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 duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered: New Delhi - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur –
Ranthambhore - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur – Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur
- Agra - Delhi
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 : NEW DELHI : Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Departure
The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway 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 02 : JAIPUR : Arrival 03.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs.
The
first stop of the 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 Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727
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 on the
main street of the old city in pink splendor with semi-octagonal and
delicate honey combed sandstone windows.
Day 03 : SAWAI MODHOPUR : Arrival 04.00 hrs. Departure
10.30 hrs.
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, rate,
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 colorful countryside passing by in
the daylight.
Day 03 : CHITTAURGARH : Arrival 16.00 hrs. Departure
05.30 hrs (next day)
After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and valor;
scars of battles lost and won...thrice-besieged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all
this and more. Moving legends of honor and pride will echo in your mind as
you proceed to Udaipur.
Day 04 : UDAIPUR : Arrival 07:30 hrs. Departure
17.30 hrs.
Udaipur, the Lake City, 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 a Five Star Hotel, a visit to
the City Palace.
Day 05 : JAISALMER : IArrival 09.00 hrs. Departure 23.45 hrs.
In the heart of the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in
1156 A.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 for fine pattu shawls ,mirror work and 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 porgramme at a Five Star hotel.
Day 06 : JODHPUR : Arrival 07.00 hrs. Departure
15.30 hrs.
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 Palace hotel, return to the
Palace-on-Wheels. While in Jodhpur, shop for exquisite handicraft articles
including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware,
paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Day 07 : BHARATPUR : Arrival 06.30 hrs.Departure 9.00
hrs.
In the morning, the Palace on Wheels 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 for
thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species
of birds.
Day 07 : AGRA : Arrival 12.00 hrs. Departure 21.00 hrs.
Upon arrival visit the Agra Fort and after lunch 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.
Day 08 : DELHI: Arrival 06.00 hrs.
Arrive at
Delhi Safdarjung Railway station at 06.00 hrs. Breakfast
on board and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind
for a long, long time.
Palace on Wheels Schedule for the year 2010 - 2011
| Month |
Departure Dates |
| March 2010 |
03, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
| April 2010 |
7, 14, 21, 28 |
| May - July |
No Departure |
| August 2010 |
4, 11, 18 , 25 |
| September 2010 |
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| October 2010 |
05, 12, 19, 26 |
| November 2010 |
3, 10, 17, 24 |
| December 2010 |
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| January 2011 |
5,12,19,26 |
| February 2011 |
2, 9, 16, 23 |
| March 2011 |
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 |
| April 2011 |
6, 13, 20, 27 |
Tariff
| Occupancy |
Occupancy Off Season August 2010
(Per Person per night) |
Total for 07 Nights
(Per person) |
| Single |
US$ 500 |
US$ 3500 |
| Double |
US$ 375 |
US$ 2625 |
| Triple |
US$ 340 |
US$ 2380 |
| Occupancy |
Season Mar-Apr-Sep-Oct-Nov-Dec' 2010
Jan-Feb-March-Apr '2011
(Per Person per night) |
Total for 07 Nights
(Per person) |
| Single |
US $ 670 |
US $ 4690 |
| Double |
US $ 500 |
US $ 3500 |
| Triple |
US $ 450 |
US $ 3150 |
Terms & Conditions
Half fare for children between 5 years and 12 years of age
Infant to 5 years of age 10% of ticket value will be applicable
Please note :-
» There will be a 10% surcharge levied on the tariff for the trips
falling during Christmas to New Year period.
» Service Tax @2.58% and Commercial tax @US $ 15 per person extra as
applicable
» 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.
» The above tariff and itinerary is subject to revise without prior
notice.
Cultural
Tours in India
