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Palace on Wheels
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It was in the eighties when Indian Railway and Rajasthan Tourism decided to work together on a project to resurrect some of these forgotten symbols of its historic heritage. Thirteen carriages from different princely states were brought together and refurbished, and the Palace on Wheels was launched. A superb train that evoked the past with modern facilities and created a journey that was on offer to people around the world-wannabe princes who could be royals for their week of the journey. |
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Tour Programme :
Day 1 Wednesday
Delhi - Journey of A Lifetime Begins .........
1645 Hours: Report Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and board on Palace On Wheels, The Maharaja train tour.
1800 Hours: Departure for a Week in Wonderland Tour.
2000 Hours: Dinner on board
The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi cantonment station where the guests are accorded a warm, traditional welcome before the palace-on-wheels pull out into the night. For a week long luxury cruise through fascinating Rajasthan.
Day 2 Thursday
Attraction - Jaipur
0000 Hours: Arrival in Jaipur.
0730 Hours: Breakfast on Board.
0830 Hours: Sightseeing.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Rambagh Palace Hotel.
When you reached at Jaipur, a gala reception awaits you at the Pink City. With traditional Indian music of the shehnai, playing in the background, you will be welcomed like a Royal Celebrity. And why not.... this is the first stop of the Palace on Wheels in the land of Maharajas, magnificent Palaces and impressive forts. And this is just the start; from this time on, every moment that you spend on the Palace On Wheels will leave memories that will last for a lifetime.
To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the palace of winds, which is a remarkable five storeyed building along the main street of the old city in pink splendor 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.
And yes, how can you miss the shopping in your Jaipur tour. Jaipur is the place to shop until you drop ! It has a plethora of handicrafts ranging from grimacing papier-mache puppets to exquisitely carved furniture, jewellery, handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery and textiles. The luxury coaches will take you back to palace on wheels around 6.30 pm. Dinner on board.
1900 Hours: Departure for Jaisalmer.
2000 Hours: Dinner on Board.
Day 3 Friday
Attraction - Jaisalmer
0615 Hours: Arrival in Jaisalmer.
0730 Hours: Breakfast on Board.
0830 Hours: Sightseeing.
Welcome to Heart of Thar Desert - Jaisalmer. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156. Sharply etched against the sky, Jaisalmer is a splendid sight with its yellow sand stone walls and bastions that seem to rise from the golden sands. Visit the intricately latticed havelis with their elaborate facades. The superb craftsmanship of the stone carved is illustrated in Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli. After a sumptuous lunch, experience the exhilaration of a camel ride on the golden sand dunes at Sam, the most picturesque dunes. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to these fascinating dunes which is followed by evening tea. The Palace on Wheels departs for Jodhpur at night.
1300 Hours: Lunch on board and rest.
1700 Hours: Visit the sand dunes and experience the thrill of a camel safari.
1930 Hours: Dine while enjoying a cultural programme.
2300 Hours: Departure for Jodhpur.
Day 4 Saturday
Attraction - Jodhpur
0730 Hours: Breakfast on Board.
0800 Hours: Arrival in Jodhpur.
0830 Hours: Sightseeing.
1300 Hours: Lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Welcome to the Blue City - Jodhpur founded in 1459 AD and is the second largest City in Rajasthan. It was also on the ancient Silk route. The formidable Mehrangarh fort, rising as high as man's unflinching will, atop a hill, dominates the city. Umaid Bhawan also known as Chittaur Palace, is another landmark of the region. It was conceived as part of famine relief operations, at the beginning of the century, by Maharaja Umaid Singh. The palace took 16 years to build, and provided employment to the famine stricken. A portion of the palace has been converted into a hotel.
After lunch at a Palace hotel, return to the Palace-On-Wheels. While in Jodhpur, shop for exquisite handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
1530 Hours: Departure for Sawai Madhopur.
2000 Hours: Dinner on Board.
Day 5 Sunday
Attraction - Sawai Madhopur
Morning: Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary
0615 Hours: Arrival in Sawai Madhopur.
0630 Hours: Breakfast on Board.
0700 Hours: Visit the Ranthambhore National Park.
Excitement is in the air as the Palace on Wheels touches Sawai Madhopur, a city fortified in 1765 and named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. One can almost sense a life of the wilderness here . After breakfast a visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor 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-kms 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 also known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the palace on wheels, you leave for desert citadel Jaisalmer, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by the daylight. Lunch and dinner are served on board.
Afternoon: Chittaurgarh Fort
1100 Hours: Departure for Chittaurgarh.
1300 Hours: Lunch on board.
1530 Hours: Arrival in Chittaurgarh.
1600 Hours: Sightseeing.
The afternoon starts with a visit to Chittaurgarh, the awe inspiring Chittisgarh fort renowned for innumerable legends of valour and chivalry. Images of love and valour scars of battles lost and won thrice besieged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
Day 6 Monday
Attraction - Udaipur
0645 Hours: Breakfast on Board.
0730 Hours: Depart for Sightseeing.
1230 Hours: Lunch at the Lake Palace Hotel.
Welcome to the 'City of Lakes'. One of the most romantic places in India, it is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper the mood of a bygone era.
Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559 AD. 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 at Lake Palace Hotel, a visit to the City Palace is exhilarating.
1800 Hours: Return from Sightseeing.
2000 Hours: Departure for Bharatpur.
2000 Hours: Dinner on Board
Day 7 Tuesday
Attraction - Bharatpur, Agra
Arrival - 6:00 AM.
