It stands on its tracks; a gleaming sealed carriage, every bit is royal. The air-conditioning works silently, creating a space where only the excitement of the history of the Rajput kingdoms permeates through, clearly captured in a contemporary mode. In all, there are fourteen saloons, each equipped with two twin-bedded and two double-bedded chambers, with attached baths that have running hot and cold water and showers. The modern conveniences have been thoughtfully provided, sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings, inbuilt wardrobes for the storage of one's clothes and bags, and huge plate glass windows to watch the countryside roll past.
Outside the bedrooms, each coach also has a seating lounge where passengers can get together, just sit watch the cities as they glide past outside the windows, or enjoy a quiet cup of tea. An attached pantry with each saloon helps provide beverages and refreshments to the accompaniment of soothing piped music.
There is the comfortable bar cum lounge where you can relax over your favourite drink, burrow in a book or converse with fellow passengers. Attached to it are two restaurant cars, Maharaja and Maharani respectively, with opulently draped curtains, exquisitely crafted lights and table settings . Here accompanying chefs serve up a delicious choice of Indian, including Rajasthani, Continental and even Chinese cuisine that are a feast for the palate.
The train chugs out of Safdarjung Railway Station New Delhi cantonment on a week-long run through Rajasthan every Wednesday night, with a trip also inbuilt to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Turban-wearing attendants take over from the moment you arrive at the platform, assigning you your coupes and detailing all the facilities that are on board. The train moves by night and arrives each morning at a new destination where new experiences await you.
CoachesYou'll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace on Wheels. On board, you'll feel like an erstwhile monarch, traveling in regal splendour. Each Coach named after the erstwhile princely state has 4 twin bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani decor. Channel Music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot & cold water shower and wall to wall carpeting are some of the facilities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who are to your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything.
The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together.
RoomsThe coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together.
RestaurantThe train has two lavish restaurants "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" with a Rajasthani ambience serving palate tickling Continental, Chinese, India and Rajasthani cuisines.
The restaurants offer seating arranged in groups of twos and fours near the windows. Chefs in the attached pantry prepare Continental and Indian specialties, with an emphasis on the cuisine of Rajasthan.
BarThe Palace on Wheels boasts of a well stocked bar offering the choicest of sprits of Indian and international brands.
Indoor Games : Chess, Playing Cards, Chinese Checkers, Carom Board, Crossword Puzzles are available.
Lounge : A lounge for relaxing, interacting, making friends, getting together and indulging in games.
Mail Box : A mail box is provided on board, for posting your mail.
Medical Aid : Your health, obviously tops the char of our priority list. First aid is available on the train whereas a doctor can be arranged on call at the very next station.
Restaurants : Two lavish and beautifully done restaurants; "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" serve mouth watering Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines that would definitely make way to your heart through your stomach.
Shopping : Certain handicrafts and other special items of Rajasthani origin can be bought from state Govt. owned Emporia while you visit the places covered by the Palace on Wheels.
Smoking : The Palace on Wheels is a no-smoking train. However if you wish to smoke, please contact your captain for guidance.
ATM/and Satellite Phone : The ATM and Satellite Phone facility shall soon be available for the guests on board the train.
The Palace on Wheels is one of the world's most exciting rail journeys, as the train provided more facilities on board, as for the royal destinations it proceeds to every single day. With everything taken care of dining accommodation, sightseeing as well as organized shopping, there are nothing for the traveller to do but sleep in the history of the land, soak in the colours and experience the royal life of Maharaja. The tour starts from Delhi and come back to the city after going through in order:
Duration : 7 Nights/8 Days
Destinations : Delhi > Jaipur > Sawai Madhopur > Chittaurgarh > Udaipur > Jaisalmer > Jodhpur > Bharatpur > Agra > Delhi.
Assemble at the railway station at least an hour before the actual departure time to complete check-in and registration formalities.
The train leaves Delhi at around 1830 hours and proceeds towards its first destination Jaipur. Dinner is served on board. Overnight stay on Palace On Wheels.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
0345 hrs : Train will reaches Jaipur early in the morning.
0700 hrs : Breakfast will be served at 0700 hrs.
0800 hrs : Departure by coach for sightseeing tour of Jaipur. The first stop of Palace on Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of the world of its time. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city in pink splendour with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.
This is followed by a visit to Albert Hall and 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.
1330 hrs : After reaching at Amber you can enjoy the festively decorated elephant for a ride up to the fort. After lunch visit of Amber fort the best example of splendid fusion of Rajput and Mugal style of Architecture.
The hall of victory Jai Mandir has a stunning ceiling adorned with mirror work an inlaid panel. Return back to train by bus for fresh n up after rest awhile enjoy sumptuous dinner on board.
1800 hrs : The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels, Dinner will be served on board.
Ranthambore National Park
0530 hrs : Arrival at Sawai Madhopur. 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. A visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor National Park, wherein 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 392sq kms is hometo 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.
0600 hrs : Departure for Ranthambore National Parl (Sanctury visit)
0900 hrs : After the game, a safari canter will take you back to Palace on Wheels for breakfast on board.
1030 hrs : Departure for Chittiogarh
1630 hrs : Sightseeing in Chittorgarh, where we view the Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won... thrice-besieged, Chittorgarh Fort is all this and more, the Victory Tower and the Tower of Fame. You will also have an opportunity to witness the sound and light show at the majestic Chittorgarh Fort.
1900 hrs : The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels, dinner will be served on board. The Palace on Wheels stays in Chittorgarh station until the early morning before departing for Udaipur.
Arrival 05.30 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs.
0800 hrs : Arrival in Udaipur. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals.
0900 hrs : Departure for Sight Seeing by coach and visit Sahalio Ki Bari, shopping and City Palace & Crystal Gallery.
