Palace On Wheels is one of India’s most luxurious and lavish train and World’s fourth most luxurious train. Started in 1982, using the rail coaches used by former kings, the train has emerged to be the definitive choice for Rail Tourism Lovers.
A journey of Palace on Wheels corresponds to one’s odyssey through one’s world of whims and fancy. A lavish trip round some of the most fascinating sights in Rajasthan is a dream cherished by many, but only a few plans to experience it with a royal fervor. This is where Palace on Wheels in India plays the part of a fabulous luxury vehicle to traverse the guests through time and lets them experience the glorious era of Maharajas. The trip promising the guests comfort and style, Palace on Wheels is one of the most unique ways of travelling the sun kissed Thar Desert, prominent havelis, stunning palaces and awe inspiring forts of Rajasthan.
The 14 coaches of this train are even named after erstwhile Rajputana states and accordingly are decked with exquisite Rajasthan art and crafts work. The names of coaches are Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungargarh, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi and Udaipur
A Full Train view of Palace on WheelsÂ
This luxury train in India is preferred the most by rich desiring to enjoy India travel and thus bookings for the train are done well in advance. Thus one must plan a tour to Palace on Wheels months earlier to actually be able to enjoy the experience. The bookings are done on single, twin and triple sharing basis and the prices thus differs. However the most convenient way of booking for Palace on Wheels is through agents or opting for online bookings. One can also opt for tele-booking method. The train is functional all through out the year except the months of summers i.e. from May-July in India.
Palace on Wheels begins its journey on every Wednesday and functions for an entire week leaving the guests back at Safdarjang Train Station, New Delhi early in the morning.
The itinerary for Palace on Wheels includes a trip to most fascinating cities in India. The sightseeing tour of these cities provides a preview of Indian culture and lifestyle. Thus the train journey includes following sightseeing attractions:
Jaipur:Â In Jaipur the sightseeing tour will include a visit to Hawa Mahal. Also, known as Palace of Winds, this semi- octagonal edifice is an erstwhile regal residence of royal ladies. The city tour will include a visit to an elegant fortification known as Amber Fort followed by visit to Rajasthali- the only Rajasthan Government Emporium which sells exquisite traditional handicrafts. Post lunch visit to City Palace is availed which is followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar a royal observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II.
Jaisalmer:Â The sightseeing tour in the city of Thar Desert takes the passengers to various scrupulously fretted mansions or havelis. The tour of the city will include a visit to Nathmalji- Ki- Haveli, Patwon- Ki- Haveli and Salim Singh- Ki- Haveli. Travellers are escorted to Rajasthali at Jaisalmer which is the only Government emporium exhibiting beauteous pattu shawls, famous embroidered articles, silver jewellery and mirror work. An exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam is scheduled for the evening.
Jodhpur:Â In Jodhpur the sightseeing tour will include first a visit to the famous landmark of the city, Mehrangarh Fort. Visit to grand palaces present inside the fort is scheduled on this day including visit to Moti Mahal, Sheeh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana examples of magnificent architecture. A royal cenotaph, Jaswant Thada is next on this tour of the city. Shopping excursion will provide an opportunity to shop for famous breeches, colourful juttis, silverware and paintings also for dye fabrics.
Sawai Madhopur:Â On arrival at Sawai Modhopur travellers are taken for a wildlife safari in Ranthambhor National Park. Covering an area of 392 sq. kms Ranthambore National Park is home to a wide variety of carnivorous population.
Chitttaurgarh:Â The sightseeing tour of this city includes visit to renowned Chittaurgarh Fort to explore its regal premises indulging in complete classic splendour.
Udaipur: The City of Palaces, Udaipur will open up a gateway to world’s most extravagant palaces. The sightseeing tour of Udaipur will bring an opportunity to visit Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir situated on the azure waters of Lake Pichola. Post lunch the tour guide takes visitors to view City Palace.
Bharatpur:Â In the city of birding tour, Bharatpur travellers will visit the renowned Bharatpur National Park. The sanctuary houses verdant flora and numerous species of birds such as Egrets, Siberian Cranes, water birds and various other migratory birds.
Agra:Â The first halt in Agra will be the red sandstone structure of Fatehpur Sikri to view the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Moving on to Red Fort, travellers will finally reach the ultimate emblem of love, Taj Mahal.
The luxury coaches of Palace on Wheels reach its final junction at Safdarjung Train Station, New Delhi early in the morning. Thereafter the passengers are served morning meal in the train itself. Thereafter one can either opt for cool cabs, local taxis or even for much cheaper auto rickshaw drive for commuting to Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi to catch the flight back home.
Features
Cabins: With impeccable hospitality measures, the Palace on Wheels comes equipped with avant-garde amenities like central air conditioning, channel music, en-suite bathrooms with running hot & cold water, comfortable beds, writing desk and a chair to sit. Carpeted walls, royal furnished facilities, use of rich fabric & colorful paintings are most lucrative features of the deluxe abode onboard.
Inside the Cabin of Palace on Wheels
Facilities on board: Dining car, bar, Rejuvenation spa, lounge, khidmatgar (Personal Attendant), indoor games, newspaper/magazine, off train cultural events & onboard events compels every traveler to enjoy this ride of a lifetime. For on board amusement, guests can enjoy different indoor games like chess, cards, carom board and crossword puzzle in the lavishly appointed lounge car. Luxuriously appointed and gracefully adorned, train has a total of 14 fully air-conditioned sedans which can accommodate up to 88 passengers in a single journey.
The Reataurant of Palace on Wheels
On-board Bar of Palace on Wheels
To ensure a remarkable tour through Rajasthan, the train is decked with numerous recreation amenities as well including a mini pantry, a lounge and also facility of sitting area for enjoying a fabulous view of Desert while wining.