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.  

Some Points to Remember While Booking for the Palace on Wheels Train

Voted as the fourth best luxury train in the world, Palace on Wheels train is quite hit with overseas travelers looking forward to explore Rajasthan in a luxurious manner. 

Palace On Wheels Luxury Train

The week long journey on board Palace on Wheels train covers Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore and Bharatpur. Apart from the destinations, the 8 days long stay on board is an experience to cherish. Guests carriages reflect the architectural aesthetics of erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan such as Dholpur, Jaipur, Mandwa, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer etc.

Lounge Bar of Palace on Wheels 

The train is a solution to the problem of booking accommodation and finding a place for dining while on a holiday trip. Also the itinerary of this luxury train has been designed in such a way that you travel at night and explore new destinations every day. With the emergence of the internet, booking a journey on board this luxury train is a matter of few minutes. However, it is imperative to remember few points before doing that.

Palace On Wheels Rajasthan Tour

     You can book an online ticket by filling up a query form on the website of palace on wheels (palacesonwheels.co.uk)

     Always make sure to book tickets for three people at once. It is because the tariff on triple sharing basis is the minimum ($ 450).

     A 10% surcharge is levied on the departures between Christmas (25^th December) and the New Year (1^st January).

     If you are accompanying a child between 5 to 12 years &below 5 years, he will be charged 50% and 10% of the original tariff.

     You are required to pay 20% of the ticket value at the time of confirmation and rest 80% is to be paid 60 days prior to the departure date. 

Tour Highlights aboard Palace on Wheels Train

Initiator of luxury train travelling in India, reminiscent of the royal past, a week long journey to royal Rajasthan, you guessed it right, we are talking about none other than the famous Palace on Wheels. Now, this blog post is not meant to bore you with the facts and the history of this Indian luxury train. You have read it multiple times before in our several other posts.

As mentioned above, Palace on Wheels crisscrosses the route of erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan (royal Rajasthan) which include Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bharatpur. Besides covering the famous attractions, Palace on Wheels tour comes with some highlights that mark the crescendo of each day on board. So what are those highlights? Here they are

Day 2- A grand barbecue dinner accompanied by cultural performances at the famous Jai Mahal Palace

Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur

Revamped under the patronage of the famous Taj Group, Jai Mahal Palace offers an expansive assortment of 4 multi-cuisine restaurants serving pan-Indian, Italian and local Rajasthani delicacies. There are special discounts availed to the passengers on liquor and soft drinks.

Day 3- Evening tea and Son-et-Lumiere within the environs of the Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort,Rajasthan

The light and sound show that took place within the Chittorgarh Fort traces the history of Sisodhia Rajputs and bring to fore the tales of Rajput romance, valor and chivalry.

Day 4- Boat Ride on the Lake Pichola

Boat Ride on the Lake Pichola, Udaipur

It is an absolute enjoyable experience. It divulges the beauty of Udaipur and the richly bedecked Havelis lined on the banks of the Lake Pichola.

Day 5- Dinner and cultural program in the Sam sand dunes of Jaisalmer

Cultural Program in Jaisalmer , Rajasthan

This is the final program on the 5^th day on board Palace on Wheels. At Sam sand dunes in Jaisalmer, a lavish dinner is organized for the passengers. Adding to the mystical charm of the moonlit desert are the wonderful performances by the folk artists and dancers.

Day 7- Son-et-Lumiere in Agra

Agra Fort

The Son-et-Lumiere at the Agra Fort traces the chronicles of Mughal Empire.

These are the few highlights that a passenger experience during 8 days and 7 nights journey on board Palace on Wheels train and get etched in his bouquet of memories.

Palaces on Wheels Itinerary

When it comes to Palace on Wheels, this Indian luxury train needs no introduction. Been voted World’s 4th Best Luxury Train by Conde Nast Traveller and revered around the world, Palace on Wheels has been in service for more than 30 years since its inception in 1982. Offering luxury train tour in Rajasthan, this luxury train showcases the rich heritage and royal legacy of the land of Rajput warrior princes in a weeklong palace on wheels itinerary starting from US $390 per person per night. This year, the Palace on Wheels will be embarking on its maiden journey from September 2012.

