Travel in Palace on Wheels : - "Times have changed and the winds have shifted, but the Palace on Wheels cruises along in a unique style - the kind only the maharaja of yesteryear could have perpetuated and enjoyed."
Counted among the top 10 luxury train journeys in the world, the Palace on Wheels carries you through the majestic forts, palaces, wildlife sanctuaries and the grandeur of Rajasthan, together with a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For eight days and seven nights, the Palace on Wheels recreates an exceptional serene ambience conjuring up images of a bygone era of luxury and hospitality. As you proceed, the distinct line of demarcation between reality and fantasy gets blurred, each day offering you the experiences beyond your wildest imagination. The last word in opulence, it boasts 14 luxury air-conditioned carriages, two dining cars - aptly named Maharaja and Maharani, a well-stocked bar with the choicest of liquors and comfy double beds.
The essence of a bygone era and a more gracious age begins the minute you reach the Delhi Cantonment Station, starting point for the journey. Opulence reminiscent of a royal past is experienced in a grand ceremonial welcome given to the travelers by attendants attired in colorful ethnic costumes.
It is of no wonder that its ambience and the quality of the service has been compared to those of the American Orient Express and the Union Pacific Customer Special of the United States and Europe's fabled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Royal Scotsman.
The 14 luxury cars are resplendent with luxurious fittings reminiscent of the aesthetics of the royal past. They have been accordingly named; Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dhaulpur, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi and Udaipur.
The decor speaks of the rich cultural past of these erstwhile states and includes miniature paintings, exquisitely carved period furniture and elegant handicrafts. Each saloon offers four chambers with twin-beds, channel music, attached washrooms, running hot and cold water, shower and wall-to-wall carpeting.
Every saloon has its own personal attendant, called khidmatgar, attired in ethnic Rajasthani costume, who ensures your journey is comfortable and enjoyable. The train, which is fully airconditioned, also has two restaurants-cum-kitchen cars -- aptly named Maharaja and Maharani - and a bar-cum-lounge that offer exquisite Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine, apart from a wide range of spirits and cocktails.
It leaves Delhi on Wednesdays and after covering Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Agra, returns back the next Thursday. The tariff is fixed at $3,395 for single occupancy, $2,450 for double and $1995 for triple.
Itinerary
| Delhi Cantt. Day - 1 Wednesday |
Dep. 2245 hrs |
Dinner on board |
| Jaipur Day - 2 Thursday |
Arr. 0830 hrs Dep. 2210 hrs |
Caparisoned elephants and strains of the shehnai will welcome you to the Pink City of Jaipur. Lunch at Rambagh Palace. Discover Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort..... the silent sentinels of a glorious era. |
| Chittorgarh Day - 3 Friday |
Friday Arr. 0730 hrs |
Images of love and valor; scars of battles fought, Thrice besieged, Chittorgarh is all this and more. Moving legends of honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur. |
| Udaipur Day - 3 Contd. |
Dep. 2200 hrs |
The city of lakes, palaces and gardens, temples and forts...Udaipur. Lunch at the Lake Palace Hotel, the former summer residence of the Princes of Mewar. Enjoy the tranquility of Lake Pichoda. Visit the City Palace in all its ancient glory, the residence of the Maharajas of Udaipur. |
| Sawai Madhopur Day - 4 Saturday |
Arr. 0630 hrs. Dep. 1230 hrs |
Welcome to verdant Sawai Madhopur and the magnificent 10th century fort of Ranthambhore. Surrounded by the Ranthambhore National Park, a Project Tiger reserve, the imposing ramparts of the fort soar above...they have lots for you. |
| Jaisalmer Day - 5 Sunday |
Arr. 0900 hrs. Dep. 2330 hrs. |
12th century city of Jaisalmer dominated by its sandstone fort of 99 bastions, exquisitely carved havelis and palaces with their latticed windows, balconies, cupolas and facades, also offers the famed camel safaris & desert camps. Dine under the stars as the rhythm of Rajasthani music drifts in to the night... |
| Jodhpur Day - 6 Monday |
Arr. 0900 hrs. Dep. 1545 hrs. |
The Mehrangarh Fort is all-pervasive in this 15th century city. Visit this magnificent fort and Jaswant Thada, a Royal cenotaph close by. Lunch at the Ummaid Bhawan Palace, the royal residence, a part of which is now a hotel. |
| Bharatpur Day - 7 Tuesday |
Arr. 0715 hrs |
A wonderland for birds, Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur, once the preserve of The Maharaja of Bharatpur and now a world heritage site. It is home to 300 species of birds, some flying in from as far as Siberia and China. |
| Agra Day - 7 Contd. |
Dep. 2000 hrs. |
Lunch at the Taj View in Agra and proceed to one of the most beautiful monuments ever conceived - the Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate eternal love for his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal is breathtaking in its proportions and craftsmanship and is captivating. The timeless city of Agra offers you many more monuments and tombs, all exquisite in architectural skill and beauty. |
| Delhi Cantt. Day - 8 |
Wednesday Arr. 0730 hrs. |
Breakfast on board and return to Delhi Cantt. Railway station. |
TARIFF
Including of cost of travel, catering, (morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner), conducted sightseeing tours in deluxe coaches, entrance fee for monuments, cultural entertainment and boat ride to Lake Palace Hotel at Udaipur. Tariff does not include liquor, laundry and other items of personal nature
| Per person per night 2004 - 2005 |
October to march |
April and September |
| Single occupancy (per night) |
US $ 485 |
US $ 395 |
| Double occupancy (per night) |
US $ 350 |
US $ 295 |
| Triple occupancy (per night) |
US $ 285 |
US $ 260 |
| Sharing |
US$ 175 per day |
US$ 132 per day |
(Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years of age)
Indian passengers can pay an equivalent amount in Rupees at the exchange rate prevalent at the time of payment.