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Maharaja Express >> The Indian Splendor |
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At a Glance
Chugging across meticulously selected destinations to give you a glimpse of the royal heritage of incredible India, the Indian Splendor tour on board Maharajas Express will let you discover the colonial and imperial facets of India, a journey as spellbinding as the destinations. Be it the invigorating sips of champagne as you behold Taj Mahal, the legendary monuments commemorating love of the resplendent forts and palaces of Rajasthan, itinerary of this luxury train travel is bound to leave you awe-struck.
There are elephant polo matches and wildlife safari at Ranthambore national park. Then there are an array of World Heritage Sites giving a peek into the cultural heritage and the mesmerizing splendors of India. The rich tapestry of destinations encompassing several states epitomizes the unique mélange of Indian heritage and her ancient civilization.
Detailed Itinerary
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Duration : |
7 Nights / 8 Days |
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Places to See : |
Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - |
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Balasinor – Mumbai |
| INDIAN SPLENDOUR - MAHARAJAS EXPRESS |
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| A meticulously crafted itinerary which includes a dash of royalty, palaces, forts, sand dunes, wildlife and cultural excursions will bring out the best of the India's royal traditions, art and vibrant culture. A journey spanning over 8 days and 7 nights in the magnificence of Asia's most luxurious train brings out an amazing concoction of the myriad hues of this vast and diverse land. Adding to the royal experience is the delectable cuisines, impeccable hospitality and guided off-train excursions bringing out the best of the splendors of the incredible India.
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| Day 01/Saturday |
| Arrival: 2030 hours /Place: Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi |
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Assemble at Safdarjung Railway station at 2030 hours and completes your registration and check in formalities for the Maharajas' Express. After a traditional royal welcome, the train departs Delhi at approximately 2200 hours to Agra. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
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| Day Highlights: |
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Welcome Ceremony at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi |
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| Day 02/Sunday |
| Place: Agra, Uttar Pradesh |
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Arrive in Agra early in the morning and pay an early morning visit to TajMahal, a jewel of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
An endearing breakfast session with champagne at the TajKhema overlooking TajMahal constitute the highlight of the day
Afterwards you have option of a shopping tour in Agra or local sightseeing tours to Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb and FatehpurSikri, a ghost town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Post lunch, you will be visiting Agra Fort. Return to train for dinner and overnight stay as the train leaves for Ranthambore National Park, the next destination of the Indian Splendor itinerary aboard Maharajas Express
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| Day Highlight |
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Visit to TajMahal |
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Breakfast with champagne at TajKhema |
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Optional shopping tour or sightseeing tours to Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb and FatehpurSikri |
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Spa Session at Palace hotel (Non-Mandatory) |
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Visit Agra Fort after lunch |
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| Day 03/Monday |
| Place:Ranthambore National Park, SawaiMadhopur and Jaipur, Rajasthan |
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The train reaches the verdant SawaiMadhopur in the wee hours of the third day of your trip. A jungle safari and game drive takes you through the thrilling terrain of Ranthambore National Park, a Project Tiger reserve, and home to many animal species apart from the mysterious Tiger. While in the park, feel the imposing presence of a 10th century fort, whose ramparts soar high. Post breakfast at Vivanta by Taj, SawaiMadhopur, return to the train as it crisscrosses its route towards Jaipur - the ever gleaming capital of Rajasthan.
Reach Jaipur and post lunch onboard, visit the rugged and imposing Amber fort. Enjoy a magnificent ride on canopied elephant as you witness a fascinating blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. You may select from any of these optional activities:
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Enjoy spa facilities at a palace hotel |
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Enjoy Golfing at the Rambagh Golf Club |
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Visit to City Palace and JantarMantar (the stone observatory). |
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Shop around the city for some of the finest jewelry, fabrics and handicrafts that Jaipur is famous for. |
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An exciting Exhibition Elephant Polo Match at A Jai Mahal Palace awaits you during the latter half of the day. You may also choose to participate in the exhibition game, which is followed by a Champagne dinner at the hotel.
