Palace on Wheels

Delhi - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi


Durations: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Season: October - April
Starting From: GBP 2530

One of the pioneers of luxury trains, Palace on Wheels first introduced, travelling like royalty on rail journeys. Credited to the Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels was launched as India’s first luxury tourist train on 26th January, 1982.

Taking cue from the personal carriages used by the former Maharajas, Nizams and Viceroys, the Palace on Wheels journey is one of the most authentic ways to explore and rediscover royal Rajasthan for the discerning travellers.

The plush carriages of the train are named after the different Rajasthan provinces. The multi-cuisine restaurant serves extravagant dishes in the elegant Maharaja and Maharani restaurant. The amiable staff are dressed in immaculate Indian attires with turbans. The round trip from Delhi relives the glories of Indian royalty. The route starts from Delhi, leading to the beautiful desert cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur, the magnificent Taj Mahal and the tigers’ abode of Ranthambore National Park.


Rating 4.5

Detail Itinerary

Assemble at the Safdarjung Railway Station by 1600 hours. Enjoy a traditional welcome with garland and tikka. Complete the check-in formalities. Go aboard the Palace on Wheels and enjoy a special welcome drink. Once you are inside the train, settle in your cabins. You are now free to explore this Indian luxury train and its facilities. The train departs for the first destination at18:30 hours. Dinner is served.

Overnight stay.

The train arrives in the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, early morning. Relish sumptuous breakfast on-board. Later, disembark for enjoying a city tour of Jaipur, which is fondly known as the Pink City. The first visit of the day is to the grand City Palace. This palace is the official residence of the Jaipur royal family. Next in line is the beautiful Hawa Mahal. This beautiful red sandstone palace is known for its 953 jharokhas (windows). Later on, visit the mighty Amer fort, where a special lunch has been planned for you. After lunch, explore this Rajputana architectural jewel. Next you visit the popular local bazaars of Jaipur. Get your hands on some wonderful stuff like traditional clothes, handicrafts, jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones etc. By 18:00 hours, back to the train for evening tea. Enjoy dinner at a special heritage hotel. Back to the train as it departs for the next destination.

Overnight stay on-board Palace on Wheels.

On day 3, Palace on Wheels enters Sawai Madhopur. Disembark from the train for an early morning wildlife safari inside the well-known Ranthambore National Park, around 14 km from here. Covering an area of 392 square km, it is one of the largest national parks in India. It is famed for housing a decent population of tigers. Spot animals like sambar, sloth bear, chital, spotted deer, hyena and around 275 species of bird. After wildlife safari, savour breakfast at a wildlife resort. Return to the Indian luxury train. The train chugs off from the station to travel to its next destination. Lunch is served on-board.

As you reach, de-board to visit the popular tourist attractions of Chittorgarh including the glorious Chittorgarh Fort. In the evening, enjoy high-tea and a stunning light and sound show at the fort. A special dinner is planned. Back to the train that has now started its journey for the next destination.

Overnight stay on-board.

Today, India's first luxury train enters the romantic Udaipur city, at 8'o clock in the morning. Known for its brilliant palaces and placid lakes, this city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in the 15th century. It is visited by tourists from all across the globe. Post breakfast, get ready for a city tour of Udaipur. Visit popular attractions such as Jagdish temple, Jag Niwas Lake Palace, Jag Mandir and so on. Later a special lunch is planned at a heritage hotel. Next visit is to the City Palace and the Crystal Gallery. The evening is scheduled for a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. Return to the Palace on Wheels, which begins its journey for the next destination.

Stay overnight.

Day 5 is scheduled for entering Jaisalmer city. Relish lip-smacking breakfast on the train. Later, disembark from the train to partake in sightseeing of Jaisalmer. Visit the extremely beautiful and popular havelies of Jaisalmer (mansions) such as Nathmalji ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli. Later, you can indulge in shopping at the famous local bazaars for some exotic souvenirs and handicraft items. Enjoy lunch at a popular restaurant in the city. Later, the day is scheduled for visit very popular Sam Sand Dunes. Enjoy came safari during sunset. Other highlights of this night are dinner, bonfire and a special cultural performance, right under the star-kit sky. Back to the train.

