Please find below some general information to assist you with your planning for your journey aboard the Maharajas’ Express

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
There is limited storage space inside your cabin. We recommend that each guest travels with luggage as per international airline – rules for first / business class passengers. It is also advisable to carry soft-topped luggage as it is easier to store. Luggage storage is provided under the bed and in the luggage hold.

BED & BATH LINEN
The bed and bath linen is changed everyday. We request you to help us protect the environment and if you wish to reuse your towels, you may leave it on the towel rack.

BUTLERS
There is a dedicated team of butlers on board to attend to your every need. Each carriage is manned by a single butler, on call 24 hours, trained to meet the needs of our guests and comply with utmost speed and efficiency. Our butlers take pride in offering unique services to each of our guests ensuring a memorable stay on board.

CELL PHONE RECEPTION
The reception can vary while the train is moving, but does improve when the train is stationary or near large cities.

CELL PHONES
Kindly keep your Cell Phone on silent mode on board the train out of consideration for your fellow passengers and also while visiting certain monuments on your Off Train Excursions. Please also note that the use of cell phones and laptop computers is discouraged in all the public areas and should be used in the privacy of your cabin.

CLOTHING & TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
Recommended Clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the summer and most winter days; with warm clothes for December and January and winter nights.
Please include light sweaters and light wraps for the cold mornings and evenings, for the excursions to wildlife reserves, in the desert and on village safaris throughout the year.
For the journey on board the Maharajas’ Express, we recommend smart casual clothing and suitable walking shoes for off train excursions during the day. Comfortable attire in natural subdued colours (bright colours are not advised) which blend with the landscapes is essential for excursions to wildlife reserves.
It is advisable to carry sunscreen, caps / hats and sunglasses.
For dining on board the train smart casual clothing is recommended.
Note:
a) Please note that with the change in weather, we recommend enough woollens while on tour.
b) Please note that for the journeys between mid of December till mid of January, the Northern India witnesses severe cold and fog, therefore it is recommended to carry heavy woolen during this period.
c) On some journeys, we have a golfing option available. We recommend you to carry your own golf shoes for the same.

CREDIT CARDS
The Maharajas’ Express accepts Credit Cards, master, Visa, Amex on board. A surcharge is applicable on all payments made using credit / debit cards.

CREW
Maharajas’ Express world-class service is highlighted by our team of highly motivated hospitality staff who ensure that the guest experience is unmatched and every need is not just met, but anticipated. Our attentive, unobtrusive crew members add a unique sense of exclusivity to the journey. All our staff members are well versed in the English language.

CURRENCY & MONEY EXCHANGE
India’s currency is the Rupee, abbreviated as Rs. which is divided into 100 paisa. The Rupee notes come in denominations of Rs.5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, & Rs.2000. Coins are in denominations of rupee 1, 2, 5 and 10.
Foreign Exchange encashments are regulated in India. Any passenger bringing Foreign Exchange in excess of USD 5000 or its equivalent in currency notes and an aggregate total of USD 10,000 and above (Including Cash, bank notes, traveler’s cheques) are required to declare the same at the port of entry in India. Please note that changing money in remote areas can be difficult and hence please change with authorized money changers or banks. Please take care not to accept damaged notes or notes with tapes attached as these are not accepted. It is always advisable to carry smaller denomination instead of Rs.1000 note as it is not easy to obtain change.
Note:
Please contact your Guest Relations Manager on Board for special facilities provided to guests of Maharajas’ Express for their Foreign Exchange encashment.

CUSTOMS
Customs regulations are in line with those prevailing elsewhere in the world; however, the import of prohibited items carries serious penalties. Please note that it is the responsibility of each passenger to ensure that they are in possession of any necessary and valid documentation and the Company assumes no responsibility for the consequences of any failure to apply.

ELECTRICITY
Voltage available on the train is 110 volts. International adaptors are also available on board.

EMERGENCIES
IRCTC requires the details of the ground handler, the place of stay before and after the journey on the Maharajas’ Express, so that we can contact the ground handler in case of any emergencies.

GRATUITIES FOR SERVICES
Providing gratuities for small services is part of the culture in India. Any amount to be given towards gratuities for all the staff onboard is completely at the guests’ discretion. An envelope will be provided in each cabin on the last night of the journey for the same.

GUIDES
On all off train excursions, you will be accompanied by professional and qualified English speaking guides. There’s no substitute for a little local flavour, so we employ experienced local guides who provide an invaluable and in-depth view of the sights that you visit.

HAIR DRYERS
All wash rooms are provided with hair dryers.

HEALTH
No specific vaccinations are required for travel to India currently. However, the latest advisory in this regard may kindly be checked before departure. Foreign tourists should be in possession of a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate conforming to international health regulations, if they are originating or travelling through Yellow Fever endemic countries. Anti-malaria precautions should be taken. It is also advisable to carry sufficient insect repellent.
It is recommended that a physician be consulted for any personal health advice based on the travel itinerary. If under prescription medication, it is advisable to carry enough supplies to last for the duration of the trip.
It is recommended that guests carry their own medicines, since all medications in India are locally manufactured and the same brand names may not be available.
Please specify any ailments at the time of booking and update the Guest Relations Manager of the same while boarding.

