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Palace on Wheels India - An Introduction
Explore the incredible land of India the royal way. Board the Palace on Wheels, rated among the top ten luxury trains in the world. For a long, the tourists who have enjoyed their journey on the Palace on Wheels have appreciated and recommended the luxury train. The Palace on Wheels Train chugs from India's capital city of Delhi into the royal state to Rajasthan and finally halts at the City of Taj - Agra.
It is mentionable that the Palace on Wheels was awarded the PATA Gold award in the year 1987. The journey of Palace on Wheels is available only from September to April. From May to August every year the Palace on Wheels does not chug as the Annual Maintenance is taken care of. Tourists onboard Palace on Wheels appreciate that the train moves during the night and stops at tourist destinations during the daytime. While on a journey in Palace on Wheels, tourists discover the richness of India. At night they can recollect the day's sweet memories and replenish the next day's delights.
Palace on Wheels India - History
A picture-perfect combination of heritage and luxuries, the Palace on Wheels has taken several people across the land of India. Every destination has left them with magical moments. Amongst the noteworthy travelers of the proud Palace on Wheels are the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Rajputana rulers, the Viceroy of British India et al. The lavish luxury offered by the Palace on Wheels has made it a royal carrier. After the Indian independence, the services of Palace on Wheels were halted. Later the Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation the train started the Palace on Wheels again. As a special heritage tourist train Palace on Wheels has been the pride of India since the re-run. The tourists got the opportunity to experience India the royal way again. Modifications were made in the interiors of the Palace on Wheels as well as the broad gauge was introduced. Now the Palace on Wheels is as comfortable as captivating. Today Palace on Wheels can be referred to as a mobile heritage hotel, the old world charm with the latest amenities.
Palace on Wheels India - Facilities on Board
The entire train Palace on Wheels is a luxury. The facilities available to the tourists aboard the Palace on Wheels are no less than the star hotels. Yet the ambiance and the decor of the Palace on Wheels move you to the era of kings and queens. There are fourteen saloons in the completely air-conditioned Palace on Wheels. The entire interiors from furniture, furnishings, handicrafts, paintings, and the wall-to-wall carpets are the representatives of the royal state of Rajasthan. Twin-bedded chambers with attached baths and showers make the saloons cocoon of comfort for the tourists. The two exclusive dining cars serve traditional Indian, continental, and Chinese cuisines. So the tourists feast on their favorite food. There is a facility for shopping for gift items and souvenirs too on board the Palace on Wheels in "The Bazaar". Laundry, parlor, and personal attendants are some other luxuries the tourists enjoy at the Palace on Wheels.
Palace on Wheels India - Destinations Covered
The weeklong journey aboard the Palace on Wheels, promises to be the most vivacious and vibrant week of the tourists' life. This luxury train takes tourists to Indian travel destinations that have a unique flavor. Each place covered by the Palace on Wheels has its fair share of tourist interest. The Pink City of Jaipur receives tourists with garlands and caparisoned elephants. The architecture of Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, and Amber Fort sweeps the passengers off their feet.
At the next destination of Jaisalmer, Palace on Wheels takes you to visit the exquisitely carved havelis and palaces with their latticed windows, balconies, Cupolas, and facades. Camel safaris & desert camps add to the color of the Indian holiday. Further the Palace on Wheels chugs to the majestic Jodhpur. The landmarks of Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada make the day at Jodhpur joyous.
Sawai Madhopur happens to be the next halt of the Palace on Wheels. The Ranthambhor National Park and the Ranthambhor Fort make the tourists love India all the more. The royal images of Chittaurgarh and Udaipur Palace on Wheels take the tourists to the wonderland for birds - Bharatpur. Last but not least the Palace on Wheels brings to its passengers the city of Taj, the amazing Agra.
Launch of the Palace on Wheels
In the 80s, the Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Department got united to resurrect the forgotten symbols of its historic heritage. Thirteen carriages from different princely states were gathered and refurbished giving shape to the royal Palace on Wheels. This luxurious train revived the past with modern facilities and created an extraordinary journey. It takes people around the world-wannabe princes who could be royals for their week of the journey. Along with the restored carriages came liveried attendants, an attached kitchen, a lounge, and a dining car.
The Palace on Wheels tour has a fixed itinerary. The journey begins and terminates in Delhi. En route, the train travels through the princely states of Rajasthan covering Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bharatpur as its principal highlights.
Each morning, guests wake up with bed tea and breakfast service on board. After this, one can opt for a hot water bath, and then see the sights and colors of Rajasthan. In the meanwhile, the train halts in and guests can spend time in the forts, palaces, temples, and bazaars. After returning to the train, visitors can sleep in their palatial suite. Even if it is a palace on wheels, day by day they can visit the very sites that have made these palaces possible. It is an experience not to be missed out.
Lush Interiors
The railway coaches have different names derived from the former princely states. They provide the link for the coat of arms and the decor inside. Within each carriage are comfortable showers, built-in wardrobes with full-length mirrors, overhead and night lights, piped music, service bells, and a public address system. The rooms and corridors are carpeted, the furniture inlaid and upholstered especially for the train. Blinds drape large windows, which frame views across the desert and the passing arid landscape. At the end of each coach is a lounge.
