The
Palace on Wheels is one of the world's most exciting rail journeys,
as much for the train and the facilities provided on board, as for the royal
destinations it proceeds to every single day. With everything taken care of
dining, accommodation, sight seeing - as well as organized shopping, there
is nothing for the traveller to do but sleep in the history of the land,
soak in the colours, and experience the royal life of a Maharaja.
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 15:30 hrs from Delhi and ends on the following
Wednesday early in the morning at 08:30 hrs.
Luxury &
Comfort in Palace on Wheels - 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.
| » 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.
| » Tour
Itinerary of Palace on Wheels |
| Day &
Events |
Scheduled
Timings |
Day
01 : Wednesday – Delhi
Your dream journey starts from
Delhi, the city of ruined forts and rising towers. From Safdarjung
Railway Station, the Palace-On-Wheels is outward bound every Wednesday
night for Rajasthan - the land of maharajas. |
| Reporting Delhi Safdarjung Railway
Station. |
16:00 hrs. |
| Departure for Jaipur |
17:45 hrs. |
| Dinner and Overnight on board Palace
on Wheels. |
20:00 hrs. |
Day
02 : Thursday – Jaipur
Palace on Wheels - The first stop of
the Palace on Wheels is Jaipur, the land of Maharajas, magnificent
Palaces and impressive forts. One of the most well planned cities of the
world. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City,
was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. |
Arrive at Jaipur
|
00:00 hrs. |
| Breakfast on Board |
07:30 hrs. |
| Depart for local sightseeing. |
08:30 hrs. |
| Lunch at the Le Meridien. |
13:00 hrs. |
| Depart for Jaisalmer. |
17:00 hrs. |
| Dinner served. |
20:00 hrs. |
Day
03 : Friday – Jaisalmer
Palace on Wheels - In the heart of
the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156. Here
the yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering magnificently
on the shimmering sandscape.
The main shopping area of
Jaisalmer is Sadar Bazar and prominent showrooms include Rajasthali -
the only Rajasthan Government emporium. |
| Arrival at Jaisalmer |
06:15 hrs. |
| Breakfast on Board |
07:30 hrs. |
| Depart for local sightseeing. |
08:30 hrs. |
| Have lunch and rest. |
13:00 hrs. |
| Visit the sand dunes and go on a
camel safari. |
17:00 hrs. |
| Have dinner and relish the cultural
program. |
19:30 hrs. |
| Depart for Jodhpur. |
23:00 hrs. |
Day
04 : Saturday– Jodhpur
Palace on Wheels - A city ringed by
a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. Jodhpur The
second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, 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. |
| Breakfast served. |
07:30 hrs. |
| Arrive at Jodhpur. |
08:00 hrs. |
| Depart for local sightseeing. |
08:30 hrs. |
| Have lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Pal. |
13:00 hrs. |
| Depart for Sawai Madhopur. |
15:30 hrs. |
| Dinner served. |
20:00 hrs. |
Day
05 - Sunday Sawai Madhopur / Chittaurgarh
Palace on Wheels -
Sawai Madhopur was named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I.
After breakfast we go to the Ranthambhor National Park. We depart for
Chittaurgarh after lunch on-board. In the afternoon we visit the
Chittaurgarh fort, lauded in legends valour and chivalry. Shop for tie &
dye sarees, leather, embroidered shoes, lac- work articles and bangles.
|
| Arrive at Sawai Madhopur. |
04:00 hrs. |
| Breakfast served. |
06:30 hrs. |
| Visit the Ranthambore National Park. |
07:00 hrs. |
| Depart for Chittaurgarh. |
11:00 hrs. |
| Lunch served. |
12:30 hrs. |
| Arrive at Chittaurgarh. |
15:30 hrs. |
| Depart for local sightseeing. |
16:00 hrs. |
| Depart for Udaipur & Dinner
served. |
20:00 hrs. |
Day
06 : Monday – Udaipur
Palace on Wheels - Udaipur was
founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar. With enchanting lakes and lush
greenery, this place oozes with beauty and is a symbol of romance, the
most appealing place for poets, painters, travelers and writers. This
fascinating capital of Mewar is surrounded by hills and is situated on
the edge of three lakes. |
| Arrive at Udaipur Breakfast served. |
06:45 hrs. |
| Depart for local sightseeing. |
07:30 hrs. |
| Depart for Bharatpur. |
20:00 hrs. |
| Dinner served. |
20:30 hrs. |
Day
07 : Tuesday– Bharatpur / Agra
Palace on Wheels - Arrive
Bharatpur and 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. Agra is known
for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj
Mahal, leather goods and jewellery. |
| Arrive Bharatpur Breakfast on board. |
07:00 - 07:30 hrs. |
Visit to National Bird
Sanctuary.
