Palace on Wheels

It stands on its tracks; a gleaming sealed carriage, every bit is royal. The air-conditioning works silently, creating a space where only the excitement of the history of the Rajput kingdoms permeates through, clearly captured in a contemporary mode. In all, there are fourteen saloons, each equipped with two twin-bedded and two double-bedded chambers, with attached baths that have running hot and cold water and showers. The modern conveniences have been thoughtfully provided, sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings, inbuilt wardrobes for the storage of one’s clothes and bags, and huge plate glass windows to watch the countryside roll past.

Outside the bedrooms, each coach also has a seating lounge where passengers can get together, just sit watch the cities as they glide past outside the windows, or enjoy a quiet cup of tea. An attached pantry with each saloon helps provide beverages and refreshments to the accompaniment of soothing piped music.

There is the comfortable bar cum lounge where you can relax over your favourite drink, burrow in a book or converse with fellow passengers. Attached to it are two restaurant cars, Maharaja and Maharani respectively, with opulently draped curtains, exquisitely crafted lights and table settings . Here accompanying chefs serve up a delicious choice of Indian, including Rajasthani, Continental and even Chinese cuisine that are a feast for the palate.

The train chugs out of Safdarjung Railway Station New Delhi cantonment on a week-long run through Rajasthan every Wednesday night, with a trip also inbuilt to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Turban-wearing attendants take over from the moment you arrive at the platform, assigning you your coupes and detailing all the facilities that are on board. The train moves by night and arrives each morning at a new destination where new experiences await you.

Coaches
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 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 to your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything.

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 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.

Restaurant
The train has two lavish restaurants “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani” with a Rajasthani ambience serving palate tickling Continental, Chinese, India and Rajasthani cuisines.

The restaurants offer seating arranged in groups of twos and fours near the windows. Chefs in the attached pantry prepare Continental and Indian specialties, with an emphasis on the cuisine of Rajasthan.

Bar
The Palace on Wheels boasts of a well stocked bar offering the choicest of sprits of Indian and international brands.

Other Facilities

Indoor Games: Chess, Playing Cards, Chinese Checkers, Carom Board, 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 char 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 Maharaja” 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.

Palace on Wheel Itinerary

The Palace on Wheels is one of the world’s most exciting rail journeys, as the train provided more facilities on board, as for the royal destinations it proceeds to every single day. With everything taken care of dining accommodation, sightseeing as well as organized shopping, there are nothing for the traveller to do but sleep in the history of the land, soak in the colours and experience the royal life of Maharaja. The tour starts from Delhi and come back to the city after going through in order:

Delhi > Jaipur > Sawai Madhopur > Chittaurgarh > Udaipur > Jaisalmer > Jodhpur > Bharatpur > Agra > Delhi.

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 03.00 hrs. Departure 23.30 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 10.30 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 porgram at a Five Star hotel.

Arrival 09.15 hrs. Departure 23.45 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 15.30 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 10:30 hrs Departure 23.00 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 04.00 hrs.