The Fairy Queen is a unique venture undertaken by the Indian Railways. The steam locomotive has the distinction of being the oldest in operation. At present the Fairy Queen takes tourists on a fascinating journey from Delhi to Alwar in Rajasthan. The trip also involves visits to the Sariska wildlife sanctuary.

History:

The steam engine was built in 1855 by engineers Kitson, Thompson, & Hewitson for the East India Railway. The engine entered service on the Howrah Ranigunj route, and was christened ‘Fairy Queen’ in 1895. It was withdrawn from service in 1908. In 1971, it was exhibited for the first time in the National Railway Museum. After plans were finalized for its revival, overhauling was completed in 1996 at the Integral Coach Factory, Perumbur. Finally, the Fairy Queen was added as an attraction of tourism in India on 18th July, 1997, making its maiden commercial journey from Delhi to Alwar.



The project has received many accolades, including the National Tourism Award for the most innovative tourism project in January 1999. The official recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records came in 1998, and the Fairy Queen was declared the world’s oldest working locomotive.

The Coaches:

The train has two air-conditioned coaches comprising a passenger chair car with a seating capacity of 50, and a pantry car. The lounge in front of the passenger coach allows passengers to view the Fairy Queen in action. The comfortable seats of the coach and the large windows add up to the whole experience. Unlike the other luxury trains of India, there is no provision for onboard accommodation in the Fairy Queen.

Itinerary:

Tourists are shown the historic sites of Delhi, the charming city of Alwar in Rajasthan, and the famous Sariska wildlife sanctuary, which is also a tiger reserve. The train starts from Delhi Cantonment Station every 2nd and 4th Saturday during the months of October and March.

Day 1 - 1000 hrs. Train leaves Delhi Cantonment Station

1600 hrs. Arrival at Alwar Railway Station
1620 hrs. Departure from Alwar by Air-conditioned coach
1730 hrs. Arrival at Hotel Sariska Palace
1930 hrs. Cultural Programs, Theme dinner and Night Stay at Hotel


Day 2 - 0630 hrs. Jeep Safari in Sariska Tiger Reserve

0930 hrs. Return from Sariska. Breakfast at Tiger Den Hotel.
1200 hrs. Departure from Sariska by Air-conditioned coach
1245 hrs. Arrival at Alwar Railway Station
1300 hrs. Departure from Alwar
1845 hrs. Arrival at Delhi Cantonment Station.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers all inclusive information about Fairy Queen, and the other Luxury Trains of India.