Palace On Wheels: A Rail Journey Through India

by Anand

The Palace on Wheels, a train that cruises along Rajasthan (a state in North of India) in royal style, the kind only the Maharajas (Kings) of yesteryears could have perpetuated and enjoyed. On board, you'll feel like an erstwhile monarch, traveling in regal splendor. 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. There are personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything any time during the journey.  

The tariff is approximately $7000 for a couple and is inclusive of cost of travel, acommodation, catering, conducted sightseeing tours in deluxe coaches, entrance fee at monuments, palaces and cultural entertainment. The tariff does not include liquor, laundry, video camera fees and other items of personal nature. The train has two lavish restaurants "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" with a Rajasthani ambience serving palate tickling Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines. The train also boasts of a well stocked bar offering the choicest of spirits of Indian and international brands.

The tour starts on a Sunday evening from Delhi. The train leaves for the week-long luxury cruise through fascinating Rajasthan, heading first to Jaipur. Here the tourists proceed for a city tour in an air-conditioned luxury coach covering all historical and remarkable monuments and forts. Tourists can go on a shopping spree for Jaipur’s famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets blue pottery and textiles. Tourists are then taken to a 5-Star Palace Hotel for lunch. Post lunch, the tour proceeds to the site seeing of the rest of the city.

The train then moves to the next destination of Jaisalmer in the evening. Apart from getting to see the exquisite forts and palaces, tourists are also taken for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam. Dinner at a 5-star hotel is accompanied by cultural programmes, including the famous Rajashtani music and dance. The train then leaves for Jodhpur at night.

Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastionshas many grand palaces within- Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. After the trip to all these spots, the train leaves for Sawai Madhopur.

One can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Palace on Wheels arrives in Sawai Madhopur. A visit 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 national animal of India. The park is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. The city is also known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes.

Upon return, the train leaves for Chittaurgarh, where one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight. The city tour takes one to the famous Chittaurgarh Fort and then the train passes on to Udaipur.

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. Visit to the City Palace and the crystal gallery is exhilarating. The train leaves for Bharatpur in the evening where one can visit 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.

Finally the train leaves for Agra, home to the the majestic Agra Fort and the monument of love and one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. A pristine monument of undying love, it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is also known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewelry. The tour then ends at the place where it all started, arriving at Delhi early morning the next day.

The exquisite and exclusive Palace on Wheels is well worth every penny you spend and the spots breathtaking. One must not a leave a chance to use this rail service to view some spectacular sights of your life time.

We have a video about this marvelous train journey.