Route Map of The Palace On Wheels Train

Agra – City of Taj

Agra, now the capital of the Indian state Uttar  Pradesh, used to be the capital of the Mughal Empire for more than two centuries. Agra, now, is also home to India's greatest architectural treasure, the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal itself embodies romance and is the ultimate symbol of undying love.

Agra

Not many know that Agra was earlier known as Akbarabad, next to the banks of river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The city of Agra and the Taj Mahal compound are a visual treat for a visitor. Being a part of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri  charm travelers to Agra. All the above three are protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Agra has been one of the more popular tourist destinations among foreigners because of its splendid Mughal-era-architecture, visible in most old buildings in the city.

Taj Mehal

Agra has always been famous for its Leather Goods, Zari, Zardozi, Handicrafts, Marble and Stone carvings and inlay work. Foodies will rejoice to note that Agra is also well known for its sweets (petha) and Snacks (dal-moth and gazak). Architectural masterpieces such as the Agra Fort, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Bulund Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri, besides the magnificent Taj Mahal, represent the glorious medieval India.

Hotel Mughal Sheraton

Accommodation options in Agra are aplenty and you get great choices for Agra hotels. Most luxury chains already have their hotels in Agra. There are comfortable stay options for every budget. However we suggest that if you plan to stay overnight in Agra, don’t hold yourself back and consider a fancy hotel room which offers a grand view of the Taj Mahal from your window. Take our word, you will not regret all the money you spend.

The Taj Mahal 

If you are traveling by train, you will deboard right in the middle of Agra right. For foreign tourist this information is especially handy in case they have asked for the hotel pickup. The two railway stations are in Agra at Agra Cantt and Agra Fort.

Tour aboard Palace on Wheels for celebrating Valentine’s Day

Ironically there is no particular day to relive romantic moments with your beloved. But February 14^th is considered to a special day for spending some romantic moments as it marks the occasion of Valentine’s Day. When it comes to India’s most romantic destinations, Rajasthan is the first choice of 

Palace On Wheels

overseas travelers. With one of the Palace on Wheels departures taking place on the 13^th February,  the luxury train offers a chance to begin a whole new romantic chapter in your life. Out of all the destinations covered by this luxury tourist train, Udaipur, Ranthambore, Bharatpur and Agra hold a special mention.

Udaipur

Fondly referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is an ultimate destination for newlyweds to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The city has been voted as the most romantic destination in India by travel connoisseurs and leading magazines. Udaipur exudes a magnetic aura of  romance with its lakes, forts and magnificent palaces. Taj Lake Palace, situated in the midst of Lake Pichola, is voted as the most romantic hotel by the Trip Advisor members and has played host to the who’s who from all around the world. A romantic candle-lit dinner at a rooftop restaurant  in the Lake Palace is an experience that cannot be expressed in mere words.

Ranthambore and Bharatpur

It’s not just forts and palace where the romance of Rajasthan conjures up, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Keoladeo Ghana National Park too has its own share of loyal patrons. What could be a better way to celebrate life, apart from watching animals in their natural turf, if you have a  love for nature and wildlife.

Agra

The penultimate destination covered by the Palace on Wheels train, Agra is the place where your romance reaches its crescendo. The main reason why honeymooners and love birds throng in Agra is the Taj Mahal. 

It is not just a mausoleum but the undying love of the emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, shaped through white marble.  

A Simple Guide to Luxury Train Tours in India

If you are a first time visitor to India, you would like to know what precautions/preparations should you know of. The most popular holiday themes for  India are beaches, wildlife, culture, pilgrimages and luxury trains. 

Palace on Wheels'started it first commercial journey

There are several destinations in India that cater to the above themes and are quite popular with local and international tourists alike. 

Of the above themes, luxury train travel has really caught the fancy of international visitors. But there is a certain etiquette of train travel in India one must know about. 

To make things easier, enlisted here are a few Do’s and Don’ts that you should keep in mind taking train tours in India.

Respect All Places of Worship

Most luxury train itineraries feature trips to places of worship, each having its own set of beliefs and code of conduct. Respect them and follow them. For instance, when visiting a Gurudwara, it is mandatory for both men and women to cover their head.  Shoes and other footwear should be taken off before entering a temple/mosque/Gurudwara. Also, most of these places forbid photography.  So you might want to check with the authorities before flipping your camera out.

Dress Up Right

People living in India wear a combination of traditional and western clothes. The dress code is chosen on the basis of occasion. If you are attending an Indian marriage or festival, you will find men’s and women’s wearing Sherwanis and Saris. Western outfits are good if you are visiting bars and pubs. If you are heading to Goa, swim suits and trunks are preferable for women and men respectively. For women, it is very important to cover their legs and shoulders when visiting temples.

Do Not Encourage Beggary

In India, you will see a lot of beggars. Although you might want to sympathize and give them money, you should avoid doing the same at all costs. It is advisable to avoid people who are trying to provide unwanted help as these are mostly touts looking to make an easy buck from you.

Whatever you do, do not stay aloof and snobbish as it will only lessen the fun quotient. Have a great time on Indian trains!