Maharajas' Express

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 grand Presidential Suite. Every cabin has large panoramic windows - a design marvel developed by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. Just so, that you can savour every bit of magnificent India. All passenger Cabins come with individual temperature controls, the first of its kind in India and have state-of-the-art facilities. 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.

Voted as the best luxury train tour in the world for 2012 & 2013,the Maharajas Express offers you to travel on Three Different Journeys of 7 Nights Duration each & Two Journey of 3 Nights Duration. You have option to book Deluxe Cabins & Different Suite Categories. This ultra luxury train operates from October to April annually & there is no service from May till September. Some unique experiences include Champagne Breakfast overlooking The Taj Mahal & an exhibition Elephant Polo Match in Jaipur, in which you can also participate.

The train is operated by commercial wing of Indian Railways, but both onboard & off board services have been outsourced to private companies.

Maharajas Express Tour Circuits:

 The Maharaja's Express Train , operates on five different tour circuits over North India .

7 Nights The Indian Splendour Journey from New Delhi to Mumbai

 The 7 Nights train tour departs from New Delhi on Saturday Nights & covers Taj Mahal at Agra ; Ranthambhore Forest; Pink City of Jaipur; Desert Citadel of Bikaner; Fort town of Jodhpur ; Lake city of Udaipur; Dinosaur Fossil park at Balsinor, before reaching Mumbai, next Saturday morning.

7 Nights Heritage of India Journey from Mumbai to New Delhi

 The Maharajas Express train departs from Mumbai on Saturday afternoon & over next 7 Nights covers world famous Buddhist frescoes at Ajanta Caves; Udaipur lake city ;Fort town of Jodhpur ;Desert outpost of Bikaner ; Jaipur Pink city ; Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve; Fatehpur Sikri & Agra, before reaching New Delhi in the afternoon of next Saturday

7 Nights Indian Panorama from New Delhi to New Delhi

 This journey of Maharajas Express Departs from New Delhi on Saturday Night to cover Pink city of Jaipur (Sunday); Ranthambhore Tiger reserve (Monday morning ) ; UNESCO World Heritage Fatehpur Sikr i( Monday afternoon) ;Taj Mahal at Agra (Tuesday Morning); Fort town of Gwalior (Tuesday afternoon); Orchha Palace(Wednesday morning); Kama Sutra Templesof Khajuraho (Wednesday afternoon) ;Holy Ganges in ancient city of Varanasi & UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sarnath (Thursday); City of Nawabs Lucknow(Friday) ; before returning to New Delhi next Saturday morning

3 Nights Treasures of India from New Delhi to New Delhi

 Covering the same 3 nights circuit as of Gems of India tour , this Journey aboard Maharajas Express departs on a Sunday morning from New Delhi & after covering Mahal at Agra, Ranthambhore Forest & Royal City of Jaipur returns to New delhi on following Wednesday morning.

3 Nights Gems of India from New Delhi to New Delhi

 This 3 Nights short journey experience aboard Maharajas Express covers Agra, Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve & Agra. The train tour departs from New Delhi on Wednesday evening & returns to New Delhi on following Saturday morning

Description Of The Train:

Maharaja's Dining: A royal banquet for royal passengers, the Maharajas' Express has two fine dining restaurants that seat 42 persons at a time; and everyone on board dines together. Wines and beer served whilst dining come complimentary, of course.

Maharaja's Bar and Lounges: 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 Raja 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.

Maharaja's Transport: 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, pith hats 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.

Internet: High speed Internet access is available on board. Please contact the Train Manager for details.

Crew: 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.

IMPORTANT NOTES

VISA

• A visa is required to visit India and its neighbouring countries. This should be obtained at the consulate in your country of residence and requires a passport which valid at least 06 months after the date of your return. In some countries the visa is also issued at the airport on arrival.

• The proposal sent should only be considered a quotation; no bookings have been made at the time of sending it. Bookings would only be made once the proposal has been accepted in written by the selling agent. At the time of booking, if any service included in the proposal is not available, be it accommodation at a hotel or any other service, we shall propose an alternative. Any reduction or supplementary cost for which at the time of confirmation.

• Smoking in Public Places is now prohibited by law in India. Public places include, reception, restaurants, hotels, pubs, discotheques, banquet halls, and even open lawns etc. Though spaces have been demarcated for smokers in these places. No services would be allowed in smoking enclosures with the exception smoking rooms at hotels.

