This is a suburban city and also called as South Gate of greater Chennai, which is situated 27 Km away from Chennai Metropolitan City . This city is a hub to all major destinations from Chennai to south Tamilanadu. as it lies on the busy Chennai–Trichy national highway. The Chennai Subaraban Railway has its Terminus of Chennai Beach to Tambaram EMU railway line here.
Many number of Engineering Colleges are located around this city include Bharath Deemed University , Dhanalakshmi College of Engineering and Sri Sai Ram Engg college. Madras Christian College (MCC) and Sivanandha Orpahanage is a well known Landmark of Tambaram township. The notable schools in the Tambaram include Good Earth,Christ King Higher Secondary School, Corley High School, Sri Sankara Vidyalaya,Zion Matriculation School and St Mary's School.
A very well known Tourist place Arignar Anna Zoolagical Park situated in Vandalur, very near to Tambaram township houses some rare species of wild flora and fauna and is famous throughout India.
Tambaram is a nerve centre of many villages and suburbs like Padappai,Seliyur,Agaram, Madambakkam and Madipakkam.
The Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ)is located in Tambaram, One of Tamil Nadu's Special Economic Zones. Many Call centers and Garment Manufacturing unit are situated in this zone.
Shanmugam Road, Tambaram the only long Road which is considered as the heart line of Tambaram and is camparable to Ranganathan Street in T.Nagar, Chennai.
National Siddha Centre is recently built and inaugurated by our Honourable Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh.
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Hotels in Chennai
1. Taj Fishermans Cove (From Rs 14008)
2. The Park (From Rs 14008)
3. Le Royal Meridien (From Rs 12733)
4. Trident Hilton Hotel (From Rs 11023)
5. Asiana Hotel (From Rs 9863)
6. Fortune Select Palms (From Rs 9281)
7. The Rain Tree (From Rs 8704)
8. Hotel Radisson GRT Hotel (From Rs 7726)
9. The Accord Metropolitan (From Rs 7640)
10. The Pride Hotel (From Rs 6379)
11. Savera (From Rs 5728)
12. Radha Regent (From Rs 5728)
13. Ambassador Pallava (From Rs 5518)
14. Hotel Green Park (From Rs 5219)
15. Raj Park (From Rs 5107)
16. Benzz Park Tulip (From Rs 4932)
17. Sabari Classic (From Rs 4814)
18. MGM Beach Resorts (From Rs 4730)
19. Quality Inn Sabari (From Rs 4281)
20. Days Inn Deccan Plaza (From Rs 4059)
21. Star City Crescent Park Street (From Rs 4059)
22. Esthell Continental (From Rs 3974)
23. Green Coconut Resorts (From Rs 3963)
24. Buena Vista Beach Resort (From Rs 3821)
25. The Aruna Chennai (From Rs 3625)
26. Hotel Aadithya (From Rs 3481)
27. Beverly (From Rs 3481)
28. Harrisons Hotel (From Rs 3481)
29. Comfort Inn Marina Towers (From Rs 3374)
30. Star City Bazullah Road (From Rs 3364)
31. Shelter Beach Resort (From Rs 3247)
32. Hotel Shelter (From Rs 3191)
33. The League Club (From Rs 3184)
34. Grand Orient (From Rs 3143)
35. Eastwoods (From Rs 3074)
36. Vestin Park (From Rs 3041)
37. Inn Chennai Apartment Hotel (From Rs 2959)
38. Hotel Shan Royal (From Rs 2930)
39. Star City Santhome (From Rs 2899)
40. The Vijay Park (From Rs 2787)
41. Arunachalla Inn (From Rs 2758)
42. Hotel Abu Palace (From Rs 2738)
43. Southern Crest (From Rs 2670)
44. Hotel Chariot (From Rs 2552)
45. The Royal Regency (From Rs 2538)
46. Hotel Royal Plaza (From Rs 2426)
47. Grand Residence (From Rs 2393)
48. Hotel Sakithyan (From Rs 2228)
49. Hotel Manhattan (From Rs 2208)
50. SRM Hotel (From Rs 2205)
51. Nilgiris Nest (From Rs 2166)
52. Hotel President (From Rs 2095)
53. GLM Meridian (From Rs 2087)
54. Hotel Raj Palace (From Rs 2037)
55. Hotel Henkala (From Rs 2037)
56. Star City Kottivakkam OMR (From Rs 2030)
57. Hotel Park View (From Rs 1913)
58. Chennai Gateway (From Rs 1909)
59. VGP Golden Beach Resort (From Rs 1909)
60. Star City Nungambakkam (From Rs 1857)
61. Kences Inn (From Rs 1857)
62. Hotel Maathus (From Rs 1827)
63. Hotel Ranjith (From Rs 1780)
64. Hotel Crystal Residency (From Rs 1764)
65. The Royal Star (From Rs 1739)
66. Hotel Chennai Deluxe (From Rs 1731)
67. Liberty Park Hotel (From Rs 1718)
68. Hotel Ganga International (From Rs 1683)
69. Hotel Mount Heera (From Rs 1657)
70. Hotel Dee Cee Manor (From Rs 1657)
71. Hotel Brownstar (From Rs 1590)
72. Thulashi Park (From Rs 1509)
73. The Mount Manor (From Rs 1509)
74. Hotel Maurya International (From Rs 1434)
75. New Victoria Hotel (From Rs 1392)
76. Sea Shell Residency (From Rs 1392)
77. Sreeja Excellency (From Rs 1270)
78. Hotel MGM Grand (From Rs 1244)
79. New Woodlands Hotel (From Rs 1177)
80. Sri Devi Park (From Rs 1162)
81. Goldmine Hotels (From Rs 1150)
82. Hotel Surya International (From Rs 1119)
83. Krishna Residency (From Rs 1119)
84. Hotel Kanchi (Geetha Hotels Pvt Ltd) (From Rs 1088)
85. Hotel Royal Paris (From Rs 1075)
86. Aspni Inn (From Rs 1020)
87. Hotel Gokulam Park (From Rs 998)
88. The Tidel Residency (From Rs 998)
89. Prema Palace (From Rs 997)
90. Hotel Dreamz Park (From Rs 960)
91. City Residency (From Rs 954)
92. The Orchid Inn (From Rs 933)
93. Hotel Blue Diamond (From Rs 933)
94. Hotel Sky Park (From Rs 873)
95. Golden Tower (From Rs 867)
96. Hotel Pratap Plaza (From Rs 851)
97. Hotel Pandian (From Rs 830)
98. Hotel Metro Manor (From Rs 790)
99. Hotel Nirmal Dakshin (From Rs 790)
100. Hotel Raaj Bhavan (From Rs 746)
101. Guruprakash Hotels (From Rs 746)
102. Raj Residency (From Rs 697)
103. Hotel Maps Inn (From Rs 686)
104. Hotel Lake View Park (From Rs 680)
105. Hotel Krishna Palace (From Rs 653)
106. Hotel Deluxe Inn (From Rs 621)
107. Hotel Guru (From Rs 621)
108. Hotel Anitha Towers (From Rs 609)
109. Chennai Residency (From Rs 593)
110. Hotel Leo Park (From Rs 592)
111. Hotel Melody (From Rs 565)
112. Picnic Hotel (From Rs 565)
113. Hotel Ambica Empire (From Rs 552)
114. Hotel Sudhara (From Rs 536)
115. Hotel Manickam Grand (From Rs 511)
116. Stay In Tour Home (From Rs 511)
117. Hotel Greens (From Rs 500)
118. A L A Bhavan Boarding & Lodging (From Rs 484)
119. Hotel Sudha (From Rs 478)
120. Hotel Comfort (From Rs 478)
121. Sarovara Delux Rooms Lodge (From Rs 462)
122. MC Feesa Residency (From Rs 456)
123. Hotel Lions India (From Rs 440)
124. Hotel Karpagam International (From Rs 420)
125. Hotel Sree Krishna (From Rs 403)
