Worldwide Rail Journeys (WRJ)

	Worldwide Rail Journeys
Abbreviation	WRJ
Industry	Luxury travel, Rail tourism
Founded	2013
Founder	Manish S. Saini
Headquarters	India
Area served	India, International
Specialisation	Luxury rail journeys, experiential travel
Years active	2013–present

Worldwide Rail Journeys (WRJ) is an Indian luxury rail tourism company founded in 2013, specialising in curated premium rail journeys across India and select international destinations. Headquartered in India, the company focuses on experiential and heritage-led rail travel, positioning rail journeys as immersive experiences rather than conventional modes of transportation.

With over 13 years of continuous presence in luxury rail tourism, Worldwide Rail Journeys has established itself as a specialist in the sector, working closely with government bodies, luxury train operators, and global travel partners.

History

The vision and beginning (2013)

Every great journey begins with a vision.

Worldwide Rail Journeys was founded with the belief that rail travel could be more than movement between destinations—it could be an experience rooted in heritage, storytelling, and comfort. At a time when luxury rail tourism remained a niche segment, WRJ adopted a long-term approach prioritising quality, institutional relationships, and curated experiences.

The company was established under the leadership of Manish S. Saini, with the purpose of creating luxury rail journeys celebrating heritage, culture, craftsmanship, and experiential travel across India and later internationally.

Building the rails (2013–2018)

The early years of Worldwide Rail Journeys were marked by operational learning, perseverance, and institutional trust-building.

During this phase, WRJ worked closely with Indian Railways, IRCTC, and various state and central luxury train corporations, developing specialised expertise in rail-based tourism.

During this period, WRJ:

Introduced travellers to iconic Indian luxury trains such as Palace on Wheels, Maharajas’ Express, Deccan Odyssey, and Golden Chariot
Successfully operated luxury rail charters and specialised train operations
Established itself as a specialist in luxury rail tourism rather than a conventional tour operator

Recognition and growth (2014–2019)

As operations matured, Worldwide Rail Journeys expanded its global agent network and strengthened partnerships across the travel and tourism sector.

Key milestones include:

Serving over 9,500 travellers
Building a global network of 350+ travel agents and partners
Industry recognition as a leading luxury rail tourism specialist

Awards and recognition

Worldwide Rail Journeys and its leadership have received multiple honours recognising contributions to luxury rail tourism and destination management.

Notable awards include:

National Tourism Award (2016) – Presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Best Rail Tour Operator – India Travel Awards (2015, 2016)
Travel & Tourism Business of the Year (2017) – New Delhi
Best Brochure – Tour Operator (2014) – Indian Association of Tour Operators
Entrepreneur Trophy (2016) – Awarded to founder Manish S. Saini

The unexpected halt (2020–2021)

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented halt in global tourism. Rail services were suspended, borders closed, and luxury travel paused worldwide.

During this period, WRJ focused on internal restructuring, strengthening global relationships, and reassessing the future of experiential and slow travel.

Global expansion and renewed focus (2022–present)

As international travel resumed, Worldwide Rail Journeys returned with renewed focus and an expanded global portfolio.

International collaborations include:

Rovos Rail (South Africa) – The Pride of Africa
SJourney Luxury Train – Vietnam
Train Suite SHIKI-SHIMA – Japan
Australian luxury trains – The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, and The Overland

In India, WRJ continues its association with all major luxury rail products and serves as the Exclusive Marketing Partner for the Palace on Wheels.

Worldwide Rail Journeys today

Worldwide Rail Journeys represents over 13 years in luxury rail tourism, combining institutional relationships, government approvals, and global partnerships with a philosophy centred on experiential travel.

Philosophy

Worldwide Rail Journeys maintains that luxury rail journeys are defined not solely by destinations, but by the experience of the journey itself.

External links