Thursday, December 27, 2012

Most Luxurious Trains in India

The best way to enjoy and explore the Indian cities, coastal towns,villages and regional areas in comfort way, is only through train of India. Indian railway has some of the most spectacular and unforgettable rail journeys with the 4th largest railway network in the world. Indian railway also operates a number of luxury trains which cater to various tourist circuits throughout India. The luxurious trains are named as Fairy Queen, Heritage on Wheels,The Indian Maharaja and Splendor of South. These trains will give you a life time experience of true Indian royalty.


The Palace On Wheels: 

The India’s first pan-country super luxury train “Palace On Wheels” was started on January 26, India’s Republic Day, in 1982 then train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new looks and more luxury facilities. Palace On Wheels is the best Royal Indian Train and world’s 4th best luxury train. The cruise train has 14 salons named after provinces of Rajasthan, two Restaurant named as  Maharaja Restaurant and Maharani Restaurant, with other world class facilities like exotic bar, Spa, Live TV, internet connectivity, music and security. Heritage on Wheels another luxury train run by RTDC to explore the vibrant and exotic attraction of royal state, Rajasthan.
Palace On Wheels
Palace On Wheels

Tour 50 Thousand to 5 lakh per person per Journey
Palace on Wheels 8 Days To 13 Days
Destinations                   Covered Delhi-Jaipur- Udaipur- Swai Madhopur- Chittorgarh- Jaisalmer- Jodhpur- Bharatpur- Agra-Delhi

The Maharajas Express: 

The Maharajas Express is a joint venture of IRCTC and travel agency Cox and Kings India, first commercial run was on January 9th, 2010. It is the newest and most costly luxury train in India, equipped with world class facilities including large dining, bar, lounge, generator, LCD TVs, direct dial phone, internet, individual temperature controls and in suite bathroom as well. The Royal Sojourn offer royal experience to explore illuminating destinations in India with a new 8-day/7-night journey from from Mumbai to Delhi.

The Maharajas Express
The Maharajas Express

Tour                         2.75 to 10 lakh per person per Journey
Princely India               8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered          Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
Royal India 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Mumbai
Classical India 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations Covered Delhi – Agra – Gwalior – Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh – Varanasi – Lucknow – Delhi
Royal Sojourn 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered Delhi – Jaipur – Kota – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi


The Golden Chariot: 

A luxury tourist train started by the KSTDC to connect most popular tourist spots in the state of Karnataka and Goa. The royal itinerary has 19 coaches colored purple and gold with two restaurants, a lounge bar, conference room, gym and spa facilities. The ultimate luxury train was named after the renowned ‘Stone Chariot’ of Hampi and commercial run on March 10, 2008. Explore the fascinating architectural designs and exotic natural landscapes of south India with the Golden Chariot and experience the Royal Indian Luxury train.
The Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot

Tour                              25 to 50 Thousand per person per Journey
Pride of the South                                                 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered             Bangalore – Mysore – Hampi – Belur – Kabini – Badami – Goa – Bangalore
Southern Splender           7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered             Bangalore – Chennai – Mamallapuram – Pondicherry – Tiruchirapalli – Thanjavur – Madurai – Thiruvananthapuram – Poovar – Kochi – Kerala Backwaters


Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is luxury tourist train running by RTDC. The royal carriage of Rajasthan is equipped with facilities like super deluxe rooms, Restaurants, bar, board room, fitness center, spa, saloons and enabled Wi-Fi. Royal Rajasthan luxury train launched its royal journey from January, 2009 and take you to the heritage destinations of Rajasthan and Agra.

Check out further details here:  Royal Rajasthan on wheel
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Tour                               50 to 80 Thousand per person per Journey
Royal Rajasthan          
8 Days/ 7 Nights
Destinations Covered                    New Delhi- Jodhpur- Udaipur- Chittorgarh- Sawai Madhopur- Jaipur- Khajuraho- Varanasi- Agra- New Delhi.


The Deccan Odyssey: 

The Deccan Odyssey is a special luxury train run by venture of Maharashtra MTDC and Indian railway. The 5-star hotel on wheels covers the heritage site of Maharashtra and boost the tourism on the Konkan route. The new express luxury train of India has total of 21 luxury coaches equipped with restaurants and a bar, a sauna, business center, Computers and internet connectivity. There is another blue train called The Indian Maharaja – Deccan Odyssey runs from Mumbai to New Delhi is considered as the best luxury trains in the world. Enjoy once in a life time experience of heritage sites of Maharashtra and beautiful beaches in Goa on the magnificent Deccan Odyssey.