126. Broadlands Lodging House (From Rs 401)
127. Green Palace (From Rs 401)
128. AGP Guest House (From Rs 390)
129. Hotel Singapore (From Rs 379)
130. Hotel Surath Palace Lodge (From Rs 379)
131. Hotel Sakthipriya (From Rs 363)
132. ABC Guest House (From Rs 363)
133. Hotel Urvashi International (From Rs 346)
134. Hotel Bharani (From Rs 346)
135. Hotel Blue Star (From Rs 334)
136. Hotel Mallika (From Rs 291)
137. Best Guest House (From Rs 291)
138. Hotel A.K.Palace (From Rs 284)
139. Hotel Parkway (From Rs 258)
140. Victory Mansion Lodge (From Rs 236)
141. Jan Lodge (From Rs 93)
2. The Park (From Rs 14008)
3. Le Royal Meridien (From Rs 12733)
4. Trident Hilton Hotel (From Rs 11023)
5. Asiana Hotel (From Rs 9863)
6. Fortune Select Palms (From Rs 9281)
7. The Rain Tree (From Rs 8704)
8. Hotel Radisson GRT Hotel (From Rs 7726)
9. The Accord Metropolitan (From Rs 7640)
10. The Pride Hotel (From Rs 6379)
11. Savera (From Rs 5728)
12. Radha Regent (From Rs 5728)
13. Ambassador Pallava (From Rs 5518)
14. Hotel Green Park (From Rs 5219)
15. Raj Park (From Rs 5107)
16. Benzz Park Tulip (From Rs 4932)
17. Sabari Classic (From Rs 4814)
18. MGM Beach Resorts (From Rs 4730)
19. Quality Inn Sabari (From Rs 4281)
20. Days Inn Deccan Plaza (From Rs 4059)
21. Star City Crescent Park Street (From Rs 4059)
22. Esthell Continental (From Rs 3974)
23. Green Coconut Resorts (From Rs 3963)
24. Buena Vista Beach Resort (From Rs 3821)
25. The Aruna Chennai (From Rs 3625)
26. Hotel Aadithya (From Rs 3481)
27. Beverly (From Rs 3481)
28. Harrisons Hotel (From Rs 3481)
29. Comfort Inn Marina Towers (From Rs 3374)
30. Star City Bazullah Road (From Rs 3364)
31. Shelter Beach Resort (From Rs 3247)
32. Hotel Shelter (From Rs 3191)
33. The League Club (From Rs 3184)
34. Grand Orient (From Rs 3143)
35. Eastwoods (From Rs 3074)
36. Vestin Park (From Rs 3041)
37. Inn Chennai Apartment Hotel (From Rs 2959)
38. Hotel Shan Royal (From Rs 2930)
39. Star City Santhome (From Rs 2899)
40. The Vijay Park (From Rs 2787)
41. Arunachalla Inn (From Rs 2758)
42. Hotel Abu Palace (From Rs 2738)
43. Southern Crest (From Rs 2670)
44. Hotel Chariot (From Rs 2552)
45. The Royal Regency (From Rs 2538)
46. Hotel Royal Plaza (From Rs 2426)
47. Grand Residence (From Rs 2393)
48. Hotel Sakithyan (From Rs 2228)
49. Hotel Manhattan (From Rs 2208)
50. SRM Hotel (From Rs 2205)
51. Nilgiris Nest (From Rs 2166)
52. Hotel President (From Rs 2095)
53. GLM Meridian (From Rs 2087)
54. Hotel Raj Palace (From Rs 2037)
55. Hotel Henkala (From Rs 2037)
56. Star City Kottivakkam OMR (From Rs 2030)
57. Hotel Park View (From Rs 1913)
58. Chennai Gateway (From Rs 1909)
59. VGP Golden Beach Resort (From Rs 1909)
60. Star City Nungambakkam (From Rs 1857)
61. Kences Inn (From Rs 1857)
62. Hotel Maathus (From Rs 1827)
63. Hotel Ranjith (From Rs 1780)
64. Hotel Crystal Residency (From Rs 1764)
65. The Royal Star (From Rs 1739)
66. Hotel Chennai Deluxe (From Rs 1731)
67. Liberty Park Hotel (From Rs 1718)
68. Hotel Ganga International (From Rs 1683)
69. Hotel Mount Heera (From Rs 1657)
70. Hotel Dee Cee Manor (From Rs 1657)
71. Hotel Brownstar (From Rs 1590)
72. Thulashi Park (From Rs 1509)
73. The Mount Manor (From Rs 1509)
74. Hotel Maurya International (From Rs 1434)
75. New Victoria Hotel (From Rs 1392)
76. Sea Shell Residency (From Rs 1392)
77. Sreeja Excellency (From Rs 1270)
78. Hotel MGM Grand (From Rs 1244)
79. New Woodlands Hotel (From Rs 1177)
80. Sri Devi Park (From Rs 1162)
81. Goldmine Hotels (From Rs 1150)
82. Hotel Surya International (From Rs 1119)
83. Krishna Residency (From Rs 1119)
84. Hotel Kanchi (Geetha Hotels Pvt Ltd) (From Rs 1088)
85. Hotel Royal Paris (From Rs 1075)
86. Aspni Inn (From Rs 1020)
87. Hotel Gokulam Park (From Rs 998)
88. The Tidel Residency (From Rs 998)
89. Prema Palace (From Rs 997)
90. Hotel Dreamz Park (From Rs 960)
91. City Residency (From Rs 954)
92. The Orchid Inn (From Rs 933)
93. Hotel Blue Diamond (From Rs 933)
94. Hotel Sky Park (From Rs 873)
95. Golden Tower (From Rs 867)
96. Hotel Pratap Plaza (From Rs 851)
97. Hotel Pandian (From Rs 830)
98. Hotel Metro Manor (From Rs 790)
99. Hotel Nirmal Dakshin (From Rs 790)
100. Hotel Raaj Bhavan (From Rs 746)
101. Guruprakash Hotels (From Rs 746)
102. Raj Residency (From Rs 697)
103. Hotel Maps Inn (From Rs 686)
104. Hotel Lake View Park (From Rs 680)
105. Hotel Krishna Palace (From Rs 653)
106. Hotel Deluxe Inn (From Rs 621)
107. Hotel Guru (From Rs 621)
108. Hotel Anitha Towers (From Rs 609)
109. Chennai Residency (From Rs 593)
110. Hotel Leo Park (From Rs 592)
111. Hotel Melody (From Rs 565)
112. Picnic Hotel (From Rs 565)
113. Hotel Ambica Empire (From Rs 552)
114. Hotel Sudhara (From Rs 536)
115. Hotel Manickam Grand (From Rs 511)
116. Stay In Tour Home (From Rs 511)
117. Hotel Greens (From Rs 500)
118. A L A Bhavan Boarding & Lodging (From Rs 484)
119. Hotel Sudha (From Rs 478)
120. Hotel Comfort (From Rs 478)
121. Sarovara Delux Rooms Lodge (From Rs 462)
122. MC Feesa Residency (From Rs 456)
123. Hotel Lions India (From Rs 440)
124. Hotel Karpagam International (From Rs 420)
125. Hotel Sree Krishna (From Rs 403)
126. Broadlands Lodging House (From Rs 401)
127. Green Palace (From Rs 401)
128. AGP Guest House (From Rs 390)
129. Hotel Singapore (From Rs 379)
130. Hotel Surath Palace Lodge (From Rs 379)
131. Hotel Sakthipriya (From Rs 363)
132. ABC Guest House (From Rs 363)
133. Hotel Urvashi International (From Rs 346)
134. Hotel Bharani (From Rs 346)
135. Hotel Blue Star (From Rs 334)
136. Hotel Mallika (From Rs 291)
137. Best Guest House (From Rs 291)
138. Hotel A.K.Palace (From Rs 284)
139. Hotel Parkway (From Rs 258)
140. Victory Mansion Lodge (From Rs 236)
141. Jan Lodge (From Rs 93)
Indian Railways
Indian Railways
Online Railway Reservation
Railways - Telephone Enquiry Services
General Enquiry
131
Reservation Enquiry
132
Train Arrival & Dep (B.G) Central
133
Train Arrival & Dep (M.G) Egmore
134
Reservation Enquiry (Egmore)
135
Interactive Voice Response System Ticket Enquiry
In English
1361
In Hindi
1362
In Tamil
1363
Rail Reservation Centres in Chennai
(Reservation Hrs 08:00-14:00 & 14:15-20:00 Sun:08:00-14:00)
Avadi Rly Station
26555408
Annanagar
26631188
Airport
22560551
Besant Nagar
24901186
Central Railway Station
25353816
Egmore Railway Station
28194579