Board the train to continue your journey to Bikaner. |
| Day Highlights: |
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Game Safari to Ranthambore National Park |
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Visit Amber fort, Jaipur |
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Exhibition Elephant Polo Match |
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Optional shopping tour/local sightseeing to the City Palace complex and JantarMantar |
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Play golf game/spa session (Non-Mandatory) |
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| Day 04/Tuesday |
| Place: Bikaner, Rajasthan |
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Early morning on the 4th day, you will arrive in the deserted kingdom of Bikaner
Afterwards you can take an optional tour to either Lalgarh Palace or Deshnok Temple or cattle breeding farm
In the afternoon, a tour to the majestic Junagarh Fort
After lunch, partake in a camel cart procession around the undulating sand dunes. Later in the evening, enjoy the folk dance performance by Kalbeliyas and Langaas over sundowner cocktails and barbecue dinner amidst Sam sand dunes
Dinner and overnight stay aboard the train
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| Day Highlights: |
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Sightseeing Lalgarh Palace/Deshnok Temple/Cattle Breeding Farm (Optional) |
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Visit to Junagarh Fort |
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Sand dune excursion on a camel carter |
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Cultural performances by the Kalbeliya and Langa artists |
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| Day 05/Wednesday |
| Place: Jodhpur, Rajasthan |
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Enjoy leisure breakfast and lunch on board as train passes through some of dramatic landscapes of Thar Desert, arriving into Blue City of Jodhpur, which is set like jewel amidst golden sands and is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces from Rajput era.
Time to make a choice fit for Maharajas & Maharanis.
Choose any one of the following OPTIONAL TOURS.
• The morning is at leisure on board.
• participate in an optional village safari, where you will have the opportunity to visit a Bishnoi
village, considered to be the oldest living environmentalists in the world.
• Avail spa facilities at a five star hotel. |
| Lunch on board. |
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Following lunch, disembark & proceed on a walking tour of Old Clock Tower market while experiencing hustle and bustle of market as well as get insight of daily lifestyle of local residents as you walk through section of blue city (Past some of the oldest houses and havelis) Continue the journey to magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and admire the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels, elegantly curved porches Tour palaces & temples built by successive rulers, with priceless jewels and dazzling collection of arms.
Highlight of the day is Royal Cocktail evening with wide array of sumptuous Marwar culinary delights that are served in HanwantMahal with folk dance & music.
Return to train and continue journey to glorious Bikaner Overnight on the Maharajas’ Express.
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| Day 06/Thursday |
| Place: Udaipur, Rajasthan |
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As the sun rises from across the azure lakes, peep outside your window to a vision drenched in romance. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Rajasthan's lake city - Udaipur, popularly referred to as the jewel of Mewar. After breakfast on board, proceed for a sightseeing excursion to Udaipur, a city where fairy-tale palaces and gardens, temples and narrow lanes create a picture perfect atmosphere.
The day begins with the City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated wall. The Palace is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Later, visit the Crystal Art Gallery with a magnificent and rare collection of Osler's crystals. For more than hundred years, the crystals remained underground and the gallery was not open to public, due to its beauty and richness. Everything from the dining table, table, and sofa set to washing bowls, perfume bottles and even beds are adorned with precious crystals. The jewel studded carpet, embodying peerless class is the prime attraction of the gallery.
What follows is a visit to the Durbar Hall at the FatehPrakash Palace, undoubtedly the most lavish Durbar Hall in India - a place where Indian Kings had their formal and informal meetings. Post a sumptuous lunch at the Durbar Hall; the guests have the liberty to indulge in any of the following activities:
• Return to the train to enjoy a relaxed afternoon
• Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa in a five star hotel
• Visit the Vintage & Classic Car collection - showcasing the magnificent Rolls-Royce, 1939
Cadillac open convertibles, rare Mercedes models, 1936 Vauxhall and 1937 Opel models.
Later in the afternoon, proceed for a 'Walking Tour' through the Old Market of Udaipur, if you feel like. Return to the Maharajas' Express as it starts rolling towards it next destination - Jodhpur.
