Prize Run

Maharajas’ Express,the pan-Indian luxury train,bagged the First Runner-Up award in the Specialist Train Operators category at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers Choice Travel Awards held in London on Wednesday night.

Flagged off in Kolkata in March 2010,the train takes passengers on journeys across the most known tourist destinations of India — the Taj Mahal,the Khajuraho temples,wildlife environs of Ranthambore and the holy ghats of Varanasi. Designed to recreate elegant travelling of the erstwhile Maharajas,the train has 20 deluxe cabins,18 junior suites,four suites and a one-carriage Grand Presidential Suite. Although the sojourn would set you back by Rs 2.75-9.12 lakh per person,once on board,you can enjoy services fit for royalty — attentive butlers,environment friendly washrooms and high-tech facilities including individual temperature controls and air-cushioned suspension. Operated by the Royale Indian Rail Tours Ltd,it’s often said to be the Orient Express of India.