Palace-on-Wheels

Palace On Wheels: A journey exuding luxury and royalty

Tourism

While there are many distinct ways to travel across Rajasthan, some more exciting than others, one of the best ways to experience the royalty of this multifaceted kingdom is through luxury trains. One such country’s poshest train is the Palace on Wheels in Rajasthan. The Palace On Wheels is a luxury train that takes you across the state in a lavish way. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience one should miss. Let’s learn a bit more about this uber-luxury train.

Palace on Wheels – Pride of Rajasthan

Palace on Wheels - Pride of Rajasthan

Luxury, royalty, beauty and pleasure, all rolled into one that is the best description for Palace on Wheels. The Palace on Wheels has been classified as one of the “Top Ten Luxury Trains of the World” as it happens to be one of the finest ways to travel through the incomparable, incredible, inimitable, inspirational land of Rajasthan. The train relives the history, culture and heritage of the places, which fall in its way.

If your dream is to live like a prince or princess one in your life then hop into this train. The royal euphoria of roving through Rajasthan during the luxury Palace on Wheels tour is unsurpassed. It is undeniably the finest channel to take pleasure during a much-anticipated vacation in Rajasthan.

History of Palace on Wheels

The history of the Palace On Wheels dates back to 26th January 1982 when it first began its journey. The concept of this train emerged from the joint idea of Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism development corporation. Their sole aim was to promote tourism and soon their idea transformed into reality in the form of Palace on Wheels, India’s first luxury train offering a heart-rending trip.

Features of Palace on Wheels

The features of the Palace on Wheels are entirely Maharaja Style. Everything on Palace on Wheels has a royal element to it. It would be no exaggeration to say that a journey on this train is like travelling back in time experiencing the lavishness and extravagance that the Indian Maharajas of yesteryear actually had. It reflects history thoroughly as every nook and corner of the train echoes the past.

To make the train truly royal, thirteen grand carriages from different princely states were gathered and then renovated. Accommodating 104 passengers from around the world, the Palace on Wheels train offers royalty and luxury in plenty. From wonderful dining experiences, opulent settings to onboard shopping, cultural performances and visits to the enchanting attractions of Rajasthan, the train has a lot to offer to its passengers.

Coaches

fully air-conditioned deluxe coaches

The reverential luxury train, Palace on Wheels has a total of 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe coaches each named after the erstwhile Rajput states of Rajasthan. These compartments were once used as the means of transport by the erstwhile rulers of India. Each of the coaches is aesthetically designed giving an exuberant feeling to the journey.

All coaches are bedecked with lavish interiors adorned with end-to-end red carpets, gauzy curtains, royal divans, beautiful traditional paintings, sofas to sink in and state of art facilities. Each deluxe coach has four cabins fitted with modern amenities having twin bedded chambers, bath and shower, channel music, intercom, satellite phones etc. All the facilities and services provided on board are at par with the 5-star hotel for your comfortable and pleasurable stay.

Restaurants

palace-on-wheels-restaurant

The train offers two exclusive restaurants namely, “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani”, the two lavish restaurants cum kitchen cars of this train. They offer a delicious variety of Indian, Chinese, Continental and traditional Rajasthani cuisine to gorge on.

Bar

palace on wheels Bar

For those who would like to enjoy their evenings with a glass of wine or any other alcoholic drink, there is also a well-maintained bar on board which serves a variety of alcoholic drinks. They offer several options like scotch, rum and wine of Indian and international brands with round-the-clock service.

Lounge

palace on wheels Lounge

This train has a beautiful lounge known for its calm ambience where tourists can relax and interact with fellow passengers. The lounge also has a good collection of books, newspapers, journals, CDs and DVDs. It is also a good place to catch the outside scenery through the windows sitting back on a comfy couch.

Bazaar

The train offers facilities for shopping as well. There is a shopping arcade onboard named ‘The Bazaar’ which is a beautiful gift shop where tourists can purchase traditional and exotic handicrafts. These handicrafts serve as the golden memories of this royal tour of Palace on Wheels.