HOT WATER
For running hot water, please be sure to switch on heating 20 minutes prior to usage. For cabins on double occupancy, please allow a gap of 20 minutes between two users.

INSURANCE FOR MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS
The Maharajas’ Express is comprehensively insured for fire, earthquake, theft and terrorism. All guests are covered under an umbrella insurance cover.

INTERNET
High speed Internet access is available on board. Please contact the Train Manager for details. The internet reception can vary while the train is moving, but does improve when the train is stationary or near large cities.

LAUNDRY
A limited laundry service is available at select destinations. Please contact your carriage butler for details.

MAHARAJAS’ BAR AND LOUNGES
One exotic Safari bar with the choicest collection of house brands of wines, beer and spirits with snacks come complimentary to every passenger. There’s also a lounge cum bar Rajah Club with comfortable club arm-chairs. And if these features don’t make you feel pampered, the Maharajas’ Express also houses a high-end boutique featuring exquisite and unique creations.

MAHARAJAS’ DINING
A royal banquet for royal passengers, the Maharajas’ Express has two fine dining restaurants that seat 42 persons each and everyone on board dines together. House wines and beer served whilst dining come complimentary, of course.

MAHARAJAS’ TRANSPORT
From super deluxe coaches for Deluxe Cabin and Junior Suite passengers, to cars for the Suite and Presidential Suite passengers each at every destination. All equipped with complimentary sightseeing kits like bottle coolers, candies and tissues and shoe uppers. After all, when it comes to providing comfort to royals, every little detail matters. That’s what the Maharajas’ Express has in waiting for you when you step off.

OFF TRAIN EXCURSIONS
Since most of our Off Train Excursions involve a fair amount of walking, we recommend you pack some comfortable walking shoes. A moderate degree of physical fitness is required to participate on our off train excursions. You may encounter unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and problems getting on and off the train.

Travellers with walking difficulties or any such physical condition should inform us at the time of booking. We reserve the right to refuse participation on any of our excursions to anyone who would be incapable of completing the tour or would cause unacceptable delays to the rest of the group. In these circumstances there would be no refund for any unused part of the tour.

ON-BOARD SAFE
All cabins are equipped with electronic safes. While every precaution is taken, we cannot be held liable for loss of valuables.

PARAMEDIC ON BOARD
We have 24 hrs paramedic on board the train that can provide emergency medical facilitation if required.

PERSONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE
At Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), guest safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. Therefore, travel insurance is essential; indeed it is a condition of booking with us that passengers have adequate travel insurance cover from the country of domicile for injury, illness, death, accident, loss of effects or luggage and holiday cancellation. Guests must supply IRCTC with the name, address and telephone number of the insurers, policy number and the 24-hour medical emergency telephone number. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be declared to the insurer and to us; failure to do so may invalidate your Travel Insurance Policy.

PLACEMENT OF TRAIN ON PLATFORM AT STATIONS
After deboarding of the guests at the stations Maharajas’ Express moves to the yard for fueling and watering. Hence, timings as advised at the time of deboarding should be followed to avoid any inconvenience. In case any guest decides to return to the train before the advised boarding time, he/she should contact the Train Manager to check the availability of the Maharajas’ Express on the platform.

PORTERS
Porters will be available at all embarkation and disembarkation stations to assist you with your luggage.

PRE & POST HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
It is highly recommended that you take a minimum of one pre and post night accommodation with your rail journey. Bookings and reservations can be made by contacting us at bookings@yourtraveldiaries.ca

SAFE
All cabins on board the Maharajas’ Express are equipped with electronic safes. For safety reasons, it is advisable to store the passport, travel documents and other valuables in the safe provided in the cabin. However, it is still important to have your personal effects insured.

SMOKING POLICY
In accordance with Indian Law, smoking is not permissible on board the train. Smoking is also prohibited in all public places such as restaurants, airports, stations, shopping malls, hotels, public areas etc.

SPECIAL MEALS / DIETARY REQUIREMENT / MEDICAL CONDITIONS
In case of any special dietary requirement or allergies, guests should mention the same at the time of booking and to the chef/Train Manager on Board. Our Chef shall endeavour to accommodate these as far as possible.
Please note a few excursions like Jungle Safaris shall be conducted in open vehicles like jeeps or canters. Such rides may get dusty due to the terrain. Guests with dust related allergies are advised to carry their prescribed medication / inhalers on the journey.

TELEPHONE CALLS
Telephone facility is provided in all cabins. The cost for all external calls is additional and not included in the cost of the journey.

TRAIN MANAGER
Train Manager will be available in the train through out the journey. For special requests / problems / tour information, you may contact him.

TRANSPORTATION ON EXCURSIONS
Most excursions off the train include a coach transfer for Deluxe Cabin & Junior Suite passengers and Luxury cars for Suite & Presidential Suite passengers; however, certain excursions are also undertaken by jeeps. Kindly refer to your itinerary for specific details.