Did you know that the World Travel Awards 2013 presented in Doha on the 30th of November was their 20th Anniversary? Maharajas’ Express was voted the World’s Leading Luxury Train at the award ceremony in Qatar and could not have timed better and that too for 2nd consecutive year.
And it has delighted none other than one of our railway’s bodies. Authorities at Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) must be on cloud #9. They are the proud operators of Maharajas’ Express which is marketed as the most luxurious train in India.
At a gala ceremony held in Doha at the La Cigale Hotel, Maharajas’ Express was declared the Leading Luxury Train in the World for 2nd consecutive year. Previously, Maharajas’ Express had also been declared the World’s Leading Luxury Train at the World Travel Award in 2012 and achieved it once again in 2013.
Flagged off in 2010, Maharajas’ Express was touted as India’s answer to the Orient Express of the West. The success story of Maharajas’ Express is a vindication of that sentiment expressed by officials and operators of the train.
Maharajas’ Express was recently run into troubled water after the Joint Venture between IRCTC and Cox and Kings, a leading travel agency (known as Royale India Rail Tour Limited or RIRTL) abruptly ended. After a prolonged legal battle, Maharajas’ Express was declared by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi to be the sole property of IRCTC.
Suppose there were any doubts regarding the efficiency and skills of this government body’s handling of Maharajas’ Express. In that case, they have been laid to rest with this award which is also considered to be the Oscar of Travel Award.
This year again, Maharajas’ Express outshined the likes of the Blue Train, Rocky Mountaineer, and 3 luxury trains – Hiram Bingham, Venice-Simplon, and Eastern and Oriental Express – from the legendary Orient Express Group.
We have also featured Maharajas’ Express as one of the top 10 luxury train journeys in the world.
Did you know that Maharajas’ Express features a Presidential Suite spanning over an entire carriage? This feature was enough to get it featured in our list of most luxurious suites in India.
Digressions apart, besides Maharajas’ Express, Incredible India, an ad campaign by the government tourist board was adjudged the World’s Leading Tourist Board whereas the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts was named the World’s Leading Hotel Brand.
The Raj Palace and the Oberoi Gurgaon, 2 of India’s finest hotels were also awarded in the category of World’s Leading Heritage Hotel and World’s Leading Luxury Hotel categories respectively.
The Holiday Season is here and this award will surely provide a huge fillip to the marketing of not just this luxury train but brand India as well ahead of the peak tourist season in India. It is during winter that travelers from around the world head to India to explore and discover its rich heritage, culture, and diversity.
Winter is also the time when domestic travelers are also on the move and looking for romantic getaways. Honeymoon tours are also at their peak as winter is considered the auspicious period to get married in India according to the Hindu calendar.
Check out our post on winter travel destinations in India or if you are looking for a luxurious honeymoon experience, you’d want to read our post on the best luxury hotels in India or check out the best winter honeymoon destinations in India.
Luxury trains are also gaining popularity among high spenders as they offer a hassle-free way to see the best of India in the least number of days. This is why you should choose a luxury train for luxury travel in India.
Special Christmas Bonanza
Even as the Maharajas’ Express was declared the World’s Leading Luxury Train at the World Travel Award, Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd., the leading PSA-IA of Maharajas’ Express is offering the opportunity for guests to live like a Maharaja. As a part of their Christmas Holiday offers, look out for attractive deals on Maharajas’ Express Booking when you book through their site Maharajas Express India.
The super discount offers are valid on the 25th December departure of the Gems of India itinerary. This may well be your chance to travel on board the world’s most luxurious train walk the red carpets and sip high teas with the maharajas of India.
Contributed by Nikhil Chandra
Couldn't agree more with you Sushant. Maharajas' Express definitely needs more international exposure. How about participation in Academy Awards Ceremony in LA. That would certainly be a helluva global exposure. What I believe could work wonder for the promotion of Maharajas' Express and spread awareness like wildfire is article coverage in esteemed luxury travel and long haul magazine. Especially if they do have 2-3 empty cabins per journey, why not invite foreign corespondents and journalists of newspaper like telegraph of NYtimes and editors of travel, fashion and lifestyle magazines to create the required buzz, international exposure through media coverage and of course branding.
You played it safe Karan. Maharajas' Express has definitely raised the benchmark of luxury train traveling!
Great! Congrats!! Maharaja Express is an amazing train journey, my experienced was awesome and I would love to enjoy this journey again.Landhäuser Florenz @ Posarelli Villas
Nice…
I have always said Maharajas Express, despite winning the 2 consecutive WTAs is still grossly underrated. If only there was a better marketing startegy on part of IRCTC, I see no reason why it can't make more than a decent profit season after season.
Maharajas Express is an amazing Luxury Train journey. It has raised the bar high for luxury train travel.
I knew that it will win the prestigious title this year as well.
I put my money on it and I won. ;)