air-conditioned train with vestibule facilities. Each saloon boasts four comfortable large coupes with adjoining washroom facilities and a lounge fitted with a television and video recorder. A liveried attendant is on call throughout the day and night, and service is accompanied by a warm smile. Broad beds (only the lower bunks are used, two to a couple) with adequate storage facility welcome you to the cabin. Running hot and cold water ensures a refreshing bath at the end of a day of sightseeing.
The itinerary is conveniently drawn up: one can travel through the night and take in the sites during the day. The food en route is cordon bleu and the helpings a glutton's delight. Oriental and European cuisines are served in two rather natty dining cars, the Sasan Gir and the Velavadar. The journey covers three major locations in Rajasthan - Chittaurgarh, Udaipur and Jaipur. In Gujarat, tourists get a glimpse into the little traversed but immensely awe-inspiring beauty of the unique state.
The weeklong journey aboard the luxury trains is the best way of exploring the most beautiful and vibrant parts of India.
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