Mambalam Railway Station
24643755
Mylapore Railway Station
24954252
Perambur Railway Station
25510359
Saidapet Railway Station
24329970
Tambaram Railway Station
22365921
Tiruvotiyur Railway Station
25735314
Beach Railway Station
25234397
# Official Sites Indian Railways Official Site
# Indian Railways
# Central Railways
# Southern Railways
# Western Railways
# IndianRailJourneys
# Reservation Enquiries Trains/Berths/Full Fare
# Passenger Status
# Tele-booking facility
# Enquiries Trains Between Important Stations
# Concessional Fare
# Station Codes
# Train Schedule
# Passenger Information Reservation Rules
# Refund Rules
# Break Journey Rules
# Change in Name
# Tatkal Trains
# Special Trains
# Rajdhani / Shatabdi Trains
# Season Tickets
# Class Codes
# Quota Codes
# Booking Locations
# Travel Agents
# Luggage Rules
Online Railway Reservation
Railways - Telephone Enquiry Services
General Enquiry
131
Reservation Enquiry
132
Train Arrival & Dep (B.G) Central
133
Train Arrival & Dep (M.G) Egmore
134
Reservation Enquiry (Egmore)
135
Interactive Voice Response System Ticket Enquiry
In English
1361
In Hindi
1362
In Tamil
1363
Rail Reservation Centres in Chennai
(Reservation Hrs 08:00-14:00 & 14:15-20:00 Sun:08:00-14:00)
Avadi Rly Station
26555408
Annanagar
26631188
Airport
22560551
Besant Nagar
24901186
Central Railway Station
25353816
Egmore Railway Station
28194579
Mambalam Railway Station
24643755
Mylapore Railway Station
24954252
Perambur Railway Station
25510359
Saidapet Railway Station
24329970
Tambaram Railway Station
22365921
Tiruvotiyur Railway Station
25735314
Beach Railway Station
25234397
# Official Sites Indian Railways Official Site
# Indian Railways
# Central Railways
# Southern Railways
# Western Railways
# IndianRailJourneys
# Reservation Enquiries Trains/Berths/Full Fare
# Passenger Status
# Tele-booking facility
# Enquiries Trains Between Important Stations
# Concessional Fare
# Station Codes
# Train Schedule
# Passenger Information Reservation Rules
# Refund Rules
# Break Journey Rules
# Change in Name
# Tatkal Trains
# Special Trains
# Rajdhani / Shatabdi Trains
# Season Tickets
# Class Codes
# Quota Codes
# Booking Locations
# Travel Agents
# Luggage Rules
Chennai Rail Map
Chennai formerly known as Madras is the capital city of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metro city in India. The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort Saint George and gradually absorbed the surrounding towns and villages. However, despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil Hindu culture and effectively blended it with the foreign influence. The city is widely spread in about 180 Sq. Kms. It is a major trade center, being well linked by road, rail and air to important cities besides being a sea port. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted.
Chennai, is a journey into timeless India, a kaleidoscope of moods. rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the landscape of the past lives easily with the present. Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350 year old city is the gateway to the south, providing many a fascinating vignette of southern heritage.
AREA: 174 Sq.Km. ALTITUDE: Sea level TEMPERATURE: Max- 37 C and Min-21 C in Summer, Max-32C and Min-20C in Winter.
RAINFALL: 1,272 Mm ( June to Sept ) BEST SEASON: Throughout the Year.
CLOTHING: Summer-cottons, Winter- Woolen, STD CODE: 044
REACHING CHENNAI
Kamraj National and Anna International Airports are situated at Tirusulam about 20 Kms from city. Chennai is connected by rail with all major towns and cities in India. Main Railway Stations: Central and Egmore. Chennai is connected by good network of roads with all important places in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India.
Near by Cities
Kancheepuram - 75kms. Bangalore - 334 kms.
Pondicherry - 162 kms. Tirupati - 154 kms.
Mamallapuram - 58 kms. Vellore - 145 kms.
Thirukkazhukundram - 74kms Vedanthangal - 85 kms.
HC directs SR
Chennai April 09 The Madras High Court today directed the General Manager, Southern Railway,Chennai to settle the differences and disputes between a contractor and the Chief Project Manager(CPM) and the Chief Administrative Officer, Metropolitan Transport projet (MRTS) through arbitration, within three months from the date of commencing the procedings.
On a petition filed by a contractor T Thiyagarajan, Mr Justice S Rajeswaran also directed the General Manager to settle two agreements between the petitioner and the Chief Project Manager (CPM) through arbitration and settle the differences.
The judge also observed that the petitioner's contract ended in 1998 and it was obvious that he was retaining possession for nearly 12 years and was liable to pay rent arrears to the tune of Rs 83 lakhs.
Considering the fact that eviction proceedings were initiated against the petitoner as per the statute, it was open to the CPM and GM to take further proceedings as per the same statute without resorting to any illegal methods, the judge ordered.
The petitioner submitted that he was one among five contractors for whom the CPM by letters of acceptance awarded the contract in Omni Bus Tender No.MTP/C/II/94,in schemes II and III, contract for constructing 13 shops in the ground floor of Chintadripet Railway station and three offices in the Mezzanine floor of the same station and for letting it out to third parties. The CPM awarded the contract in 1995 for the period of three years. The petitioner also submitted that he had invested a sum of Rs 15 lakhs to construct shops. But due to various lapses committed by the CPM and very poor passenger traffic, the shops were not occupied for years and power supply was provided by the railway authorities only in February 1999 only.
He also submitted that a dispute arose between the parties invoking clause 16 of the terms and conditions of the tender and he had called upon the CPM through a letter to appoint an arbitrator. But as there was no respose from the CPM, he moved the court and sought appointment of a retired judicial officer as the sole arbitrator to settle the differences and restrain the GM and CPM of Southern Railways from interferring in retaining possession of the shops and offices in the Chinthadripet Railway station.
