Client Speak - Interview with Sabine W

Sabine W & Michael L explored India for the second time with L'orient Travels, this time choosing to travel by train- Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. Sabine W recounts her experiences in a free- wheeling interview with Hector Dsouza

1. You chose a different way to explore India, via Rail. How was the experience been 'seeing' a new place each day from a 'moving hotel?'
As i had been travelling a lot for work around India we were was looking for an option where we would not have to pack and unpack every day, go to an airport and wait for a flight. This was a wonderful experience as every day after roaming around you would get back to your cabin, it was like being on a boat cruise. We would have time to take a shower before diner and then diner was on board but for one night. Every time we arrived in a train station the organisation was perfect, we had a bus waiting to take us to the destination . If we stopped at a major train station they made sure that we were escorted to the bus or back to the train. Watching the scenery from the cabin was also great .

2. What are the big advantages of rail travel in India as compared to say, flights and cars??
No waiting at an airport for the next plane, no packing and unpacking. Every night , every day you were in the same room, so you were able to unpack your suitcase the first day and only repack it the last night. Felt that there was not waste of time waiting as we never had to wait.

3. Royal Rajasthan on wheels - would you say you got your moneys worth on this journey?
Yes, while it is more expensive then traditional way of travelling we absolutely loved going back to our cabin every night . some mornings after breakfast there was time to go back to the cabin and read, watch the scenery sitting on your bed, sitting at the desk, just relaxing. The Indian food was very good, the European food was average but once we figured out how it worked (they in fact plan to serve you both meals) , we only ate Indian food . Every member of the staff was wonderful . More equivalent to a 4 star hotel than a 5 star hotel .

4. As compared to rail journeys the world over, which you may have undertaken, how does this journey rate?
The train is a little old, could be refreshed (e.g., change of carpets), first night very few people slept because of the shaking, pretty bad and for the people in the front of the train (not us) the noise of the train whistling non stop during the night. After sound proofing the various doors (bathroom, main door, ) and whatever was rattling we slept very well the other nights.