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"Discover the exciting destinations of India, waiting to be explored with the help of world's largest network-Indian railways. A integral part of India, where Nature is at her very best. Below are some important links to check the schedule and the availability of the trains not only within India but worldwide as well."

The Indian Railways operate the second largest Rail network in the world and connect all major tourist and business destinations across the length and breadth of the country. The Indian Railways operate nearly 7800 passenger services a day covering almost 63,000 kms.

To explore the splendours of India the railways have designed the Indrail Pass which provides excellent value for money, enhancing the charm of a holiday.

Indrail passes can be purchased by foreign nationals and non-resident Indians. An Indrail pass enables the holder to travel as he likes, from any point, in any train, in the class it is issued for, within the period of validity.

TOWARDS THE DIVINE

Set yourself on a sacred trail, as you take a train to the holy shrines and pilgrimages of India, enlightening the mind and soul. The charm of serene surroundings, a succession of divine temples and the confluence of sacred rivers are all a part of this religious retreat. This land of holy spirits welcomes every wanderer to peruse ethereal truths of mankind through a tour of pilgrim sites.

Haridwar:- This popular spot is the start of a pilgrimage to some of the holiest Hindu shrines and centres in the north. Devotees take a sacred bath in the River Ganga at Har-ki-Pauri. Richly endowed with temples and shrines, the Mansa Devi Temple, Maa Devi Temple and Chandi Ghat Temple are a must see. At sunset, the aarti (prayers like the Christen mass at dusk) at Har-ki-Pauri is a memorable ritual for the fusion of million voices reverberate in the divine sky.

HILL RAILWAYS

There is nothing to match the experience of chugging up the hills. If you have some time to spare, then take a train up to the hill resorts of Shimla, Ooty, Darjeeling and Matheran.

THE DARJEELING HERITAGE TRAIN:

Situated at an altitude of 2127 m is the lovely hill station of Darjeeling in West Bengal. The observation hill at Darjeeling offers tourists a magnificent view of the Kanchanjunga Ranges. The views from the Heritage Train as it takes off from the town of new Jalpaiguri and chugs up 86 kms to reach Darjeeling after a seven and a half hour ride, are not less magnificent. The breathtaking landscape must be seen to be believed: The Himalayas in all their glory, orchids swaying in the gentle breeze, lush green tea estates. One can reach New Jalpaiguri directly from Bangalore, Calcutta, Guwahati, Kochi, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and other places in India.

THE NILGIRI MOUNTAIN TRAIN:

Nestling among the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu is the "Queen of Indian Hill Stations" - Udagamandlam (Ooty), set at 2600M above sea level Udagamandalam enjoys a cool, pleasant climate all the year round. The Nilgiri Mountain Train is a great way to reach this Hill Station. This delightful little train starts from the town of Mettupalaiyam, and covers 46 kms to Udagamandlam in four and a half-hours, at a maximum turning, passing through 16 tunnels, breaking out into bright sunlight, chugging across tall girder bridges, passing through forest clad hills, moving gently along the tea plantations. It's a journey to remember.

THE MATHERAN HILL TRAIN:

No blaring car horns. No trucks rumbling down the roads. No buses matheran close to Mumbai, in Maharashtra, is a quiet and peaceful hill resort, which is out of bounds for vehicular traffic all through the year. So how do you get there? Simply take the train from Neral and enjoy the panoramic views that unfold as you travel uphill. Breathe in the fresh unpolluted mountain air, hear the birds sing, by some exotic fruits en route, and feast your eyes on the serene beauty all around you. The journey from Neral to Metheran takes about an hour and a half. The runs between sunrise and sunset. Neral, on the Mumbai - Pune line is easily accessible by Mumbai's local trains. Any Pune bound train will take you to Neral in about two hours.

FAIRY QUEEN

This 144-year-old pristine beauty, now comes alive. It runs with the oldest working stem locomotive in the world, kept at the National Rail Museum, New Delhi. The Fairy Queen has recently featured in the Guinness book of world records as the oldest running steam engine. The vintage Fairy Queen has also won the National Tourism Award. It is scheduled to run once again twice a month in the current tourist season i.e. October '99 to Feb '2000 taking 50 discerning passenger on an unforgettable two-day weekend trip from Delhi to Alwar on selected days. The train consists of just one first class chair car and a pantry car. The two-day trip includes departure from Delhi Cantt. Railway Station at 1000 Hrs. On day 1, reaching Alwar at 1600 Hrs. On the same day, the train is being run in joint venture with "Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation" (RTDC).

THE ROYAL ORIENT

This princely experience takes you around the most culturally and historically vibrant states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Royal Orient is one of the few extravaganzas left of an Epoch of Grandeur. Enjoy yourself in the luxury of this fascinating train, a spectacular concept in transport, an aesthetic marvel of modern times. The Royal Orient has thirteen indescribably wondrous, gold embossed saloon cars recreate the resplendent living of the times of yore. The train begins its journey from Delhi Cantt. Most of the travelling is done at night so the days are left free for discovering the delights of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

PALACE ON WHEELS

With its historic charm and modern conveniences this is an extraordinary train for extraordinary people. Rigthly called as "A Royal Odyssey", it reveals the luxury of princely travel of the age of the Raj with 14 coaches of the "Palace on Wheels" with rich decor it states. Most of the traveling is done at night so the days are left free - for discovering the delights of Rajasthan.

FACILITIES FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS ON INDIAN RAILWAYS

Several important trains have a special quota for foreign tourists. This can be availed on payment of US Dollars or pound sterling. Special quota can also be availed by the foreign tourists on production of the exchange certificate issued by any nationalized bank. At the time of reservation, the passport number and the country of origin should be mentioned. At major reservation centers special cells have been set up to help foreign tourists plan their itinerary. Reserve their tickets and tender any assistance required.

The ministry of railways has also relaxed the requirement of mentioning the age of foreign travelers while seeking railway reservations. The age of the foreign tourists is not insisted upon when they seek the advance reservation through authorized rain tourist agents or general sales agents abroad. However at the time of seeking reservation. The passport number and the country of origin should invariably be given.