INDIA... Mysterious, Beautiful, Compelling...

There is no better way to experience the cultural heartland of INDIA-Rajasthan than by the Palace on Wheels.

Relish the lifestyles of the kings of yore on board the Palace on Wheels, while listening to the silent tales of glory and valor told by the majestic forts and splendid palaces of Rajasthan...

Know more about this palatial train & discover the experience called Palace on Wheels.

Times have changed and winds have shifted, but 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 traveller on board is treated like royalty in his or her own right.

We welcome you aboard to "Re-live" the Royal Experience of the Maharajas of Rajasthan and if you are really looking for a holiday of a lifetime, the Palace On Wheels is for you...

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.

The name "Palace-on-Wheels" (POW) was derived from its royal back-ground of the coaches. A new meter gauge air conditioned Palace-on-Wheels was introduced in 1984 & had 13 Saloons, 2 Restaurant cum Kitchen car, one Bar cum Lounge and 4 Service Cars. In order to further increase the amenities on the train and due to over all gauge conversion in the state, a new broad gauge Palace-on-Wheels has been constructed & has been running since 1996. It's 14 Saloons are inter-connected, the interiors of the saloons reflect the aesthetics of the former Royal states of Rajasthan. The exquisite and exclusive Palace on Wheels has luxurious Cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars (The Maharaja and Maharani) and a very personalized service... in fact, almost everything that could comprise of heaven on earth for seven days !

In the past 20 years of operations, the Palace-on-Wheels has been rated as one of the best ten luxurious rail journeys in the world.

Facilities :-

Palace on Wheels and the facilities on board the train are marked by affluence and exuberance. The train is self-sufficient with all the modern amenities.

However, the décor speaks of the culturally rich past of Rajasthan. The paintings, carved furniture and elegant handicrafts represent Rajasthan's fascinating heritage of art and craftsmanship. Period furniture and the elaborate costumes of the attendants make up the royal ambience.

Dining "Palace on Wheels"
The Maharaja and Maharani restaurants offer seating arranged in groups of twos and fours near the windows. Chefs in the attached pantry prepare Continental and Indian specialities, with an emphasis on the cuisine of Rajasthan.

Bar "Palace on Wheels"
The bar-lounge is embellished in period furniture, created especially for this coach. The bar has ample space and choice of soft and alcoholic beverages on offer.

Bed Room "Palace on Wheels"
The 14 Saloons are made up of 104 passenger berths in Twin Bedded Cabins. A third bed, for an additional person, or an accompanying child, is in the form of a fold-away bed on a higher tier. Each compartment has an attached bath with running hot/cold water and showers, built-in wardrobes, overhead and night lights, piped music, reading lights etc.

Lounge "Palace on Wheels"
At the end of each coach is a separate lounge where passengers can relax when they wish to move out of their bedrooms. Here they can unwind with a book or magazine, engage in conversation, or simply watch the panoramic vista of the great Indian country side.

What's more, each saloon has personal attendants or "Khidmatgars", who are at your call whenever you need anything.

Coaches :-

Safety on Palace on Wheels :
Government run tour - Palace On Wheels is jointly run by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways and is the most promoted product by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Since it is a Government run train, you can be assured of a trouble free journey without any unfavorable instances... Your tour should operate without any unwanted surprises.

Time advantage of Palace on Wheels :
Tour in 7 Nights / 8 Days covering all the major Tourist attractions in Rajasthan, there is no way one can travel and cover all the cities that Palace On Wheels covers in the 7 nights / 8 days package tour. If one chooses to travel any other way, it would take him / her at least 10 nights / 11 days because of the long distances, inter-city connectivity by Rail / Road / Air.

Since travel by this prestigious luxury train is all overnight, our valuable travelers have all days free for their sightseeing tours.

There's no other alternate to cover the best of Rajasthan in 7 days with full luxuries as provided by The Palace on Wheels.

Hassel Free travel on Palace on Wheels :
No problems with missed connections and / or hotel overbooking ! So, There's no better way to experience Rajasthan... No problems with missed connections and / or hotel overbooking ! So, There's no better way to experience Rajasthan...

Relish the lifestyles of the kings of yore on board the Palace on Wheels, while listening to the silent tales of glory and valor told by the majestic forts and splendid palaces of Rajasthan.

Alwar Saloon Coach:
Alwar is home to several species of flora and fauna.The ceiling of the Alwar Saloon lounge has been done aesthetically in mix-media of cone work, and oils in relief, depicting a hunting scene.The royal emblem and a miniature adorn the lounge.Subtle tones of pink enhance the romantic ambience of the lounge.

Bharatpur Saloon Coach:
Once a fortified township, Bharatpur is now an ornithologists paradise, and well known for the Bharatpur water-bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 376 avian species. Echoing the vividness of 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 blind. 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.

Bikaner Saloon Coach:
The royal state crest is placed on the valance along with some handicrafts of Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work and oil painting on canvas depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on camel back. The artwork in the lounge belongs to the Mughal influenced Bikaner School of Art style.

Bundi Saloon Coach:
The royal crest is highlighted on the valance. The famous Bundi school of painting is depicted in the famed and mounted art pieces and also serves as the basis for the colour scheme and overall décor, including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.

Dhaulpur Saloon Coach:
The rails in the coach are made in teak ply to depict the fine craftsmanship as done in stone. The Dholpur crest decorates the valance in zardozi work.