The judge cited several judgements of the Supreme Court and rejected the plea for appointment of a retired judicial officer as arbitrator and directed the GM Southern Railways to arbitrate and settle the issue.
Published: Thursday, April 10, 2008
On a petition filed by a contractor T Thiyagarajan, Mr Justice S Rajeswaran also directed the General Manager to settle two agreements between the petitioner and the Chief Project Manager (CPM) through arbitration and settle the differences.
The judge also observed that the petitioner's contract ended in 1998 and it was obvious that he was retaining possession for nearly 12 years and was liable to pay rent arrears to the tune of Rs 83 lakhs.
Considering the fact that eviction proceedings were initiated against the petitoner as per the statute, it was open to the CPM and GM to take further proceedings as per the same statute without resorting to any illegal methods, the judge ordered.
The petitioner submitted that he was one among five contractors for whom the CPM by letters of acceptance awarded the contract in Omni Bus Tender No.MTP/C/II/94,in schemes II and III, contract for constructing 13 shops in the ground floor of Chintadripet Railway station and three offices in the Mezzanine floor of the same station and for letting it out to third parties. The CPM awarded the contract in 1995 for the period of three years. The petitioner also submitted that he had invested a sum of Rs 15 lakhs to construct shops. But due to various lapses committed by the CPM and very poor passenger traffic, the shops were not occupied for years and power supply was provided by the railway authorities only in February 1999 only.
He also submitted that a dispute arose between the parties invoking clause 16 of the terms and conditions of the tender and he had called upon the CPM through a letter to appoint an arbitrator. But as there was no respose from the CPM, he moved the court and sought appointment of a retired judicial officer as the sole arbitrator to settle the differences and restrain the GM and CPM of Southern Railways from interferring in retaining possession of the shops and offices in the Chinthadripet Railway station.
The judge cited several judgements of the Supreme Court and rejected the plea for appointment of a retired judicial officer as arbitrator and directed the GM Southern Railways to arbitrate and settle the issue.
Published: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Chennai Egmore
Chennai Egmore is a railway station in, The station acts as the arrival and departure point for trains connecting Chennai and southern, central and This is one of the two main railway junctions in the city along with, which serves the north and west bound trains from the city. However, some trains to the north-east and eastern parts of the country also start from/pass through here, though the number is much fewer than the ones from Chennai Central.
Trains originating from Chennai Egmore
Chennai-Dibrugarh Express
Chennai Egmore-Mangalore Express
Chennai-Guwahati Express
Chennai-Guruvayur Express
Chennai-Jodhpur Express
Chennai-Kacheguda Express
Chennai-Kanyakumari Kanyakumari Express
Chennai-Kacheguda Express
Chennai-Kumbakonam Rock Fort Express
Chennai-Madurai Pandian Express
Chennai-Madurai Vaigai Express
Chennai-Puducherry Express
Chennai-Tenkasi Express
Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Ananthapuri Express
Chennai-Tuticorin Pearl City Express
Chennai-Tiruchirappalli Pallavan Express
Chennai-Tirunelveli Nellai Express
Trains passing through Chennai Egmore
Kanyakumari-Howrah Express
Kanniyakumari-Hazrat Nizamuddin Thirukkural Express
Madurai-Hazrat Nizamuddin TN Sampark Kranti Express
Trichy-Howrah Express
Trains originating from Chennai Egmore
Chennai-Dibrugarh Express
Chennai Egmore-Mangalore Express
Chennai-Guwahati Express
Chennai-Guruvayur Express
Chennai-Jodhpur Express
Chennai-Kacheguda Express
Chennai-Kanyakumari Kanyakumari Express
Chennai-Kacheguda Express
Chennai-Kumbakonam Rock Fort Express
Chennai-Madurai Pandian Express
Chennai-Madurai Vaigai Express
Chennai-Puducherry Express
Chennai-Tenkasi Express
Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Ananthapuri Express
Chennai-Tuticorin Pearl City Express
Chennai-Tiruchirappalli Pallavan Express
Chennai-Tirunelveli Nellai Express
Trains passing through Chennai Egmore
Kanyakumari-Howrah Express
Kanniyakumari-Hazrat Nizamuddin Thirukkural Express
Madurai-Hazrat Nizamuddin TN Sampark Kranti Express
Trichy-Howrah Express
Kancheepuram
Welcome to the city of thousand temples.
Kancheepuram is popular for its renowned crafted world famous silk sarees, a traditional home industry. Kancheepuram is also known for its culture and civilization. Kancheepuram is easily accessible from the state capital Chennai. It is a place to visit for everyone.
By Road
Kanchipuram is 75 kms away from Chennai and is well connected by a good network of roads. There are frequent bus services from Kanchi to Chennai, Bangalore and other places.
By Air
The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, just a 2 hours drive away.
By Rail
Can be reached from Chennai central railway station and Arakkonam railway station.
Kancheepuram is popular for its renowned crafted world famous silk sarees, a traditional home industry. Kancheepuram is also known for its culture and civilization. Kancheepuram is easily accessible from the state capital Chennai. It is a place to visit for everyone.
By Road
Kanchipuram is 75 kms away from Chennai and is well connected by a good network of roads. There are frequent bus services from Kanchi to Chennai, Bangalore and other places.
By Air
The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, just a 2 hours drive away.
By Rail
Can be reached from Chennai central railway station and Arakkonam railway station.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Agra
Agra is known, to the world as the city of Taj Mahal. Agra has its roots, dating back to the time of Mahabaratha. Agra is situated on the west-bank of River Yamuna, 204 km south of Delhi. The old part of the town, north of the fort, is where the main market place is. The modern township is on the south. Agra has a magnificent fort and many other monuments from the Mughul era, not to mention the Taj Mahal, which are major attractions to the tourists.
Taj Mahal India
Even as the world is caught in the skirmishes of War & peace, Nuclear and Non-Nuclear; Taj has stood as the epitome of love. This extravagant monument of love is one of the most visited and most photographed places in the world. Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal was the culmination point of Indo-Persian architecture. The Mughals Emperor were always fond of constructing monuments. Perhaps they knew that they would be gone but these structures will remind the world of their grandeur.
Agra Red Fort
Agra which lies on the west bank of river Jamuna became one of the principal cities of the Mughal Empire after the death of Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526. When Akbar choose Agra as his capital he laid the foundation of the Fort of Agra. After Taj this was one of the most important group of buildings. The construction was started in 1565 and was completed in about eight years at a cost of thirty five lakh of rupees under the superintendence of Qasim Khan Mir Barr-u-Bahr. This fort was just one of the many large fortified residences that the emperor wanted to have at various strategic points of his empire. According to contemporary chroniclers like Abul Fazal the fort contained over five hundred buildings. But later on Akbar's descendants added new buildings, mainly in marble to the fort and demolished the old ones.
Fatehpur Sikri
37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city and within 20 years the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. The city is a fine example of culmination of Mughal and Hindu architecture. Any visitor to Agra must have a go at Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri mosque was said to be built in lines of the holy mosque in Mecca. Entrance to the mosque is through the Buland Darwaza that is 54m high.
Akbar's Mausoleum, Sikandra
Four kilometer from Agra is the mausoleum of Akbar. Construction of this beautiful monument was started by Akbar himself . This structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian , Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs.
Jama Masjid Or Jami Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648, the main gate of this mosque has inscription written on it that it was built by Jahanara Begum. She was the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan and was imprisoned with him. The absence of minarets and the shape of the dome give sit a distinguished character.
