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Palace on Wheels
The ancient India is known for its emperors and empresses ruling their reigns
living in their royal forts and palaces consuming edibles in gold and silver
utensils. This royal experience can be re-lived by anyone who boards the
Palace on Wheels train of India which really exemplifies the Palace running
on the wheels.
Launch of the Palace on Wheels
In the eighties, the Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Department got
united to resurrect some of the forgotten symbols of its historic heritage.
Thirteen carriages from different princely states were gathered and refurbished
giving shape to the royal Palace on Wheels. A luxurious train that revived
the past with modern facilities and created a journey that was on offer
to people around the world-wannabe princes who could be royals for their
week of the journey.
For, along with the restored carriages came liveried attendants, attached
kitchen, a lounge, and a dining car. The Palace on Wheels tour has a fixed
itinerary. The journey begins and terminates in Delhi. En route, the train
travels through princely stae of Rajasthan covering Jaipur, Chittaurgarh,
Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bharatpur as its principal
highlights. Each morning, guests wake up with bed tea and breakfast service
on board. After this, one can opt for a hot water bath, and then see the
sights and colors of Rajasthan. In the meanwhile, the train halts in. After
gazing the forts and palaces, temples, the bazaars thronging with people,
the incredible, amazing celebration of colour, visitors can sleep in their
own palace. Even if it is a palace on wheels, day by day they can visit
the very sites that have made these palaces possible. It is an experience
not to be missed out.
Lush Interiors
The railway coaches have different names derived from the former princely
states that provide the link for the coat of arms and the decor inside.
Within each carriage are comfortable showers, built-in wardrobes with full-length
mirrors, overhead and night-lights, piped music, service bells and public
address system. The rooms and corridors are carpeted, the furniture inlaid
and upholstered especially for the train. Blinds drape large windows, which
frame views across the desert and the passing arid landscape. At the end
of each coach is a lounge.
Wood paneled walls, painted stained glass skylights, and liveried attendants
who respond to every call, make the experience of the journey unforgettable.
However, the vestibule coaches also connect with two restaurants, the Maharaja
and the Maharani, and the bar where a range of cocktails is on offer. Damasks
drape the tables, and the rear romantic lights and exclusive tableware,
which makes the perfect setting for Indian, Continental, and occasionally
Chinese meals, served on board.
Certainly this would have been the ways adopted by Maharajas to enjoy life
and personal moments. For sheer romance, the Palace on Wheels is the most
luxurious way to tour Rajasthan.
If you are planning/ want to plan to travel in this royal train, kindly
fill the form given below. We will contact you along with the details of
Train Schedule and Tariff Structure to assist you at our best. We offer
you the best from anything to everything under the sun…
Palace on Wheels - Itinerary
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur -
Sawai Madhopur -Cittourgarh - Udaipur - Chittourgarh- Bharatpur - Agra -
Delhi
Day 1 : - Wed. / Dep. Delhi at 1745 hrs
Arrive at Delhi Cantt Railway Station at 1600 hrs. Welcome and boarding.
Dinner and overnight on Board.
Day 2 : - Thu. /Arr. Jaipur at 0001 hours/Dep. At 1730 hrs
Breakfast on Board. Arrival Jaipur. 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 /the Palace of Winds , which is a remarkable
five storied building along the main street of the old city in pink splendour
with semi-octagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. This
is followed by a visit to Amber Fort , eight kms away, where rides on caparisoned
elephants add to the ambience. Shop for Jaipur's famous jewellery, handicrafts,
carpets, blue pottery and textiles. 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 palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built
by Sawai Jai Singh II. After dinner and a cultural program at Palace Hotel,
the coach takes you back to the Palace on Wheels. Departure for Jaisalmer
is at 1730 hrs.