Attendant

Turbaned staff dressed in red overcoats called Khidmatgar or an attendant is always at your service to take care of all your travel needs. Khidmatgar takes care of your every whim, ranging from dining to lodging and sightseeing to shopping. The service and heartwarming hospitality they provide leave you completely mesmerized.

Recreation

For entertainment, the tour offers cultural programs like puppet shows and dance and music performances on board as well as upon arriving at the destinations. Apart from this, the palace on wheels facilities also has a spa and gym. There are also 13 luxury salons.

All this and much more combines to form immense luxury, adding to the beauty of heritage on wheels. Courteous services and royal hospitality are the two objectives of this train which lures a large number of tourists from across the world. You will surely love your journey which utters the saga of the royal era.

Destinations it covers

The palace on wheels itinerary is efficiently designed providing 7 nights and 8 days of the royal journey. The weeklong Palace on Wheels tour includes several exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Rajasthan and a bit of North India.

The train runs during the period between September to April. It embarks on a royal journey every Wednesday of the week from Delhi covering Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Agra. Palace on Wheels route is completely in sync with the attractions and majesty of these places that you will be visiting on board.

Day 1: Delhi

The excursion starts from Delhi from Safdarjung Railway Station. Delhi is a beautiful city having several edifices of great historical significance. Some of the famous historical buildings are Qutub Minar, Red Fort, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Lotus Temple, Humayun Tomb and Rashtrapati Bhawan etc.

Day 2 – Jaipur

Famously recognized as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. The city provides a marvelous blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. This place is popular across the globe for its historical monuments which showcase the magnificence of the bygone royal era. Some of the renowned tourist attractions of Jaipur are Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar.

Day 3 – Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, the desert city is a must on any traveller’s itinerary. At this place, tourists can go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam. Along with this, they can also visit Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli which are popular across the globe for their delicate stone carvings and paintings.

Day 4 – Jodhpur

Jodhpur, the second-largest city of Rajasthan is a lovely city that was founded by Rao Jodhaji in the mid-15th century. It provides fascinating tourist attractions like Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan and Jaswant Thada.

Day 5 – Sawai Madhopur/ Chittorgarh

Sawai Madhopur is the town at the entrance of Ranthambore National Park, which is famous for its Safari amidst lush environs, meandering rivers, clear lakes and many wild species. It then proceeds to Chittorgarh famed for Chittorgarh Fort, the grandest and largest fort of Rajasthan. The fort is a symbol of valour, truth and nobility.

Day 6 – Udaipur

Known as the “City Of Lakes” Udaipur was founded in the mid of century by king Udai Singh. It is among the romantic cities in the world famous for its fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples and gardens. The tourist attractions of this city are Lake Palace, City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Fatehsagar Lake.

Day 7 – Bharatpur

Bharatpur is famous for its country’s finest bird sanctuary of the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. This star attraction is popular throughout the world for its ecology, which nurtures 350 species of birds and over 35 species of butterflies. Because of nature’s blessing this park is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Day 8 – Agra

Agra is popular for being home to one of the architectural marvels, the epitome of love “the Taj Mahal ”. Also, you can see many other things like Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort, and Sikandra. After covering all these destinations the trip ends in Agra and returns to Delhi within a week.

Each of the chosen destinations unfolds a mysterious chapter in history. It presents a myriad of experiences to its regal guests. Each city has its own unique allure which captivates the hearts of tourists.

Palace On Wheels Ticket Price 

Palace On Wheels India cost for one night is fixed at Rs 55 thousand per person, while in off-season palace on wheels special offers are given to the passengers. The prices are waived and the tickets are available for Rs 43 thousand. The maximum fare of this super luxury train is up to Rs 1.54 lakh. This palace on wheels package includes accommodation, food facilities while beverages (wine-beer), laundry and spa will have to be charged separately. At the same time, there is no charge for children up to 5 years in this train, while for the age group of 5 to 10 years, palace on wheels prices are half.

So, be ready to soak yourself in the kingly feeling and stuff your cameras with images of this marvel. You will surely take back home some terrific memories that will remain etched in your heart forever.

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