INDIAN RAILWAYS
A Giant That Covers a Nation

BY AWAKE! WRITER IN INDIA

Luxury and Speed—India Has Them!

Luxury  India has an ancient and often opulent past. Exclusive railway tours offer a comfortable, though expensive, peek into that history. The Palace on Wheels, pulled by a steam locomotive, was launched in 1982. Luxuriously refurbished carriages, used formerly by maharajas and viceroys, retain the ambience of their royal heritage. The pearl-white exterior, Burma-teak paneling, crystal chandeliers, and rich brocades exude an air of splendor. Palatial sleeping compartments, dining rooms, lounge and library, excellent international cuisine, and service by liveried attendants make passengers feel really pampered.

In 1995 because of a change to broad-gauged track, a new Palace was built, and the old coaches were retired. A new luxury train named The Royal Orient continues on the old meter gauge in the western states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The trains travel mainly at night, and passengers spend their days sightseeing. Travelers pass through the great Thar desert, with its ancient forts, citadels, and temples. One can take camel rides over the dunes and an elephant ride to famed Amber Fort. Nearby is Jaipur, the Pink City, rich in history and renowned for gems and handicrafts. Included in the tour are bird sanctuaries, a tiger reserve, and the home of the only Asian lions remaining in the wild. Don't miss the Udaipur lake palace and, of course, the Taj Mahal! All these and more contribute to exciting railway adventures.

Speed  Indian trains cannot compete with high-velocity trains in France and Japan. But rapid and comfortable long-distance travel is possible on Indian Railway's 106 pairs of superfast intercity trains. The Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains, running at almost 100 miles [160 km] an hour, compete with air travel in comfort and facilities. Air-conditioned coaches have reclining seats or comfortable sleeping berths. Meals and snacks, bed linen, safe drinking water, and medical assistance are included in the fare on these prestigious trains.