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| Fairy Queen (October - March) |
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HISTORY :
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The petite engine worked from Howrah to Ranigunj (121 miles) on its maiden journey in 1885. Till 1908, it was a faithful servant to its masters, hauling trains, chugging distances, when it was considered for retirement. The years 1908 to 1971 were spent in oblivion, but it survived the ravages of time. In 1971, it became an exhibit of the National Rail Museum as many fossilised items do.
In its chequered history, destiny had written many great things. Life changed for the fairy queen dramatically in 1997 when after a complete over haul in Perambur Workshop of the Southern Railway, it panted back to life. It pulled its first tourist load on October 18, 1997, and graduated to the Guinness Book of Records as the World's Oldest Working Locomotive in January 1998. It is wonderful to be part of history, to re-live the lost world. And what is precisely what one does on the Fairy Queen tours.
Down The Memory Lane
The queen was all gloss and shine. A bronze chimney was spewing out thick smoke from its crown into the air, which thinned to a misty vapour as the engine warmed. There was a metal windsock consisting of four cups fixed on a pole, for the wind to be playful. Steam gushed out in spurts from various crevices, until the driver decides to let it out in a rush. Some show of strength that can impress anyone around! The fairy queen in its effort of building up steam, had caged the power of vapour so studiously.
Dusky Beauty
The Sun disappears behind Silserh mountains, when the tour continues towards Sariska, the Tiger den. Dusk does not fall in this region at once. It takes its own pleasant time to slowly express itself. Mountains start assuming queer and weird shapes; birds can be spotted flying homewards. It is time for evening fires. An unusually sharp pair of mountains en route, which are about 200 metres away from each other, is known as Natni Ka Bara (Natni, being the Nautch girl). It is believed that one Natni tied a rope between the cliffs and crossed the distance without experiencing fear of any kind. When the ecstatic crowd showed her the distance and told her the consequence of a fall from such a height, she collapsed of a heart attack.
A Cultural extravaganza
A cultural extravaganza initially welcomes the guest. Local artistes dance to the welcome hoot of a Bankiya, and the beat of Dholak. The steps and the rhythm are swift and upbeat. The flowing mirrored skirts reflected the flames of the evening campfire. Then comes the man spitting fire to the night. Beside him, dance the girls with a pot of blazing flames placed on head. It's indeed a fiery dance.
Jeep Safari In Sariska
The morning after is the 'Operation day of sighting the Tiger'. The entrance to Sariska, the home of Indian Tiger is 7.00 am. A time when the Sun starts spreading its forceful presence on men and animals below. Peacocks, to the plenty, inhabited the forest. The prettiest are the young ones. Blue bull families, can be seen swishing their tails or munching on a high bush. Spotted Deer can be seen lazing around, not at all in a mood to jump and hop away. While the Wild Boars seem quiet content with the company of the Sambhars in the morning hours.
While scouring the jungle pathways, ducking under low branches, from an open jeep to the right and left, if one hears a frightened call of a Spotted Deer that confirms the majestic presence of the Tiger and it'll be sheer luck of the tourist to witness the ferocious beast chasing his breakfast. The thrills and pleasures of the wild are indeed more powerful in nature, than those of the civilised world.
City Palace Museum
A mere 37-kilometre drive back from Sariska take one to the City Palace Museum erected in 17th century by Maharaja Vinaya Singh. Though built high and grandiose, age has brought signs of decay. The durbar hall is still kept with its gold work intact, for use during ceremonial occasions. The most outstanding of exhibits is a group of 18th century Mughal Miniature Paintings, based on classical music Ragas. Each depicts the transformation of nature brought about when the raga is sung - the effect on clouds, wind, sky, human moods of that particular raga - so aptly that they singularly classify as a work beyond parallel.
The others are ancient, priceless manuscripts and the arms of the bygone era - a surprising presence are the swords of Emperor Akbar and Jehangir with their pictures engraved upon them. The Egyptians had presented a sword to Hazrat Ali 1400 years after the event, and the sword can be seen at Alwar, bird-shaped wooden barber kits are amusing. The most awesome is, however, the Zirahbakhtar (armour) of Muhammad Ghauri, the legendary invader. Each small iron piece of the woven armour has verses of the Quran inscribed upon it, perhaps for granting him protection.
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FACILITIES :
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The Fairy Queen has only two coaches attached to it. One, a specially designed air-conditioned car with fifty comfortable seats on which guests can recline and enjoy the ride from Delhi to Alwar and back. Besides there is a well maintained pantry car for on board catering. The additional attraction on the train is the lounge in the front of the passenger coach. Its large window offers a beautiful view of the Fairy Queen engine as it puffs away and steams across the countryside of Rajasthan on its way to Alwar.
The journey on the Fairy Queen luxury train is a day journey and there is no overnight stay on the train. Passengers stay overnight at the Sariska Palace Hotel. For your enjoyment numerous cultural programs are organized on the evening of the first day at the Hotel Sariska Palace.
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ITINERARY :
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Fairy Queen will take you to a journey of your lifetime. Enjoy the enchanting Rajasthan on the oldest working broad gauge steam locomotive in the world. The train will stop at every major destination and the ambience of it will provide you an excellent opportunity to feel like a maharaja as you travel through the royal land.
Day 01 - Delhi / Alwar / Sariska
Delhi - India's capital and a mix of the old- world charm and a pulsating megapolis, Delhi is famous for its Mughal and British monuments like the Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House. Connaught Place offers shoppers a heaven to buy right from small curios to pricelessly crafted articles.
1000 hrs Train leaves Delhi Cantt Railway Station
1030 hrs Light snacks on board
1300 hrs Lunch on Board
1500 hrs Light refreshments on board
1600 hrs Arrival Alwar Railway Station
1620 hrs Departure Alwar by air-conditioned coach
1730 hrs Arrival Hotel Sariska Palace
1930 hrs Cultural program and theme dinner, Night stay at Hotel Sariska Palace.
Day 02 - Sariska / Alwar / Delhi
Sariska - Famous for its Tiger Reserve where magnificient tigers, leopards, sambhars, nilgai, and cinkara can be spotted in their natural habitat. The town also has the ruins of 9th and 10th century temples. Sariska is an ideal leisure spot for those interested in wildlife and ancient architecture.Located right next to the world famous tiger reserve is the Sariska Palace. It offers 49 rooms with modern amenities in a gracious, old world ambience. Adding to the beauty of this hotel is the pure nature all around and the frequent roar of tigers !
0630 hrs Jeep safari for Tiger Sanctuary
0930 hrs Return from Sanctuary and breakfast at Sariska Palace
1200 hrs Departure Sariska by air-conditioned coach
1245 hrs Arrival Alwar Railway Station
1300 hrs Fairy Queen leaves Alwar
1330 hrs Lunch on board
1600 hrs Light refreshments on board
1845 hrs Fairy Queen arrives Delhi Cantonment Railway Station
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ROUTE MAP :
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The Fairy Queen covers Delhi, Alwar, Sariska, Alwar
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We welcome any suggestion / customization you may wish to share with us.
WHY DO WE NOT SHOW PRICES?
The answer is simple. Donnavista Vacations has access to hundreds of special offers daily. Hotel prices are constantly changing. Therefore we prefer to quote you the best deal that is currently available for the exact dates you are travelling. We also take into account your itinerary as a whole, so that we may offer you the most competitive prices. |
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