|
Fast Facts
Ancient History
Fairs & Festivals
Art & Culture
Music & Dance
Weddings
Textiles
Crafts
Palace on Wheels
Shopping Ideas
Deserts
Rajasthan Geography
City Guide & Map
Costumes
Cuisine
Archaeology
Forts
Gardens
Lakes
Languages
Monuments
Museums
Religion
Sam Sand Dunes
Adventure Safari
Temples - Holy Places
Tribes
Thar Desert
Transport
Distance
The Royal Orient
The Fairy Queen
Wildlife |
Palace
on Wheels -
Luxurious Train Tour India
About
the Palace on Wheels
Tour Itinerary
Facilities
Schedule
Tariff
About the Palace on Wheels
Welcome
aboard The Palace On Wheels on its
splendid and enchanting royal journey through the bygone era of the
erstwhile Maharajas.
Though times have changed and the winds
have shifted, the Palace On Wheels cruises along in royal style, the kind
only the Maharajas of yesteryears could have perpetuated and enjoyed.
The exquisite and exclusive
Palace On Wheels has luxurious cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well
stocked bar, two dining cars and a very personalized service... in fact,
almost everything that could compromise of heaven on earth for seven days!
The exquisite and exclusive
Palace On Wheels has luxurious cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well
stocked bar, two dining cars and a very personalized service... in fact,
almost everything that could compromise of heaven on earth for seven days!
Tour Itinerary
|
Day-1 Wednesday |
Reporting Time 16.00 hrs.
Dep. 18.30 hrs. |
New Delhi
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
pulls out into the night ... for a week-long luxury cruise through
fascinating Rajasthan.
|
Day-2 Thursday |
Arrival 02.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs |
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.
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, eight
kms. away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambiance. Shop
for Jaipur’s famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets blue pottery and
textiles. Near Ajmeri Gate is located Rajasthali - the only Rajasthan
Govt. Emporium selling genuine handicrafts at fixed prices.
After lunch at a Palace Hotel,
you are off to 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. The Luxury coaches will
take you back to Palace on Wheels around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board.
|
Day-3 Friday |
Arrival 08.15 hrs.
Departure 23.00 hrs. |
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. 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.
Shop at Rajasthali-the only
Rajasthan Govt. emporium, for fine pattu shawls, mirror work &
embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios.
After lunch on board, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of
Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea.
Enjoy the dinner and the cultural programmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer.
The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.
|
Day-4
Saturday |
Arrival 07.00 hrs. Departure15.30 hrs |
Jodhpur
Next morning the Palace on wheels
is in 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. 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.
After lunch at a royal Palace hotel, return to the Palace on Wheels.
While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles including the
famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and
tie and dye fabrics.
|
Day-5 Sunday |
Arrival 04.00 hrs.
Departure 10.30 hrs |
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. After breakfast 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 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 known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and
costumes. Upon return to the Palace on Wheels, you leave for Chittaurgarh,
when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by
in the daylight.
|
Day-6
Sunday |
Arrival 16.00 hrs. |
Chittaurgarh
After lunch on board you are in
Chittaurgarh. Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and
won….thrice-beseiged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends
of honour and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
|
Day-7 Monday |
Departure 20.00 hrs. from Chittaurgarh |
Udaipur
The Luxury
Coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City, the next morning. It was
founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was
driven away by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. 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
City Palace is exhilarating.
The luxury coach then takes you
back to the Palace on Wheels at Chittaurgarh, thus winding up a day full of
delights.
|
Day-8
Tuesday |
Arrival 06.30hrs. Departure 11.45 hrs |
Bharatpur
Early next morning, the Palace
arrives in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. After breakfast pay
a 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.
|
Day-9 Tuesday |
Arrival 14.30 hrs Departure 23.00 hrs |
Agra
Arrive at 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 jewelry.
After dinner
on board and a good night’s sleep, arrive at Delhi Cantt. at 6.00 hrs
the next morning and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on
your mind for a long, long time.
