About
Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels travel packa ge
takes you to a vibrating journey to the royal land of sand
dunes and regal palaces. Visit the majestic expanse where
Royal Rajputs lived in a grand style. Explore this
imperial land on the Palace on Wheels, the luxurious train
of India that carries with it an intrinsic ambience that
goes perfectly well with the majestic charm and beauty
spread so lavishly here and there in Rajasthan.
The Palace on wheels is rated as one of the top ten luxury
train journeys in the world. It offers you a heart-rending
trip to the splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan in
just seven days. Also discover the royal history of Taj
Mahal in Agra. The journey to the hinterland of the desert
starts every Wednesday evening at 1800 hrs from Delhi and
ends on the following Wednesday early in the morning at
0730 hrs.
 The
Royal Background of the Palace on Wheels
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 it's royal background
of the coaches. Gradually State govt. and railway
department brought many infrastructural changes in the
coaches while keeping the same aesthetics of the
interiors alive, matching the interiors of the royal
state. The train was replaced by the air-conditioned
broad gauges new train, which had 14 saloons, 2
restaurant cum kitchen cars, one Bar cum Lounge and 4
service Cars. The cabins of each saloon are attached
with bath and shower. The train also has a
well-appointed lounge, library and bar.
Its all about Luxury and
comfort
 That's
true! 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 air. The
train is completely self- sufficient and is fully
air-conditioned, comprising of 14 deluxe saloons.
Especially facilitated for you with all modern amenities
of everyday life, you would find the royal past haunting
you in the historical coaches. The two dining cars are
decked up in true Rajasthani style and each saloon has
personal attendants, khidmatgars, for your service. Step
aboard for a journey into the past on a luxury train
Royal Services on Board
Apart from 14 saloons, each having 4 cabins attached
with bath and shower, the Palace on Wheels has two
restaurants cum kitchen cars offering traditional
Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine with the Chef's
special variety of the day. Its well stocked bar serves
Indian liquor and variety of scotch, wine and cocktails.
It has piped music in every saloon, and interesting
games for children.
 Apart
from this, the other services on request include laundry
services, and Doctor on call at each station, barber
shop & beauty parlour. The lounge also has a souvenirs
shop 'The Bazaar' where souvenirs and gift items are
sold bearing the insignia of the POW.
The names of the saloons given are based on the princely
states of Rajasthan- Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Bundi,
Kota, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer,
Sirohi, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kishangarh.
The Lavish Interiors
Sit in these beautiful carriages and look around. You
will find that each saloon highlights the cultural ethos
of the state, represented through the use of furniture,
handicrafts, painting and furnishings. The ceiling in
the lounge is of particular interest. Each saloon is
different but the overall ambience of the décor of the
saloons has been taken care of to provide continuity and
harmony.
Each saloon has cream yellow colour on its exterior
walls and bears the Coat of Arms (logo) of the erstwhile
princely states
Detail Tours
Explore
the romantic land of Rajasthan, while experiencing the
luxuries worthy of the Maharajas of yore. Rajasthan opens
its treasure chest and presents all its mystical charms
for the astute tourists.
Day 1 - Delhi
1600 hours: Self arrive at Delhi Cantonment Railway
Station for check in and board Palace On Wheels maharaja
train tour.
1745 hours: Departure for the adventure of a lifetime.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
Day 2 - Jaipur
0000 hours: Arrival in Jaipur.
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0830 hours: Sightseeing.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Rambagh Palace Hotel.
Famous as "The Pink City", Jaipur, is the capital of
Rajasthan. Jaipur has witnessed the splendor of the Rajput
and Mughal royalty and its monuments are the living
testimonies of the magnificence of that era. Visit the
Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds - with a profusion of windows
and stone screens. The Jantar Mantar is the 18th century
stone observatory. Behold the stunning architecture of the
City Palace and the Amber Fort.
1700 hours: Departure for Jaisalmer.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Jaisalmer
0615 hours: Arrival in Jaisalmer.
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0830 hours: Sightseeing.
