Palace On Wheels
PALACE ON WHEELS TRAIN
With a noble motive to promote tourism in Rajasthan, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation along with Indian Railway launched the first Indian luxury train Palace on Wheels on 26th January' 1982. This royal Indian train has 14 guest coaches, all of which reflect a decorative style similar to that of the personal carriages used by the Maharajas of the yore. Over the years, the train has been refurbished many times to accommodate technological advancements so that a better tour experience can be ensured to the guests. Moreover, the high-tech modern amenities have also been introduced along with modification in the itinerary and off-train excursion tours .The warmth of hospitality and the welcoming ambience of Palace on Wheels never miss to cast its charm on guests. With its distinctive appeal, grace, and charm, this train has placed itself among the top five luxury trains in the world. Pioneering the tradition of luxury train tours in India, the train is carrying well the sophistication of Indian courtesy for more than three decades.The Palace on Wheels luxury train takes you on a scintillating journey into the royal land of sand dunes and regal palaces. Voted as the 4th best luxury train in the world, the Palace on Wheels carries with it an intrinsic ambience that goes perfectly well with the majestic charm and beauty spread so lavishly across the Indian terrain.
The journey to the hinterland of the desert starts every Wednesday evening from New Delhi and ends the following Wednesday early in the morning, back at the same station. In 7 Nights/8 Days the train traverses over 3000 Kilometres ( or 1850 miles).
On the Palace on Wheels, your journey is full of exuberance and luxurious feeling. A perfect chance to relive the era when kings and queens ruled; when royalty spelt magic; when charm and mysticism was in the air.
There are 39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins on the Palace on Wheels train (with a total capacity is of 82 passengers).
The train is completely self- sufficient and is fully air-conditioned, Each cabin has attached toilers, specially facilitated for the global luxury traveler with all modern amenities such as wifi, mini pantry, music channel, a safe, wall to wall carpeting etc. Each saloon also has a personal attendant, also known as khidmatgars, at your service.
You would find the royal past you etched into the historical coaches. The carriages are uniquely named after famous Palace & Forts of Rajasthan. The Rich Interiors of the Cabins are Either in Hues of Ruby, Turquoise Or Pearl
There are Two Resto-Bar lounges on the train & an aryurvedic spa facility. Complimentary Wi-fi services are also made available through sharing dongles.
The two Ding Cars are Called Maharaja & Maharani & the attached Kitchen Saloon serves freshly cooked international cuisine.
Super Deluxe Cabin
The basic concept of India’s first luxury train tour that still holds true today is - Overnight travel in comfortable AC sleeping chambers on the train and pre-arranged group sightseeing in the day by AC buses.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins
Restaurant Cars with Bar Lounges
1 Spa Car
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Exclusive Butler
MORE DETAILS:
The electric supply on the train is 110/230 AC Volt with multiple plug points in both Cabins & Bathrooms and depending upon your electronic equipment you may choose to carry your own adaptors.
Laundry Services are made available on limited days .
There is limited storage space available in the cabins & guests are advised to carry soft topped luggage & of size as carried in International Airlines.
The train is centrally air-conditioned & onboard temperature maintained at 22 Degree Celsius.
Smoking is not allowed on-board the train.
HISTORY
On rolling back wheels of time, we find the rulers of princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India travelled by these luxurious coaches. After independence, these coaches were parked and remained in this state for a quarter of a century until in 1981-82, when the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways launched a special heritage tourist train for providing a unique memorable experience to the tourists visiting Rajasthan.
The name Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches. Gradually many infrastructural changes were brought about in the coaches while keeping the same aesthetics of the interiors alive, matching the interiors of the royal state. In late 1980s, the original passengers saloons of Ex Maharajas were replaced by Metre Gauge train, that had AC Cabins with sharing bathrooms. Then in 1996, due to rail track conversion in India. A Broad Guage version of the Palace On Wheels train was introduced in 1996, where all the Cabins had private attached bathrooms.In September 2017, new train carriages have been introduced on the Palace on Wheels luxury train, that are more spacious in size & now guests have the option to book Deluxe or Super Deluxe Cabins.
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THE PALACE ON WHEELS ITINERARY
07 NIGHTS / 08 DAYS
Explore the majestic land of Rajasthan and experience a journey worthy of the Maharajas of yore. Rajasthan opens its treasure chest and presents all its mystical charms for the astute guests aboard Palace on Wheels train.
Day 1 (Wednesday): New Delhi Depart
Report by 4:30PM at Safdarjung Railway Station for traditional welcome including garlanding, tikka and turban & check-in formalities for the ‘Week in Wonderland’ train tour. Time free for photo-shoot with traditionally attired Palace On Wheels staff. Be escorted to your saloon cabins by personal attendant for briefing on cabin facilities. At leisure, proceed to Bar Lounge for complimentary welcome drink. The train departs at 6:30PM & dinner served onboard.
