Guest Post: Sanjay Podder, founder, India Wonderland

India is a land of diversity, culturally rich, historically powerful, and geographically extensive. What else would be better to feel that magnificence that belongs to this lively state than on the luxury train where modern comfort and royal heritage meet?

From the deserts of Rajasthan to the tranquil backwaters of the south, luxurious train tours in India are tailor-made to give a five-star hotel experience on wheels. These travels are not travels—they are plunges into history, gastronomy, and landscapes with the stirring power to take one’s soul.

India Wonderland is the perfect fit for tasteful travel lovers aiming to have the quintessential experience of India’s most iconic destinations that are alive in the most luxurious way possible.

Palace On Wheels: Rajasthan’s Regal Journey

Launched in 1982, the Palace on Wheels is the trailblazer of luxury rail travel in India. This train can replace the personal carriages of past maharajas and produces a fantastic mix of the past and the present. With 14 salons all named after a princely state, the décor is rich with traditional handicrafts, upholstery, and mirror work from all of Rajasthan.

The two restaurants—Maharaja and Maharani—offer a fine dining experience to their guests, the Indian and continental dinners. Royal treatment is completed with a cozy bar, a spa, and professional butler service. The trip begins in Delhi and circles Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur (the destination place of Ranthambore National Park), and Agra; a bird’s-eye view of magnificent forts, palaces, and wildlife of Rajasthan.

Whether watching desert dunes while sipping masala chai or delighted to witness a Rajasthani folk dance on board, everybody lives up to luxury and culture.

Royal Rajasthan On Wheels: Elegance Enhanced

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels has provided an even more extravagant experience to the discerning traveler since 2009. The train has ultramodern facilities and cabins intricately designed to celebrate India’s royal heritage.

There are 14 unique themed coaches that celebrate the cultural uniqueness of places such as Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Udaipur. This train also has a spa, two gourmet dining establishments, and a lounge well stocked with books and wines.

The itinerary is a cultural odyssey around New Delhi, Khajuraho, Agra (home to the famous ancient temples), and Varanasi (India’s spiritual capital). This is the ideal tour for culture lovers of North India to understand their architectural and spiritual depth in the most unforgettable comfort.

Maharajas’ Express: India’s Crown Jewel

The Maharajas’ Express, which is synonymous with splendor, has received the title of “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” several times. It has redefined rail luxury with vast cabins (a presidential suite occupying an entire carriage), onboard Wi-Fi, a multilingual library, two ostentatious restaurants, Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal, and an energetic bar lounge, the Rajah Club.

This train has four different itineraries that traverse from Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Outstanding highlights are a champagne breakfast with a view of the Taj Mahal, private elephant polo in Jaipur, and a tour of UNESCO World Heritage sites designed according to specific criteria. The Maharajas’ Express is the epitome of Indian railway luxury with its beyond-fine hospitality and regal design.

The Golden Chariot: Southern India's Jewel On Rails

Although most luxury trains concentrate on North India, the Golden Chariot paves the way for the South. Service run by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, this train is a classy journey from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa.

The train coaches are designed with inspiration from dynasties such as Hoysala and Chalukya and come with fully equipped cabins, plus spa services, an onboard gym, and two dining cars. The combinations of South Indian flavors and international dishes delight even the most refined palates.

Golden Chariot provides itineraries such as “Pride of Karnataka,” “Jewels of South,” and “Glimpses of Karnataka,” which visit the ruins in Hampi, the Mysore Palace, the churches in Old Goa, and the placid backwaters of Kerala. It is a tour with the theme of history, tradition, and tropical beauty.

Deccan Odyssey: Where History Meets Horizon

With a design similar to the royal blue carriages of the maharajas of old times, the Deccan Odyssey is a royal train that exists to allow exceptional travel in Western and Central India. With interiors inspired by the royal flavors of Maharashtra’s 16th century, this train has a total of 21 coaches with deluxe cabins and two restaurants operated by Taj Hotels, a spa and full-service fitness center, and also the necessity of a business class coach.

Itineraries such as the “Maharashtra Splendor,” “Indian Odyssey,” and “Jewels of the Deccan” use a combination of destinations, from Mumbai’s colonial charm to Aurangabad’s Ellora and Ajanta caves to Goa’s Portuguese heritage. The Deccan Odyssey is a mix of spiritual discovery, history, and modern idleness.

Whether you are on a wine-tasting trip in Nashik or a flyby visit to the medieval fortresses of Gujarat, the experience on the Deccan Odyssey continues to be impeccably lavish.