Chini-Ka-Rauza
A tomb of glazed tiles is a memorial dedicated to poet-scholar and later the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan, Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz.
Dayal Bagh Temple
15-kms from Agra, Dayal Bagh, also known as Soamibagh, houses the samadhi of the founder of Radha Swami faith, 'Swamiji Maharaj'. The main structure is a majestic building, 110-feet in height, built of pure white marble. The belief here is that construction work should never end, making it into a living monument, hence it is under construction for almost 100 years.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb
This tomb belongs to the father of Nur Jahan, Ghias-ud-Din Beg. He was the Wajir or the Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir. This white marble tomb was built by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628. The tomb may not be as mammoth as the Taj but the inlay designs and carvings are no less than Taj if not more. The delicate marble latticework in the passages allows the light to enter the interiors. A similar tomb was built by Nur Jahan for Jehangir in Lahore. This tomb was the first complete marble Moghul structure.
Mariyam Tomb
This tomb is dedicated to the wife of Akbar. The red sand stone tomb was built in 1611 and is on the Delhi- Agra highway. The carvings on the tomb of Mariyam-us-Zamani are worth giving a closer look.
Ram Bagh
When Babur came to India he laid the first Mughal gardens 500 m North of the Chini Ka Rauza. This well laid gardens are not even a fraction of what they used to be. It will need lots of imagination to picture how these gardens must have looked in 1558.
Rajasthan Royal Wheels
Tour Duration : 07 Nights / 08 Days
The first commercial launch is scheduled for October 2008.
Proposed Tour Itinerary
Delhi - Capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil over the last 3000 years. The legacy still survives in many monuments varying from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi Kings to the buildings of British India's imperial past like the Parliament House and the Presidential Estate.
Agra - The ancient city once the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th and 17th century, depicts a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture. Agra houses one of Seven Wonders of the World, the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan - “The Taj Mahal”. Discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen in other architectural marvels in Agra, the quintessential Mughal City.
Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary extends over an area of 392 sq. kms of thick forests. The place abounds in the scenic beauty and is a refuge for both the carnivorous and herbivorous animals. The numerous valleys and flat hill tops form picturesque surroundings of the 10th century historical Ranthambore Fort. One can spot predators like the Tiger and Leopard and other carnivorous animals like the Hyena, Jackal and Sloth Beer. The sanctuary also abounds in Wild Boar and various varieties of Deer like spotted Deer, Sambhar, Chinkara and Nilgai (blue bull). The common Langaur (monkeys) abound in the trees.
Chittorgarh - is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The main reason for visiting Chittorgarh is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on an 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below.
Udaipur - This is Rajasthan’s most congenial and romantic city situated in the lap of the thickly wooded Aravali Hills. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance. Udaipur has been called the “Venice of the East”.
Jodhpur; - Grandeur by the sand dunes, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the state of Marwar during the rule of the Rathor clan. Set right at the edge of Thar Desert, Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that go back to the 15th century, all vividly testify to the history of the princely state.
Osian - The ancient town of Thar Desert was a great trading center between 8th to 12th centuries. Today it is desert oasis with 16 Brahamanical and Jain temples, beautifully sculpted and designed, most of which have stood ravages of time. The place is highlighted by its camel ride at the time of the sunset.
Jaisalmer - Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendours, dominating the amber-hued city.
Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur’s desert heritage while the teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Come visit the city of love, legends and lore.
Luxury Train Facilities:
The train will comprise of one super deluxe saloon, thirteen deluxe saloons, two restaurant cum lounge cars, one spa cum board room car, one kitchen car, two staff cars and two power cars.
Super Deluxe Coach;
The super deluxe coach will have two Suites with a capacity of 4 persons. Each Suit (Mother of Pearl and Silver Suites) will have double beds, with spacious sitting area with dressing table, luggage rack, a spacious bath room with shower and bath tub. The coach also has a common lounge
Deluxe Coach;
Deluxe coach will have 3 double bedded cabins with a capacity of 6 pax. Each cabin will have double beds, seating area, dressing table, luggage rack with spacious bathroom.
Restaurant Lounge;
The concept of the restaurant lounge is to eliminate waiting time. The two restaurant lounge cars, combined would have a capacity of 120 pax.
Spa cum Board Room;
International Gym and spa facilities would be available. Corporate and guests can arrange meetings in the board room which will have modern facilities.
The train will have internet connectivity, TV, channel music, public address system, running hot and cold water, cubical toilet facilities, pantry in each coach with provision for tea/coffee, snacks.
The first commercial launch is scheduled for October 2008.
Proposed Tour Itinerary
Delhi - Capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil over the last 3000 years. The legacy still survives in many monuments varying from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi Kings to the buildings of British India's imperial past like the Parliament House and the Presidential Estate.
Agra - The ancient city once the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th and 17th century, depicts a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture. Agra houses one of Seven Wonders of the World, the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan - “The Taj Mahal”. Discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen in other architectural marvels in Agra, the quintessential Mughal City.
Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary extends over an area of 392 sq. kms of thick forests. The place abounds in the scenic beauty and is a refuge for both the carnivorous and herbivorous animals. The numerous valleys and flat hill tops form picturesque surroundings of the 10th century historical Ranthambore Fort. One can spot predators like the Tiger and Leopard and other carnivorous animals like the Hyena, Jackal and Sloth Beer. The sanctuary also abounds in Wild Boar and various varieties of Deer like spotted Deer, Sambhar, Chinkara and Nilgai (blue bull). The common Langaur (monkeys) abound in the trees.
Chittorgarh - is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The main reason for visiting Chittorgarh is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on an 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below.
Udaipur - This is Rajasthan’s most congenial and romantic city situated in the lap of the thickly wooded Aravali Hills. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance. Udaipur has been called the “Venice of the East”.
Jodhpur; - Grandeur by the sand dunes, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the state of Marwar during the rule of the Rathor clan. Set right at the edge of Thar Desert, Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that go back to the 15th century, all vividly testify to the history of the princely state.
Osian - The ancient town of Thar Desert was a great trading center between 8th to 12th centuries. Today it is desert oasis with 16 Brahamanical and Jain temples, beautifully sculpted and designed, most of which have stood ravages of time. The place is highlighted by its camel ride at the time of the sunset.
Jaisalmer - Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendours, dominating the amber-hued city.
Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur’s desert heritage while the teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Come visit the city of love, legends and lore.
Luxury Train Facilities:
The train will comprise of one super deluxe saloon, thirteen deluxe saloons, two restaurant cum lounge cars, one spa cum board room car, one kitchen car, two staff cars and two power cars.
Super Deluxe Coach;
The super deluxe coach will have two Suites with a capacity of 4 persons. Each Suit (Mother of Pearl and Silver Suites) will have double beds, with spacious sitting area with dressing table, luggage rack, a spacious bath room with shower and bath tub. The coach also has a common lounge
Deluxe Coach;
Deluxe coach will have 3 double bedded cabins with a capacity of 6 pax. Each cabin will have double beds, seating area, dressing table, luggage rack with spacious bathroom.
Restaurant Lounge;
The concept of the restaurant lounge is to eliminate waiting time. The two restaurant lounge cars, combined would have a capacity of 120 pax.
Spa cum Board Room;
International Gym and spa facilities would be available. Corporate and guests can arrange meetings in the board room which will have modern facilities.
The train will have internet connectivity, TV, channel music, public address system, running hot and cold water, cubical toilet facilities, pantry in each coach with provision for tea/coffee, snacks.
