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PALACE ON WHEELS | HERITAGE ON WHEELS |
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WELCOME ABOARD THE PALACE-ON-WHEELS
The Most Luxurious Train of the World
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The Palace on wheels is one of the world’s most exciting and enchanting royal journey through the by gone era of the erstwhile maharajas. Palace on wheels is an experience of a lifetime that you are not likely to forget when you live the lavish lifestyles of the Indian Kings.
Palace-on-Wheels, a week in wonderland recreating the ambience of the glorious Indian heritage and journey through the most important and famous regions in the world. Amazing Delhi, Royal Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal the seven wonders the world. |
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THE TRAIN |
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Welcome aboard the Palace on Wheels - has luxurious cabins, 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, equipped with world class amenities to enhance the pleasure of traveling. Wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars (the Maharaja and Maharani) and a very personalized service “Khidmatgars” or personal attendants, in each cabin, cater to all your needs.….. In fact, almost everything that could comprise of heaven on earth for seven days.
The Coaches:
The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together.
Rooms:
The 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons made up of 104 passenger berth, each a combination of 4 twin bedded chambers with channel music, intercom, and attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities.
Restaurants:
The train has two lavish restaurants "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" with a Rajasthani ambience serving palate tickling Continental, Chinese, India and Rajasthani cuisines.
Bar:
The train also boasts of a well stocked bar offering the choicest of sprits of Indian and international brands. Each coach also offers a good collection of books to choose from.
Facilities:
The Palace on Wheels is regularly refurbished to a great extent. The decor in the saloons, bar lounge has been changed, keeping in mind the traditionally aesthetic yet modern, Palace on Wheels. Toilets have been redone and are maintained sparkling clean. Each saloon lounge has been equipped with color television and a CD player. A satellite phone is on the way to make you communicate anywhere in the world from the train. |
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Detailed Itinerary |
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Day-1 Wednesday Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.
NEW DELHI
The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Cantonment 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.
Day-2 Thursday Arrival 03.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs.
JAIPUR
The first stop of the Palace-on-Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of the world of its time. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded this capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City,, 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 storeyed building along the main street of the old city in pink splendour with semi-octagonal and delicate 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. Near Ajmeri Gate is located Rajasthali – the only Rajasthan Govt. Emporium selling genuine handicrafts at fixed prices. 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 City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace-on-Wheels around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board.
Day-3 Friday Arrival 08.15 hrs. Departure 23.00 hrs.
JAISALMER
In the heart of the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 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 at Rajasthali-the only Rajasthan Govt. emporium, for fine pattu shawls, mirror work & embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curious.
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 programmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer. The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.
Day-4 Saturday Arrival 07.00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs.
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 handcrafted articles including the famous breches, embroidered shoes, metal curious, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Day-5 Sunday Arrival 04.00 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs
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 392 sq. kms. Is home to more than 300 species 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 constumes. Upon return to the Palace-on-Wheels, you leave for Chittaurgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.
Day-5 Sunday Arrival 16.00 hrs.
CHITTAURGARH
After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won… thrice-besieged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
Day-6 Monday Departure 20.00 hrs from Chittaurgarh
UDAIPUR
The Luxury Coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City, the next morning. 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 Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel, a visit to the City Palace is exhilarating.
The luxury coach then takes you back to the Palace-on-Wheels at Chittaurgarh, thus winding up a day full of delights.
Day-7 Tuesday Arrival 06.30 hrs. Departure 11.45 hrs.
BHARATPUR
Early next morning, the Palace 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.
Day-7 Tuesday Arrival 14.30 hrs. Departure 21.00 hrs.
AGRA
Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri – the red sandstone Mughal palatial 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 Mumtaz 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 and a good night’s sleep.
Day-8 Wednesday Arrival 06.00 hrs
DELHI
Arrive at Delhi Cantt at 06.00 hrs and let the peasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time.
Your tour ends here |
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Facilities on Board |
Individual Facilities
Accommodation
14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, each a combination of 4 twin bedded chambers with channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities.
