The oldest working steam locomotives in the world, the Fairy Queen made its maiden journey in the year 1855 for the erstwhile East Indian Railway. And rightly so, the Fairy Queen today holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest locomotive in regular operation. It used to travel on the Howrah-Raniganj line and later in Bihar till 1908. In July 1997, the Indian Railway restarted its operation as a heritage train from Delhi to Alwar and from there the tourists are taken to world famous Sariksa Wildlife Sanctuary. It operates on the 2nd and the 4th Saturday of the months of October to March.
About Fairy Queen
1855, the year when the majestic Fairy Queen rolled out for the erstwhile East Indian Railway. For the first time after 1908, the Fairy Queen rolled again on Feb. 1st, 1997 from Delhi to Alwar. The steam engine is the oldest working engine in the world. Finding its pride of place in the Guinness Book of World Records and also capturing the National Tourism Award, this prestigious pristine beauty that graces the National Rail Museum, New Delhi, is steaming once again. The Queen, with the privileged ones aboard reaches the picturesque town of Alwar in Rajasthan the same day, from where the guests are taken to Sariska Tiger Reserve for an overnight stay. Indian Railways proudly offer a unique two days all-inclusive package combining thrill, romance, and wildlife and steam heritage on the Fairy Queen.
The Fairy Queen has a 60-seater air-conditioned chair car specially designed with a large glass window from where you can have a frontal view of the Locomotive, besides there is a well maintained pantry car for on board catering. As an added attraction, the coach has a beautiful lounge in the front, which provides a scenic view of the countryside. For your enjoyment numerous cultural programs are organized in the evening of the first day at the Hotel Sariska Palace. The 60 select guests will certainly go back with fond memories of a once-in-a lifetime experience. Go ahead and book your journey back into time.
Description of Fairy Queen
One AC chair car coach, which can accommodate a maximum of 50 tourists. There is also an attached pantry car to provide on board catering services to its privileged passengers. As an added attraction, the coach has a beautiful lounge in the front, which provides a scenic sight of the countryside. For your enjoyment numerous cultural programs are organized on the evening of the first day at the Hotel Sariska Palace.
Facilities in Fairy Queen
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.
Other Information:
Months of Operation : The famous Fairy Queen leaves Delhi Cantonment Railway station on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the months between Octobers to March. During rest of the year it is halted for engine and coaches renovation and also because of hot summer.
Places Covered : Delhi – Alwar – Sariska – Alwar – Delhi
Fairy Queen Stoppages : The train will stop for 10 minutes each at Garhi Harasuru, Pataudi Road, Rewari, Ajarka and Khairthal railway stations in both directions for water & other requirements of the locomotive. The two-day and one-night package is a beautiful gift for all wildlife lovers and definitely worth enjoying at least once in your lifetime.