Overnight in the train.

In the morning, the train enters into the Jodhpur city. Leave the comforts of the train to embark on a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur including the Mehrangarh fort, Jaswant Thada, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Lunch at a palace hotel. Later on, head to the local bazaar of Jodhpur to get your hands on excellent-quality silverware, embroidered shoes and tie and dye fabrics. Enjoy dinner.

Stay overnight.

By 05:00 AM, the train enters into the next destination, Bharatpur, which is now known as Keoladeo National Park. This national park is called home by a wonderful variety of bird species, including resident as well as migratory birds. Enjoy bird watching in Bharatpur. The time taken would be around 3 hours. Breakfast at a wildlife resort.

Back on-board the train, which now chugs off from the railway station for the next destination, Agra. As you reach, go for a visit to the white-marble mausoleum, Taj Mahal, one of the 'Seven Wonders of the World'. It was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later, make a visit to the famous markets of Agra to buy marble souvenirs, leather goods and jewellery etc. Thereafter, enjoy a special light and sound show. Dinner at a city hotel. Back to the train, which start return journey to Delhi.

Stay overnight aboard.

The train today returns to Delhi. Breakfast on-board the train. De-board and complete the check-out formalities.

THE TRAIN

The first luxury train of India, Palace on Wheels, takes you back into times of royal kings and queens, which were replete with indulgence and magnificence. Ride into the age of Maharajas, bedecked graceful Maharanis and decorated elephants. Other features of your journey include a meticulously designed itinerary, courteous hospitality, and vintage interior decoration, all inspired by the royal traditional hospitality of India. Embark on a journey a lifetime.

Taking their cue from the personal carriages of the erstwhile Maharaja, the makes of the Palace on Wheels luxury train have kept the regal feel absolutely intact for the discerning travellers. Get ready for discovering the royal Rajasthan state, while staying amid modern world-class comforts. Rajasthan state of today is a union of erstwhile Rajputana princely state. Every nook and corner of this place has to tell tales of bravery, romance and self-indulgence of the rulers. It has spectacular forts, glorious palace, exotic wildlife, colourful bazaars, and splendid havelis, offering a glimpse of the rich historical past of the place.

The journey includes visit to World Heritage Site, the world wonder of Taj Mahal in Agra, special planned meals, exotic wildlife, and more while going on Palace on Wheel rail tour.

About the Train:

The state-of-the-art facilities, old-world interiors, and a wonderful amalgam of modern elegance and traditional Rajputana grandeur, all make your journey on-board the Palace on Wheels train, an unforgettable affair. Every moment of this journey is filled with excitement and wonderful vistas of the colourful landscape of the state. The train features 14 elegantly-appointed guest carriage that can accommodate 88 guests. Other added comforts are Restaurant, Bar and Lounge.

Cabins:

The Palace on Wheels boasts of having personal carriage of the former Indian rulers, which have been revamped to add modern comforts, keeping the original feel absolutely intact. These cabins have been named after the former princely states of Rajasthan including Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi, and Udaipur. Antique furniture, rick furnishings, mirror work, sophisticated upholstery and miniature paintings are some of the highlights. Enjoy conveniences like:

  • Khidmatgar- a personal attendant.
  • Telephone with intercom.
  • Channel Music system.
  • Mini Pantry.
  • Private bathrooms with hot and cold running water.
Other Facilities on-board the train:

Some of the other facilities in the Palace on Wheels are:

  • Free Wi-Fi Internet.
  • Luggage Collection.
  • Welcome Kit on Arrival.
  • News Paper/Magazine.
  • Mineral Water.
  • Complimentary premium toiletries.
  • CD player.
  • Security.
Dining

There are 2 restaurants in the train, each with an elegant décor. The seating arrangement is in the groups of fours and twos. The menu has a vast variety of delicacies of Indian (especially Marwari) along with other famous world fares including Continental and European. Guests have option of table d'hôte meals (included in the train tariff), and à la carte menu. There also a bar corner in both the restaurants, serving alcoholic and non- alcoholic drinks of both Indian and International brands. There are the two restaurants on-board this Indian luxury train:

  • Maharaja Restaurant
  • Maharani Restaurant
Sitting Lounge

Sitting Lounge on-board the train is an ideal place to relax and unwind completely after a day if sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Rejuvenate yourself in the peaceful ambiance while you admire the wonderful décor of the lounge. Enjoy a chit-chat session here with the fellow passengers.

