The Palace on Wheels is one of the ten most luxurious trains in the world
and a great innovation on the part of Indian railways to attract tourists.
The train has 14 air conditioned coaches named after the former Rajput
states.
Facilities
Each of the 14 coaches have a mini pantry to serve all kinds of beverages
to tourists. The fully furnished coaches have twin bedded chambers with
channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water,
shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities. Maharaja and Maharani
are the multi-cuisine restaurants on the train. The well stocked bar of the
train has a variety of alcoholic beverages and great quality wines. The
lounge of every coach has colour televisions and CD players.
Tariff
The tariffs are fixed according to US dollars. Tariffs are generally fixed
for 6 to 8 month periods and are changed from time to time. Half tariff is
charged for children between the age of 5 to 12 years.
The Seven Day Tour
» Delhi Day One : The Palace On Wheels starts at the
Delhi Cantonment station where the guests are accorded welcome in
traditional Indian style.
» Jaipur Day Two :
The first stop of Palace on Wheels is the pink city of Jaipur. Guests are
first taken to the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, a magnificent five
storeyed building along the main streets. The next destination in Jaipur is
the Amber Fort, where elephant rides are arranged for guests. To buy local
Rajasthani handloom and handicrafts, guests come next to the Govt.
emporium. After lunch at the Palace Hotel, City Palace, home of the
erstwhile royal family is the next destination of tourists. Jantar Mantar,
the largest observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II is the next in
itinerary.
Jaisalmer Day Three : On the third day of the journey,
the luxury train heads straight to Jaisalmer in the heart of the desert. A
city that is known for its magnificent havelis, guests can appreciate
Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli which are
all fine examples of stone carving skills.
Jodhpur - Day Four : The destination of Palace On Wheels
on the fourth day is Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven
gates. The chief attraction of the place is the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort.
There are grand palaces within the fort like Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool
Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. Guests are given the privilege to pick
up the best buys of Jodhpur like the famous breeches, embroidered shoes,
metal curios, silverware, paintings, tie and dye fabrics in the Govt.
emporium.
Sawai Madhopur (Day Five): Guests on the Palace On Wheels have their first
encounter with wildlife when the luxury coach enters Sawai Madhopur on the
fifth day. On entering the beautiful city, guests are taken straight to the
famous Ranthambore National Park. A tiger reserve, the sanctuary is also
home to hyenas, jackals and over 300 species of birds. On the fifth day
itself, the luxury train heads to Chittargarh where the Chittargarh fort is
the prime attraction in the itinerary.
» Udaipur - Day Six : Palace On Wheels enters the
fascinating lake city of Udaipur on the sixth day of its journey. The
initial destinations of Udaipur are the marble palaces of Jag Niwas and Jag
Mandir. After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel, a visit to the City Palace of
Udaipur is most exhilarating.
» Bharatpur Day Seven :
On
the last day of the tour, Palace On Wheels enters Bharatpur. Here, the
guests first pay a visit to the world famous Keoladeo Ghana National Park,
the bird sanctuary home to rare bird species like Egrets, Siberian Cranes,
migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds. The luxury train leaves the
tourist paradise of Rajasthan after Bharatpur and arrives at another
wonderful state-Uttar Pradesh. The first attraction for guests in the state
is Fatehpur Sikri- the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the
enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to the
Sheikh Salim Chisti, the architecture of which is also appreciable. After
lunch, the Luxury train takes guests to witness one of the wonders of the
world-Taj Mahal. The pristine monument of undying love was built in the
memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal by Emperor Shah Jahan. After dinner
on board some much required sleep, Palace On Wheels arrives in Delhi Cantt.
at 6.00 hrs the next morning. An experience that is sure to remain in memory
for lifetime.
 |
|
 |
palace
on wheels india