Day 3 : - Fri. /Arr. Jaisalmer 0615 hrs/Dep. Jaisalmer at 2300 hrs
Arrive Jaisalmer at 0615 hours. Breakfast on Board. Jaisalmer lies in the
heart of the Thar desert, founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D. Here the
yellow sandstone Jaisalmer Fort , is an imposing sight, towering magnificently
over the city. Disover the painstakingly latticed Haveli 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 & 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 program at Sam Sand dunes / Hotel
Moomal and depart for Jodhpur at 23.30 hrs.
Day 4 : - Sat. / Arr. Jodhpur at 0800 hrs/Dep. Jodhpur at 1530 hrs
.Next morning the Palace-on-Wheels is in Jodhpur at 0800 hrs - 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 Umaid Bhawan
Palace, return to the Palace on Wheels. While in Jodhpur shop for exquisite
handicrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes,
metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics. Departure for
Sawai Madhopur at 1530 hrs.
Day 5 :- Sun. / Arr. Sawai Madhopur 0400 hrs/Dep. 1100 hrs
One can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Palace on Wheels arrives
in Sawai Madhopur at 0400 hrs - a city named after its founder, Maharaja
Sawai Madho Singh I. After breakfast, a visit is arranged to the Ranthambore
National Park, where in are located the ruins of a 10th century fort. This
wildlife sanctuary is considered 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 spec ies 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 at 11.00
hrs. you arrive Chittaurgarh at 15.30 hrs. The day begins with a visit to
the Chittaurgarh Fort, lauded in legends of valour and chivalry. History
has it that Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Sisodia dynasty, conquered Chittaur
was besieged and plundered thrice, and the womenfolk performed "jauhar
", in a sacred fire to protect their honour everytime. Shop for the
tie & dye sarees, leather & embroidered shoes, lac work articles
and bangles.
Day 6 : - Mon. / Chittaurgarh/Udaipur/Chittaurgarh - Dep. 2000
hrs
Next morning you arrive Udaipur.
It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty
was driven away by the Mughals in 1559 A.D. Perhaps the two most beautiful
sites of Udaipur are the dream like marble palaces-the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace)
and the Jagmandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichola.
After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel, visit to the City Palace and Saheliyon
Ki Bari. After evening tea, departure for Bharatpur at 2000 hrs.
Day 7 : - Tue. / Arr. Bharatpur 0600 hrs/Dep. Agra 2300 hrs
Early next morning, the Palace arrives in Bharatpur the capital of Maharaja
Suraj Mal at 0600 hrs. 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. After breakfast,
arrive at Fatehpur Sikri -the red sandstone Mughal palacial complex. Within
the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated
to Sheikh Salim Chishti, 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 Mumataz
Mahal. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the "pietra
dura" work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery. After dinner on
board departure for Delhi at 0800 hrs. Sightseeing tour of Agra. Dinner
on Board. Departure Agra at 2300 hrs for Delhi.
Day 8 : - Wed. / Arr. Delhi at 0600 hrs
Breakfast on Board, Tour Ends.
Palace on Wheels - Schedule
| 7
Nights Palace On Wheels Train Tour Departures-Ex. Delhi FOR 2007 |
| Month |
Departure Dates |
| 2007 Departures |
- |
| 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 |
| May to August No Service/annual Maintenance |
| September 2007 |
05,
12, 19, 26 |
| October 2007 |
03,
10, 17, 24, 31 |
| November 2007 |
07,
14, 21, 28 |
| December 2007 |
05,
12, 19, 26 |
| 7
Nights Palace On Wheels Train Tour Departures-Ex. Delhi FOR 2008 |
| Month |
Departure Dates |
| 2008 Departures |
- |
| January 2008 |
02,
09, 16, 23, 30 |
| February 2008 |
06,
13, 20, 27 |
| March 2008 |
05, 12, 19, 26 |
| April
2008 |
02,
09, 16, 23, 30 |
| May to August No Service/annual Maintenance |
| September 2008 |
05,
12, 19, 26 |
| October 2008 |
03,
10, 17, 24, 31 |
| November 2008 |
07,
14, 21, 28 |
| December 2008 |
05,
12, 19, 26 |
| 7
Nights Palace On Wheels Train Tour Departures-Ex. Delhi FOR 2009 |
| Month |
Departure Dates |
| 2009 Departures |
- |
| January 2009 |
07,
14, 21, 28 |
| February 2009 |
04,
11, 18, 25 |
| March 2009 |
04, 11, 18, 25 |
| April
2009 |
01, 08, 15, 22,
29 |
| May to August No Service/annual Maintenance |
| September 2009 |
02,
09, 16, 23, 30 |
| October 2009 |
07,
14, 21, 28 |
| November 2009 |
04,
11, 18, 25 |
| December 2009 |
02,
09, 16, 23, 30 |
| 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 |
>10% surcharge for Christmas & New Year departure.