HOTELS

• At most hotels in India the check-in time is 1400 hours and the check-out time is 1200 hours. Early Check In or Late Check Out is subject to availability and the sole discretion of the hotels.

• In the case of arrival at hotel before 14:00 you should consider booking and extra night as immediate occupancy of rooms at hotel is subject to availability and the goodwill of hotels. (Late check-in normally being 14:00 hrs).

• Triple: In India, there is virtually no triple room; normally it is a double room in which a folding extra bed is placed. This greatly reduces the space and comfortable movement in the room. There is no standard type of extra bed and it varies from hotel to hotel and may be more or less comfortable. We do not recommend it for children over 10 years.

MEALS

• If meals are included in the cost, be it breakfast, lunches or diners, these are fixed menu without drinks and must normally be taken in normally at the Coffee Shop' of the hotel. It is advised that you consult the reception to the hotels to avoid disappointment. Meals cannot be taken away from the restaurants to the rooms or in other public places such as pool, garden etc.

TRAVEL BY ROAD

• Road condition in India and the subcontinent can run full range from new to very poor and that the travel may involve riding on un-surfaced roads or tracks made of materials such as sand, gravel, riverbeds, mud, snow, rocks and other natural terrain. In remote areas, there are rough, unpaved roads covering a vast section of the rural and mountainous regions and existing road surfaces can also get affected due to ongoing construction work, poor maintenance Furthermore, though on paper, rules are similar to the west, driving here follows different practices as all types of vehicles, animals and people use the roads. Road conditions in the Indian Subcontinent change throughout the year, due to monsoon rains, landslides and extreme weather patterns and journey times can vary to a great extent at all times of the year which is beyond our control.

• To most visitors, road journeys in the Indian Subcontinent can seem quite startling at first sight; however, our drivers are well trained and with a special permission given to transport foreign tourists. They might have some knowledge of English but they do not speak other foreign languages. The driver is not allowed to carry the services of a guide in India.  It is advisable not to speak to the driver while he is driving. We suggest that you relax and enjoy the extraordinary sights and sounds en route.

• With the exception of Hotel Amarvilas, Agra, who has their private transport, during the visit to Taj Mahal, guests will have to travel from the parking to the entrance of the monument by battery operated non air-conditioned microbuses. These cannot be booked in advance and the guests will have to wait in queue with other tourists for their turn to board the bus.

AIRFARES AND TRAVELLING BY AIR

• When we send the quotations we send the best existing price but we cannot make the bookings or block space without the proper names of the passengers. When you send us the names these must be names as they appear in your passport. Change of names due to   error is not allowed and the booking must be cancelled to issue new tickets and rates may wary.

• WE SHOULD RECEIVE THE NAME AND SURNAME (as mentioned in the passport), AGE OF THE PASSENGER FOR BOOKING AND CONFIRMING THE TICKETS.

• Airfares may be modified at any time by the airline, and till the time of issuance of the tickets. If such a case does happen, we shall inform you of any change. We cannot be held responsible for such a development. Airlines may decide to change or cancel flights, without prior notice and we cannot be held liable for this. However, we shall do our best to maintain the original program and indicate to you any discounts or supplements that may be applicable.

• Self-push Baggage trolleys are available at various locations throughout the airports to help you comfortably carry your carry-ons, shopping items, or check-in/claimed articles. Should you require help in pushing your baggage trolley, please let us know in advance enable us to check with the airport authority/airlines keep you informed on the availability and procedure for hiring the porter who will move your trolley from the carousel to the vehicle or from the vehicle to the check in counter. Our representative will meet and assist you on your arrival and on your departure from/till the permissible limits as per the security regulations of the Airport Authority.

• As per the rules and regulations of the Aviation Ministry, passengers can carry a limited weight of luggage with them. Checked Baggage allowance for domestic flights within India is different as per the class of travel such as for adults and children travelling in the Business Class permissible per person limit is 30 Kilograms (66 Pounds) and in Economy (Coach) class it is 15 - 20 Kilograms (33-44 Pounds). For infants, baggage allowance varies between 0-10 Kilograms depending on the flight carrier. There may be few changes in the rules of domestic and international flights regarding the baggage allowance. Please note the baggage allowance limits as given above are to be taken as an indication since these are carrier regulated and might differ between carriers or between flight sectors or with change in airlines policies. Detailed information regarding the permissible baggage limits is generally displayed on the official website of most of the airlines and may be consulted before taking the flight to the desired destination.