Dinner and overnight stay on board.
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| Day Highlight |
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Jeep safari to Bishnoi's abode Rohet |
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Spa Session (Non-Mandatory) |
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Trip to Mehrangarh Fort and Old Clock Tower Market |
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| Day 07/Friday |
| Place: Balasinor, Gujarat |
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Arrive into Balasinor. This tiny town called Balasinor in Gujarat is home to the one of the largest dinosaur fossils sites in the world. Palaeontologists believe that at least seven species of dinosaurs lived here and researchers have uncovered fossils of about 10,000 dinosaur eggs, making Raiyoli the third largest hatchery in the world. The site was discovered accidentally in 1981 when geologists were conducting a mineral survey of the area. Since then, the finds have attracted scientists and tourists from around the world, triggering off what the Gujarat state calls "dinosaur tourism."
Visit the Dinosaur Fossil Park (One of the largest in the world) followed by a village visit and rounded off by a lunch meeting with the Royal Family to relish their unique cuisine at the Garden Palace.
After lunch return to the comforts of the train and continue towards Mumbai for the last leg of the journey.
Dinner on board.
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| Day Highlight |
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Tour to the Dinosaur Fossil park |
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Visit to the local village of Balasinor |
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Royal lunch with the royal family of Balasinor |
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| Day 08/Saturday |
| Place: Mumbai (Disembark) |
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Train arrives at Kurla railway station (LokNayak terminus), Mumbai by 7:30 am in the morning Bid farewell to the Maharajas’ Express after breakfast, by 8:15 am.
Please Note:
All 'Options' / 'Optional Tours' are on chargeable basis and are subject to availability. Details and pricing will be made available on board during the journey.
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Maharaja Express >> The Indian Splendor Schedule
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THE INDIAN SPLENDOR DEPARTURE DATES FOR SEASON 2016-17 & 2017-18 |
| Month |
Departure Dates |
| Oct-16 |
Sat, 15th |
| Nov-16 |
Sat, 12th |
| Dec-16 |
Sat, 10th |
| Jan-17 |
Sat, 7th |
| Feb-17 |
Sat, 4th |
| Mar-17 |
Sat, 4th |
| Apr-17 |
Sat, 1st |
| Sep-17 |
Sat, 30th |
| Oct-17 |
Sat, 28th |
| Nov-17 |
Sat, 25th |
| Dec-17 |
Sat, 23rd |
| Jan-18 |
Sat, 20th |
| Feb-18 |
Sat, 17th |
| Mar-18 |
Sat, 17th |
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INDIAN SPLENDOUR FARE FOR SEASON 2016-17 & 2017-18
(7 Nights & 8 Days)
(Covering approx. 2767 kms)
| Rooming |
Deluxe Cabin |
Junior Suite |
Suite |
Presidential Suite |
| Per Adult on Twin Sharing |
$5,980 |
$9,460 |
$13,800 |
$23,700 |
| Single Supplement |
$4,510 |
$8,520 |
$13,800 |
$23,700 |
NOTE : |
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All the above prices are on per person per journey on twin sharing basis |
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The above cost is exclusive of 4.50% service tax that will be charged extra. |
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All Optional Tours are on chargeable basis and are subject to availability. Details and pricing will be made available on board during the journey. |
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Please note all bookings confirmed are non-transferable and will invite a cancellation charge as applicable. |
INCLUSIONS : |
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Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with attached bathrooms |
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All meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits |
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Butler service, complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board |
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Guided off train tours as included in the journeys inclusive of entrance fees, still camera fee, transport and services of a guide |
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Porter charges at stations |
EXCLUSIONS: |
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Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary |
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Taxes, insurance, gratuities, telephone calls, laundry |
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Alcoholic beverages (apart from the house brands) |
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Video, film and professional still camera fees and arrival and departure transfers |
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International and domestic air tickets |
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Pre and post tour accommodation |
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Any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys |
Green Chili Holidays takes this opportunity to mention that it is not the direct vendor of Maharajas Express train and presents itself as service provider in the sector of luxury train travel. On this page are highlights of various Terms & Conditions pertinent to Maharajas Express journeys and cover all aspects of the journeys. All listed Terms & Conditions here let Maharajas Express guests make an informed decision.