The Deccan Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey

Tour                              3 to 8 lakh  per person per Journey
Silver to Platinum Class                                                 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered             Mumbai-Ajanta & Ellora Caves-Udaipur Lake City-Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve-Pink city of Jaipur – Taj Mahal at agra -Delhi
Tour                              40 to 50 Thousand per person per Journey
Heritage of Maharashtra         7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered             Mumbai-Sindhudurg-Goa-Kolhapur-Daulatabad-Chandrapur-Ajanta Caves-Nashik-Mumbai

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Best Place for Winter Sun Destination in India


Being a tropical country spread over a large area, India has the advantage of diverse weather conditions and it is always a good season to travel somewhere in India.

For many European and North American travellers looking to escape the often cold winter back home, the sandy coastal stretches of Southern India beckon. While Northern India shivers through the months of December and January, the southern states offer pleasant weather to bask in; the sun is at its brightest and perfect for those who like a good dose of it.

Here are some great places to head for some guaranteed sunshine this winter:

Goa

The smallest state of India needs little introduction to travellers. More than 80 kms of coast to boast about, this is India’s premier destination to catch some sun. The destination well equipped to warmly receive incoming travellers so there are plenty of places to stay and eat. During the winter months from October to March, the beaches are dotted with sunning travellers under bright umbrellas. 
GOA
GOA

Varkala 

An unexpected destination amidst the more traditional ones that Kerala has to offer, Varkala lies close to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). The sandy white beach below a large drop from a high cliff, makes for a dramatic setting. Becoming increasingly popular with travellers over the last few years combine your dosage of sun with some fresh juices from the shacks on the cliff. A fantastic beach destination that can easily be combined with a few days in the iconic Keralan backwaters.
Varkala Beach in Kerala
Varkala Beach in Kerala

Pondicherry 

This French colony of Tamil Nadu is a quaint little town with cobble stone streets and convenient proximity to the sea. While you can hop on a bicycle and explore the town on a sunny day, it is also a perfect getaway with quiet isolated sandy stretches of beach for sunbathing. Pondicherry is a much loved destination among the travellers who venture here to discover its idyllic colonial houses and aesthetically beautiful restaurants as well. 
Pondicherry Beach
Pondicherry Beach

Rajasthan

While the nights might be cold, the warm sun during the day offers perfect temperatures for exploring the many historical sights or glittering palaces of India’s desert state Rajasthan. Old havelis and well manicured gardens are great to sprawl in and catch up on a good book while planning an action packed itinerary with plenty of history and shopping to take in. Don’t miss the awe inspiring sights of Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur and Jodhpur.
Handcraft seller in Rajasthan
Handcraft seller in Rajasthan

Leh’s Magnetic Hill


At an altitude of 14,000 feet, there is a place in Leh which gives new meaning to the phrase “magnetic attraction.” In this famous spot you will find the usual laws of gravity are defied by a strange phenomenon.
Magnetic Hill Leh
Magnetic Hill Leh

Switch off your vehicle and you will find it moving up the hill at the speed of 20 km per hour. Many tourists are drawn to (pardon the pun) this destination to observe this rare and natural occurrence. The magnetic pull here is so strong that even small aircrafts get adversely affected by it, if they closer than the distance specified.
Ladakh Landscape
Ladakh Landscape

To reach the spot, it is ideal to drive along the Leh – Kargil Baltic National Highway.

Ladakh is a region of Jammu and Kashmir , the northernmost state of the Republic of India.

Mountain Ranges in India


India has seven major mountain ranges having peaks of over 1000 meters. India has some of the highest mountain ranges in the world. It also has some of the world’s highest mountain roads. The Great Himalayan mountain range are the famous and highest mountain hills of India. The Himalayan mountain range bisects India from the rest of Asia, this mountains is the primary source of mighty rivers in India. These hills contain areas of exceptional natural beauty, sparking waterfalls and habitat for many species of medicinal plants, beautiful birds, unique reptiles and wild animals. Kanchanjenga is the highest peak in India and 3rd in the world, Nanda devi is the second highest mountain peak in India.