Magnificient Periods of History
13 Coaches & Saloons.13 Magnificent Periods of History.
1st day (Wednesday)
Leave Delhi : Tea and Dinner on board The Royal Orient.
2nd day (Thursday)
Chittaurgarh : Visit Chittaurgarh Fort. Leave for Udaipur. Breakfast on Board. Udaipur : Lunch at Hotel. Visit City Palace, Tripolia Gates, Sahelion-ki-Bari (Royal Gardens), and Shilpgram (Craft Village). Leave for Junagadh. Dinner on Board.
3rd day (Friday)
Ahmedabad : Operational Halt for one hour. Breakfat and Lunch on board. Junagadh : Visit Ashokan Rock Edict of 3rd Century B.C., Darbar Hall Museam, Mausoleum of Nawab Mahabat Khanji. Leave for Verval. Veraval : Visit Shiva Temple at Somnath. Dinner at Hotel.
4th day (Saturday)
Leave for Sasan Gir, Early Breakfast on Board. Sasan Gir : Visit the Lion Sanctuary. Leave for Delwada. Lunch on Board. Delwada : Visit Ahmedpur Mandvi beach and Diu (Fort and St. Paul's Chruch). Leave for Palitana. Dinner on Board.
5th day (Sunday)
Breakfast on Board. Palitana : Visit 863 Jain Temples atop Shatrunjaya Hills. The 3,572 steps can be climbed or, if you so desire, please use the chairslings arranged for you. Leave for Sarkhej. Lunch on Board. Sarkhej :Visit and have dinner at Vishalla village. Proceed to Ahmedabad by bus.
6th day (Monday)
Ahmedabad : Visit Adalaj Step Well, Gandhi Ashram, Calico Textiles' Museum, Hathising Jain Temple, Sidi Sayyad's Mosque, and shopping. Lunch at Hotel. Leave for Jaipur. Tea and Dinner on board.
7th day (Tuesday)
Breakfast on board. Jaipur : Visit City Plalace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal. Lunch at Hotel. Visit Amer Fort. Enjoy an elephant ride. Leave for Delhi. Dinner on Board.
8th day (Wednesday)
Delhi : Reach Delhi Cantt. Railway Station.
October to March April to September
Single occupancy US$ 350 US$ 263
Double occupancy US$ 200 US$ 150
Triple occupancy US$ 175 US$ 132
* Children below 5 years of age are permitted free. Those between 5 and 12 years are charged only 50% of rate.Valid only if accompanied by parents
1st day (Wednesday)
Leave Delhi : Tea and Dinner on board The Royal Orient.
2nd day (Thursday)
Chittaurgarh : Visit Chittaurgarh Fort. Leave for Udaipur. Breakfast on Board. Udaipur : Lunch at Hotel. Visit City Palace, Tripolia Gates, Sahelion-ki-Bari (Royal Gardens), and Shilpgram (Craft Village). Leave for Junagadh. Dinner on Board.
3rd day (Friday)
Ahmedabad : Operational Halt for one hour. Breakfat and Lunch on board. Junagadh : Visit Ashokan Rock Edict of 3rd Century B.C., Darbar Hall Museam, Mausoleum of Nawab Mahabat Khanji. Leave for Verval. Veraval : Visit Shiva Temple at Somnath. Dinner at Hotel.
4th day (Saturday)
Leave for Sasan Gir, Early Breakfast on Board. Sasan Gir : Visit the Lion Sanctuary. Leave for Delwada. Lunch on Board. Delwada : Visit Ahmedpur Mandvi beach and Diu (Fort and St. Paul's Chruch). Leave for Palitana. Dinner on Board.
5th day (Sunday)
Breakfast on Board. Palitana : Visit 863 Jain Temples atop Shatrunjaya Hills. The 3,572 steps can be climbed or, if you so desire, please use the chairslings arranged for you. Leave for Sarkhej. Lunch on Board. Sarkhej :Visit and have dinner at Vishalla village. Proceed to Ahmedabad by bus.
6th day (Monday)
Ahmedabad : Visit Adalaj Step Well, Gandhi Ashram, Calico Textiles' Museum, Hathising Jain Temple, Sidi Sayyad's Mosque, and shopping. Lunch at Hotel. Leave for Jaipur. Tea and Dinner on board.
7th day (Tuesday)
Breakfast on board. Jaipur : Visit City Plalace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal. Lunch at Hotel. Visit Amer Fort. Enjoy an elephant ride. Leave for Delhi. Dinner on Board.
8th day (Wednesday)
Delhi : Reach Delhi Cantt. Railway Station.
October to March April to September
Single occupancy US$ 350 US$ 263
Double occupancy US$ 200 US$ 150
Triple occupancy US$ 175 US$ 132
* Children below 5 years of age are permitted free. Those between 5 and 12 years are charged only 50% of rate.Valid only if accompanied by parents
Indian Hill Railways
The Darjeeling Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the engineering feats of the world. Although the steepness of the gradients on this narrow-gauge line is .....More about The Darjeeling Railway....
The Kangra Valley Railway
The exotic Kangra Valley lying between the Dhaula Dhar and the Shivalik foothills in the state of Himachal Pradesh is the conglomeration of valleys and ....More about The Kangra Valley Railway....
Kalka Shimla Railway
An interesting feature of the Kalka-Shimla Railway is the almost complete absence of Girder bridges. Multi arched galleries like ancient roman aqueducts being the ....More about Kalka Shimla Railway....
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nilgiri Mountail Railwayis the steepest one in Asia ( the steepest gradient is about 1in12). In combination with this gradient there are curves as ....More about Nilgiri Mountain Railway....
Matheran Light Railway
Abdul Hussain, son of the business tycoon, Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy of Mumbai, has started the construction of Matheran railway in 1904 and the two ....More about Matheran Light Railway....
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the engineering feats of the world. Although the steepness of the gradients on this narrow-gauge line is .....More about The Darjeeling Railway....
The Kangra Valley Railway
The exotic Kangra Valley lying between the Dhaula Dhar and the Shivalik foothills in the state of Himachal Pradesh is the conglomeration of valleys and ....More about The Kangra Valley Railway....
Kalka Shimla Railway
An interesting feature of the Kalka-Shimla Railway is the almost complete absence of Girder bridges. Multi arched galleries like ancient roman aqueducts being the ....More about Kalka Shimla Railway....
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nilgiri Mountail Railwayis the steepest one in Asia ( the steepest gradient is about 1in12). In combination with this gradient there are curves as ....More about Nilgiri Mountain Railway....
Matheran Light Railway
Abdul Hussain, son of the business tycoon, Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy of Mumbai, has started the construction of Matheran railway in 1904 and the two ....More about Matheran Light Railway....
Culture- India
India is a mysteriously diverse country. As a society its character is unpredictable, structurally chaotic, very much intrusive, somewhat mischievous, a bit corrupt and tricky, unbelievably patient, pretty lethargic, inquisitive to the core, talkative to a point of insanity and obviously a lot noisy. A man on the road sees no reason why he should not talk to a total stranger passing by. At the end the curiosity wins! Now you put that inside a train. You get India in its rolling-stock version.
Multiply it with the scale that is India. Indian Railways operate more than 14000 (yes, fourteen thousand) trains a day. If traveled towards moon, the distance covered by all these trains easily equals 4 times the journey to moon… that is in its every day operations. 16 million passengers (twice the population of London) travel by train daily.
With 1.6 million employs, Indian Railways looks more like an army. In fact it is the largest employer in the world, if one bar the armies from the contest.