PAYMENT : |
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Payment of amount equal to 25% of published price plus applicable taxes is required to be paid at the time of booking. |
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Balance amount is to be paid 75 days prior to the departure date. |
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Pay 100% of the tour cost if you are booking 75 days prior to departure date. |
If the payment is not done, than the request would not be accepted & booking would be treated as cancelled & relevant cancellation charges would be applicable.
On the completion of the booking & payment formalities, a confirmation would be sent to passenger by email. The final documentation containing the itinerary & briefing sheet would be sent to passenger 14 days prior to date of journey.
CANCELLATION : |
In case you wish to cancel the confirmed booking you must communicate cancellation in writing by email. Such notification will only be deemed to have been given once we receive cancellation in writing from you by email.
The computation of the period of notice of cancellation will commence only from the time, the email reaches us on working days. |
CANCELLATION CHARGES WILL APPLY: : |
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60 days or more prior to departure, 25% of published price. |
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45 to 59 days prior to departure, 50% of the published price. |
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0 to 44 days prior to departure, 100% of the published price. |
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For any cancellation days are counted excluding the date of departure. |
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All confirm bookings are non-transferable and hence no name change would be allowed. |
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In case of 'force majeure' situation - due to which a departure has to be cancelled- there would be no refund of the amount paid to us or reimbursement of any additional expenses incurred by you as a result of this cancellation / change. |
CHANGES & CANCELLATION BY TRAIN AUTHORITIES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE : |
A train authority reserves the rights to make changes to the program if necessary at any point of time. This change can be due to insufficient no. of passengers in a particular departure or due to certain operational reasons & conditions. In this case train authorities reserve the rights to cancel the departure or amend the same.
Normally the changes made are minor in nature however, on certain occasion the changes could be significant. (A change is defined as significant if it involves a change of destination or date of departure). In such an eventually, we would inform you as soon as possible and provide you with the following solution:- |
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Accepting the changed arrangements or |
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Cancelling or accepting the cancellation where you will receive a refund of the payment remitted to us. |
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In case of 'force majeure' situation - due to which a departure has to be cancelled- there would be no refund of the amount paid to us or reimbursement of any additional expenses incurred by you as a result of this cancellation / change. |
AMENDMENTS : |
Any amendment to the services would be treated as a cancellation of the original services and any new arrangements will be regarded as an entirely new booking. Cancellation charges will be applied as per chart given above. |
FORCE MAJEURE : |
| Neither party shall be considered in breach of this Agreement or in default of its obligations hereunder if it fails to perform or observe any or all of the terms of this Agreement as a direct or indirect result of causes beyond the reasonable control of such party, such as but not limited to, acts of God, Civil or military authority, acts of the public enemy, threat of war, declared war, undeclared war, war riots, actual or threatened terrorist activity, civil disturbances, insurrections, industrial dispute, strikes, accidents, explosions, fires, earthquakes, floods, transportation embargoes, epidemics, diseases, acts of government, its agencies or officers, non-availability of venues or any other legitimate cause beyond the reasonable control of the parties. |
REFUND : |
| Train authorities reserve the right to determine the amount of refund value in case of cancellation and amendment. The decision of the train authorities on the quantum of the refund will be final. There will be no refund for unutilized services. |
TRAIN SCHEDULE & FLEXIBILITY : |
| Please note that Maharajas Express operate within the constraints of Indian Railway network & as per timing agreed upon by them. You are requested to abide by timings suggested by your guides, escorts etc. |
COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS : |
| Should you have any complaints or face any problem during your journey, please bring it to the attention of the train manager immediately while on board, in order for him or her to provide you with an immediate solution rectifying the problem while on tour. It is only if you do this, the train authorities has the opportunity to put matter's right, on the spot. Failing to do this, any right to compensation, which you may have, will be extinguished or reduced. |
LAW & JURISDICATION : |
