A Luxury Trip to Rajasthan on Wheels

Today I will take you across a LUXURY TRAIN in India called PALACE ON WHEELS. Travelling on the famed Palace on Wheels is one of the most memorable ways to explore India's stately splendour, a journey that is much more than a luxury train ride. It covers the pink state capital Jaipur, the golden citadel Jaisalmer, the blue city of Jodhpur, the National Park Ramthambhor in Sawai Madhopur, the symbol of chivalry Chittaurgarh, romantic city of Lakes Udaipur, the bird sanctuary Bharatpur and the mughal capital Agra before returning to Delhi.

What’s This?
Palace on Wheels is a week-long luxury cruise on train through fascinating Rajasthan. You'll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace on Wheels. On board, when you see the luxurious cabins, a well stocked bar, two dining cars, personalised service you feel like travelling in heaven. Each coach is decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. You will feel at home with facilities like hot & cold water shower, attached toilets, music, intercom, personal attendants to give you a helping hand, a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together.
The 14 coaches on Palace on Wheels are ALWAR, BHARATPUR. BHARATPUR, BUNDI, DHOLPUR, DUNGARGARH, JAISALMER, JAIPUR, JHALAWAR, JODHPUR, KISHANGARH, KOTA, SIROHI, UDAIPUR.


Located Where?
The Palace on Wheels train departs from New Delhi railway station.

How do we Reach There?
The destinations covered by the Palace on Wheels are Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and finally Agra before returning back to Delhi.

Best time to visit :
The luxurious Palace on Wheels starts its royal journey on every Wednesday from Delhi Cantonment Railway Station during the cooler months of September to April. Due to hot weather and the time required for renovation and maintenance of its coaches, the train doesn't operate from May to August.


Major Attractions :
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 Swai Jai Singh II, in1727 A.D. You can see the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, followed by a visit to Amber Fort, eight kms. away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambiance. You can Shop for Jaipur’s famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets blue pottery and textiles. You can also see Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II.

Jaisalmer:
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156A.D. You can see the Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli --fine examples of the stone carver’s skill.
You can shop at Rajasthali-the only Rajasthan Govt. emporium, for fine pattu shawls, mirror work & embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios. You can also enjoy an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea and the cultural programmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer before the train leaves for Jodhpur at night.

Jodhpur:
Jodhpur, is 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. While in Jodhpur you can shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

Sawai Madhopur:
Sawai Madhopur, is a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. Here is 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 392 sq.kms. is home to more than 300 species of birds, 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.
Chittaurgarh:
Chittaurgarh is a city with Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won….thrice-beseiged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more.

Udaipur :
Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. 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. A visit to City Palace & Crystal gallery is exhilarating.

Bharatpur :
Bharatpur, is the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. Here,you can 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.

Agra:
In Agra there is 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 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 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

Precautions : Always book into approved hotels or RTDC run hotels.

General Info / Tips:
There is special assistance available in the form of wheel chairs, crèches and a special attendant for manual assistance.
Your luggage is picked up and taken to your respective saloons without your worrying about it.
An exotic array of dishes to choose from the Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines is available on the Palace on Wheels.
Mineral water is made available to you all through the journey.
Adequate safety arrangements are made for you as well as your personal belongings in the train itself.
All essential toiletries like soaps, shampoos, moisturizers etc. are provided in the train.
A complimentary bottle of wine/beer can be availed courtesy Palace on Wheels to all the royal guests.
Each guest is provided with an arrival kit consisting of stationery items, brochures, cards, daily newspapers & magazines.
A mailbox is provided on board, which discharges your mail with utmost care and efficiency.
A health club comprising of the latest equipment to keep you fit is available.

Tariff
(per Person, per night)
September 2008 - April 2009

Travel from Oct 2008 to March 2009

Single occupancy
US$560 ( INR 23,240/-)
Double occupancy
US$419 ( INR 17,390/-)
Triple occupancy
US$340 ( INR 14,110/-)

Travel in September 2008 & April 2009
Single occupancy
US$415 ( INR 17,225/-)
Double occupancy
US$322 ( INR 13,365/-)
Triple occupancy
US$260 ( INR 10,790/-)
(Half price for children between 5 and 12 Years of age).
Note: Service Tax will be charged extra as applicable.

There will be a 10% surcharge levied on the tariff for the trips falling during Christmas (25th December) and New Year (1st January)

Tariff is inclusive of cost of travel and accommodation, catering (morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner), conducted sightseeing tours in deluxe coaches, entrance fee for monuments and palaces and cultural entertainment. Tariff does not include liquor, laundry, video cameras, and other items of personal nature.

Bon Voyage