The Himalayan Range

The highest mountain range Himalayas means “abode of snow” is the one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world. By extension Himalaya Range also include the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and other lesser ranges. Karakoram is one of the Greater Ranges of Asia. Himalaya mountain ranges are the highest in the planet and home for the worlds highest peaks that include Mount Everest and K2.The Great Himalaya mountain is a source of some of major rivers in India as well as in the world. The second longest glacier in the world Siachen Glacier is also the part of Great Himalaya range. Great Himalaya also host some of the most amazing valley’s which contains group of most beautiful lakes in India such as Pangong Tso -Ladakh,Tsongmo Lake -Sikkim and and the frozen one Sela Lake of Tawang. Kangchenjunga and K10 Saltoro Kangri I are respective highest mountain peaks of Himalaya Ranges and Karakoram ranges in Indian territories.
Himalaya - Adobe of Snow
Himalaya - Adobe of Snow

The Purvanchal Range

The Purvanchal Range is the extension of the Great Himalaya range in north-east region of India. It is parallel to Karakoram and ladakh range. Three hill ranges that come under the Purvanchal ranges are, the Patkai, the Garo–Khasi–Jaintia and Lushai Hills. It is the most densely forested area and full of flora and fauna in India. These hill region also known for highest rainfall. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are well famous for highest annual rainfall and wettest place on earth. Phawngpui is the highest peak of Purvanchal Range situated in Manipur with an elevation of 2,157 m (7,077 ft).
Purvanchal Range in NorthEast Region
Purvanchal Range in NorthEast Region

The Vindhya Range

The Vindhya range is one of seven chief holy mountain ranges in India. The Vindhya geographically separates the Northern India from the Southern India as it runs across the central India. Vindhya range is a very old mountain range in central India. It extends in east-west direction from Varanasi through Madhya Pradesh to Gujrat. Vindhya range is parallel to Satpura ranges. The southern slopes of the range are drained by the Holy Narmada River also known as Narmada valley. Amarkantak is the tallest peak of  Vindhya Range with an elevation of 1,048 m (3,438 ft) in Madhya Pradesh.
Vindhyachal in Central India
Vindhyachal in Central India

The Satpura Range

The Satpura Range is a mountain range that stretches through the states in the central part of India. It extend across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Satpura range is triangular in shape with its apex at Ratnapuri other two sides being parallel to the Tapti  and Sacred Narmada River. The Narmada and the Tapti are the only major rivers that flow into the Arabian Sea. It runs parallel to the Vindhya range, The Satpura range was formerly heavily forested. These forest provide habitat for some of India’s remaining large mammals, including The Royal Bengal Tiger, gaur, bear and black buck. The highest peak of Satpura mountain range is Dhupgarh with an height of 1,350 m (4,429 ft) in Madhya Pradesh.
Satpura crossing thru states of India
Satpura crossing thru states of India

The Aravali Range

The Aravali range is the oldest mountain range in India, running across Rajasthan to Haryana. The Aravalli range is the eroded stub of a range of ancient folded mountains. Aravalli Range is one of the most popular mountain ranges in India also known as mewat hills. Aravalli range is famous for mineral resources and surrounded by dense forests with rich in flora and fauna. The highest peak of Aravali Mountain Range is Guru Shikhar with height 1,722 m (5,650 ft) at Mount Abu.
The Aravali - Oldest Mountain Range in India
The Aravali - Oldest Mountain Range in India

The Western Ghats

The range starts near the border of Gujarat and ending at Kanyakumari. About sixty percent of the  Sahyadri Range are located in the state of Karnataka. This area is one of the world’s ten “Hottest biodiversity hotpots. The Arabian sea area is known as Konkan area, one of the best tourist attraction in India. Green city Pune is the largest city within this mountain range in Maharashtra. The western ghats mountain ranges make up an impressive fortress all along Kerala. There are a number of beautiful hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. AnaiMudi in the Anaimalai Hills in Kerala is the highest peak in the Western Ghats. The Ghats also offer best valley’s scenery-view through out the journey.
Sahyadri - The Hottest biodiversity in the World
Sahyadri - The Hottest biodiversity in the World

The Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats is an irregular range of mountains, Which include four major rivers The Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna and Holy Kaveri. Its range start from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri hills “The Blue Mountains” in Tamil Nadu lies at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. This area has the largest population of Indian elephant . This discontinuous mountain ranges run parallel to the Bay of Bengal. The Shevaroy hills is the highest peak in the Easter Ghat.
Eastern Ghats connects Manjor Rivers in India
Eastern Ghats connects Manjor Rivers in India