NOTE: The following are the allowances permitted for the baggage checked-in of Indian domestic flights.

All airlines (except SpiceJet which allows 20kg) allow a baggage of the weight indicated below. Please check the airline website for any last minute changes.

Economic class (check), maximum weight allowed 15kg. Any additional kg should be set up in ₹(INR) per passenger immediately at check price ₹ (INR} 250/kg .This policy is in effect on the following companies:

• Go Air (flight G8 code) since 11 June last

• Jet Airways (9W flight code) since 15 May last

• Jet Konnect (S2 flight code) since 15 May last

• Air India (AI flight code) since 13 May last

* Go Air follows a different policy for 03 Sectors [Leh / Jammu / Srinagar] because they are highly sensitive Areas & airport there are not as well equipped as the metro cities in India:

Delhi / Leh / Delhi

Hand baggage of maximum weight of 10 Kgs + Check-in Baggage Maximum of 15 Kgs is allowed.

Only Valuables [Purse / Jewelry / Camera / Laptop / Coat / Mobile] are allowed in Hand luggage & rest all items be should be in the Check-in Baggage (even shoes ) .

Please note that you can carry electronic items like camera etc. but without the batteries. Batteries should be taken out and placed in the check- in baggage. Otherwise the security personnel at the airport shall remove the batteries and throw them away.

LUGGAGE

We recommend the following:

• Take small toiletries in your cabin luggage so that you are not left without supplies in case your checked luggage is lost by the airline.

• In case of special medical prescription - pacemaker : please carry the English translation for the prescription with you in the cabin baggage.

• Remember to take more medication than necessary for your stay in case you get stuck in place.

• Also take all your medicines in the cabin luggage.

• Take your chargers, phones, cameras etc. in the cabin luggage.

INSURANCE

• All arrangements made by Indior Tours are in the capacity of an agent only. Indior Tours will not be liable for claims or expenses arising from circumstances beyond its control such as accidents, injuries, delayed or cancellation of flights & acts by forces of nature.

• Force Majeure: Indior Tours shall not be liable to pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of “force majeure”. In these Booking Conditions, “force majeure” means any event which Indior Tours or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, actual or threatened terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control. Indior Tours and its associates are not liable for any compensation for damage caused by a force majeure or other unforeseen events that Indior Tours or its associates could not have prevented even through utmost care. Indior Tours would notify our clients/agents timely of such force majeure events as and when feasible and will aim to limit the damage and supplement cost befalling the clients/agents for making alternate arrangements deviating from the planned program.

• We suggests that apart from regular travel insurance, you should also take extra cover for natural and man-made disasters, technical hazard that can cause any significant or non-significant physical damage and destruction or loss of time, life and property.

FESTIVALS

• Local festivals may fall on the date of travel and it is possible that the visits to places of interest are modified by the local government or authorities for which we cannot be held responsible. The program would be amended accordingly so that none of the visits included are missed on an alternative provided.

ACTIVITIES (Wildlife Safari/ Boat ride/ Desert & Rural Safari/ Bicycle & Rickshaw Ride/ Animal Rides)

• Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety in Indian Subcontinent differ from those in the western world or from your home country. As per your itinerary, you may indulge in an activity that includes alternate mode of transport including canters and jeeps, bicycle and auto-rickshaws, camels, elephants and horses and a variety of All passengers participating in village/desert safaris should be ready for a rustic experience as local jeeps may have side facing seats (seats placed along the length of the vehicle). Also, please be informed that most of the Wildlife Safari vehicles are open and as such vehicles like jeeps/canters used for safaris and for other sightseeing tours / excursions may or may not have seat belts. All guests must acknowledge that they are aware of the risks involved depending on the type of tour taken.

• Boats:

To take part in any boat ride, you need to be of average mobility to be able to climb on and off all these boats unaided; able to disembark onto makeshift docks without handrails, or onto muddy and slippery riverbanks.

• Canters

These are large, open trucks with wooden bench seats in the back and used for safaris on sharing basis in the national parks.