A Journey Unlike Any Other

Traveling by luxury train in India is more about transitions experienced along the way, the slow unfurling of the vast landscapes, unexpected cultural encounters, and the elegant luxuries of your royal coach. With these trains, whether you are exploring the architectural extravagances of Rajasthan, the spiritual roots of Varanasi, or the verdant vistas of Karnataka and Kerala, visitors will experience India’s very essence.

The train tours are perfect for honeymooners, history buffs, culture junkies, and the refined traveler who would rather do things a little more civilized. Each train is an encapsulation of Indian hospitality and grandeur, past and present, respectfully adapted amidst a panache of arresting elegance.
 
These journeys are also a platform for closer connections face-to-face, sharing chai in a lounging car, or watching a Kathakali dance performance in starry night skies.

Book Your Royal Getaway Today

India’s luxury train tours are an experience including opulence, education, relaxation, and adventure. From the golden sands of Rajasthan to the temple towns of the South, these trips create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you are thinking of experiencing India most majestically, India Wonderland can take you through a smooth booking process and give you insider access, custom-made itineraries, and unparalleled service.

​All aboard for a journey through India’s soul—on rails gilded with history, hospitality, and heart.

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

A floating vessel sailing up the East River is a novel way to celebrate a special birthday, a wedding anniversary, a retirement, as well as organize a corporate event, or a glamorous fundraiser.  Allen Batista Travel, Inc. offers live entertainment - stand up comedy, Latin, samba, belly dance and family magic – on a private boat with the New York City skyline as your background and wind blowing through your hair.

Allen Batista Travel, Inc. charters private U.S. Coast Guard-certified floating vessels (complete with life jackets, tables covered in white linen tablecloths, and chairs). We offer a meal featuring caesar salad, rotisserie chicken, pasta or white rice, as well as vegetarian, gluten-free, and Kosher meal options. We also have a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for your drinking pleasure.

We sail on boats with two or three decks, creating memories for a lifetime as we sail up the East River.

A Stand-Up Comedy Show On The Water

Our stand up comedy boat ride features New York City’s best and brightest comedians. During the one-hour show, guests can expect waves of laughter during the afternoon or evening sailing.

Our DJ will spin the hottest R&B, hip hop, and top 40 tunes all throughout the sailing. Our stand-up comedy cruise is a great team-building activity, fundraiser, or birthday or retirement celebration.

Mesmerizing Magic And Illusions

Our master magic spins the ultimate web of deception during a one-hour magic show boat ride.  We offer sleight of hand tricks—card tricks, parlor tricks, and stunning illusions—for children and mentalism for adults. There is no nudity, sword, or fire eating on board the boat.

​Our magician also weaves in audience members into the show, making the performance a memorable experience for all guests. Magic provides entertainment to those who are young or old or of any origin, making this the ideal choice for any birthday celebration.

DJ will also spin top 40 and R&B music all throughout the sailing.

Sensational Belly Dance Performance

Our belly dance boat ride features a dazzling display of the Egyptian or Lebanese art form. We offer an interactive dance lesson for guests to learn this ancient dance form. Then, our belly dancers will present a dazzling presentation featuring belly dancers with candles or swords on their heads.

Belly dance performances are also especially appropriate for a bachelorette party, milestone birthday, and anniversary, in which a host would like to entertain their guests with something surprising and fascinating. Middle Eastern music will be played all through the sailing.

On some sailings, there is a licensed massage therapist giving out back massages. On other sailings, there is a henna tattoo artist on board.

A Latin Dance Party To Remember

Our Latin boat ride includes an interactive dance lesson - salsa, bachata or cha-cha—for guests to fine-tune their dance moves on the floor. Then, our professional dancers will present a dazzling performance during the sailing.

The rhythm will be pulsating all throughout the cruise with a wide selection of salsa, bachata, cha cha, merengue reggaeton, Latin House.

Our Latin boat ride is a wonderful experience for a team-building activity, fundraiser, milestone birthday, or retirement party.

Samba Boat Ride

Our samba boat ride features live Brazilian musicians, and they will transport you to Brazil with an amazing musical selection of Brazilian pop, samba reggae, forró, and bossa nova music.

​We also offer an interactive dance lesson for guests to fine-tune their samba moves on the dance floor.

Unmatched Ambience And Skyline Views

In addition to the live entertainment, guests will enjoy spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyline from the water. As we sail up the East River, guests will have endless opportunities to take selfies with the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges in the background.

A Seamless Experience From Start To Finish

Our entertainment boat adventures are designed to be easily coordinated to minimize stress and maximize effect. There is no event that is too large or small, with attention paid to detail to ensure that all aspects run smoothly so the guests can have a good time and enjoy the occasion.

​Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc to plan your next team-building event, fundraiser, milestone birthday, retirement, or bachelor or bachelorette party.