| Your relationship with train authority or with us or any disputes or other matters arising from it shall be interpreted as per Indian Law's & Court in New Delhi (India). |
PRIVACY OF INFORMATION : |
| We try to maintain the privacy of the personal information provided by you. However, it would be necessary for us to share this information with Consultants, Embassies, Airlines, Hotels and other service providers who would be providing you service during the tour. We should also be constrained to disclose such information if we receive an order of the court, a requisition from any government or statutory authority, subpoena, or under any law, rules or regulations such disclosure becomes necessary. |
CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL : |
| You will have to strictly follow the tour program. There would be no refund if you fail to join the group at the tour, or join the group later or leave the group before culmination of the tour for any reasons whatsoever. You are responsible to register with the representative of the Company at the appointed date, place and time and you would be treated as a no-show if you fail to do so. Under no circumstances would any refund be given for nay unutilized services. |
COMMUNICATION : |
| The communication transmitted to your mailing / email address on record shall be deemed to have been communicated to you. All communication from you to the Company has to be in writing, not orally. |
TRAVEL INSURANCE : |
| Maharaja-Express-India do not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements, in their home country. All baggage & personal property's at all times are at the client's risk. |
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR, SIGNATURE JOURNEY SUPPLEMENT CHARGES : |
| There will be supplement charge of 10% will be Extra for Xmas Eve & New Year Eve departs. The supplement charge will be applicable for child between 05-12 years also. Supplement charges may be applicable for certain signature journeys as announced by Train Authorities from time to time. |
CHILD POLICY : |
| Maharajas Express does accommodate children but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavour to maintain.
1. Children below 5 years shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject of double bed at the time of booking. However, this is not recommended by us.
2. Single child (5 years – 12 years) sharing cabin with adults – 50% of the adult fare, subject to sharing of double bed with two full paid adults. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking. However, this is not recommended by us.
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Single child (5 years – 12 years) in a separate cabin – 50% of the (adult fare + Supplement charges) if requested in a separate cabin.
3. Two child (5 years – 12 years) in a separate cabin – 50% of the adult fare for each child in a separate cabin on twin sharing basis.
4. Three child (5 years – 12 Years) in a separate cabin - 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of double bed.
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If third child request in a separate cabin – 50% of the (adult fare + Supplement charges)
5. Single child (5 years – 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- Two adults fare on twin sharing basis.
6. Two child (5 years – 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- One adult fare plus 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of double bed.
7. Child booking if required in a separate cabin is subject to travelling with the adults. It is to be noted that single child has to share guide/ vehicle with adults travelling together in case of Suite & PS cabin booked passenger. In case, a separate higher category vehicle is required then supplement will be levied.
8. Please note that we do not have the facility for interconnecting cabins except in the Professional Suite Car.
9. All applicable taxes will be charged extra. |
POLICY ON GUIDE/VEHICLE : |
I) Policy on Guide (PS & Suite Cabins)
We will provide a Local English speaking local guide at each destination on complimentary basis.
1. In case guests desire for accompanying English/ Language speaking accompanying guide throughout the tour, it will be provided on chargeable basis subject to availability.
2. In some of the destinations language speaking local guide are not available. Whereas language speaking local guides at those locations will be tried but not guaranteed, we will provide English speaking local guides.
II) Policy on Guide with Separate vehicle for Group Bookings
In case, a group desires a separate vehicle/ guide the policy will be followed as under:
(a) For a group (15+1 passenger or more) an air-conditioned deluxe bus with local English/ language speaking local guide may be provided on complimentary basis but a Volvo Bus can be provided at supplement cost.
(b) For a group (30+2 passenger or more) Volvo bus with local English/ language speaking local guide may be provided on complimentary basis. |
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1. In case guests desire for accompanying English/ Language speaking accompanying guide throughout the tour, it will be provided on chargeable basis subject to availability. |
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2. In some of the destinations language speaking local guides are not available. |
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3. Whereas language speaking local guides at those will be tried but not guaranteed, we will provide English Speaking local guides. |
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