A different way to see Asia

LUXURY rail travel offers travellers a slower, more immersive way to experience Asia, combining comfort, culture and scenic journeys into one holiday experience. “There seems to be growing interest in luxury rail travel in Asia. Many travellers have started looking for journeys that are slower paced and more comfortable. There is growing curiosity around destinations like India and Southeast Asia from clients who have already done Europe and are now looking for something unique,” said Penny Mc Aslin, Rail Specialist at Optima Rail. According to Corné Kotze, Senior Rail Specialist and Product Manager for Travel by Train, luxury rail offers a different style of holiday. “Luxury train travel is a different type of travel – eating gourmet meals, wearing your best attire, and just experiencing a slower, more relaxing scenic route.” “Many luxury travellers are now looking for experiences and stories. Asia offers something special because the journeys are about far more than just the train. Travellers get to experience history, culture, food, landscapes, wildlife, and local traditions in one trip,” said Mc Aslin. She said the onboard experience itself had become part of the attraction. “The service, the dining, the scenery, and the slower pace all become part of the holiday rather than simply getting from one place to another.” The trains Optima Rail and Travel by Train both offer a variety of itineraries on the Deccan Odyssey and Maharajas’ Express trains in India and the Eastern & Oriental Express train in Southeast Asia. Deccan Odyssey Indian Sojourn itinerary: Seven nights on the Deccan Odyssey, travelling from Mumbai to Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur and Delhi. Trip highlights:  Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Champaner- Pavagadh Archaeological Park  High-tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara  Boat ride on the waters of Lake Pichola, Udaipur  Explore the Taj Mahal  Wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park “Journeys such as Indian Sojourn and Indian Odyssey on board Deccan Odyssey appeal to travellers because they offer such a diverse experience in one trip. India especially works beautifully for luxury rail because so many iconic destinations are connected by rail,” said Mc Aslin. Maharajas’ Express Indian Splendour itinerary: Six nights on the Maharajas’ Express, travelling from Delhi to Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Mumbai. Trip highlights:  Visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort  A wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park  Explore Amber Fort and have dinner at the former royal residence, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur  Visit Junagarh Fort and enjoy sundowners in the Bikaner sand dunes  Explore Mehrangarh Fort and the Old Clock Tower market in Jodhpur  Visit City Palace and Crystal Gallery in Udaipur Eastern & Oriental Express Wild Malaysia itinerary: Three nights on the Eastern & Oriental Express. Depart from Singapore and visit Taman Negara, Penang and Johor in Malaysia before heading back to Singapore. Trip highlights:  Visit the Taman Negara National Park where guests can explore the habitat of a Malayan tiger, join a nature photographer and conservationist in the jungle, visit the caves on an e-bicycle, or enjoy a wellness experience.  Enjoy a tour of the Old Quarter of Georgetown in Penang on the back of a Vespa or attend a local cooking class.  On the train, guests can enjoy afternoon tea, the region’s finest cuisine and a variety of onboard entertainment in the Dining Car. “The Eastern & Oriental Express continues to attract strong interest because it is seen as a very exclusive and elegant travel experience through Southeast Asia,” said Mc Aslin. She said luxury rail required more discussion and explanation, as clients often focused first on the price rather than the overall experience. “I think another challenge is that modern travel has become very fast paced, whereas luxury rail is about slowing down and enjoying the journey itself. But for the right traveller, that is exactly what makes it so appealing.”