1330 hrs : After lunch at a Palace Hotel, we see one of the most beautiful sites of Udaipur, as we cross Lake Pichola by boat, past the majestic Lake Palace Hotel idyllically situated in the middle of the lake.
1500 hrs : The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels.
1530 hrs : departure for Jaisalmer, dinner will be served on board.
Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
0730 hrs : Breakfast on board.
0915 hrs : Arrival at Jaisalmer. 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.
0930 hrs : Discover the painstakingly latticed Havelis or mansions with their grand facades. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon- ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver's skill.
1330 hrs : Enjoy lunch at palace hotel.
1530 hrs : After lunch, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea enjoying the sunset.
1900 hrs : Arrival on the train.
1945 hrs : Later enjoy the dinner and the cultural programmes at Palace Hotel. After dinner The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels.
0700 hrs : Arrival at 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.
0730 hrs : Breakfast on board.
0900 hrs : Proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur visiting Mherangarh 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 the Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble.
1315 hrs : Lunch will be served at a city hotel.
1445 hrs : The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels.
1500 hrs : Departure for Bharatpur. Dinner will be served on board.
Taj Mahal, Agra
0500 hrs : Arrival at Bharatpur, Early next morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal.
0600 hrs : 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.
0830 hrs : The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels for breakfast on board and you will depart for Agra
1030 hrs : Arrival at Agra Railway Station.
1100 hrs : Proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra visiting Red Fort
1330 hrs : Lunch at the 5 Star hotel.
1500hrs : Move on to pay a visit to 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.
1730 hrs : Shopping Tour - Agra is also known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
2000 hrs : Dinner will be taken at the hotel, later on the Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels. Bid farewell to the train & perhaps a final drink in lounge bar.
0400 hrs : Arrival at Safdarjung Railway Station
0700 hrs : Breakfast on Board.
0730 - 0800 hrs : Bid farewell to the Palace On Wheels.
Prices in US$
Season 2018-19 | ||
---|---|---|
For '01Oct'18 - 31 Mar'2019 (Except 19 & 26 Dec 2018) |
Rack Rate Per Night | 7 Nights |
Half Twin Share | US$ 650 | US$ 4550 |
Single | US$ 865 | US$ 6055 |
For 19 Dec'18 & 26 Dec'18 | Rack Rate Per Night | 7 Nights |
Half Twin Share | US$ 715 | US$ 5005 |
Single | US$ 952 | US$ 6661 |
For Sept' 2018 & Apr' 2019 | Rack Rate Per Night | 7 Nights |
Half Twin Share | US$ 500 | US$ 3500 |
Single | US$ 650 | US$ 4550 |
Delhi – The National Capital of India : whenever we speak of myriad colors of Delhi, various shades of lifestyle of this capital city appears before us. Its monuments, local markets, corporate buildings, crowded roads, giant shopping malls and various religious places of worship bear witness to its colorful lifestyle where past and present go hand in hand.
Alike various other places of India, Jaipur or 'Pink City' of Rajasthan also has a number of tales to tell about its origin and name. Because of the pinkish hue created by the pink colored buildings of the city, Jaipur is called a 'Pink City'. If Rajasthan is a kingdom of dreams, then Jaipur is certainly the heart of this kingdom.
Sawai Madhopur – The Tiger Territory : A gateway to the tiger territory of Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur is the next destination of Palace on Wheels, a luxury Indian train tour to Rajasthan. The former hunting ground of maharajas, Ranthambore offers great opportunity to spot tigers in their natural habitat.
Chittorgarh – A Land of Braves : The bards of Rajasthan still sing the tales of bravery, spirit and sacrifice of the people of Chittorgarh. Historically rich and glamorous, Chittorgarh is known for its gallant Rajputs who prefer to die before surrendering to enemy. Many fables and tales bear witness to the ancient past of Chittorgarh.
Udaipur - The Jewel of Mewar : Drenched in romanticism and serenity, the city of Udaipur is rightly been called the Venice of Rajasthan. When the sparkling water of the lakes reflects on the white outer walls of the marvelous palaces, the city unfolds its celestial beauty. The city was voted as the best city in the world by 'Travel + Leisure' magazine in 2009.
Jaisalmer – The Golden City : If in any part of Rajasthan a virgin touch of desert is still alive, it's in Jaisalmer only. Situated amid the great Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is one of the most sought after destinations in India. The simple living style of the local people, who are ardently attached with the land and its traditions, appeals to every traveler.
Jodhpur – The Blue City : Jodhpur, the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is also called the 'sun city' as it enjoys a bright, sunny weather throughout the year. In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore clan founded the city of Jodhpur. The once indomitable blue city is duly ruled by the glorious Meherangarh Fort.
Bharatpur – Birding Paradise : Home to Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bharatpur beckons tourists from around the globe and naturalist alike to watch over 350 species of domestic and migratory bird species. Then there are fort and palaces too replete with legends of yore that draw the tourists.
Agra – Mughal Legacy : Ruled by the Mughal dynasty for hundreds of years, the city of Agra is the best places to witness finest Mughal architectures in India. The Taj Mahal in Agra is not only a signature monument of the city, but a pride of the entire country of India. Attraction in the city include Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb and Agra fort.
Season 2018-19 | ||
---|---|---|
Months | Departure Dates(2018) | Departure Dates(2019) |
September 2018 | 05, 12, 19, 26 | _ |
October 2018 | 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 | _ |
November 2018 | 07, 14, 21, 28 | _ |
December 2018 | 05, 12, 19*, 26* | _ |
January 2019 | _ | 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 |
February 2019 | _ | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
March 2019 | _ | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
April 2019 | _ | 03, 10, 17, 24 |