The Indian Railways is one of the largest in the world covering more than 63,000 km. Each day, the Indian Railways takes over 15 million people to their destinations in over 7,000 trains, touching 7,100 stations spread across the length and breadth of the country.

If you want to see the country unfold before you, travel by train, as Mahatma Gandhi did, to understand the people and the land. You can choose between luxury tourist trains such as Palace on Wheels and the Royal Orient, the superfast Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains, the quaint, steam-hauled 'toy-trains' of the hills and the regular trains. Most trains run daily, but tourist and other special trains may have a periodic schedule. Special trains are usually run during holidays and festivals. A railway time-table, available at railway station bookshops, will give you the train schedules. Regular trains usually have the following classes of accommodation: A/c 1st class, A/c 2-tier sleeper, A/c 3-tier sleeper, A/c executive chair car, A/c chair car, 1st class, Sleeper and 2nd class. Website: www.indianrail.com

• If royalty catches your fancy, the best way to see India - at least a well-known part of it - would be to take one of the special trains. These trains modelled on those used by Indian Maharajas are comfortable and luxurious.

Rajdhani Express

These are special long-distance express trains connecting the national capital with state capitals and provide very comfortable, fast, air-conditioned accommodation. Unlike other express trains, all Rajdhani expresses have very few intermediate stops. Therefore, these are provided with all amenities required by a passenger over a long period. The all-reserved trains cover three types of sleeper accommodation: air-conditioned first class, 2-tier and 3-tier sleeper class. First class accommodation is grouped in 2 or 4 berth coupes that can be secured from inside during the journey. The 2-tier carriage places six sleeper berths in one group; four in one section and two across the aisle. These, however, can not be secured individually. The 3-tier class, on the other hand has 8 berths in one section - six placed in two rows and two across the aisle in two tiers. All meals, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, snacks and cold/hot beverages, mineral water, etc are available, at fixed prices through vendors on the train. The time taken to various destinations are: New Delhi-Howrah: departure 17.00, arrival 10.45; New Delhi-Mumbai: departure 16.00, arrival 08.35; H. Nizamuddin-Bangalore: departure 20.50, arrival 7.25; H. Nizamuddin-Chennai: departure 15.30, arrival 20.05. New Delhi-Ahmedabad: departure 19.35, arrival 10.00. The fares in A/c 2-tier sleeper from Delhi: Rs. 2,210 to Mumbai, Rs. 2,250 to Kolkata, Rs. 3,085 to Bangalore, Rs. 3,495 to Thiruvananthapuram, Rs.2,995 to Chennai, Rs. 2,605 to Bhubaneswar, Rs. 2,810 to Guwahati and Rs. 1,300 to Jammu Tawi.

Shatabdi Express

These are daytime all air-conditioned, superfast, inter-city trains that link major cities and offer facilities for quick and comfortable travel. While you relax, the Shatabdi hospitality treats you to meals and snacks. Newspapers and mineral water are supplied free to every passenger. There are two classes for travel in the train Ð executive and chair-car. The difference in the two classes being more spacious seating in 2x2 configuration and wider choice of meals in the executive class and 2x3 seating in chair-car. Refreshments/meals are included in the fare. The longest route is to Bhopal (705 km), tabled for 8 hours, 5 minutes. Time taken to some other important destinations is: New Delhi-Lucknow: departure 6.15, arrival 12.30; New Delhi-Kalka: departure 7.40, arrival 12.00; New Delhi-Amritsar: departure 0720, arrival 13.05; New Delhi-Dehradun: departure 6.55, arrival 12.40; Howrah-Ranchi: departure 6.05, arrival 13.15.

A.C Executive Chair Car/A.C. Chair Car fares:

• From New Delhi: Agra Cantt Rs.720/370; Chandigarh Rs. 820/415; Amritsar Rs. 1,215/635; Bhopal Rs.1,635/840; Dehradun Rs. 915/465; Haridwar Rs. 840/430; Jaipur Rs. 915/465; Jalandhar Rs.1,000/530; Lucknow Rs. 1,385/700.

• From Mumbai: Ahmedabad Rs. 1,295/675; Pune Rs.710/365; Surat Rs. 810/410; Vadodara Rs. 1,015/515.

• From Chennai: Bangalore Rs. 990/505; Mysore Rs. 1,255/645

• From Bangalore: Chennai Rs.1,095/575; Mysore Rs. 590/305

• From Kolkata: Tatanagar Rs. 330; Bokaro Rs. 460; Kharagpur Rs. 225.

Konkan Railways

Konkan Railways offers some of the most luxurious train journeys in India. Konkan Railways operates some 20 trains up and down the scenic Konkan coast. The longest of the lot is the superfast Trivandrum Rajdhani. This train is now the fastest way to get to Kerala from Delhi. The Konkan Railways also offers a mesmerising route from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram. The gorgeous destinations of Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala on the route cater to the commuting solutions of the business and leisure travellers.