Schedules
|
September 1, 2004 |
|
September 8, 2004 |
|
September 15, 2004 |
|
September 22, 2004 |
|
September 29, 2004 |
|
October 6, 2004 |
|
October 13, 2004 |
|
October 20, 2004 |
|
October 27, 2004 |
|
November 3, 2004 |
|
November 10, 2004 |
|
November 17, 2004 |
|
November 24, 2004 |
|
December 1, 2004 |
|
December 8, 2004 |
|
December 15, 2004 |
|
December 22, 2004 |
|
December 29, 2004 |
|
January 5, 2005 |
|
January 12, 2005 |
|
January 19, 2005 |
|
January 26, 2005 |
|
February 2, 2005 |
|
February 9, 2005 |
|
February 16, 2005 |
|
February 23, 2005 |
|
March 2, 2005 |
|
March 9, 2005 |
|
March 16, 2005 |
|
March 23, 2005 |
|
March 30, 2005 |
|
April 6, 2005 |
|
April 13, 2005 |
|
April 20, 2005 |
|
April 27, 2005 |
Facilities
The
Palace on Wheels comprises of 14 fully
air-conditioned deluxe saloons, equipped with world class amenities to
enhance the pleasure of traveling.
The Coaches ::
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.
Rooms
::
14 fully air-conditioned deluxe
saloons, 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. The furniture with its inlaid motifs has been
specially created for the Palace on Wheels.
Restaurants ::
The train has two lavish restaurants
"The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" with a Rajasthani ambience serving palate
tickling Continental, Chinese, India and Rajasthani cuisines.
Bar ::
The
train also boasts of a well stocked bar offering the choicest of sprits of
Indian and international brands. Each coach also offers a good collection of
books to choose from.
Other Facilities ::
The Palace on Wheels is regularly refurbished to a great extent. The
decor in the saloons, bar lounge has been changed, keeping in mind the
traditionally aesthetic yet modern, Palace on Wheels. Toilets have been
redone and are maintained sparkling clean. Each saloon lounge has been
equipped with color television and a CD player. A satellite phone is on the
way to make you communicate anywhere in the world from the train.

Tariff
|
Occupancy
Type |
|
October
2004
to March 2005
(per
person) |
Total for
7 nights
(per
person) |
|
Single occupancy |
US $ |
485.00 |
3395.00 |
|
Double occupancy |
US $ |
350.00 |
2450.00 |
|
Triple occupancy |
US $ |
285.00 |
1995.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Occupancy
Type |
|
September
2004 and April 2005
(per
person) |
Total for
7 nights
(per
person) |
|
Single occupancy |
US $ |
395.00 |
2765.00 |
|
Double occupancy |
US $ |
295.00 |
2065.00 |
|
Triple occupancy |
US $ |
240.00 |
1680.00 |
|
Tariff is inclusive of cost of
travel, full catering (morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea,
and dinner), conducted sightseeing tours in deluxe coaches,
entrance fee for monuments, palaces cultural entertainment at
Jaipur and Jaisalmer and boat ride to and fro Lake Palace Hotel at
Udaipur, Elephant ride at Jaipur, Camel ride at Jaisalmer and
Rickshaw ride at Bharatpur.
Note: Tariff does not include liquor,
laundry and other items of personal nature and video camera
charges for entry into Parks and monuments.
Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years
Itinerary and terms are subject to change without notice. |
|
| The reservation /
cancellation of passenger on the Palace on Wheels may be done as per
the following terms & conditions :
BOOKING
(i) 20% of ticket value at the time of booking
(ii) 80% on ticket value 45 days prior to departure
CANCELLATION
5% of the ticket value 65 or more days
prior to departure
20% of the ticket value 35-64 days prior to departure
50% of the ticket value 20-34 days prior to departure
100% less than 20 days prior to departure.
CHECK IN
Reporting time is 4 pm at Delhi Cantt.
Railway Station
OTHERS
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas/New Year
Visas are required to travel to India. |
|