Being that the backdrop, a train journey in India refuses to be just another uneventful and boring affair.
Inside a Sleeper Class coach. Inside a Sleeper Class coach.
Every kinds of weirdness in India have already found its place in the railway stations and trains. So being inside the train doesn’t insulate you, no fear of that happening.
Everyone settled, the train just left the station, you think its time to do some reading and pulls out that gleaming magazine from your bag. Nothing unusual happens. You are wrong!
The vying eyes of your co passengers have already fallen on it. It is only a question of time you receive the first request for the magazine, with an ear-to-ear grin of course. Once it leaves you, the magazine slowly turns socialist. It changes many hands. In the beginning, you receive a gentle request for consent from your first borrower to pass it to his neighbor. That curtsey vanishes fast. What is the need to trouble you again since you didn’t show any reservations at all?
Many hours later, the magazine finally traces its way back to you. By now it would look like a tired but proud solder returning from the battlefield. Long gone is the sheen on its once gleaming cover. That is what happens three-dozen passengers on a train read a magazine in turns. If it happened to be a newspaper instead of a magazine, the fate is still brutal.
Don’t worry too much, if the whole thing sounds a bit odd or intrusive. Either you start liking it albeit with a disdain or refuse to carry a magazine onboard. Sure you can always do it on other passengers.
Of late are you getting that urge to pull gently at the corner of somebody else’s’ magazine? It just assures that by now you are already a seasoned train traveler in India!
A typical long distance train passes through many states. It is safe to assume that there are all having unique cultural identity. In other words, people speak different languages, wear different costumes and even the cuisine is different. It seems the train arrives at a different India every 500 kilometers or so. That diversity reflects inside the train too.
Take a long distance train connecting two particularly unique places. A great lot of the passengers in the train would be from these two regions. It is sometime amusing to watch the crowd who speaks different languages and possess considerable difference in taste.
In general Indians travel in family. Indian Railways have a rule, one cannot reserve for more than six in a group. Not very sure what was in their mind in setting this rule. Probably they though of preventing an entire village on the move reserve a coach and run their council meeting an Afghan style Loya Jirga.
If you happed to be in the middle of a traveling middleclass family, expect these: force-feeding you every time they open that box of home cooked food packets, in return they want to know where you are going? What you are doing? How much you earn?…..the list is as long as your journey.
First of all you are in a fix. You’ve seen a poster round the corner that conmen use biscuits and soft drinks to drug unsuspecting passengers to rob. The railways have been repeatedly advising people not to accept food or drinks from strangers while traveling. Also somewhere you’ve red that saying a polite “No Thanks” could be considered as a rude statement in India. In this dilemma your prudence fight with curtsey. Commonsense overrides all alarms. Curtsey wins, usually!
Well, so far we’ve been talking about the reserved coaches. What about the unnerved coaches at the ends of the train? To be frank, that is a different republic altogether.
This is where the so-called real India travels (as if the rest of India is not so real!). Albeit its lack of luxury and comforts, the unreserved coaches and the slow passenger trains are definitely showcases of India’s diversity, patience, flexibility, humility and more importantly its simplicity.
Where on earth one can travel a thousand miles for as low as Rs250 (5 USD) by an express train?
No vulgar display of pomp and vanity here. If you equate the higher classes with upscale hotels, the second-class coaches compare with those downtown lodges where one can walk in. It has character. If you still have stamina left, welcome inside. It won’t be boring, sure!
If one feels India handles paradoxes with ease, look at the Indian railways to watch the climax. This never sleeping conglomerate uses satellites technologies to monitor and track its trains. Walk into their luggage booking office; the centerpiece would be a Victorian era weighing scale. The clerk sitting next to it is no less colonial either. He jots a luggage receipt for your bicycle in quadruple using three layers of carbon papers. You’ve already got the weight measured by the assistant standing next to the scale. Now you stand in the queue to pay the luggage charges. Again the clerk takes his sweet time to fill the rows and columns of an ancient looking ledger system. Proudly in display is the railway’s beaurocrasy at its slowest best.
Right next to it is the reservation office. Tens of thousands of computers are connected to the railways mission critical reservation system. If works with amazing efficiency that can make any giant airlines in the world turn green with envy. It may look trivial in the modern world of online ticket bookings. But the scale at which the railway is operating is mind-boggling. This single organization’s e-tickets sale accounts for about 30% of the whole online purchases made in India.
Let it be the heroin falls in love with hero, or the bandits looting a train or even the partition of India and Pakistan, countless number of Indian movies - Bollywood or otherwise- are made in the backdrop of train journeys.
Having boasted of its sophistication, the century old coal and steam trains are no history in India. If one is keen to travel in steam engine trains, Indian railways have a few trains in its rolling inventory.
Vintage steam engie at Coonor railway station. Vintage steam engie at Coonor railway station
Three legacy railways Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka-Shimla Railway and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway marched into the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site on in cultural value for the humanity. These mountain trains of India still have enough steam left to bring the kid out of you. It is very difficult to hold the scream as the smoke spitting Nilgiri mountain train disappears into a dark tunnel.
No talk on Indian trains is conclusive without the mention of the cuisine. While some dishes are known after Indian railways, the humble Chai stands top in the list.
Literally hundreds of Chai vendors mob the trains from inside and outside. Kettle after kettle of tea finds its way through the windows into the coaches. It seams even the paper cups across the country is designed make it slip easily through the window grills.
Multiply it with the scale that is India. Indian Railways operate more than 14000 (yes, fourteen thousand) trains a day. If traveled towards moon, the distance covered by all these trains easily equals 4 times the journey to moon… that is in its every day operations. 16 million passengers (twice the population of London) travel by train daily.
With 1.6 million employs, Indian Railways looks more like an army. In fact it is the largest employer in the world, if one bar the armies from the contest.
Being that the backdrop, a train journey in India refuses to be just another uneventful and boring affair.
Inside a Sleeper Class coach. Inside a Sleeper Class coach.
Every kinds of weirdness in India have already found its place in the railway stations and trains. So being inside the train doesn’t insulate you, no fear of that happening.
Everyone settled, the train just left the station, you think its time to do some reading and pulls out that gleaming magazine from your bag. Nothing unusual happens. You are wrong!
The vying eyes of your co passengers have already fallen on it. It is only a question of time you receive the first request for the magazine, with an ear-to-ear grin of course. Once it leaves you, the magazine slowly turns socialist. It changes many hands. In the beginning, you receive a gentle request for consent from your first borrower to pass it to his neighbor. That curtsey vanishes fast. What is the need to trouble you again since you didn’t show any reservations at all?
Many hours later, the magazine finally traces its way back to you. By now it would look like a tired but proud solder returning from the battlefield. Long gone is the sheen on its once gleaming cover. That is what happens three-dozen passengers on a train read a magazine in turns. If it happened to be a newspaper instead of a magazine, the fate is still brutal.
Don’t worry too much, if the whole thing sounds a bit odd or intrusive. Either you start liking it albeit with a disdain or refuse to carry a magazine onboard. Sure you can always do it on other passengers.
Of late are you getting that urge to pull gently at the corner of somebody else’s’ magazine? It just assures that by now you are already a seasoned train traveler in India!
A typical long distance train passes through many states. It is safe to assume that there are all having unique cultural identity. In other words, people speak different languages, wear different costumes and even the cuisine is different. It seems the train arrives at a different India every 500 kilometers or so. That diversity reflects inside the train too.