Jaisalmer is the land of ancient sandstone "Havelis"
(mansions). The attractions of this 12th century city
comprise of monuments that have retained their age-old
style and character. A fourth of the city's residents
still reside within the walls of the Jaisalmer Fort.
Famous for its latticed windows and balconies, the
Patwon ki Haveli is the most magnificent mansion. Visit
the three-hundred-year-old Salim Singh ki Haveli. The
Gadsisar Sagar Tank is a scenic lake enveloped by lovely
shrines and archways.
1300 hours: Lunch on board and rest.
1700 hours: Visit the sand dunes and experience the
thrill of a camel safari.
1930 hours: Dinner while enjoying a cultural programme.
2300 hours: Departure for Jodhpur.
Day 4 - Jodhpur
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0800 hours: Arrival in Jodhpur.
0830 hours: Sightseeing.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
The old Jodhpur city, founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD,
is encircled by a ten kilometer long wall having eight
gates that serve as entrances. The new city is settled
around this walled area. Jodhpur is a fine blend of
modern and traditional buildings.
Housed within the Mehrangarh Fort are the famous
palaces, Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Jaswant Thada is
the 19th century royal cenotaph, which is constructed
out of thin sheets of white marble that allow the sun to
filter through. A portion of the Umaid Bhawan Palace has
been converted into a museum. The architectural
splendors of these remnants will enthrall you.
1530 hours: Departure for Sawai Madhopur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
Day 5 - Morning ..
Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary
0400 hours: Arrival in Sawai Madhopur.
0630 hours: Breakfast on board.
0700 hours: Visit the Ranthambhore National Park.
Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the Ranthambhor
National Park, the famous Tiger Reserve. The reserve has
a variety of diverse wildlife, including the Indian
tiger, hyena, nilgai, wild boar, fox and over three
hundred species of birds. Built in 994 AD, the
Ranthambhor Fort still has ruined pavilions, walls,
chhatris and impressive monuments.
Afternoon .. Chittaurgarh
Fort
1100 hours: Departure for Chittaurgarh.
1300 hours: Lunch on board.
1530 hours: Arrival in Chittaurgarh.
1600 hours: Sightseeing.
Chittaurgarh was the abode of passionate men and women
whose courage and dignity have become legendary. The
Chittaurgarh Fort, built in the 7th century, has many
vestiges of heroism. Padmini's Palace is also situated
in the fort. Visit the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory)
and the Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame).
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
Day 6 - Udaipur
0645 hours: Breakfast on board.
0730 hours: Sightseeing.
1230 hours: Lunch at the Lake Palace Hotel.
Udaipur has come to be known as the "Venice of the
East". The rugged fortresses, charming palaces, sandy
terrain, lakes and forested hills brimming with wildlife
will become a part of your most cherished memories. The
Lake Palace and Jag Mandir are situated amid the Lake
Pichola. Also explore the City Palace and Sahelion ki
Bari.
2000 hours: Departure for Bharatpur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
Day 7 - Morning .. Agra (Taj
Mahal)
Begin your morning with a visit to the eternal symbol of
love, the Taj Mahal. Dressed in white marble, this
splendid monument was built in the 17th century by the
Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz
Mahal.
Continue your journey with sightseeing in Agra before
departing for Bharatpur. You are served with Lunch on
board.
Afternoon .. Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary
In the afternoon, you arrive at Bharatpur. It is known
for the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which is the home
to a large variety of exotic birds that fly in from the
distant lands of Siberia and China.
In the night we depart for Delhi.
Dinner is served on board.
Day 8 - Delhi
Welcome back to Delhi Cantonment Railway Station to step
back from fantasy to reality.
Note :- While the royal train arrives
at the platform by 0500 hours you can disembark after
breakfast till 0745 hours.
|
SCHEDULE &
TARIFF |
|
|
The 7 Night Tour
Operates Weekly from September to April every year
ex Delhi.
|
7 Nights
Palace On Wheels Train Tour Departures-Ex.
