Palace on Wheels

The Luxurious Train - Capture the ambience of erstwhile royal maharajas while boarding as they have in the past.

The Palace on Wheels cruises along in royal style, the kind only the Maharajas of yesteryear could have perpetuated and enjoyed. Today, of course, each traveler on board is treated like royalty in his or her own right.

It has been rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world. Originally the train had 12 fully furnished non-air conditioned saloons, once owned by former Maharajas, Governor Generals and Viceroys of the British period. The Palace on Wheels started as unique holiday concept hauled by a steam engine with its inaugural trip on 26th January,1982.

In 1991, a new air-conditioned meter gauge Palace on Wheels on the lines of the old heritage train was launched. The interiors of the current 14 saloons are authentic replicas of the historic coaches. Each saloon is equipped with twin- bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, with attached baths and running hot and cold water and a shower.

The passenger coaches which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile 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.

Day 1 - Board the Palace on Wheels at Safdarjung Train Station

Cities Covered : Delhi

Wednesday: Board the Luxrious train at Safdarjung Railway Station at 1600 hrs. Train will depart at 1830 hrs. Overnight journey.

Day 2 - Explore the Pink City - Jaipur

Cities Covered : Jaipur

Thursday: The first stop of 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 Swai Jai Singh II, in1727 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 splendor 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 ambiance. 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 the Sawai Jai Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace on Wheels around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board.

Day 3 - Jaisalmer - A jewel in the Thar desert awaits you

Cities Covered : Jaisalmer

Friday: In the heart of the Thar Desert lies 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 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 programmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer. The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.

Day 4 - Explore the history of Rajputana Empire in Jodhpur

Cities Covered : Jodhpur

Saturday: This 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 royal Palace hotel, return to the Palace on Wheels. While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

Day 5 - Time to see the tiger? Visit the Ranthambore National Park

Cities Covered : Chittaurgarh , Sawai Madhopur

Sunday: 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 Ranthambhore 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, ratel, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. 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.

After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice-beseiged, 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 - The beauty and romance are in the air when you visit Udaipur

Cities Covered : Udaipur

Monday: Arrive in Udaipur, the Lake City at 7:30 AM. 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 City Palace is exhilarating. In the evening visit the crystal gallery. Later proceed to Bharatpur on board Palace on Wheels.

Day 7 - Visit Bharatpur and Agra (Taj Mahal)

Cities Covered : Agra , Bharatpur

Tuesday: Early 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 of thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds. From Bharatpur you board the train again 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. Also visit Agra Fort and see other monuments and tombs about town. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewelry. Dinner on board as the train departs for Delhi.

Day 8 - Your journey ends in Delhi

Cities Covered : Delhi

Wednesday: After a good night’s sleep, arrive at Safdarjang railway station at 6.00 hrs this morning and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time. Breakfast on board. Disembark by 7:30 hrs.

Please mention your name, nationality, no. of passengers, type of hotel (standard, deluxe, Luxury), no. of rooms, dates to be visited, language speaking guide and other information you feel to write.

Exclusive Charter :
Companies can organize a "Business-cum-Pleasure" trip by chartering the truly luxurious Palace on Wheels for their conferences. Special deals are available for groups and charters.

For Indian Travelers :
Indian passengers can pay in equivalent Rupee (INR) amount, at the exchange rate prevalent at the time of payment.

Reservation :
• 50% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
• Remaining 50% of ticket value 60 days prior to departure.
• 10% surcharge is applicable on New Year & X-Mas Departures.

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 FIT's

• 5% of ticket value 60 days prior to departure.
• 20% of ticket value 30-59 days prior to departure.
• 100% of ticket value between less than 30 days prior to departure.

In case of Group and Charter

• 10% of ticket value 60 days prior to departure.
• 100% of ticket value between 0 to 59 days prior to departure.

No show / En route termination of tour / amendment :

• No Show: In case of No Show/Non-arrival of the guest no refund/adjustment in future
   travel will be admissible.
• En route termination of tour: In case of termination of tour by the guest, no
   refund/adjustment for future travel will be admissible.
• Amendment: No charges will be levied for amended dates of tour of Palace on Wheels
   and amendment will be permitted once only subject to availability.

CHECK-IN TIME :
Reporting time is 4 PM at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station.

Relevant Information

MEALS
The two restaurant cars, The Maharaja and The Maharani, serve a range of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. Menus are changed seasonally.

CLIMATE
Varies from 8°C to 25°C between October to March.

CLOTHING RECOMMENDED
Light tropical / light woolens.

OTHER FACILITIES
Doctor on call at the next station. Money exchange facility/All credit cards accepted. Adequate safety and security arrangements. Assistance for travel arrangements on completion of the tour.