For most of us believing in dreams, our wedding is the most memorable day of our lives. What could compare to the feeling of being married to your soul mate and beginning a lifetime of dedication, joy, and companionship? Let’s face it, though — weddings can be stressful. And South Asians travel great lengths to add that extra splash of colour, drama, and glitz to the family’s wedding celebrations. It shouldn’t come as a big surprise that there have been a lot of incredible remote and exotic wedding locations flinching up in India over the past several decades. The fad for beach and hill station weddings stays safe and mundane. For those taking a step away from wishy-washy choices, it’s time for an extravagant train wedding trend. You may tell your future children that you met your future husband or wife on a train and even married them on a train. Until recently, trains and luxury would not have been considered synonymous, but the Indian Railways always nestled state-of-the-art in their locomotive yards — opulent trains that travel throughout India. Remain calm since riding these trains is equivalent to staying in the most opulent and regal hotels. These luxury trains allow travellers to experience the country’s rich cultural history in the highest comfort and luxury by reliving the fantasy of time travel and experiencing royal interests and experiences. The impeccable list of services surpasses all expectations with its luxurious interiors, magnificent ambience, and exquisite culinary selects. Let us unveil a few such trains for you.
The Maharaja’s Express
The Maharajas’ Express is luxury beyond all comprehension and has been named the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train’ for six years by the World Travel Awards. They provide a remarkable opportunity for a journey of absolute magnificence and the highest level of comfort. It covers four particular routes in the northwest and centre of the nation. The most knowledgeable and well-trained professionals in the hospitality business are housed aboard this mile-long train, ensuring that each visitor has a memorable experience while seeing the many regions of the nation. Every group and culture has its own unique wedding traditions, including rituals held after and before the wedding. The train staff would set up everything for each ceremony. If you want an intimate ceremony, this is the perfect place to be married. Apart from the staff, the train accommodates 88 passengers. Almost every aspect of your wedding may be personalised. From palatial rooms to your butler, you have absolutely everything. There is a range of routes available, including the Heritage of India route, which travels from Mumbai to Delhi via Ajanta, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, and Agra, and the Indian Panorama Trail, which starts and finishes in the capital and stops at Jaipur, Agra, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Lucknow. There are 43 passenger compartments on the train, including luxury, junior and presidential suite categories.
The Palace On Wheels
The renowned Palace on Wheels travels through the royal regions of Rajasthan and was ranked as the fourth most exclusive train in India. In an effort to increase tourism in the state, Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation launched the route, which follows a circuitous path beginning in Delhi and visiting key Rajasthan landmarks, including Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bharatpur, over the course of seven to eight days. Most pre-marriage events, including engagement parties, sangeets, and cocktail parties, are best planned for the late evening. For those desiring to notch up the luxury hosting, can extend their celebrations at the luxurious venues from the train’s anchor destinations. The route of this deluxe train in India lets you discover new places each day while travelling at night. Their services had an upgrade as recently as 2009, and the train was relaunched with magnificent new furnishings and a guarantee of unrivalled exquisite hospitality.
Royal Rajasthan On Wheels
Rajasthan Tourism Development Board recently unveiled wedding packages for both of its deluxe trains, Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, in an effort to make Rajasthan the most sought-after wedding destination. Those who can afford it can enjoy being married while the trains travel through the state’s magnificent splendour. The trains will initially only be used to transport guests to specific wedding sites across the state. The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels takes you through the intriguing history of Rajasthan, true to its name. Travel through several breathtaking castles and fortifications constructed in the Rajputana area to experience the Rajput tradition of chivalry and hospitality. A magnificent musical red-carpet greeting and the genuine hospitality one would expect from Rajasthani culture await you as soon as you board the train. The private cabins are no less than royal residences, including artistically adorned interiors, historical images of Rajputana, and all the contemporary amenities of a five-star hotel, and fine-dining experiences that highlight the most exquisite treasures from the area.
Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot, an initiative of the Karnataka State Tourism Board, traverses several World Heritage Sites while crossing the nation’s most breathtaking treasures. The journey starts in Bengaluru and concludes in Goa. The Southern Splendor departs from Bengaluru and travels through Kerala’s backwaters and old Tamil Nadu and Puducherry temples before turning around and returning. With amenities fit for a king, breakfast in bed, and mesmerizing itineraries, these finely crafted trains will have you spellbound. The train’s aesthetically pleasing interiors go well with the scenic landscapes it passes through. Each of the eleven guest cabins, named after ruling dynasties, is painstakingly crafted and furnished in the refined Mysore style. The best part is once the wedding is reserved; the train will handle further details, including décor, transportation to the wedding venues, and priest reservations. The KSTDC will be in charge of the pre-wedding events, such as mehendi, sangeet, reception, and others, in addition to the wedding. You may select the foods and cooking styles you want. An on-site fine-dining restaurant, an Ayurveda treatment centre, and the meticulously kept ambience of the lounges are just the delectable cherries on top of this incredibly exquisite dessert.
The Deccan Odyssey
The royal blue train’s design gives the impression that you are boarding a regal chariot and heading out to see the conquered lands. This five-star luxury on wheels features lavishly decorated cabins that will astound you with their splendor. Starting in Mumbai and Delhi, the train takes you on various itineraries that pass through some beautiful towns and sites for seven nights and eight days. This train, operated by the Taj Group of Hotels, is intended to depict the lifestyles of Maharajas in the sixteenth century. The Deccan Odyssey, a project of Maharashtra Tourism, is the ideal fusion of travel and luxury. The skilled staff will provide everything you need to host an extravagant wedding, including décor, catering, and five-star amenities. To witness the most ethereal, intimate wedding in the countryside, 86 guests can be accommodated inside the train. There is a lot to do on board the train, including multi-cuisine restaurants providing cuisine prepared by skilled chefs, a spa for unwinding massages, and many other cutting-edge amenities.