Spa

At the in-house Spa of the train go for a rejuvenating spa session to relax yourself after a tiring day of sightseeing. The well-equipped spa has an array of treatments, massages and therapies for the valued guests. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with best of services by expert therapists. The ambiance is quite peaceful.


Palace on Wheels Schedule for Season 2019 - 2020
Month Departure Dates
Apr 2019 10,17,24
Sep 2019 4,11,18,25
Oct 2019 2,9,16,23,30
Nov 2019 6,13,20,27
Dec 2019 4,11,18,25
Jan 2020 1,8,15,22,29
Feb 2020 5,12,19,26
Mar 2020 4,11,18,25
Apr 2020 1,8,15,22,29
Palaces on Wheels Tariff for Peak Season October 2019 to March 2020
Occupancy Per Person Per Night Per Person Per Journey
Single Occupancy GBP 695 GBP 4865
Twin Sharing GBP 525 GBP 3655
Triple Sharing GBP 465 GBP 3235

Palace on Wheels Tariff for Lean Season September 2019 to April 2020
Occupancy Per Person Per Night Per Person Per Journey
Single Occupancy GBP 525 GBP 3655
Twin Sharing GBP 405 GBP 2800
Triple Sharing GBP 360 GBP 2530

The booking policies:

The reservation policies of the Pride of the South tariff (FIT) are as follows:

  • At the time of confirming the booking pay 20% of ticket value.
  • 60 days prior to departure pay the remaining 80% of ticket value.
Terms & Conditions
  • When booking is cancelled 60 days prior to departure - 10% of ticket value will be deducted
  • When booking is cancelled 30-59 days prior to departure - 25% of ticket value will be deducted
  • When booking is cancelled 15-29 days prior to departure - 75% of ticket value will be deducted
  • When booking is cancelled less than 14 days prior to departure - 100% of ticket value will be deducted.
Inclusions

Cost of travel and accommodation, entrance fees at the monuments and palaces, catering (morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner), camel rides at Jaisalmer, boat ride in Udaipur, and rickshaw ride in Bharatpur are a part of the inclusions of the Price of Palace on Wheels.

Exclusions

Drinks, telephones, laundry, video camera fees, and charges of the business car facilities are not included in the tariff.

Cancellation Policy

Cancelation policies as mentioned in the tariff (FIT) are as:

  • 95% of ticket value is returned if cancelled 60 days before departure.
  • 80% of ticket value is returned if cancelled between 45 to 59 days before departure.
  • 50% of ticket value is returned if cancelled between 30 to 44 days before departure.
  • No refund if cancelled less than 30 days before departure.

Cancelation policies as mentioned in the tariff (for Groups) are as:

  • 95% of ticket value is returned if cancelled 89 days before departure.
  • 50% of ticket value is returned if cancelled between 31 to 88 days before departure.
  • No refund if cancelled 30 days before departure.
No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment:

In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited.

En route termination of tour.In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited.

Amendment - Is only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem's (this needs to be supported by doctor's certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case will be decided on merits on a case to case basis. No amendment will be permissible in case of booking of groups or complete train.

Note: A group of 15 paying persons will be called as group booking.

A few of the significant specifics on the tariff of the Palace on Wheels are as:

  • A 10% surcharge is to be levied on all Christmas and New Year departures (25th December and 1st January respectively).
  • 5% GST will be charged extra.
  • Commercial Tax of USD 15 per person is applicable in addition to the tariff.
  • 10% of the tariff (without beds) for children less than 5 years.
  • 50% of the tariff for children between 5 and 12 years.


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