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.

Palace on wheels - Royalty personified

Travelling in a train is generally considered to be a thing of middle class but the journey on Palace On Wheels is surely not for a commoner but only for those who are in love with being treated in a royal manner. This majestic journey of this luxury train of India, takes you through some of the most sought-after destinations of the  country, namely, Jaipur, Udaipur, Swai Madhopur, Jodhpur,Jaisalmer, Bharatpur and Agra. You get a chance to visit some most splendid towns, palaces, monuments, wilderness, and so on. The train managed by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways, was flagged off in the year 1982. 

Palace on wheels : All set to embark on a royal journey of Rajasthan

The train has its name from the coaches that were actually used by the erstwhile kings of the royal states of Rajputana. The names of the coaches have been kept after the names of old Rajput states like Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur.

Jantar Mantar at Jaipur

Palace on wheels consists of 14 well-furnished and well-equipped coaches have state-of-art interior décor wherein the travelers can enjoy all the modern-day amenities on-board which are at par with the world-class levels.  The train and cabins are adorned with classic furniture, elegant paintings, royal upholstery and drapery, wall-to-wall carpeting, well stocked bar with finest of brand (both Indian and International), as well as dining cabins, namely Maharaja and Maharani.These restaurants serve lip-smacking food of various cuisines.

A veiw of Palace on wheels Restaurant

Each cabin has an appointed personal assistant, who is called the Khidmatgar. He takes care of all your need. Every cabin has an attached bath with toiletries and hot/cold running water, channel music, AC with individual control, TV, intercom facility, Wi-fi connection, and so on.  The train also has a spa where you can enjoy some great Ayurvedic massages to rejuvenate yourself or you can also unwind yourself in the lounge of Palace on Wheels.

Palace on Wheels Facilities: Five Star Luxury at Affordable Price

The flagship property of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels commenced  on its maiden voyage on 26th January, 1982. When it was launched in early 80’s, the train constitutes of the original carriages of erstwhile Rajputana rulers, Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of India which were later replaced with the replica carriages to accommodate the technological advancement. Listed below are the various modern facilities and services offered on board this Indian luxury train and how they are worth than those of five star hotels. 

Guest about to board the Palace on Wheels

Named after an erstwhile province of Rajasthan, the 14 guest carriages of Palace on Wheels train are furnished with miniature paintings, mirror work, upholsteries and the royal crest of that particular region. 

• The train has two multi cuisine eateries- Maharaja and Maharani- that serve Indian, European and Continental cuisine along with traditional Rajasthani fare to pamper the taste buds of epicureans. 

• An in house bar stocked with fine selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. 

• The train has a nonchalant lounge offering perfect ambience for unwinding and chatting with fellow travelers. 

• The train has a fully equipped spa offering Ayurvedic massages and wellness therapies from other traditions to revitalize your mind, body and soul. 

These were the facilities and services offered on board Palace on Wheels train. Now the big question arises how the facilities offered on board have more worth than those offered in the five star hotels. The tariff of Palace on Wheels train is the big factor wherein all the facilities (except spa) are provided at an introductory price of USD 575 per person per night.  At this very same price, luxury hotels might avail you only accommodation for single night. 

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

Palace on Wheels Train Schedule for New Season Journey

Indian luxury train, Palace on Wheels, is scheduled to start on its first journey of the year on the 5th September, 2012. The luxury train is the first of its kind in the Indian subcontinent and is ranked 4th amongst all luxury trains of the world. A venture of RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation), Palace on Wheels Train enjoys widespread popularity among foreign contingents of tourists. The rates for 7 Night 8 day journey have been revised and a wider price bracket ranging from $390-575 has been introduced. It must be noted that these rates are applicable for the lean season (i.e. September, 2012 and April, 2013).

Palace on Wheels Luxury Train, India

The rates are a little on the higher side for the intermittent period (i.e. peak season from October, 2012 to March, 2013) and start from $520, going up till $770. Bookings are open and there are only a few seats available for the first leg of the season. The package fares have been revised, keeping in mind the budgetary and time constraints which have often impeded more people from signing up for this tour. It is anticipated that the total season footfall will in the train be a massive development over the previous years, as is evident from the number of booking requests received till now.

How to book it:
Palace on Wheels
http://www.palacesonwheels.co.uk
Details of upcoming schedule and booking of the Palace on wheels train tour packages along with post and pre tour arrangement, air ticket booking could be done at the  palacesonwheels.co.uk website.