Dungarpur Saloon Coach:
Dungarpur literally means " hill town " in local dialect. The Lounge roof reflects the Bhil tribal areas in coloured glass form.

Jaipur Saloon Coach:
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 is worked out in Zardozi work on the valance. The walls have been decorated with miniature paintings of the famous Jaipur style of painting. The ceilings have painted frescoes, done in complimentary colours, reflecting the state’s colour scheme of Blue & Gold.

Jaisalmer Coach:
There are 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 medium. The royal insignia adorns the valance of the blind. The colour scheme reflects the beige of the desert sands.

Jhalawar Coach:
The ceiling has been worked out in a medium used by the local inhabitants of Jhalawar to decorate their home. A play of colours 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.

Jodhpur Coach:
Mughal influenced designs of the Moti Mahal are 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.

Kishangarh Coach:
The Banio 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 window with the Kishangarh School of Art highlighted in an artwork on the wall of the state lounge.

Kota Coach:
Kota is well known for Kota school of design. These elements have served as the basis for designing the décor 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.

Sirohi Coach:
This erstwhile state has earned an enviable reputation the world over for its gold fort and with coloured glass work that is done near Pratapgarh. The style of work has a typically Indo-European flavour as European influence is quite conspicuous. The rooms highlight this style through the framed works of art done in the same styles through the framed works of art done in the same styles. The ambience and colour scheme has also been designed in keeping with this school of Art. The Gold foil and glass work also has semi precious stones embedded in it, and has been done in a mix media created from cone and paint embossed particle boards. The royal insignia has been placed prominently. Mounted miniatures done in the Sirohi school style lend a unique character to the décor.

Udaipur Coach:
The state lounge and bedrooms take their colour schemes-dominant blue and white. 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 alluring zardozi work is set on the valance of the blinds.

Tour Itinerary: -

Tour Details : 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered : NEW DELHI - JAIPUR - JAISALMER - JODHPUR - SAWAI MADHOPUR - CHITTAURGARH - UDAIPUR - BHARATPUR - AGRA - DELHI

Months of Operation :
October till March : High Season tariff Applicable
September & April : Lean Season Discounted tariff Applicable

Detailed Itinerary :

Day 1 - Wednesday - NEW DELHI : Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.

The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway 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 - JAIPUR :  Arrival 03.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs.

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 on 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.

Day 3 - Friday - JAISALMER :  Arrival 09.00 hrs. Departure 23.45 hrs.

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 porgramme at a Five Star hotel.

Day 4 - Saturday - JODHPUR :  Arrival 07.00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs.

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.

Day 5 - Sunday -SAWAI MADHOPUR :  Arrival 04.00 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs.

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 Chittaurgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.

Day 5 - Sunday - CHITTAURGARH : Arrival 16.00 hrs. Departure 05.30 hrs (next day)

After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and velour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice-besieged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.

Day 6 - Monday - UDAIPUR : Arrival 07:30 hrs. Departure 17.30 hrs.

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.

Day 7 - Tuesday - BHARATPUR :  Arrival 06.30 hrs. Departure 9.00 hrs.

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.

Day 7 - Tuesday - AGRA :  Arrival 12.00 hrs. Departure 21.00 hrs.

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.

Day 8 - Wednesday - DELHI:  Arrival 04.00 hrs.

Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station at 04.00 hrs. Breakfast on board and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time.

Tour Schedule :-

Spend your vacation in sheer luxury, while experiencing the lifestyles of the "maharajas" of yore. The fourteen ornate coaches of the Palace on Wheels speak of the history and social customs of erstwhile princes and kings. You will be taken on a journey through the romantic state of Rajasthan and will visit the exquisite palaces, forts, gardens and lakes.

The Palace on Wheels Tour starts on Every Wednesday of the week* from New Delhi.

Reporting time is 16:00 hrs at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station where a Royal Reception awaits you.

This prestigious train departs from Safdarjung Railway Station at 18:30 hrs.

* Months of Operation (September till April next year)

(As this palatial train requires a lot of renovation and maintenance to retain the same opulance and grandeur as of the palaces of erstwhile Maharajas. The Train thus does not operate in the months of May, June, July and August).

Tour Tarriff :-

* Months of Operation
October till March : High Season tariff Applicable
April & September : Lean Season Discounted tariff Applicable.
(As this palatial train requires a lot of renovation and maintenance. The Train thus does not operates in the months of May, June, July & August).

 

 

 

 

 

Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years of age

(Age proof of children is to be furnished, which is required at the time of issuance of tickets)

Please note :-
• 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas/New Year.
• @ 3.09% Service Tax shall be levied on the tariff of Palace on Wheels.
• No charter can be booked during X-Mas & New Year period.
• Tariff Subject to change without notice.

The Palace On Wheels Tour Cost Includes :
Tariff is inclusive of travel/ catering/ conducted sightseeing/ entrance fee at monuments/ parks/ palaces/ cultural programs/ camel ride at Jaisalmer/ boat ride at Udaipur/ rickshaw ride at Bharatpur and for still cameras. Guest has to pay for video cameras, liquor, laundry and other items of personal nature.

Exclusive Charter :
Companies can organise 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.

CANCELLATION
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 FITs
• 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. Complimentary mineral water on board the coach, during sightseeing and at hotels. Assistance for travel arrangements on completion of the tour.

The above mentioned rates are commissionable by 5% to our principal agent.