Palace on Wheels Luxury Train - Best Rail Journeys in India

Price Starting from USD 390 (Per Person per Nights)

Tour Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days

Places Covered: Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur/Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur/Agra, Delhi

Palaces on wheels Itinerary:

Day 1: Delhi

Red Fort in Delhi

Ø  A traditional style welcome in Safdarjung  Railway Station Delhi followed by check-in formalities

Ø  Beginning of a grand rail tour to India while making a move towards Jaipur

Ø A royal dinner onboard Palace on Wheels

Day 2: Jaipur

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Ø  Early morning arrival at the palace city Jaipur

Ø  Enjoy a refreshing breakfast onboard

Ø  De-board the train at Jaipur Railway Station and experience a traditional welcome ritual before setting off to a off-train city tour

Ø  By the afternoon, reach Amber Fort to have a tantalizing gala lunch and after that explore the architectural beauty of the fort with a trained guide

Ø  At evening, enjoy a roam to the city market and then get back to the train for leisure and high-tea

Ø  Late evening, return to Jaipur for having a grand dinner at the Jai Mahal Palace

Ø  After dinner, get back to the train for an overnight stay and your onward journey to Sawai Madhopur

Day 3: Sawai Madhopur/Chittorgarh

Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur

Ø  After reaching Sawai Madhopur in the early morning, set off to a thrilling jungle safari to the Ranthambore National Park

Ø  After the safari, enjoy a refreshing breakfast in a jungle lodge

Ø  Return back to Palace on Wheels for a departing journey to Chittorgarh

Ø  Savor a tempting lunch onboard Palace on Wheels and reach the city of Chittorgarh by the evening

Ø  After having a sightseeing tour to the Chittorgarh Fort, witness a beautiful light and sound show in the fort duly accompanied by evening tea and other refreshments

Ø  Take the delight of a Rajasthani dinner at deluxe hotel Panna alongside savoring a great cultural show

Ø  For an overnight stay, return back to your deluxe carriages on Palace on Wheels

Day 4: Udaipur

Boating in Lake Pichola with a view of Lake Pichola is a fascinating experience

Ø  By 0200 hours, leaving Chittorgarh for an onward journey to the city of romance Udaipur

Ø  After arriving in the lake city Udaipur at morning, de-board the train for a refreshing breakfast in a deluxe hotel

Ø  Start an off-train excursion tour to the city and at afternoon, enjoy a stately lunch in a heritage hotel in Udaipur

Ø  With the setting rays of the sun, experience an adventurous boat ride in Lake Pichola

Ø  After a daylong excursion, return to the train for your journey towards Jaisalmer

Ø  Relax and enjoy a royal dinner onboard Palace on Wheels

Day 5: Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort,Rajasthan

Ø  The morning of the 5^th day starts with a rejuvenating breakfast on the go

Ø  Disembark the train for an explorative tour to Jaisalmer and at afternoon enjoy a taste bud tempting lunch in the Palace on Wheels restaurant or at the deluxe Moomal hotel

Ø  Evening is all studded with a camel ride in the sand dunes and then an evening tea and refreshments there

Ø  Charmed by a colorful cultural program performed by the local artists while savoring a gala dinner in the sand dunes

Ø  At night, start a journey to Jaipur onboard Palace on Wheels

Day 6: Jodhpur

Jodhpur The Blue City

Ø  After reaching Jodhpur, have a refreshing breakfast onboard

Ø  After breakfast, de-board the train for an explorative city tour

Ø  Have a lunch at a deluxe resort

Ø  By the evening, return back to the royal train Palace on Wheels for relaxation and a ride to Bharatpur

Ø  Dinner and a relaxing night stay onboard Palace on Wheels

Day 7: Bharatpur/Agra

Taj Mahal : UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India

Ø  After reaching Bharatpur early morning, leave for Keoladeo Ghana National Park for an early morning bird viewing

Ø  Enjoy a rejuvenating morning snacks in a forest lodge and then return back to the train for your onward journey to Agra

Ø  Late morning, reach the majestic city of Agra and set off to a city tour

Ø  Afternoon lunch in a deluxe hotel in Agra followed by a tour to explore the beauty of Taj Mahal

Ø  Evening tour to the city markets and then a beautiful light and sound show

Ø  Either a grand dinner in a royal Agra hotel or onboard luxury Indian train Palace on Wheels

Ø  Start a journey back Delhi

Day 8: Delhi

Ø  Early morning arrival in the Safdarjung Railway Station Delhi

Ø  An onboard refreshing morning treat followed by check-out and farewell formalities.

Palace on Wheels Route Map:

For more details of the itineraries, schedules, tariff and booking of the Palace on Wheels Train journey you may like to visit the website of  palacesonwheels.co.uk