• Elephant ride at Amber Fort (Jaipur)

Elephant rides can either be taken to the fort or from the fort based on the directives received from the Rajasthan State Tourism Board and are booked on first come-first serve basis. As such for Elephant ride at Amber Fort, an early departure from the hotel is recommended. Also note Elephant ride to or from the Fort is subject to same being operational and may be stopped due to various reasons by Rajasthan State Tourism Board

• Important: At all times, our Tour Managers, Local Guides, and Representatives will assist and brief guests about these activities but cannot guarantee the uninterrupted services during their stay in Indian Subcontinent. All guests must bear full responsibilities for such activities releasing Indior Tours, its associates, its directors, its agents of any claim. It would be in your interest to buy a suitable insurance to cover all risks associated with such travel.

SUGGESTED CLOTHING

• To respect local traditions, we suggest that you should avoid to wearing dresses which are short, tight fitting, sleeveless or with deep necklines. This is particularly recommended during visit to places worship and meetings with families etc.).  Visitors going to a religious place on the tour should be modestly dressed. Admission may be denied (depending on the code of conduct followed at the religious place being visited) to anyone wearing shorts pants/skirts, sleeveless t-shirts/blouses. Bare shoulders and mid-riffs are not permitted and should be covered with shawls. Visitors are required to take their shoes off and cover their heads (with scarves/ stoles) before entering a religious complex. Please try and avoid very revealing swimsuits even at the hotel swimming pool.

POPULATION

In order not to encourage begging, we suggest that you should not distribute anything during your visits (candy, money, toys, pens etc.).

Should you wish to made donations in cash or kind, please consult your guide who would provide you with the best advice.

We suggest that you spend your money to buy locally produced things made my local craftsmen and take them to the country of your origin and contribute to the local economy thus providing work to those in need.

PRICE AND OTHER CONDITION OF SALE

• Prices are subject to change in case any supplier decides to increase the rates at short notice or any change in tax structure is proposed by the Government of India and Reserve Bank of India regulations pertaining to taxes. Similarly in case of any hike in the hotel rates, transport and fuel charges, entrances to the monuments, fluctuation in the rate of exchange, or a change caused by an unforeseen political activity or force majeure situation, we reserves the right to adjust the tour price accordingly.

• The rates provided in this quotation are confidential exclusively for the Agent to which they are being sent. These cannot be disclosed to any third party without the written consent of Indior Tours.

• The costs indicated are based on rates contracted for leisure business. No conference/business/corporate activity is envisaged in this tour cost. Including any such activity may result in the above group being treated as a Business delegation and the hotels may like to charge rates applicable for Business delegations.

• For package deals, Indior Tours may not be in a position to provide supporting bills. Supporting bills may be provided only where available and only if it was agreed in writing before confirmation of any tour, conference or event.

• In case of any refunds / adjustments, if applicable, the same will be processed between Indior Tours and the Foreign Tour Operator. No refund will be given directly to the clients in India.

• Any dispute will be settled within the guidelines framed by Indior Tours and at courts and forums at Delhi shall have exclusive jurisdiction in this regard.

RECOMMENDED TIPS

(Indicative only because it is at the discretion of each / not to spare but only tickets ) :

• 10% of the total amount of the invoice/meals in restaurants, hotels

• 20 ₹(INR Indian Rupees ₹) / porterage at hotels

• PP 03 € per day for guide escort (to be submitted in an envelope at the end of the stay)

• PP 02 € per day for the driver (to be submitted in an envelope at the end of the stay)

• PP 01 € 01 per day for the assistant driver (to be submitted in an envelope at the end of the stay)

CANCELLATION FEES

• Cancellation fee per person:

   - 31 days prior to arrival: no cancellation fee.

   - 30 - 15 days prior to arrival date: 50 % of the total billing amount.

   - 14 - 07 prior to arrival date - 75% of the total billing amount.

   - 07 - No show: 100 % of the total billed amount.

• In case of reservation of luxury hotels like the Villas, Palace Hotels, Luxury Trains and Cruises etc. the cancellation fees can be severe. Same is also applicable for the high demand periods of Christmas and New Year's or during periods when International or local Fairs or major Sports events are being organized. Please contact us for details.

• Because we have proposed negotiated rates for airfare, we need names & surname of the participants (as mentioned in the passport) at the time of booking. In case of cancellation or change of flights once the tickets have been issued, a standard deduction of 25 per person per sector would be levied. In case of no show, the deduction will be that of 100 %.