Taj Express

Taj Express connects Delhi to Agra and Gwalior. It leaves Delhi;s Nizamuddin Railway Station at 7.15 am and departs from Agra for the return trip at 6.35 pm, which makes it an ideal train for a one-day trip to Agra. Fares: to Agra chair car/2nd class Rs. 266/82; to Gwalior chair car/2nd Class Rs. 352/107.

Toy Trains

Toy Trains operate on narrow-gauge tracks (which have small coaches, hence the name), linking cities in the plains to hill stations and offering a laidback, picturesque journey. Some of the best hill trains are:

• The Kalka-Shimla track covers 96 km, with 102 tunnels, arched bridges and picturesque stations en route.

• The Shivalik Express has 120 seats, bay glass windows and wall-to-wall carpeting. It runs a round-trip every day, stopping only at Barog to allow passengers to dine. Fare: Rs. 280 (one-way). Leaves Kalka at 5.30 am and reaches Shimla at 10.15 am and returns to Kalka in the evening 5.30 pm to 10.15 pm.

• The Deluxe Rail Motor Car runs between Shimla & Kalka and can seat 14 passengers. It has a transparent roof, TV/VCP, music and an altimeter, and runs twice a day. Fare: Rs. 340 (one-way).

• The six-seater Shivalik Palace, which can be attached to any train, has a dining table, folding cushioned beds, a refrigerator, modern bathrooms, catering by an attendant and a well-equipped kitchen. Two luxurious retiring rooms at Shimla are covered by the ticket price. The fare is Rs. 4,850 (up) and Rs. 3,375 (down).

• The Shivalik Queen was launched for honeymooners, so couples enjoy privacy, as also the panoramic view from the large windows. An alarm bell links them with the driver, and a microphone with the guard. The fare of Rs. 750 per couple covers meals. For bookings, contact the Divisional Railway Manager's Office, Rail Vihar, Ambala . Tel: 91-171-2645500/2610800; Fax: 2610103, 2610596.

• The Nilgiri Mountain Railway covers the twisting-turning 46 km from Mettupalayam to the hill resort of Udhagamandalam (Ooty), chugging along at 33 km per hour through 16 tunnels and over tall girder bridges, and offering marvellous views of tea and coffee plantations and fir-clad hills.

• The Darjeeling Hill Railway has the narrowest of narrow 2-feet gauges. This famous little train, drawn by a 100- year- old engine, links New Jalpaiguri with the hill station of Darjeeling. There are no tunnels along this 86-km route, and for seven and a half hours, passengers get uninterrupted views of the Himalayas.

• The Matheran Railway is a 77-year-old line connecting Neral (on the Mumbai-Pune line) to the hill resort of Matheran, a distance covered in 90 minutes. The sturdy little trains run between sunrise and sunset, offering peaceful views of hills and plains.

• The Fairy Queen is the oldest running locomotive in the world, which has earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The 50-seat train does weekend runs from Delhi to Alwar. The fare of Rs. 10,000 per person covers meals, transport (Alwar-Sariska-Alwar), a visit to the Sariska tiger sanctuary and a stay at Sariska Palace (twin-sharing).

There are limited runs between October and February.
For bookings:
Director, National Rail Museum,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: 011-26881816, 26880939; Fax: 011-26880804.
Website: www.icindia.com/fairy
E-mail: nrm@nrm.nrm.cmc.net.in

Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels (8 days)
Day 1 - Delhi
Day 2 - Jaipur
Day 3 - Chittaurgarh, Udaipur,
Day 4 - Sawai Madhopur
Day 5 - Jaisalmer
Day 6 - Jodhpur, Day
7 - Bharatpur, Agra,
Day 8 - Delhi.

Welcome to a world where you are no less than a king or a queen out to see your kingdom and your subjects. Rated as one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world, the Palace on Wheels is an experience of a lifetime that you are not likely to forget when you live the lavish lifestyles of the Indian kings.

The Palace on Wheels is a special tourist train reserved for weekly tours of Rajasthan, usually from September to April. While most of the sightseeing is done during the day, the nights are reserved for rest and travel.

The train has 14 air-conditioned coaches each named after the former Rajput states of Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. The train's original carriages were the ones used by the royal families of Rajasthan. Later, they were replaced with exact replicas of the original. The result is a showcase of history with all the modern trappings. The decor, food and hospitality exude luxury and opulence. On offer are restuarants, a library, a bar, lounges, carriages with attached luxurious bathrooms, personal attendants and the works. At every stop, guests are given a traditional royal welcome.

Departure from Delhi Cantonment Railway Station: 10.45 pm every Wednesday.
Tariff per night: From October to March, Single US$ 485, Double US$ 350, Triple US$ 285. For September and April, US$ 395/295/240, respectively.

For information, contact:

• The Tourist Reception Centre
  Bikaner House, New Delhi 110 011
  Tel: 91-11-23383837, 23386069; Fax: 91-11-23382823.

• Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
  Hotel Swagatam Campus, Near Railway Station, Jaipur,
  Tel: 91-141-2203531, 2202586; Fax: 91-141-201045
  Website: www.rajasthantourism.gov.in
  E-mail: jaipur.rtdc@axcess.net.in

The Royal Orient

The Royal Orient (8 days)
Day 1 - Delhi
Day 2 - Chittaurgarh, Udaipur
Day 3 - Junagarh
Day 4 - Veraval, Sesangir, Delvada
Day 5 - Palitana, Sarkhej
Day 6 - Ahmedabad
Day 7 - Jaipur
Day 8 - Delhi.

One of the world's most fascinating train journeys awaits you when you board the Royal Orient Express. The air-conditioned train takes you through two culturally-rich states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, unfolding before your eyes the splendour of India's heritage and charms in its week-long itinerary, usually between October and March. The Royal Orient comprises 13 coaches and saloons. Equipped with all the facilities available in a deluxe hotel, each coach is comfortable and tastefully decorated with attached bathrooms and hot and cold water. In addition, there are multi-cuisine restaurants and a bar. There is also a comfortable library where you can catch up with your reading. You travel by night and take in the sights during the day.

Tariff per night, per person: From October to March, Single US$ 350, US$ 200 on twin-sharing basis and US$ 175 on triple-sharing. From April to September, US$ 263/150/135, respectively. Bookings are confirmed against a 10 per cent deposit. Fare for Indian tourists is Rs. 7,480 per person per night.

For more information, contact:

• Central Reservation Office
  A/6, State Emporia Building,
  Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi 110 001
  Tel: 23734015; Fax: 23367050

• H.K. House
  Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 380 009
  Tel: 079 26589172, 26587217; Fax: 079-26582183.

• Dhanraj Mahal
  Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400 039
  Tel: 022 2024925; Fax: 022 22883541
  Website: www.gujarattourism.com
  E-mail: tcgl@adl.vsnl.net.in

The Deccan Odyssey

Deccan Odyssey (8 days)
Day 1 - Mumbai
Day 2 - Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Ratnagiri and Bhatye Beach
Day 3 - Sindhudurg, Tarkarli, Sawantwadi
Day 4 - Goa
Day 5 - Pune
Day 6 - Aurangabad
Day 7 - Ajanta & Nashik
Day 8 - Mumbai

Like its cousin, the Palace on Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey recreates the grandeur and opulence of India's royalty while providing an experience of a land steeped in history, its magnificent forts and palaces and exquisite carvings in stone. The journey throws in a bonus, which no tourist can afford to disregard: Goa.

The Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches of which 11 are passenger cars with four coupes each. There are two Presidential Suites with two coupes in each car. The train also has a conference hall that transforms itself into a dance floor at night and two restaurants that serve a variety of Indian, Chinese, Continental, Maharashtrian and Goan cuisines. Menus are changed seasonally. There is also a lounge/bar and even a Spa Compartment.

The Odyssey provides a conference room with a capacity to host 50 guests, satellite communication, Internet, computer with printer and fax, and telephones. There is also a library, channel music, an Ayurvedic massage centre, a steam bath, gym, a beauty parlour, a special suite for the physically challenged, mini pantry in each coach, telephone in each saloon, television in each coach and a lounge in each passenger car. A doctor is always available on board. Money exchange and credit card facilities are also available on the train.
For more information. log on to www.mtdcindia.com

The Indrail Pass

Indian Railways offers this value-for-money pass only to foreign visitors and NRIs with valid passports. This pass has to be paid for in US dollars, pound sterling or any other convertible foreign currency. The pass enables visitors to travel over the entire Indian railway system without route restrictions within the period of validity of the ticket (one, 7, 15, 21, 30, 60 or 90 days), and without paying reservation fees, surcharges or supplementary charges on superfast trains. Passes must be validated before commencing the first rail journey. Half-day, two-day and four-day Indrail Passes are also available, conveniently extending the journey time otherwise not covered by Indrail Passes. Half-day, one-day, two-day and four-day Indrail passes are sold by GSAs in Oman, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Japan, the UK, the USA, Germany, Finland, the UAE, Bangladesh, South Africa and Kuwait.

Indian Airlines too sells Indrail passes through its overseas outlets in Bahrain, Doha, Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

In India, Indrail passes are sold at Tourist Bureaux at major railway stations, by authorised travel agents in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, and at railway offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Agra Cantt., Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Gorakhpur, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Jaipur, Rameswaram, Vadodara, Varanasi, Puttaparthi Town Booking Agency, Vasco-da-Gama (Goa) and Amritsar.

Note: Foreign tourists have special quotas on many trains. If you are travelling on your own and cannot get rail tickets at the general counter, enquire for the tourist quota - you must pay in foreign exchange unless you show your encashment certificates.