Luggage Collection
Your luggage is picked up and taken to your respective saloons without your worrying about it.
Arrival Kit
Each guest is provided with an arrival kit consisting of stationery items, brochures, cards etc. Anything additional can be asked for, from the attendant, always available at your service.
Attendant ‘Khidmatgar’
An attendant or ‘Khidmatgar’ is always available at your service, to take care of all your travel needs.
Meals
An exotic array of dishes to choose from - Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines are available on the Palace-on-Wheels.
Mineral Water
We make sure, the greatest gift of nature bestowed on us i.e. Water is made available to you in its purest form. Mineral water is made available to you all through the journey.
Newspapers / Magazines
The leading dailies and newspapers greet you every morning over a simmering hot cup of tea or beverage of your choice. Also available for you is a large collection of magazines.
Security
Adequate safety arrangements are made for you as well as your personal belongings in the train itself.
Toiletries
All essential toiletries like soaps, shampoos, moisturizers etc. are provided in the train.
Wine
A complimentary bottle of fine Indian wine to our royal guests (per cabin), courtesy Palace-on-Wheels.
For Disabled Persons
There is special assistance available in the form of wheel chairs, creches and a special attendant for manual assistance. |
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Common Facilities |
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Bar
A well stocked bar serves wine, liquour and spirits of Indian and International make, to keep you in ‘High Spirits’.
Indoor Games
Chess, Playing Cards, Chinese Checkers, Carrom Board and Crossword Puzzles are available.
Lounge
A lounge for relaxing, interacting, making friends, getting together and indulging in games.
Mail Box
A mail box is provided on board, for posting your mail.
Medical Aid
Your health, obviously tops the chart of our priority list. First Aid is available on the train whereas a doctor can be arranged on call at the very next station.
Restaurants
Two lavish and beautifully done restaurants, "The Maharja" and The "Maharani" serve mouth watering Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines that would definitely make way to your heart through your stomach.
Shopping
Certain handicrafts and other special items of Rajasthani origin can be bought from State Govt. owned Emporia while you visit the places covered by the Palace-on-Wheels.
Smoking
The Palace-on-Wheels is a no-smoking train. However, if you wish to smoke, please contact your captain for guidance.
ATM / and Satellite Phone
The ATM and Satellite Phone facility shall soon be available for the Guests on board the train. |
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COACHES |
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The legend travels on:
You’ll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace-on-Wheels. On board, you’ll feel like an erstwhile monarch, traveling in regal splendour. Each Coach named after the erstwhile princely state has 4 twin-bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. Channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot & cold water, shower and wall-to-wall carpeting are some of the facilities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who are at your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything.
The 14 Coaches are …
1. ALWAR
Located strategically, Alwar is the gateway to Rajasthan from Delhi. With a turbulent history spanning back to the medieval era, Alwar has been an important place of trade and commerce. Bestowed by nature with a unique habitat comprising forests and deep valleys, Alwar is home to several species of flora and fauna. The ceiling of the Alwar coach lounge has been done aesthetically in a delightful mix of cone work and oils in relief, depicting a hunting scene. The royal emblem and a miniature painting adorn the lounge. Subtle tones of pink enhance the romantic ambience of the lounge.
2. BHARATPUR
Maharaja Suraj Mal, the valiant Jat king, who was admired for his chivalry and courage, had his abode here. Once a fortified township, Bharatpur is now an ornighologist’s paradise and well known for the Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 376 avaian species. Echoing the vividity to nature’s gift to Bharatpur, the relief work on this coach depicts various species of birds on the tree of life. A replica of the royal crest of Bharatpur adorns the valance of the blinds. The ‘nature’ theme is further endorsed by the white cedar inlay work depicting birds and painted peacocks, sitting on a haveli worked on a mirror. The colour scheme, with its profusion of beige and aqua green, is a vivid reminder of lush green forests of Bharatpur and Ghana.
