The new semi luxury train launched by the Indian Railways will not only make you want to travel, it will spark an interest for some of India’s most spectacular wild life and will also rekindle that long dead love for trains once again. Flagged off on Environmental Day, 5th June 2016 this semi luxury train was a five day, six night package that took a ride through some of the country’s top tiger reserves.
Biodiversity special train
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The aim of this train is not only to give Indian and foreign tourists a glimpse of the national animal in his own habitat but also to spread awareness of tiger and habitat conservation.
Lovely interiors
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This is a Rajdhani type train with berths and other fittings that are attractive and comfortable, with warm colours and lighting as well as a shower cubicle.
Dining car
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The train also has its own dining car where travellers can enjoy their meals seated at a proper dining table while the passing countryside can be glimpsed from the windows.
Tour package
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This is not just a train journey but an entire tour package of 6 nights and five days that follows the above route from Delhi’s Safdarjung station to Katni and other specified points and back to Delhi. It includes all meals, A/c car transfers, stays at three star hotels including stays at some of the country’s top tiger reserves.
Top attractions
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Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks in Madhya Pradesh are the top attractions. In addition the Tiger Express also includes a visit to Dhuadhar Falls and the marble rocks of Bhedaghat/Jabalpur.
Cost
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The package costs Rs. 49500 per person for single occupancy in First AC, Rs. 39000/- per person on double occupancy basis for 2nd AC. So while not cheap, it is an all inclusive deal. The package costs about Rs 4000 more for foreign nationals.
Can you go?
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According to some reports, the train will begin plying regularly from October 2016. Visit the IRCTC website to know more.
Now all that we have to see is that this train doesn’t meet the same fate as the previous offering that initiated with a lot of hype from the Indian Railways; the Mahamana Express.
Author – Reena Daruwalla