Wood-paneled walls painted stained glass skylights, and liveried attendants who respond to every call, make the journey unforgettable. However, the vestibule coaches also connect with two restaurants, the Maharaja and the Maharani, and the bar where a range of cocktails is on offer. Damasks drape the tables, and the rear romantic lights and exclusive tableware, make the perfect setting for Indian, Continental, and occasionally Chinese meals, served on board.
Certainly, this would have been the ways adopted by Maharajas to enjoy life and personal moments. For sheer romance, the Palace on Wheels is the most luxurious way to tour Rajasthan.
We offer you the best from anything to everything under the sun.
Tour Highlights
Forts & Palaces, Culture, Wildlife, Indian Cuisine, Boat Ride at Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Camel Safari at Sand Dunes, Bird Watching.
Palace on Wheels is a royal experience, a journey that is much more than a luxury train ride. Palace on Wheels epitomizes the rich Indian heritage and journeys through one of the most exotic regions in the world - Dazzling Delhi, Amazing Agra, and especially Royal Rajasthan. Pamper yourself with royalty unlimited. Where else can you relax in comfort and witness exotic India passing by?
Though times have changed and the winds have shifted, the Palace on Wheels cruises along in royal style, the kind only the Maharajas of yesteryears could have perpetuated and enjoyed.
The exquisite and exclusive Palace On Wheels has luxurious cabins, wall-to-wall carpeting, a well-stocked bar, two dining cars, and very personalized service... in fact, almost everything that could compromise heaven on earth for seven days!
Welcome aboard the royal journey called Palace on Wheels.
Itineraries
Day 1
Wednesday-New Delhi (Tour starts 0930 Hrs)
Join the tour group for a day tour of New Delhi. Tour includes visits to the India Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb and more. After lunch at a city restaurant, you will be transferred to the Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi where the guests are accorded a warm, traditional welcome before the Palace on Wheels pulls out into the night for a week-long luxury cruise through fascinating Rajasthan.
The Train starts at 1600 hrs.
Overnight On-board (B, L, D)
Day 2
Thursday-Delhi – Jaipur (Arr. 0200 Hrs / Dep. 1930 Hrs)
Arrive Jaipur in the morning. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace off Winds, which is a remarkable five storeyed building along the main street of the old city is pink splendour with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort, 8 km away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambience.
After lunch at a Palace Hotel, you are off to the City Palace, home of the erstwhile royal family. Right across the road from the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace on Wheels around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board.
Overnight On-board (B, L, D)
Day 3
Friday-Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh (Arr. 0530 Hrs / Dep. 1600 Hrs)
One can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Palace on Wheels arrives in Sawai Madhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. After breakfast a visit is arranged to the Ranthambhore National Park, where in are located the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the country's best for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392 sq. km. is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, ratel, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace on Wheels, you leave for Chittaurgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.
After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won... thrice-besieged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more.
Overnight On-board (B, L, D)
Day 4
Saturday-Chittorgarh – Udaipur (Arr. 0800 Hrs / Dep. 1530 Hrs)
Arrive in Udaipur, the Lake City at 8:00 am. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. Perhaps the two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like marble Palaces-the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. After lunch a visit to City Palace is exhilarating.
In the evening visit the Crystal gallery. Later proceed to Jaisalmer on board Palace on Wheels.
Overnight On-board (B, L, D)
Day 5
Sunday-Udaipur - Jaisalmer (Arr. 0915 Hrs / Dep. 2345 Hrs)
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156A.D. Here the yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering magnificently over the city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelis or mansions with their grand facades. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Pattwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver's skill.
After lunch on board, go for an exciting Camel Ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea. Enjoy the dinner and the cultural programs at a hotel in Jaisalmer. The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.
Overnight On-board (B, L, D)
Day 6
Monday-Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (Arr. 0700 Hrs / Dep. 1600 Hrs)
Next morning the Palace on wheels is in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within- Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lies Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble.
After lunch at a royal Palace hotel, return to the Palace on Wheels.
Overnight On-board (B, L, D)
Day 7
Tuesday-Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (Arr. 0500 Hrs/ Dep. 2300 Hrs)
Early next morning, the Palace arrives in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. After breakfast pay a visit to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting place of thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.
Post breakfast, arrive at Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to the Sheikh Salim Chisti, a muslim Sufi Saint who blessed him with a son. After lunch arrive at Agra and visit Agra Fort. Later visit the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.
Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
Overnight On-board (B, L, D)
Day 8
Wednesday-Agra – Delhi (Arr. 0600 Hrs)
Early in the morning, arrive at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time.
What’s Included:
Airport Services: Private air-conditioned car with driver Company staff for airport assistanceÂ
Accommodation: Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with en suite bathrooms.
Meals: All meals, soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits
Transport: Off-train excursions as per itinerary by AC vehicle.
Entry Tickets: Monument and museum entrance
Guides / Escorts: Expert local tour guides for sightseeing tours as per itinerary
Other inclusions: Govt of India taxes and Company service charges
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What's Not Included:
Flights:Â International or domestic flights are not included
Travel insurance: Travel insurance. Please carry a valid travel insurance
Visa: Visa fee and charges
Other Fees: Video / still camera fees wherever it is applicable
Meals: Meals not specified
Personal expenses: Any kind of personal expenses/bills
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