Take a long distance train connecting two particularly unique places. A great lot of the passengers in the train would be from these two regions. It is sometime amusing to watch the crowd who speaks different languages and possess considerable difference in taste.
In general Indians travel in family. Indian Railways have a rule, one cannot reserve for more than six in a group. Not very sure what was in their mind in setting this rule. Probably they though of preventing an entire village on the move reserve a coach and run their council meeting an Afghan style Loya Jirga.
If you happed to be in the middle of a traveling middleclass family, expect these: force-feeding you every time they open that box of home cooked food packets, in return they want to know where you are going? What you are doing? How much you earn?…..the list is as long as your journey.
First of all you are in a fix. You’ve seen a poster round the corner that conmen use biscuits and soft drinks to drug unsuspecting passengers to rob. The railways have been repeatedly advising people not to accept food or drinks from strangers while traveling. Also somewhere you’ve red that saying a polite “No Thanks” could be considered as a rude statement in India. In this dilemma your prudence fight with curtsey. Commonsense overrides all alarms. Curtsey wins, usually!
Well, so far we’ve been talking about the reserved coaches. What about the unnerved coaches at the ends of the train? To be frank, that is a different republic altogether.
This is where the so-called real India travels (as if the rest of India is not so real!). Albeit its lack of luxury and comforts, the unreserved coaches and the slow passenger trains are definitely showcases of India’s diversity, patience, flexibility, humility and more importantly its simplicity.
Where on earth one can travel a thousand miles for as low as Rs250 (5 USD) by an express train?
No vulgar display of pomp and vanity here. If you equate the higher classes with upscale hotels, the second-class coaches compare with those downtown lodges where one can walk in. It has character. If you still have stamina left, welcome inside. It won’t be boring, sure!
If one feels India handles paradoxes with ease, look at the Indian railways to watch the climax. This never sleeping conglomerate uses satellites technologies to monitor and track its trains. Walk into their luggage booking office; the centerpiece would be a Victorian era weighing scale. The clerk sitting next to it is no less colonial either. He jots a luggage receipt for your bicycle in quadruple using three layers of carbon papers. You’ve already got the weight measured by the assistant standing next to the scale. Now you stand in the queue to pay the luggage charges. Again the clerk takes his sweet time to fill the rows and columns of an ancient looking ledger system. Proudly in display is the railway’s beaurocrasy at its slowest best.
Right next to it is the reservation office. Tens of thousands of computers are connected to the railways mission critical reservation system. If works with amazing efficiency that can make any giant airlines in the world turn green with envy. It may look trivial in the modern world of online ticket bookings. But the scale at which the railway is operating is mind-boggling. This single organization’s e-tickets sale accounts for about 30% of the whole online purchases made in India.
Let it be the heroin falls in love with hero, or the bandits looting a train or even the partition of India and Pakistan, countless number of Indian movies - Bollywood or otherwise- are made in the backdrop of train journeys.
Having boasted of its sophistication, the century old coal and steam trains are no history in India. If one is keen to travel in steam engine trains, Indian railways have a few trains in its rolling inventory.
Vintage steam engie at Coonor railway station. Vintage steam engie at Coonor railway station
Three legacy railways Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka-Shimla Railway and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway marched into the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site on in cultural value for the humanity. These mountain trains of India still have enough steam left to bring the kid out of you. It is very difficult to hold the scream as the smoke spitting Nilgiri mountain train disappears into a dark tunnel.
No talk on Indian trains is conclusive without the mention of the cuisine. While some dishes are known after Indian railways, the humble Chai stands top in the list.
Literally hundreds of Chai vendors mob the trains from inside and outside. Kettle after kettle of tea finds its way through the windows into the coaches. It seams even the paper cups across the country is designed make it slip easily through the window grills.
Bycycle Tour
Day - 01
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met/assisted , garlanded and then transferred to your hotel in Delhi. This afternoon at 1330 hrs, you will be taken for half day combined tour of Old + New Delhi visiting Raj - Ghat, the Red Fort and the great Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, Parliamentary Complex, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and the embassy area.
Overnight: hotel in Delhi.
Day - 02
Today at 0800 hrs you will be driven from Delhi to Agra via Sikandra - tomb of Mughal emperor Akbar the great (enroute Delhi / Agra) thereafter continue drive to Agra and checkin at hotel. This afternoon at 1400 hrs you will be taken on a half day city tour of Agra visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal, built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of his love for his wife, Fort of Agra and local market.
Overnight: hotel in Agra.
Day - 03
Today morning at 0800 hrs you will be picked up from your hotel in Agra and then driven to Bharatpur via deserted city Fatehpur Sikri. Thereafter cycle to Bharatpur, for two hours.
Overnight : hotel in Bharatpur.
Day - 04
Today morning you will be taken cycle from Bharatpur to Mauwa, approx 60 kms.
Overnight : hotel in Mauwa.
Day - 05
Today morning you will be taken cycle from Mauwa to Dausa, rejoin mini coach and drive to Kanota. Then cycle for another hour before driving to Jaipur.
Overnight : hotel in Jaipur
Day - 06
This morning at 0900 hrs, you will be taken on a city tour which will include visit to Palace of Winds, Jai Singh's astrological observatory and the city palace, visit local craft workshops specializing in brassware, block fabric printing and jewellery. Afternoon free to relax or to do your own activities.
Overnight : hotel in Jaipur.
Day - 07
This morning at 0900 hrs, you will be taken on a tour of the hilltop Amber Fort approaching the gates on the back of gaily decorated elephant. The palace inside contains the Jagmandir hall of victory, the Jaimahal and temple of Kali, after the tour continue drive back to Delhi where your tour ends.
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met/assisted , garlanded and then transferred to your hotel in Delhi. This afternoon at 1330 hrs, you will be taken for half day combined tour of Old + New Delhi visiting Raj - Ghat, the Red Fort and the great Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, Parliamentary Complex, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and the embassy area.
Overnight: hotel in Delhi.
Day - 02
Today at 0800 hrs you will be driven from Delhi to Agra via Sikandra - tomb of Mughal emperor Akbar the great (enroute Delhi / Agra) thereafter continue drive to Agra and checkin at hotel. This afternoon at 1400 hrs you will be taken on a half day city tour of Agra visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal, built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of his love for his wife, Fort of Agra and local market.
Overnight: hotel in Agra.
Day - 03
Today morning at 0800 hrs you will be picked up from your hotel in Agra and then driven to Bharatpur via deserted city Fatehpur Sikri. Thereafter cycle to Bharatpur, for two hours.
Overnight : hotel in Bharatpur.
Day - 04
Today morning you will be taken cycle from Bharatpur to Mauwa, approx 60 kms.
Overnight : hotel in Mauwa.
Day - 05
Today morning you will be taken cycle from Mauwa to Dausa, rejoin mini coach and drive to Kanota. Then cycle for another hour before driving to Jaipur.
Overnight : hotel in Jaipur
Day - 06
This morning at 0900 hrs, you will be taken on a city tour which will include visit to Palace of Winds, Jai Singh's astrological observatory and the city palace, visit local craft workshops specializing in brassware, block fabric printing and jewellery. Afternoon free to relax or to do your own activities.
Overnight : hotel in Jaipur.
Day - 07
This morning at 0900 hrs, you will be taken on a tour of the hilltop Amber Fort approaching the gates on the back of gaily decorated elephant. The palace inside contains the Jagmandir hall of victory, the Jaimahal and temple of Kali, after the tour continue drive back to Delhi where your tour ends.
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