Day 2 (Thursday): Jaipur, The Pink City
Breakfast is on-board, followed by royal elephant welcome at Jaipur Railway Station. Then proceed to visit St. Albert Museum, Pink City Palace & UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar (sun observatory).
After brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace Of winds), the sightseeing tour reaches the excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort Palace of Amber in the afternoon. Enjoy an elephant ride up the steep ramparts of the fort. Lunch is held in the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant, located in Fort premises.
Later discover the beauty of 16th century well preserved Fort Palace, with huge courtyard’s and built in rare fusion of combined Rajput and Mughal architecture.
At around 5pm, visit the vibrant local market for shopping. Return to Palace on Wheels train around 6:00PM & depart for the next destination. Dinner is served on-board.
Day 3 (Friday Early Morning): Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
After an early morning at 6:30 AM in a forest lodge, proceed to jungle safari in 15-seater canters inside Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. One of the most popular reserves in India with a rich history; the jungle is home to Tigers, Panthers, Sloth bears, Pythons, Marsh crocodiles, hundreds of deers and numerous birds. Truly a delight for wildlife lovers.
Return back to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and depart on train by 10:00 AM. Lunch is prepared onboard.
Day 3 (Friday Afternoon): Chittorgarh Hill Fort
At 04:00PM the Palace on Wheels train reaches Chittorgarh Railway Station. Begin excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort of Chittorgarh, spread over a huge plateau - with history dating back to 11th century. It is considered to be the largest fort of India.
In the Evening, enjoy Sound & Light program in fort complex & later return to train for dinner. The train departs post midnight.
Day 4 (Saturday): Udaipur, the City of Lakes
Train arrives by 08:00AM. After onboard breakfast proceed to visit 17th Century built - City Palace complex with eleven constituent Mahals, balconies, towers and cupolas. Also visit Crystal Gallery - housing personal collection of H.H. of Udaipur.
Later enjoy boat ride around the world famous "Lake Palace Hotel" atop a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola. Lunch is held at the majestic Fatehprakash Palace Hotel.
Later, you get time free for shopping followed by a visit to the Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari. return to train by 3 pm & depart. Dinner onboard.
Day 5 (Sunday): Jaisalmer, Oasis in the Desert
After onboard Breakfast proceed by 09:30AM to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jaisalmer Fort, which seems straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the 15th century built living Fort complex, standing at a height of hundred meters over Jaisalmer town & glows golden in the afternoon sun. The fort is entered through a forbidding series of massive gates leading to a large courtyard.
Then visit Patwon ki Haveli, one of the largest and most elaborate mansion houses .-which is five storey high & extensively carved. Nearby is located a group of 15th century built Jain Temples, which are beautifully carved & have a library hosting some of the oldest manuscripts of India.
Proceed for Lunch to 5-Star Hotel & later return to train for brief rest and tea. At 4:30PM proceed for excursion to Sam sand Dunes in Thar Desert for Camel joy ride during sunset. Later enjoy Cultural Program & Dinner at 5-Star Hotel. Return to train by 10:00PM & depart.
Day 6 (Monday): Jodhpur, Heart of Marwar
Train arrives at 08:00 AM in Jodhpur and after on-board breakfast proceed for sightseeing of 16th century built Mehrangarh Fort, atop a rocky hill which soars 125 Mts. above Jodhpur town. The Palace complex it is approached by a series of gateways set at an angle so that enemy armies could not charge, with any success. Once past the Fort gates, you have access to breath taking Palatial Apartments (Mahal), overlooking wide courtyards. Inside the fort complex is a museum having wide & impressive collection of Royal dresses & Medieval weapons. Nearby the Fort complex is located, late 19th century built Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble. Later visit museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, displaying personal artifacts of H.H. Maharaja of Jodhpur. Lunch is served at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant.
Return to Palace on Wheels train and depart by 3:30PM. Dinner is served on-board.
Day 7 (Tuesday Early Morning): Bhatarpur Bird Sanctuary
At 06:30 AM proceed to UNESCO world Heritage Site of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary& enjoy cycle rickshaw ride to view many of 375 species of both local & migratory birds (from places like Sri-Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet). Return to train for breakfast & depart by 08:45 AM.
Day 7 (Tuesday Noon): Agra, City of the Taj Mahal
Train drops you at Railway station on outskirts of Agra at 10:30 AM. The sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, the seat of power of the once mighty Mughal Empire.
Lunch at ITC Mughal Hotel is followed by a visit to the majestic Taj Mahal, one of seven wonders of modern world & a flawless architectural wonder built in white marble. Afterwards, guests have some time free for shopping.
Then return to train for onboard dinner & depart.
Day 8 (Wednesday): New Delhi Return
The Palace on Wheels train returns to Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station by 05:30AM. Check-out by 07:15 AM after early breakfast.
TOUR ENDS