Bharatpur (Ghana) once the former hunting
preserve of the royal family of Bharatpur, the sanctuary is home to
storks and nearly every other kind of bird imaginable. You'll see more
than 250 different species nesting on the tops of trees and along the
roadside, as well as snakes, lizards, exotic fish and monkeys. Lucky
visitors can spot the rare Siberian Crane that migrates to this preserve
annually. Also found are chital, black buck, deer and other varieties of
animals. |
07:30 - 09:00 hrs. |
| Arrival and Lunch in Agra. |
12:00 hrs. |
| Afternoon sight-seeing tour of Agra
city visiting the impressive Agra Fort, and of course, the most perfect
architectural monument in the world -The Taj Mahal.Taj Mahal is the
mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who
died in 1630. The Taj is remarkable for its perfect proportion and rich
pietra dura, with minute details executed with great skill. The
building, often styled "a dream in marble" is said to have
taken at least 22 years (1631-1653) to build. |
14:30 - 17:30 hrs. |
| Palace on Wheels departs for Delhi.
Dinner and overnight on board. |
20:00 hrs. |
Day
08 : Wednesday - Delhi
Palace on Wheels dream journey ends in
Delhi, the heart of India. Delhi is the capital of India and her third
largest city. It is a truly cosmopolitan city - a home to people from
different sates, speaking different languages and celebrating different
festivals. Enjoy the multi-colored atmoshphere filled with tremendous "josh"
and enthusiasm.
Arrive Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station |
| Arrival at Delhi. |
06:00 hrs. |
| Breakfast on Board. |
08.00 hrs. |
| Tour Ends. |
09:00 hrs. |
| 7
Nights Palace On Wheels Train Tour -Ex. Delhi for 2010-11 |
| Jan 2011 |
05, 12, 19, 26 |
| Feb 2011 |
02, 09, 16, 23 |
| March 2011 |
02, 09, 16, 23, 30 |
| April 2011 |
06, 13, 20, 27 |
| |
|
| Aug 2010 |
04, 11, 18, 25 |
| Sept 2010 |
01, 08, 15, 22, 29 |
| Oct 2010 |
06, 13, 20, 27 |
| Nov 2010 |
03, 10, 17, 24 |
| Dec 2010 |
01, 08, 15, 22, 29 |
| 7
Nights Palace On Wheels Train Tour Departures-Ex. Delhi FOR 2010
|
| January 2010 |
06, 13, 20, 27 |
| February 2010 |
03, 10, 17, 24 |
| March 2010 |
03, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
| April 2010 |
07, 14, 21, 28 |
| » Tariff
details for Palace on Wheels - Season 2010 - 2011 |
| 01st Sept 2010
to 30 April, 2011, Tour : 7 Nights/ 8 Days Tour (per person per night)
|
| Occupancy Type |
per person
per night |
Cost For
Cabin |
| Single Occupancy |
US$ 670 |
US$ 4690 for 1 |
| Double Occupancy |
US$ 500 |
US$ 7000 for 2 |
| Triple Occupancy |
US$ 450 |
US$ 9450 for 3 |
| August 2010,
Tour : 7 Nights/ 8 Days Tour (per person per night) |
| Occupancy Type |
per person
per night |
Cost For
Cabin |
| Single Occupancy |
US$ 502 |
US$ 3514 for 1 |
| Double Occupancy |
US$ 375 |
US$ 5250 for 2 |
| Triple Occupancy |
US$ 337 |
US$ 7077 for 3 |
Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years of age. Children
below 5 years shall be allowed free. (Age proof of children is to be
furnished, which is required at the time of issuance of tickets)
Note : » 10% Surcharge shall be levied on
departure during Christmas/New Year.
» @ 2.58% Service Tax shall
be levied on the tariff of Palace on Wheels.
» US$ 15 per pax per
trip shall be charged against the payment of commercial taxes in addition to
the tariff
» No charter can be booked during X-Mas & New Year
period.
» Tariff Subject to change without notice.
The
Tariff 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.
The
Tariff does not include :Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls,
video camera fees, Business Car Facilities, liquor and other items of
personal nature.
In case of FITs : » 50% of ticket value
at the time of confirming the booking.
» Remaining 50% of ticket
value 60 days prior to departure.
In case of Group
: » 50% of ticket value at the time of confirming the
booking.
» Remaining 50% of ticket value 60 days prior to
departure
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.
In case of FITs
: » 5% of ticket value 60 days prior to departure.
»
20% of ticket value 30-59 days prior to departure.
» 100% of
ticket value between less than 30 days prior to departure.
In
case of Group : » 10% of ticket value 60 days prior to
departure.
» 100% of ticket value between 0 to 59 days prior to
departure.
Palace on Wheels 
