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We welcome
you aboard to "Re-live" the Royal Experience of the Maharajas of
Rajasthan and if you are really looking for a holiday of a lifetime,
the Palace On Wheels is for you.
The passenger coaches which were originally meant to be the personal
railway coaches of the former rulers of princely states of Rajputana,
Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.
These coaches were not being used by the Indian Railways after
independence in normal passenger trains on account of very rich and
traditional interiors.
The name "Palace on Wheels" was derived from its royal back-ground of
the coaches. A new meter gauge air conditioned Palace-on-Wheels was
introduced in 1984 & had 13 Saloons, 2 Restaurant cum Kitchen car, one
Bar cum Lounge and 4 Service Cars. In order to further increase the
amenities on the train and due to over all gauge conversion in the
state, a new broad gauge Palace-on-Wheels has been constructed & has
been running since 1996. It's 14 Saloons are inter-connected, the
interiors of the saloons reflect the aesthetics of the former Royal
states of Rajasthan. The exquisite and exclusive Palace on Wheels has
luxurious Cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two
dining cars
(The Maharaja and Maharani) and a very personalized service... in
fact, almost everything that could comprise of heaven on earth for
seven days!
In the past 20 years of operations, the Palace on Wheels has been
rated as one of the best ten luxurious rail journeys in the world.
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Palace on Wheels: Highlights |
Jaisalmer, the "desert fort"
Jaisalmer has been a vital trade centre since the 11th century. Desert
buildings, like the temples ,the fort, or the havelis are still
well-conserved in their unique beauty.
Udaipur, the "City of Palaces"
Udaipur The Rajasthan's most romantic city, the "Eastern Venice",
looks miraculous with its fairy-tale palaces, temples, gardens ,
narrow streets and lakes. Everything is telling tales of the heroic
past.
The Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world
Taj Mahal the famous symbol of love was founded by Shah Jahan for his
beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to compete this mausoleum,
which is completely built from white marble. This building is an
memorable sight, not exclusively for lovers.
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Palace on Wheels: Itinerary
(08
Days / 07 Nights)
(New Delhi-Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur-Chittorgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra-Delhi)
(to view the route
of this tour on a Map please click
here)
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Day 1 -
Wednesday - New Delhi
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.
Reporting Time 18.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.
Day 2 - Thursday - 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
or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storied building a
one the main street of the old city in pink splendor with
semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is
followed by a visit to Amber Fort where elephant ride is available to
climb up the hill. Lunch at a Five Star Hotel followed by visit to
City Palace Museum and Observatory.
Arrival
03.45 hrs. Departure 20.00 hrs.
Day 3 - Friday - Sawai Madhopur
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 excusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon
return to the Palace-on-Wheels, you leave for Chittorgarh, when one
gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in
the daylight.
Arrival
05.30 hrs. Departure 10.20 hrs.
Day 3 - Friday - Chittorgarh
After lunch on board you are in Chittorgarh. Images of love and
velour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice-besieged, Chittorgarh
Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of honor and pride will echo
in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
Arrival
16.00 hrs. Departure 02.00 hrs (next day i.e. on Saturday)
Day 4 - Saturday - Udaipur
Udaipur, the Lake City, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar,
after the Sisodia dynasty was driven way 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.
Arrival
08:00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs.
Day 5 - Sunday - Jaisalmer
In the heart of the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal
Jaisal,in 1 1 56 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.
Arrival
09.15 hrs. Departure 23.30 hrs.
Day 6 - Monday - Jodhpur
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.
Arrival
07.00 hrs. Departure 16.30 hrs.
Day 7 - Tuesday - Bharatpur / Agra
Bharatpur
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.
Arrival
05.00 hrs.Departure 08:45
Agra
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.
Arrival
10:00 hrs Departure 19.30 hrs.
Day 8 - Wednesday - Delhi
Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station. Breakfast on board and let
the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long,
long time.
Arrival
07.30 hrs.
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Palace on
Wheels: Tour Schedule
Months of operation:
The Palace on Wheels tour starts on every Wednesday of the week from
New Delhi, from September until April of the following year.
During monsoon and summer months (May to August), the train closes for
maintenance.
Reporting time is 16:30 hrs at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station where
a royal reception awaits you.
This prominent train departs from Safdarjung Railway Station at 18:30
hrs.
Please note that due to global popularity of the Palace on Wheels, it
is always worthwhile to book your space well in advance to avoid any
availability problem ahead. |
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Please note :-
• 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas/New
Year.
• @ 9% 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.
Booking Policy
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 75 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
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 or more prior to departure.
• 20% of ticket value between 59 to 30 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.
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We always look forward for any
changes in the itinerary as wished by you for your individual trip
in Addition to the Palace on wheels Luxury Train Tour:
If you are willing to travel in a group - the
Group Departure
dates are available !
If you are group over 15 people please
e-mail
us with the number of participants and the wished dates to
enable us to workout the tour cost !
Please have a look at our
References
to read the testimonials of tourists & guests who have traveled with us.
Please also check our
FAQ
page to get more information.
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