3. BIKANER
Bikaner came into being in 1486 A.D. when Rao Bika set out to carve a separate kingdom for himself. The color scheme of the lounge has been motivated by the opulent coronation rooms in burning red and gold fo the Anup Mahal and Padam Mahal of the Junagarh fort. The royal state crest is placed on the valance along with some handicrafts of Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work and an oil painting on canvas, depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on camelback. The artwork in the lounge is in the Mughal-influenced style of the Bikaner School of Art.
4. BUNDI
The quaint little state of Bundi lies cradled in the hills, east of Mewar. The palace complex of Bundi towers above the township. An imposing structure, it is approached by a long paved ramp that ascends to the Hathi Pol, and is depicted in watercolor work in one of the bedrooms. The famous Ragmala also called Rag Ragini, paintings of Bundi have been highlighted through oil paintings on canvas and are placed on the ceilings. The royal crest is highlighted on the valance. The famous Bundi school of painting is depicted in the framed and mounted art pieces and also serves as the basis of the color scheme and overall dècor, including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.
5. DHOLPUR
Dholpur is known for its locally quarried sandstone used for building palaces and for latticework extensively used for balcony railings. The rails in the coach are made of teak ply and depict the fine craftsmanship originally done in stone. The Dholpur crest decorates the valance in zardozi work.
6. DUNGARPUR
Dungarpur meaning ‘Hill Town’ is wild and rugged and known for its architecture and the Bhil tribals. The ceiling is done up in a mixture of relief and mirror work in line with the ‘lep’ work done by the tribal on the walls of their houses. The royal state crest, in intricate zardozi work, appears on the valance of the blinds.
7. JAISALMER
Founded by Rao Jaisal in 1156 AD, this remote desert city is famous for the Jaisalmer fort, epitomized by Satyajit Ray in the ‘Shonar Kella’ (The Golden Fortress), an epic celluloid saga. The city is also famous for its havelies, cobbled streets, ancient Jain temples and a festive gaiety that reverberates across the shimmering sands of the Thar Desert. The intricately latticed havelies with conspicuous facades served as the inspiration for the intricately carved jharokhas on the lounge ceiling. It is done on teak wood with a mirror backing. The famous Jawahar Niwas facade has been depicted in the state lounge using cone, metal, copper and silver mediums. The royal insignia adorns the valance of the blinds. The color scheme reflects the beige of the desert sands.
8. JAIPUR
Known the world over as the Pink City, Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai jai Singh in 1727 A.D. The architect Vidhyadhar, under the instructions of the Maharaja, planned the city. The King was an astronomer and a connoisseur of arts. And his taste is conspicuous in the beautiful city constructed by him. A fascinating land, Jaipur has innumerable palaces, monuments & gardens that attract hordes of visitors every year. Fairs and festivals reflect the exuberant charm of the people here. The cheerful nature of the local inhabitants is reflected in the vibrant colors & captivating music that enliven their spirits, even in this arid desert land. The ceiling of the state lounge has been created using the famed ‘Phad’ or foil work, depicting festivals like Teej, Gangaur, Holi, Diwali etc. The royal emblem of the state, in Zardozi work, graces the valance. The walls have been decorated with miniature paintings of the famous Jaipur style of painting. The ceilings have painted frescoes,
done in complementary colors, reflecting the state’s colour scheme of Blue & Gold.
9. JHALAWAR
This powerful kingdom of the Jhalas, a clan of valiant Rajputs, was created in the year 1838 A.D. It is a charming land with immense natural beauty. Tales of velour and chivalry and numerous folklore abound in this region. Jhalawar also has some beautiful temples and ancient Buddhist caves. The ceiling has been worked out in a medium used by the local inhabitants of Jhalawar to decorate their homes. A play of colors and mirror work has been used in the medium of plaster of Paris to create a unique ambience. The royal insignia of the erstwhile state in Zardozi work is seen on the valance along with handicrafts supporting the table tops of the state lounge.
10. JODHPUR
This capital of the Marwar kingdom lies on the tip of the Thar Desert and was the seat of a formidable dynasty of rulers from the 15th century onwards. The Mehrangarh Fort, which dominates the city of Jodhpur, is fascinating with its cusped arcades and the Mughal influenced designs of the Moti Mahal recreated in mother-of-pearl work on the ceiling. The royal crest is highlighted on the valance along with the miniature paintings in the lounge which is typical of the Jodhpur School of Art.
