Touring
through India in a week in a train, so regally Indian, can be the most
memorable of your touring memories ever. The Palace On Wheels, one of the
Indian Railways imperial gift to the tourism industry, is a luxury train
that begins in Delhi and serpents its way through the pages of history
stopping by the reminiscing destinations. What makes the whole cruise
singularly spectacular is the ambience the train posits, a fusion of antique
royality and modern amenities - something that can be best called 'a life
king-sized'.
Services and Amenities.
» Truly imperial - is what the Palace On Wheels is -
with its exquisite array of elegantly furnished cabins, well stocked bar,
sumptuous Indian delicacies served in its two dining cars, replete with
traditional royal treatment of its guests. You can pass your time admiring
its majesty in one of its comfortable lounges with tranquil music on, or
take up a book of your choice from its library. You can also make ISD calls
in case the touring experience seems too much to contain. A quick peek at
the facilities will help.... .
» Exquisite Rooms - There is a choice of 14
AC deluxe rooms, lavishly embellished with carpeted floor and walls,
intricately designed furniture with traditional motifs, intercom, attached
toilets, hot and cold water. .
» Royal Coaches - Fourteen majestic coaches, each
named after former Rajput States, conjoin to form the regal train. Each
saloon has a mini pantry and a dainty lounge to ensure availability of
refreshments, no matter what time.
» Feast Your Taste Buds -The train has two
delectable restaurants "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani"
bathed in Rajasthani ambience and serving scrumptious Continental, Chinese,
Indian and Rajasthani cuisines.
» Spirits For The Spirited - The train's bar is a
store-house of choicest of sprits of Indian and international origins. .
Tour Map
Delhi - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranthambore - Udaipur - Agra -
Delhi. .
The Tour Itinerary.
Day 1: (Wed) : Delhi - Board Palace-On-Wheels Train
The imperial journey begins at the Safdarjung Railway Station in South
Delhi. At 16:00 hrs the engines roar to leave and the escapade begins.
Day 2: (Thu) : Jaipur (Palace-On-Wheels train)
The
train arrives at the 'Pink City', Jaipur at midnight. After an elaborate
breakfast, the sightseeing trail begins. The bygone splendour of Mughal and
Rajput royality is still prominently present in this Rajasthani capital. The
Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Winds, the 18th century Jantar Mantar, the
abode of the royality City Palace, Jaigarh and Amber Forts - all
architectural wonders of the past will transport you to a different era. To
add to the nostalgia, there awaits a delicious lunch at the luxurious
heritage hotel, Rambagh Palace.
At 5 PM, the train once again roars back to life and heads for Jaisalmer.
Day 3: (Fri) : Jaisalmer (Palace-On-Wheels train)
You arrive at Jaisalmer at the crack of dawn. This land is shrouded in
antiquity manifest in its legion of ancient sandstone havelis, the Fort, the
Gadsisar Sagar Tank with its scenic waterway that snakes through ancient
shrines and monumental ruins. Camel safaris through desert sand dunes and
tribal villages and a cultural function in the evening will replenish your
senses.
Day 4: (Sat) : Jodhpur (Palace-On-Wheels train)
Brings you to Jodhpur - the walled city of Maharajahs and palaces. The tour
encompasses the Mehrangarh Fort with its Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal, the
19th century royal cenopath Jaswant Thada with its thin sheets of white
marble that allow the sunrays to filter through and the Umaid Bhawan Palace
Museum, to name a few. By about 3:30 PM you depart for Sawai Madhopur .
Day 5: (Sun) : Sawai Madhopur (Palace-On-Wheels train)
Here lies the most cherished attraction of the tour - a trip to the
Ranthambore National Park with its abundant bounty of wildlife, especially
the famous Royal Bengal Tigers. The Ranthambore Fort stands proud and
singular in the heart of this sanctuary. The train then takes you to
Chittaurgarh, much fabled for its legacy of brave warriors. The Fort, the
Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) and the Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame) are its
other attractions.
Day 6: (Mon) : Udaipur (Palace-On-Wheels train)
The train arrives at Udaipur, nicknamed "Venice of the East". The
rugged fortresses, charming palaces, sandy terrain, lakes and forested hills
brimming with wildlife - all sum up to explain how it earned the aforesaid
appellation. Also explore the City Palace and Sahelion ki Bari.
Day 7: (Tue) : Bharatpur - Agra (Palace-On-Wheels train)
You arrive at Agra. Anybody with even a vaguest idea of India will know the
attraction the place houses. The Taj Mahal, the insignia of eternal love, in
ethereal white marble sanctifies your whole expedition. The afternoon is
spent at the Bharatpur Bird sanctuary or the Keoladeo Ghana National Park,
home to the world's most exquisite avian metropolis that includes the
Siberian Crane.
Day 8:(Wed) : Arrive Delhi (Palace-On-Wheels train)
As if just awoke from a slumber that took you to a distant dreamland, the
train trails back to its point on initiation and prepares to ferry another
group of dream-chasers into some fantasy world of Kings and palaces.
Tariff :
| Occupancy
Type |
|
April &
September
(per person per night) |
Total
for 7 Nights
(per person) |
| Single occupancy |
US $ |
415.00 |
2905.00 |
| Double occupancy |
US $ |
322.00 |
2254.00 |
| Triple occupancy |
US $ |
260.00 |
1820.00 |
| Occupancy Type |
|
October - March
(per person per night) |
Total for 7 Nights
(per person) |
| Single occupancy |
US $ |
560.00 |
3920.00 |
| Double occupancy |
US $ |
419.00 |
2933.00 |
| Triple occupancy |
US $ |
340.00 |
2380.00 |
Terms & Conditions
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).
Note:
» 10% Surcharge will be levied on departure at the time of
Christmas/New Year.
» @ 3.09% Service Tax will be levied on the tariff of Palace on
Wheels.
» At the time of Christmas & New Year, no charter can be booked.
»Tariff Subject to change without notice.
Tour Cost Includes :
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.
Tour Cost does not Include :
Any fee for video cameras, liquor, laundry and other items of personal
nature.
Reservation / Cancellation Rules :
The reservation/cancellation of passengers on the Palace on Wheels may be
done as per the following terms & conditions.
Reservation
» 50% of ticket value to be payed when confirming the booking.
» Rest of the 50% of ticket value to be payed 60 days before the
departure.
Cancellation
Cancellation must be advised by Fax/E-mail/Letter to us. On cancellation,
refund will be made. Certain amount of the ticket value will be deducted as
follows.
In case of FITs
» 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
»100% of ticket value between less than 30 days prior to departure.
In case of Group and Charter :
» 10% of the Ticket Value if the cancellation request is received 60
days before the scheduled date of departure.
» 100% of the Ticket Value if the cancellation request is received
between 0 to 59 days from the scheduled date of departure.
No show/En route termination of tour /amendment :
- No Show : No refund or adjustment in future
travel will be accepted in case of No Show/Non-arrival of the guest
- En route termination of tour : No refund or
adjustment in future travel will be accepted in case the guest ends the
tour.
- Amendment : No charges will be levied for amended
dates of tour of Palace on Wheels and amendment will be allowed only
once depending on the availability.
Check-In-Time :
4 PM at Safdarjung 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.
Cultural
Tours in India
