Fairy Queen

The Fairy Queen (EIR 22) in Alwar (celebrated worldwide as the oldest regular working steam locomotive in existence, officially certified by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1998, and winner of the prestigious National Tourism Award for the most innovative heritage project), operating on special seasonal weekend journeys between Delhi Cantonment and Alwar in Rajasthan, is one of global railway history's most iconic living treasures.

Built in 1855 by Kitson, Thompson and Hewitson in Leeds, England, for the East Indian Railway (EIR), this historic 2 2-2 WT steam engine served during the 1857 Indian Uprising before hauling troop and passenger trains across Bihar and Bengal until its retirement in 1909, brilliantly restored to working order by Indian Railways in 1997 to power a royal luxury tourist service connecting Delhi to Alwar and Sariska Tiger Reserve.

It's the home of the vintage 1850s emerald green steam engine with polished brass boilers, coal fireboxes, and classic whistling steam exhausts, the fully air conditioned 60 seat luxury heritage parlor car featuring wide picture observation windows and rotating plush armchairs, the onboard pantry car serving royal multi course Rajasthani lunches and hot tea, the special heritage weekend itinerary combining a nostalgic steam train journey across the Aravalli countryside with luxury overnight stays at Tiger Den Resort and tiger safaris inside Sariska National Park, and an intensely romantic golden age railway atmosphere where billows of aromatic coal smoke transport passengers back into 19th century luxury travel.

It represents a rich Indian Railways heritage legacy, 19th century British steam engineering, and luxury royal train tourism where 1855 steam boilers, Sariska tiger safaris, Alwar heritage palaces, and vintage parlor cars unite in the Fairy Queen Alwar Express.

Operating from Alwar Junction Railway Station (AWR), it sits just 35 km from Sariska National Park, 15 km from Siliserh Lake Palace, 150 km from Delhi Cantonment Station (DEC), and 150 km from Jaipur, easily accessible via IRCTC luxury heritage tour bookings.

1855 British Engineering & Guinness World Record

Shipped to Kolkata in 1855 as EIR Locomotive No. 22, the Fairy Queen powered mail trains between Howrah and Raniganj before serving military transport duties during the 1857 Rebellion.

After being preserved as a static exhibit for nearly nine decades at the National Rail Museum in New Delhi, master railway engineers at the Perambur Loco Works painstakingly rebuilt its boiler, cylinders, and valve gear, restoring it to operating speed in 1997.

Truth is, listening to the rhythmic chug of the 170 year-old steam engine while rolling through the Aravalli hills is a once in-a lifetime journey for railway enthusiasts.

Luxury Parlor Car & Sariska Tiger Safari Itinerary

Heritage Parlor Coach: The train features a customized luxury coach with wide glass windows at the front, offering passengers unobstructed views of the gleaming steam locomotive in motion.

Sariska Weekend Tour: The two day weekend package includes welcome drinks at Delhi Cantt, a leisurely steam run to Alwar, AC coach transfers to Sariska Tiger Reserve, luxury hotel stay, evening cultural dances, and morning jungle jeep safaris.

Alwar Sightseeing & Heritage Circuit

Alwar Stopover: Passengers exploring Alwar can visit the royal City Palace, admire the marble arches of Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri, or view the scenic lake at Siliserh Palace.

Global Railway Icon: Today, the Fairy Queen stands alongside the Palace on Wheels as one of India's most prestigious vintage railway brands.

After experiencing the Fairy Queen steam train, explore the wildlife of Sariska Tiger Reserve, visit the lakeside palace at Siliserh Lake, or tour the hilltop citadel of Bala Quila.