11. KISHANGARH
The Bani Thani paintings of the state with their exaggerated features like eyes and long fingers are well known. One of these famous paintings is recreated on the ceiling in acrylic, painted with enamel and foil. The crest appears in zardozi work on the blinds of the windows with an artwork of the Kishangarh School of Art highlighted on the wall of the state lounge.
12. KOTA
Once a prosperous Rajput state, Kota is picturesquely located beside the Chambal river, surrounded by verdant forests and picnic gardens. The City Palace is a grand structure. The entry to the palace is through the Hathi Pol, which is brightly painted with figures of elephants. Kota is well known for the Kota school of design. These elements have served as the basis for designing the decor of this coach. The distinctive features of the Kota school of art can be seen in the oil paintings titled “Raja aur Praja” (The Monarch and his Subjects) on the ceiling. It depicts Raja Ram Singh II (1826-66) of Kota amidst a royal procession.
13. SIROHI
This erstwhile state has earned an enviable reputation the world over for its gold fort, near Pratapgarh. Especially the colored glasswork within it is remarkable. The style of work has a typically Indo-European flavor, as European influence is quite conspicuous. The rooms highlight this style through the framed works of art done in the same style. The ambience and color scheme has also been designed in keeping with this School of Art. The gold foil and glasswork also has semi-precious stones embedded in it, and has been done in a mix media created from cone and paint embossed particleboards. The royal insignia has been placed prominently. Mounted miniatures done in the Sirohi school style lend a unique character to the decor.
14. UDAIPUR
Lazing on the edge of the lake Pichhola, Udaipur was the capital of the Sisodia Rajputs after they moved from Chittaur. The City Palace in Udaipur is a complex of reception halls, residential suites and internal courts from which the state lounge and bedrooms take their color schemes-dominant blue and white. The most fascinating of the inner courts is the Peacock Court where Peacocks have been modeled in high relief and faced with colored glass mosaic. The lounge décor is influenced by the ‘Mor Chowk’ or the Peacock Court. The medium used is a combination of relief work and Patra or oxidized white metal work. The royal crest of the state, in a alluring zardozi work, is set on the valance of the blinds. |
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TERMS & CONDITIONS : |
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The reservation/cancellation of passenger on the Palace-on-Wheels may be done as per the following terms & conditions:
BOOKING
- 20% of ticket value at the time of booking
- 80% of ticket value 30 days prior to departure.
CANCELLATION
- 5% of ticket value 60 days prior to departure
- 20% of ticket value 30-59 days prior to departure
- 50% of ticket value 15-29 days prior to departure
- 100% of ticket value 14 days prior to departure
CHECK IN
Reporting time is 4 pm at Delhi Cantt Railway Station.
MEALS
The two restaurant cars, the Maharaja and the Maharani, serve a range of Rajasthani, Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. Menus are changed seasonally.
EXCLUSIVE CHARTERS
Companies can organize a "Business-cum-Pleasure" trip by chartering the truly luxurious Palace-on-Wheels for their conferences.
CLIMATE
Varies from 8o C to 25o C between September to March & in April around 30o C.
CLOTHING RECOMMENDED
Light tropical/light woolens.
OTHER FACILITIES
- Doctor on call at the next station.
- Adequate safety and security arrangements.
- Complimentary mineral water on board/in the coach during sightseeing/and at hotels.
- Assistance for travel arrangement on completion of the tour.
- Voltage available on the train 110/230 V.
- Booking can be made directly through your agent/e-mail/Internet.
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ROUTEMAP OF PALACE ON WHEELS |
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will be delighted as you choose to see the Rajasthan by the Palace-on-Wheels. On board you'll feel like an erstwhile monarch, traveling in regal splendor. Each Coach named after the erstwhile princely state has 4
twin bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani decor.
Channel Music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot & cold water
shower and wall to wall carpeting are some of the facilities to make you
feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who are at
your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need
anything. |
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