Delhi FOR 2006 |
|
January' 2006 |
04,11,18,25 |
| February'
2006 |
01,08,15,22 |
| March' 2006 |
01,08,15,22,29 |
| April' 2006 |
05,12,19,26 |
| September'
2006 |
06, 13, 20,
27 |
| October' 2006 |
04, 11, 18,
25 |
| November'
2006 |
01, 08, 15,
22, 29 |
| December'
2006 |
06, 13. 20,
27 |
| January' 2007 |
03, 10, 17,
24, 31 |
| February'
2007 |
07, 14, 21,
28 |
| March' 2007 |
07, 14, 21,
28 |
| April ' 2007 |
04, 11, 18,
25 |
Months of
Operation
October till March : High Season tariff
Applicable
April & September : Lean Season Discounted
tariff Applicable.
(As this palatial train requires a lot of
renovation and maintenance. The Train thus
does not operates in the months of May, June,
July & August).
|
Occupancy Type |
|
April 2006 &
Sept 2006
(per person per night) |
Total for 7
nights
(per person) |
|
Single
occupancy |
US $ |
395
|
|
|
Double
occupancy |
US $ |
295
|
|
|
Triple
occupancy |
US $ |
240
|
|
|
Occupancy Type |
|
Oct 2006 to
March 2007
(per person per night) |
Total for 7
nights
(per person) |
|
Single
occupancy |
US $ |
535 |
|
|
Double
occupancy |
US $ |
385
|
|
|
Triple
occupancy |
US $ |
315
|
|
|
Occupancy Type |
|
April 2007 &
Sept 2007
(per person per night) |
Total for 7
nights
(per person) |
|
Single
occupancy |
US $ |
395 |
|
|
Double
occupancy |
US $ |
295
|
|
|
Triple
occupancy |
US $
|
240
|
|
Half
fare for children between 5 and 12 years of
age
(Age proof of children is to be furnished,
which is required at the time of issuance of
tickets)
Please note :-
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure
during Christmas/New Year. Tariff Subject to
change without notice.
The Palace On Wheels Tour Cost
Includes :
Tariff is inclusive of travel/ catering/
conducted sightseeing/ entrance fee at
monuments/ parks/ palaces/ cultural programs/
camel ride at Jaisalmer/ boat ride at Udaipur/
rickshaw ride at Bharatpur and for still
cameras. Guest has to pay for video cameras,
liquor, laundry and other items of personal
nature.
Exclusive Charter :
Companies can organise a
"Business-cum-Pleasure" trip by chartering the
truly luxurious Palace on Wheels for their
conferences. Special deals are available for
groups and charters.
For Indian Travelers :
Indian passengers can pay in equivalent Rupee
(INR) amount, at the exchange rate prevalent
at the time of payment.
Cancellation Rules :
The reservation/cancellation of passengers on
the Palace on Wheels may be done as per the
following terms & conditions :
CANCELLATION
Cancellation must be advised by
Fax/E-mail/Letter to The Luxury Trains. On
cancellation, refund will be made. Certain
amount of the ticket value will be deducted as
follows.
5% of the Ticket Value if the cancellation
request is received before 60 days from the
scheduled date of departure.
20% of Ticket Value if cancellation request is
received within a period of 30-59 days from
the scheduled date of departure.
50% of ticket value if cancellation request is
received within the period of 15-29 days from
the scheduled date of departure.
100% of ticket value if cancellation request
is received within the period of 14 days or
before the scheduled date of departure.
No refund or adjustment will be made in the
event of interruption of journey by a tourist
on his own after the commencement of the tour.
CHECK-IN TIME :
Reporting time is 4 PM at Delhi Cantonment
Railway Station.
Relevant Information
MEALS
The two restaurant cars, The Maharaja and The
Maharani, serve a range of Indian, Continental
and Chinese cuisine. Menus are changed
seasonally.
CLIMATE
Varies from 8°C to 25°C between October to
March.
CLOTHING RECOMMENDED
Light tropical / light woolens.
OTHER FACILITIES
Doctor on call at the next station. Money
exchange facility/All credit cards accepted.
Adequate safety and security arrangements.
Complimentary mineral water on board the
coach, during sightseeing and at hotels.
Assistance for travel arrangements on
completion of the tour |
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