Bharatpur
After bidding good-bye to Udaipur day of its trip the Palace-on-Wheels arrives at the beautiful Bharatpur. The city of Bharatpur is an Avian paradise and is renowned for the bird sanctuary. So great is the pull of the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur, that people spare not a thought for the state that gave birth to it. This superb waterfowl habitat, one of the finest in the world, was actually created by a Maharaja. Bharatpur, the nesting place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.
Lunch : On Board
Afternoon - Agra ( Taj Mahal )
After a splendid visit to the Ghana National Park, the Palace On Wheels arrives at Agra. Where Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chishti, a museum Sufi saint who blessed him with a son. After lunch move on from the red fort and arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A pristine monument of undying love, it was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the ‘Pietra Dura’ work in the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
Day 8 - Wednesday
Delhi - The Memories For A Lifetime Begins ..............
Welcome back to Delhi Cantonment Railway Station to step back from fantasy to reality.
Facilities :
The Common Facilities
The Train
The Palace On Wheels India is the only regularly operating Luxury Train in India, at present this heritage train of Rajasthan comprises 14 well appointed inter-connected passenger coaches, which have been named after Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. Besides, there are two Dining Cars in Palace on Wheels India, with fresh food being cooked in onboard kitchen; One bar-cum-lounge car & four service cars. This luxury train of India also has a small library, mini-gym & beauty parlour. This luxury train, Palace on wheels is fully airconditioned. |
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Coaches on the Palace of Wheels
You'll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace-On-Wheels. On board, you'll feel like an erstwhile monarch, travelling in regal splendour. Each Coach named after the erstwhile princely state. It has 4 twin-bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. Channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and 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 at your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything.
The Saloons
The names of the saloons are based on the princely states of Rajasthan - Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, Sirohi, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kishangarh.
The decor of each saloon has highlighted the cultural ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts, paintings and furnishings. The ceiling in the lounge is of particular interest. Each coupe is different but the over all ambience of the decor of the saloons has been taken care of to provide continuity. Each saloon has cream yellow color on its exterior walls and bears the Coat of Arms (logo) of the erstwhile princely states.
Each saloon has 4 coupes (sleeping rooms) with attached bath and toilet. In every saloon, there is one saloon captain and 2 attendants to look after the personal needs of its guests. Each saloon has a mini pantry properly equipped to provide ready tea/coffee and snacks.
The Dining Cars
There are two dining cars in Palace on wheels, that have been tastefully decorated in the authentic Rajasthani style in this heritage train of Rajasthan. The Maharaja and Maharani restaurants have seating arrangement in groups of two and four near the windows. Continental and Indian cuisine are prepared by the master chef. Mouth-watering Rajasthani specialities are also served. The finger-licking food, together with the excellent hospitality, yields a perfect meal. Travelling by Palace on Wheels India is a delight that would surely fascinate you.
Lounge
At the end of each coach is a separate lounge where passengers can relax when they wish to move out of their bedrooms. Here they can unwind with a book or magazine, engage in conversation, or simply watch the panoramic vista of the great Indian country side.
The Bar
The Bar-cum-Lounge in Palace on Wheels, is furnished with period furniture to create the royal ambience. It is spacious and beautifully decorated. The bar is stocked with a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can select from the finest collection of spirits and wines. From scotch to cocktails, Palace on wheels serves them all.
Bed Room
Each coach has four coupés, done in colors reminiscent of the state, and highlighted by its royal emblem. Two of the Coupes feature double beds while the other two have train beds. A third bed, for an additional person, or an accompanying child, is in the form of a fold-away bed on a higher tier. Each compartment has an attached bath with running hot/cold water and showers, built-in wardrobes, overhead and night lights, piped music, reading lights etc.
Restaurants
Two lavish and beautifully done restaurants; "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" serve mount - watering Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine that would definitely make way to your heart through your stomach.
Shopping
Certain handicrafts and other special items of Rajasthani origin can be bought while you visit the places covered by the Palace - on - Wheels and a Catalogue of typical Rajasthani items is also available on board.
Group Photograph
To cherish these special moments of glory and to remind you of these times when you walk down memory lane a few years from now, we take a group photograph which is given to you as a souvenir.
Mail Box
A mail box is provided on board, which discharges your mail with utmost care and efficiency.
Medical Aid
Your health, obviously tops the chart of our priority list. First aid is available on the train, whereas a doctor can be arranged on call at the very next station.
Indoor Games
Chess, Playing Cards, Chinese Checkers, Carrom Board and Crossword Puzzles are available.
Facilities ( Individual Facilities )
Accommodation
14 fully air conditioned deluxe salons, each a combination of 4 twin bedded chambers with channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities.
Luggage Collection
Your luggage is picked up and taken to your respective salons without your worrying about it.
Arrival Kit
Each guest is provided with an arrival kit consisting of stationery items, brochures, cards etc. Anything additional can be asked for, from the attendant, always available at your service.
Attendant Khidmatgar
An attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is always available at your service, to take care of your travel needs.
Meals
An exotic array of dishes to choose from - Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines are available on the Palace-On-Wheels.
Mineral Water
We make sure, the greatest gift of nature bestowed on us i.e. Water is made available to you in its purest form. Mineral water is made available to you all through the journey.
Newspapers/Magazines
The leading dailies and newspapers greet you every morning over a simmering hot cup of tea or beverage of your choice. Also available for you is a large collection of magazines.
Security
Adequate safety arrangements are made for you as well as your personal belongings in the train itself.
Toiletries
All essential toiletries like soaps, shampoos, moisturizers etc. are provided in the train.
Wine
A complimentary bottle of fine Indian wine to the royal guests (per cabin), courtesy Palace-On-Wheels.
For Disabled Persons
There is special assistance available in the form of wheel chairs, crèches and a special attendant for manual assistance.
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