>This tour can be taken in part, for a minimum of four days, also.
> Child below 5 years of age free of charge (without additional bed).
> Half price for child between 5 and 12 years old.
> Kindly fill up the Reservation Form so as we
can cater your specific requirement.
> Palace on wheel tour can be taken in part also for a minimum of four
days.
> The itinerary is subject to change without any notice.
* Special Rates for September 2006 & April
2007.
Palace on Wheels - Tariff
Includes cost of travel, all meals, escorted Sight-seeing tours in deluxe
coaches, Entrance fee at monuments and palaces, cultural entertainment,
Elephant ride at Jaipur, Camel ride at Jaisalmer and Boat ride at Lake Pichola,
Udaipur. Tariff does not include hard drinks, laundary and other items of
personal nature.
| COST PER
DAY-Full tour is for 7 Nights-Rates Valid till April.2007 |
| Prices Per Night
(Subject to Minimum of 4 Nights) |
| |
Jan to March,06 |
April,06 |
| One Person On Single
Occupancy |
US$ 485 |
US$ 395 |
| Two Persons On twin
Sharing |
US$ 700 |
US$ 590 |
| Three Persons on Triple
Sharing |
US$ 855 |
US$ 720 |
| COST PER
DAY-Full tour is for 7 Nights-Rates Valid From Sept,2007 to April,2008 |
| Prices Per Night
(Subject to Minimum of 4 Nights) |
| |
Oct,06 to March,07 |
Sept,06& April,07 |
| One Person On Single
Occupancy |
US$ 535 |
US$ 395 |
| Two Persons On twin
Sharing |
US$ 770 |
US$ 590 |
| Three Persons on Triple
Sharing |
US$ 945 |
US$ 720 |
Cost Includes:
> Tariff is inclusive of travel, catering,
conducted sightseeing.
> Entrance fee to the monuments, parks, palaces.
> Cultural programmes
> Rickshaw ride and Elephant ride in Jaipur, camel
ride in Jaisalmer, boat cruise on Lake Pichola in Udaipur and Jeep Safari
to the wild life park in Sawai Madhopur.
> Surprise gifts for bookings till April 30, 2006.
> Still cameras fees to the monuments.
Cost Does Not Include:
> Video camera fees to the monuments.
> Personal expenses such as drinks, tipping, airport
tax and laundry.
> Visa fees or International flight
tickets and insurance
> Any other items of personal nature
NOTES:
(I) Children between 5-12 years are charged 50% of adult rate.
(II) children below 5 years are complimentary on full board without extra
bed.
(III) 10% Holiday surcharge Extra for Xmas & New Year Eve Tour departs
(IV) You have option to book for MINIMUM 4 Nights also.
(V) Lower rates in September & April due to warmer climate in Rajasthan.
Payment Mode :
After booking is confirmed;Payment can be made under intimation
(i) Online by Credit Card-MasterCard/Visa/American Express
(ii) Swift Money Transfer through your bank.
(iii) Or method suitable on mutual ends.
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